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2008 Pontiac G8 Production Color Breakdown

G8Nation — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:30:07 +0000

Shortly after breaking the story that revealed the 2008 Pontiac G8 production numbers, many readers started asking further questions about production. How many G8s we’re shipped to the mid west? How many were V6 vs V8? How many of each color were produced? The latter was by far the most popular follow up questions, and unfortunately, that’s not a question that we could simply Google and find the answer to.

Last week in the “You Ask Pontiac” section of our Pontiac G8 forum, our good friend Jay (aka MANOFSTEEL69), who you may remember as the owner of a sweeeeeet 2008 ignition orange metallic Pontiac G8 GT, brought up the question again. The rule around here is simple: When MANOFSTEEL69, 99-LS1-SS, or GRRRR8 ask a question, we’ll do our best to find an answer as quickly as we can.

So, without further adieu, here is the official breakdown of 2008 Pontiac G8 production by color:

Panther Black (80U): 28.8% / 3,469
Liquid Red (62U): 20.1% / 2,421
Magnetic Gray (18U): 20.0% / 2,409
White Hot (11U): 18.4% / 2,216
Ignition Orange (77U): 7.7% / 927
Stealth Blue (25U): 4.9% / 590

Adding these numbers up, it comes in just shy of the 12,045 total production totals for the 2008 G8. We’re trying to get some clarity to understand why there’s a slight difference (test mules in non-spec colors?).

Another question answered for a member of our Pontiac G8 forum!

[Source: GM]

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Pontiac G8 GXP Interior Update

G8Nation — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:28:07 +0000

As the release of the G8 GXP draws closer, the level of anticipation and inquiries from G8Nation readers continues increasing. After joining our Pontiac G8 forum, member “middle” posted the following question in our “You Ask Pontiac” forum.

“Do you know if the 09 G8 GXP is going to have a different two-tone leather. I’m looking to see if they would have the blue GXP with the two tone leather that is blue. The red is nice but it matches with the red and black g8 and possibly the silver. Just like the GTO they made blue leather for blue car.”

We took the question to Pontiac and asked for an answer and here’s what we found out about the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP interior. There will not be a selection of exterior matching two-tone interiors as there was with the GTO. The only two-tone offering will be the existing red/black leather interior and will only be offered as an option on select exterior colors, including:

Additionally, those exterior colors will also feature a unique red instrument cluster to match the red insert on the seats.

Thanks for submitting this question “middle”. We’re glad we were able to help you. See….G8Nation membership does have its privileges.

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2009 Pontiac G8 - 8th Fastest Selling Sedan in July

G8Nation — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:24:23 +0000

KickingTires is stating upfront that the July numbers may be a little misleading due to the mixture of 2008 & 2009 models sharing space on dealer lots. For the most part, there’s an improvement in overall sales from last July.

In the 4 months that we have been tracking the amount of days the Pontiac G8 spends on dealer lots, July has been the best to date. In June, the G8 was spending an average of 30 days on dealer lots before finding a lucky home. In July, the Pontiac G8 only spent an average of 11 days on dealer lots.

Interestingly enough, one of the worst selling sedans was the BMW M5, spending an average of 165 on dealer lots.

[Source: KickingTires]

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Pontiac G8 & Water Bottles?

G8Nation — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:58:05 +0000

With vehicle sales and the economy in a downward trend, the auto manufacturers are trying to find ways to conserve costs. Metals have long been recycled, but now automakers and suppliers are increasingly turning to recycled plastics to offset rising costs, and recycled plastics are showing up in bumpers, splash guards and under the hood. The savings range from a few cents per pound to half the price of new plastic, which accounts for one-third to one-half of the price of many components.

If auto manufacturers can save money, while helping the environment, it’s a win-win for everybody. We all know that there’s a possibility of a hybrid Pontiac G8 as its architecture is flexible to accommodate should GM decide to go that route. But until then, Pontiac G8 owners will be able to sleep at night knowing they’ve already, unknowingly done their part in helping to save the environment.

Filed under, “I betcha didn’t know”. GM uses recycled water bottles to make the carpet and floor mats in the Pontiac G8. So the next time, you’re flying by a tree-hugging Prius driver whose nickel based battery production has a greater impact on the environment than a Hummer, you can feel good knowing that you’ve played your part to help the environment while driving a car that hauls major ass.

[Source: Freep]

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Official Pontiac G8 Sport Truck Name Announced - G8 ST

G8Nation — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:01:41 +0000

After 18,000 submissions in the Tame the Name promotion, several months of waiting, polls of G8 enthusiasts and El Camino loyalists, Pontiac has officially announced that the new segment-defining G8 Ute will be called the “G8 ST“. We love the name, however, we’re thinking that Pontiac will need the entire width of the tailgate should they decide to release a “Pontiac G8 ST GXP”. Alphabet soup anyone?

