That’s how the headline read in the press info we received in San Diego where we were invited to spend some wheel-time in GM’s all-new rear-wheel drive HALO car from Pontiac.
There has already been a lot written about this car, most of it positive, and a lot of that has to do with bang for the buck. The numbers are easy to understand; a plenty potent 256 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission bases at $27,595. However, what's really exciting is that you can get the 6.0 liter 361 horsepower V8 GT iteration mated to a 6-speed automatic for under $30,000.
And if you think that loading the GT up with options will jack the price up significantly, guess again. Pretty well loaded out including a sun-roof the G8 GT still comes in under $33,000, not bad for what you get. I’m going to be addressing the GT in this blog because this is where I feel Pontiac really got it right.
The 6.0 small-block puts out the aforementioned 361 horsepower which is substantial, but more importantly it pumps out 385 lb-ft of torque which allows for a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds. The 6-speed Hydra-Matic transmission is linked to a limited-slip differential and the Drive Shift Control feature works very well on twisties with its rev-matching down-shifts being very tight, but I must admit it doesn’t up-shift with the same tautness however that said, it does not upshift on it’s own so you can maximize performance but keep in mind, the rev-limiter will prevent the engine from exceeding redline.
The G8 performs as well as some of the best European performance sedans costing thousands more according to vehicle chief engineer Doug Houlihan, and I don’t think it’s a big secret that he’s referring to BMW’s 5-Sedan. In truth he's pretty much on target according to the numbers I’ve seen coming in but I want to be quick to point out that non of the exec’s we talked with are in any way comparing the G8 to the Beemer. They’re simply saying that the G8 GT performs in the same league, and having driving both cars I’m inclined to agree.
There’s a lot to talk about with this sedan and we’ll be doing just that on our website soon but the G8 seems to be another positive step that American manufacturers are making and that’s good news for the buying public and everyone in the industry.
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