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Liveblogging with Pontiac's G8

Liveblogging with Pontiac's G8

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty PadgettMarty Padgett February 29th, 2008

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Okay, so maybe we expect blissful sunshine and 70 degrees when we visit San Diego - and right now, at a roadside nursery with an interesting stash of almost-classic cars tucked in the garage, it's barely 50 and cool under a marine layer.

Nevermind that, because Pontiac's G8 is giving us the reason to be outside on the road. And it's reminding us why rear-wheel drive just feels better.

I'm not in the big V-8 version of the G8 that enthusiast magazines have been fawning over since the G8 was confirmed for production. The V-6 version might be the better-balanced machine, some of my Pontiac hosts insist. And from a short stint at the wheel, it's a plausible argument. The V-6 version is GM's 3.6-liter with an ample 256 horsepower (The 6.0-liter V-8's an admitted horsepower-holic, at 361 hp), and has no problem weaving itself through highway lange changes and passes. The steering wheel's a skinnier version, but still transmits good, reassuring feelings of control, darting in and out of morning San Diego traffic.

And most important, the V-6 G8 still looks the part. Ours is attention-whore red, with a decklid spoiler and louvers in the hood that apparently are in demand in Australia, where the similar big Holden sedans get a plainer treatment.

Pontiac's welcome return to rear-drive comes at a time when CAFE rules and gas prices are conspiring against it. It's good to see it so well-executed, even in those strong headwinds. Enlarge PhotoOkay, so maybe we expect blissful sunshine and 70 degrees when we visit San Diego - and right now, at a roadside nursery with an interesting stash of almost-classic cars tucked in the garage, it's barely 50 and cool under a marine layer. Nevermind that, because Pontiac's G8 is giving us the reason to be outside on the road. And it's reminding us why rear-wheel drive just feels better. I'm not in the big V-8 version of the G8 that enthusiast magazines have been fawning over since the G8 was confirmed for production. The V-6 version might be the better-balanced machine, some of my Pontiac hosts insist. And from a short stint at the wheel, it's a plausible argument. The V-6 version is GM's 3.6-liter with an ample 256 horsepower (The 6.0-liter V-8's an admitted horsepower-holic, at 361 hp), and has no problem weaving itself through highway lange changes and passes. The steering wheel's a skinnier version, but still transmits good, reassuring feelings of control, darting in and out of morning San Diego traffic. And most important, the V-6 G8 still looks the part. Ours is attention-whore red, with a decklid spoiler and louvers in the hood that apparently are in demand in Australia, where the similar big Holden sedans get a plainer treatment. Pontiac's welcome return to rear-drive comes at a time when CAFE rules and gas prices are conspiring against it. It's good to see it so well-executed, even in those strong headwinds.

Tags: Shoppers

Posted in: 2008, Pontiac, Sedans



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Responses (19 total)

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  2. 2

  1. By fastdriver #1, Posted: 2/29/2008

    Can't say that I see what all the "hype" is about. As far as looks, I wouldn't trade my Red Jewel Tint 2008 Chevy Malibu LTZ for a G8! Guess I'm missing something here. If it's RWD- that's NOT for me! Living in CT, I NEVER want to have to buy snow tires EVER again! If I saw that car on the road, I don't think it would make me do a doubletake- EVER!

  2. By JEM #2, Posted: 2/29/2008

    I've got an Audi to go to the snow, I've got one FWD Ford turd (a '91 SHO) that I keep polishing, like Ahab after his whale. The rest of the household fleet is RWD BMWs and Fords (oh, and a big old RWD Suburban for towing and hauling.) As far as future vehicle purchases, I've got no use for FWD in anything bigger than a Mazda3 (and maybe not even that big.) But then I live in California.

    What matters to me about the G8 is simple: will GM ruin it in making a Pontiac out of a Holden? Because the Aussie Fords and Holdens have for a very long time been far, far, FAR better cars than anything Ford or GM built in the US. They're usefully-sized, have fabulous seats, good interior room, excellent chassis, all wrapped around nice healthy (mostly US-derived) powertrains.

    So...don't screw it up, GM.

  3. By Forest #3, Posted: 2/29/2008

    I do think its a great looking car - but I don't think I've heard if a clutch is optional across the whole line or not. For my personal daily driver I need a clutch (and at least 5 forward gears) - when I buy again I'd sure like to have RWD and if this thing can be had with a V6 and a clutch it will be on my list, along with the CTS.

  4. By brian #4, Posted: 2/29/2008

    "Guess I’m missing something here. If it’s RWD- that’s NOT for me! Living in CT, I NEVER want to have to buy snow tires EVER again!"

    Um, who informed you that FWD eliminated the necessity for snow tires in Connecticut winters - or is global warming affecting you guys up there that drastically???

  5. By  greg #5, Posted: 3/1/2008

    YOAH/saY-good one--Snow tires-WHAT???I drive a 93typhoonw/street tires,2007trailblzerSS,wstreettires,2003sssilverrradow/20'sstreet tires,,aint been in ditch-yet,,,going is good on all,one wants to push in turns--called--being smart when ya drive duh//mostly comes dwn to how smart a driver you are-(stupid,,in ditch)-(smart-drive by or stop and make 20.00$)/late for work-so you can pay 55.00$have a good day,,da//overtime today dude//,,youda,stop for me wouldnt ya???shagg

  6. By Frank #6, Posted: 3/1/2008

    Blah, more boring, uninspiring, obsolete-before-being-sold, appealing to only those who pine for a day when RWD muscle cars are actually fashionable again, crap from GM. I can't imagine this would appeal to anyone under 50.

    And yes, RWD in New England is never a good choice, I second that.

  7. By Nick #7, Posted: 3/1/2008

    Yeah, well it's still a pontiac! I think the pontiac division will be the next to bite the dust at GM. People aren't buying pontiacs. Nobody wants them, no matter what they look like or who builds them.

  8. By Matt #8, Posted: 3/2/2008

    Why should CAFE be picking on RWD when AWD vehicles are worse of MPG's than RWD?
    Sounds like they(CAFE)are just wanting to pick a fight to justify their own existence.

  9. By Fessler #9, Posted: 3/2/2008

    GM is desperately trying to mimic Pontiac as "BMW wannabe". The lights, fenders, grills--ahh--look more like front of 3 series coupe with gills like new M3. What the heck their designers are thinking- come on, come up with your own ideas and don't steal others...

  10. By Christopher Moran #10, Posted: 3/3/2008

    The Pontiac G8 looks like a Holden clone. Throw Holden badges on it and viola; next year's Commodore. If US cars are built worse than Aussie cars I can understand the fall of Detroit. I just don't understand why a thing like that could happen. Where is US innovation?

    Why are Americans and Europeans utterly surprised when it snows during winter? Surely they would have been expecting it and prepared, like good, little Boy Scouts. I don't understand why anyone would want to drive anything they own in snow. Get a taxi, hire a professional driver (& car) as a tax-deductible business expense.

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