“Frankly, we were blown away by both the volume and quality of the names that were submitted,” said Craig Bierley, BPG product marketing director for cars and crossovers. “‘G8 ST’ was one of the most popular suggestions, plus we noticed a far broader trend toward simple, easy-to-remember names.”

So what about the El Camino nameplate? According to Pontiac, it was one of the more popular entries submitted as a moniker for the G8 ST. However, after months of consideration and feedback from people like you, GM has decided to honor the El Camino’s unique place as part of Chevy’s heritage and not use that nameplate on a Pontiac.”

[Source: GM]

For release: Thursday, August 14, 12:01 a.m. ET

Pontiac G8 ST at a Glance

Sports car with truck-like cargo and towing capabilities
V8 engine with Active Fuel Management linked to six-speed automatic
74-inch cargo bed and 3,500 lb towing capacity
Estimated fuel economy near top of vehicles with comparable cargo/towing capacity
Available in late 2009 as a 2010 model

PONTIAC NAMES ALL NEW SPORT TRUCK THE “G8 ST”

Segment-Defining Vehicle on Target for Late 2009 Launch

Detroit - After sifting through more than 18,000 possibilities, Pontiac has chosen to keep it simple, naming the recently revealed G8 sport truck the “G8 ST.”

Thousands of fans submitted suggestions during a “Tame the Name” promotion, which delayed a final announcement until each possibility was considered and cleared for possible trademark use.

“El Camino” was also a sentimental favorite, given the G8 ST’s resemblance to the classic Chevy.

“We actually thought very long about El Camino,” said Bierley. “In the end, we felt it was more appropriate to honor the El Camino’s unique place as part of Chevy’s heritage and not use that nameplate on a Pontiac.”

Perhaps the ultimate reflection of the blurring line between cars and trucks, the G8 ST will create a unique niche segment in the marketplace: a sports car with truck-like cargo and towing capabilities. Sharing the basic architecture and 361 hp V8 engine as the G8 GT performance sedan, it will offer a 73.9-inch cargo bed that has 42.7 cubic feet of cargo space and can carry a payload of 1,000 pounds (453 kg) or tow a 3,500-pound (1,587 kg) trailer.

Thanks to its six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management system, the G8 ST should offer some of the best fuel economy numbers for V8-powered vehicles with similar cargo/towing ratings while still turning in zero-to-60 times of 5.4 seconds.

The G8 ST will be available in late 2009 as a 2010 model and will be backed by GM’s industry best 100,000 mile, 5-year powertrain warranty. Pricing will be announced closer to availability.

# # #

Contact:

Jim Hopson

Pontiac Communications

Phone: 313-667-4124

E-mail: jim.hopson@gm.com

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Pontiac G8 GXP News on 08/08/08

G8Nation — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:01:04 +0000

With 08/08/08 coming up on the calendar, G8Nation wondered what the PR team at Pontiac had planned for the G8. It turns out that there was something HUGE planned. Apparently, the BIG plan was to kick off the production of the highly-anticipated 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP.

The “traditional” GM production cycle, usually involves more than a 1 year period between the production of the middle-of-the-road volume model and the really desirable performance model. The G8 GXP will be on the streets in far less than a year after the sedan and GT hit showroom floors, so that’s exceptional by GM standards. The entire G8 production cycle has been rapid when compared to the traditional GM production cycle, going from vehicle reveal to market in only 14 months.

As much as Pontiac wanted to get the GXP to the streets sooner, we’re told that they simply refused to compromise quality and performance to do it. According to Jim Hopson, “If you want 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, push-your-brain-to-the-back-of-your-skull acceleration, Brembo-assisted stopping power and Nurburgring-tuned suspension tuning, all I can ask is that you give the G8 GXP a drive.”

Sure Pontiac could have taken some shortcuts to ensure a PR event for 8/8/8 announcing the production of the GXP. They could have ditched the Tremec 6 speed manual transmission, or stripped the Brembos, but we all know that would not have gone over too well.

The long and short of it is that Pontiac is a performance brand, and they’re about to unleash a “no apologies” performance car that, frankly, isn’t going to be for everyone. But, for those who want the ultimate in performance for the dollar, the GXP is going to be worth the wait.

Pontiac - you have our sincere thanks for not sacrificing performance for the sake of a PR opportunity.

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Pre-production Pontiac G8 GXP Spy Shots

G8Nation — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:58:50 +0000

The G8 GXP was unveiled at the NYC Auto Show this past year and is expected to be available for purchase around the end of 2008 as a 2009 model. We have already been made aware of the official G8 GXP colors and we know that the 2009 G8 GT will not be offered with the 6 speed Tremec tranny, but the G8 GXP will.

While our sources tell us that the official GXP production has not yet begun, we have some spy shots of a pre-pro G8 GXP that were snapped from a member of the Australian LS1 & Holden Forums.

It’s nice to see the aggressively styled rear diffuser, Brembo brakes and GXP wheels still alive at this stage of the game.

[Source: Australian LS1 & Holden Forums]

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Is This the Fastest Pontiac G8?

G8Nation — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 02:56:20 +0000

You may remember the video of the 2008 Panther Black Metallic 2008 Pontiac G8 GT running the ¼ mile at Atco in the mid 12s, while it still had temp tags in the back window. That G8 GT is owned by Matt Hauffe of Tune Time Performance in Toms River, New Jersey.

Matt said, “We got our G8-No. 236 of the first 888-in late March 2008, it was one of the first ones to hit the showroom floor. After a 270-horse/283 torque stock pull (which I think our dyno is reading these cars low), I spent a couple hours on the rollers and it made 298 horse/303 torque. Soon after, we fabbed up a couple of pipes to remove the intake tract resonator to allow for the Zex LS1/LS6 nitrous kit. With the only other mods being a K&N drop-in filter and an SLP 160-degree thermostat, it made 375 hp and 401 lb-ft on a 100-shot.”

The panther black metallic G8 GT returned to Englishtown in April with BFG drag rubber and the boys from GM High Tech Performance Magazine witnessed #236 running the ¼ mile in 12 flat @ 115mph.

Hey Matt - if you’re willing to answer a few questions, we’d love to feature you and your G8 right here on G8Nation.

[Source: GM High Tech Performance]

[Photos: Scott Parker]

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Pontiac G8 Sales - 1,472 Pontiac G8s Sold in July 2008

G8Nation — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:05:17 +0000

During July, 2008, GM and Pontiac sold 1,472 G8s. This is down from June sales of 1,536. July had a total of 28 selling days; one more than June. This bring the average numbers of G8s sold per day in July to 53, a decrease of 4 units per day.

This brings the year to date total of G8 sales to 7,742.

Read the official GM press release below.

[Source: GM Press Release and GM July 2008 Sales Deliveries]

2008-08-01

CONTACTS

GM Reports 235,184 Deliveries in July

For Release: August 1, 2008

GM Reports 235,184 Deliveries in July

Chevrolet Malibu total sales up 79 Percent, Aveo up 17 percent and Cobalt up 4 percent compared with last July

Cadillac CTS sales increased 38 percent

Pontiac G5 sales up 17 percent, Vibe up 7 percent and G6 up 6 percent

Saturn Aura sales increased 24 percent with Sky up 14 percent, Astra has best month

Buick Enclave mid-utility crossover sales increase 28 percent

DETROIT - GM today announced July sales results, highlighted by continued strong performance in small and midsize cars and crossovers. GM dealers in the United States delivered 235,184 vehicles in July, down 26.7 percent. Weak industry conditions caused by a challenging U.S. economic environment, higher fuel prices and inventory shortages in critical segments such as compact cars contributed to the overall sales decline for the month.

“In July, we saw strong performance once again in our launch products, including the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Astra, and Pontiac Vibe and G8. In addition, we continued to see strong retail demand for our fuel efficient Chevrolet Aveo and HHR, Saturn Vue and Buick Enclave. So, despite an overall weak market, there are pockets of strength,” said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “Obviously, the weakness in the truck market persisted in July, yet we continue to hold share due to our fuel economy leadership in many truck segments despite dramatic competitive incentive spending increases.” Overall, GM truck sales in July declined 41.5 percent.

Chevrolet cars continued to show strength in the marketplace with Malibu total sales up 79 Percent, Aveo up 17 percent and Cobalt up 4 percent compared with last July.

Cadillac CTS dominated the mid-car luxury category with sales increasing 38 percent compared with the same month a year ago.

Pontiac met consumers’ needs for fuel efficient vehicles with a performance edge with G5 sales up 17 percent, Vibe up 7 percent and G6 up 6 percent compared with July 2007.

Saturn’s award-winning Aura midsize car saw a sales increase of 24 percent with the two-seat Sky selling 14 percent more vehicles than July last year. Astra monthly sales of more than 1,500 vehicles were the best to date, and show a 75 percent increase compared with June 2008 (Astra was not available last July).

GM’s popular midsized crossovers — Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook — together accounted for more than 11,600 vehicle sales in the month.

GM hybrid vehicles continue to gain in popularity in the marketplace with 228 hybrid Chevrolet Tahoe and 123 GMC Yukon 2-mode SUVs delivered. There were 349 Chevrolet Malibu, 29 Saturn Aura and 362 Vue hybrids sold in July. For the month, a total of 1,091 hybrid vehicles were delivered, with 5,467 hybrids sold so far this year.

“We’re working hard to change perceptions and gain awareness of GM as the leader in advanced propulsion technology and fuel efficiency,” LaNeve added. “Customers can experience that each time they visit a dealer’s showroom to see the full lineup - including five hybrid models — that provide industry-leading value, great fuel economy and the best warranty coverage of any full-line automaker. We don’t just talk about technology, fuel efficiency and value - we have the cars and trucks available today to back it up.”

GM has aggressively managed inventories to low levels. In July, only about 747,000 vehicles were in stock - a three-year low - down about 201,000 vehicles (21 percent) compared with last July. There were about 236,000 cars and 511,000 trucks in inventory at the end of July.

Certified Used Vehicles

July 2008 sales for all certified GM brands, including GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, were 41,594 vehicles, down 2 percent from July 2007. Year-to-date sales are 298,137 vehicles, down nearly 6 percent from the same period last year.

GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry’s top-selling certified brand, posted July sales of 35,799 vehicles, down 4 percent from a strong July 2007 sales performance. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 3,700 vehicles, up 22 percent. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 1,164 vehicles, down 24 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 770 vehicles, up 21 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 161 vehicles, up 89 percent.

“Our luxury certified pre-owned programs - Cadillac, Saab and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles - each posted strong sales increases last month, and GM Certified Used Vehicles is again setting the pace to lead the segment in sales this year,” said LaNeve. “We’re confident more shoppers will seek the quality and value that manufacturer certification offers.”

GM North America Reports July, 2008 Production; Third-Quarter Production Forecast Remains at 900,000 Vehicles

In July, GM North America produced 238,000 vehicles (116,000 cars and 122,000 trucks). This is down 16,000 vehicles or 6 percent compared with July 2007 when the region produced 254,000 vehicles (91,000 cars and 163,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 14,200 vehicles in July 2008 and 13,000 vehicles in July 2007.)

The GM North America third-quarter production forecast is unchanged from last month at 900,000 vehicles (456,000 cars and 444,000 trucks) which is down about 12 percent compared with a year ago, due to production adjustments in response to market changes that will reduce the number of trucks produced by about 209,000 and increase the number of cars by about 89,000. GM North America built 1.020 million vehicles (367,000 cars and 653,000 trucks) in the third-quarter of 2007 .

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Note: GM sales and production results are available on GM Media OnLine at http://media.gm.com by clicking on News, then Sales/Production. In this press release and related comments by General Motors management, we use words like “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “objective,” “plan,” “goal” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, representing our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: market acceptance of our products; shortages of and price increases for fuel; significant changes in the competitive environment and the effect of competition on our markets, including on our pricing policies; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt; and changes in general economic conditions. GM’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly report on Form 10-Q provide information about these factors, which may be revised or supplemented in future reports to the SEC on Form 10-Q or 8-K.

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Atari Gauges Out, Shelf In, Shelf Out???

G8Nation — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:09:44 +0000

Before you go any further, note that the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT interior photo above is an official photo from Pontiac that was taken at a Pontiac photo shoot 2 weeks ago. Note the date on the display. This photo will likely be used in the 2009 Pontiac G8 brochures and on the Pontiac web site once it’s updated to show the 2009 G8. Thank you Pontiac for providing this photo to G8Nation.

Since the G8 was introduced, one of the biggest complaints was the Atari style gauges that sat atop the center stack. Those who cross-shopped the base sedan know that on that vehicle the display is used for radio and DIC information. Once you step up to the up-level radio on the base (which is standard on the G8 GT), you get a much bigger, better radio display, so Pontiac decided to leave the smaller display in place, showing oil pressure and battery status.

Well, Pontiac heard your plea to remove the useless gauges. Back on June 12, we reported that the digital voltmeter and oil gauges were being removed for the 2009 Pontiac G8, and everyone rejoiced; that is until they found out that the gauges were being replaced by nothing more than an empty space.

G8Nation has been informed by Pontiac Communications Manager, Jim Hopson, that Pontiac is currently “exploring other options for the best use of the space”. Can we suggest the trio of analog gauges found in the Holden HSV W427?

If you want your voice to be heard, register now for the “YOU ASK PONTIAC” program right here on G8Nation.

Register Today & Be Part of “YOU ASK PONTIAC”

[Source: Pontiac]

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