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:

• Liquid Red 62U
• Maverick Silver Metallic 17U
• Panther Black Metallic 80U
• White Hot 11U

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.

Related posts

• Official 2009 Pontiac G8 Colors With GM Color Chips (1)
• G8Nation Needs Writers (0)
• Pontiac G8 News Week in Review - July 11 (0)
• Pontiac G8 GT Featured in Wheelman - New Video Game and Movie with Vin Diesel (0)
• Car and Driver - 2008 Pontiac G8 vs 2008 Dodge Charger RT (0)

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.

Related posts

• Liquid Red Pontiac G8 Peeped (0)
• 2009 Pontiac G8 & Bluetooth (0)
• Edmunds.com Compares 2008 Pontiac G8 V6 to Accord and Camry (0)
• Pontiac G8 Sneak Peek - Thanks Rick Wagoner (0)
• K&N Releases Air & Oil Filters for 2008 Pontiac G8 (2)

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]

Related posts

• Holden Trimming the fat off of the Bird (0)
• Pontiac G8 News Week in Review - June 27 (0)
• Atari Gauges Out, Shelf In, Shelf Out??? (0)
• The General is Gonna Be Angry - First Drives of 2008 Pontiac G8 GT Published Early (0)
• Pontiac G8 & Water Bottles? (0)

G8Nation introduced two people to the Pontiac G8 community this week. First was Warrack Leach, designer of the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST. Second was Christine Kozlowski who won a 2008 White Hot 11U Pontiac G8 after being crowned Ms. Mississippi.

There were two notable Pontiac G8 reviews in the news. First was the NY Daily News review of the Pontiac G8 GT and then Car and Drivers review of the G8 V6 where Mark Gillies noted the G8 V6 sedan as a compelling alternative to the Toyota Avalon, Ford Taurus and Chrysler 300 Touring.

Cars.com reported that the Pontiac G8 spent an average of 30 days sitting on dealer lots in June before being purchased by some lucky owner. The time on lots increased significantly from the May report of only 16 days.

Finally, G8Nation was responsible for breaking two related news stories this week. Both stories were focused on the colors of the upcoming Pontiac G8 GXP. We first reported that the G8 GXP would not be made available in the orange show car color. Finally, Jim Hopson let us break the news that the G8 GXP would be available in every color of the G8 color palette.

Keep sending us your Pontiac G8 news and questions.

• It’s Official - 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Colors
• 2008 Pontiac G8 - Spends 30 Days on Dealer Lots in June
• 2008 Pontiac G8 V6 Review by Car and Driver
• Pontiac G8 GXP Colors
• Pontiac G8 GT Review by NY Daily News
• Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski Wins a White Hot Pontiac G8
• Pontiac G8 ST Designer - Warrack Leach

Related posts

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Reviews Pontiac G8 GT – Surprised! (0)
• 2008 Pontiac G8 – Spends 30 Days on Dealer Lots in June (0)
• Pontiac G8 GT Owner not Satisfied with 15/24 MPG (0)
• 2008 Pontiac G8 0-60 (0)
• 2009 Pontiac G8 - 8th Fastest Selling Sedan in July (0)

Earlier this week we reported that the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP would not be offered in the show car color based on Ignition Orange Metallic. In that same story, we indicated that there would not be any unique GXP colors.

G8Nation has received confirmation directly from Pontiac Communications Manager, Jim Hopson that the G8 team has settled on the colors for the 2009 G8. We’re happy to report that there is no shortage of options when it comes to picking your flavor.

The 2009 G8 GXP will be offered in every color that is available for the Pontiac G8 Sedan V6 and the G8 GT.

We know that this includes at least seven color choices:

• Liquid Red 62U
• Maverick Silver Metallic 17U
• Pacific Slate Metallic 64U
• Panther Black Metallic 80U
• Sport Red Metallic 26U
• Stryker Blue Metallic 39U
• White Hot 11U

The fate of Magnetic Gray Metallic 18U is still uncertain as the G8 team has not yet decided whether or not the color will last beyond mid-model-year.

[Source: GM]

Related posts

• Pontiac G8 GT Test Drive Airs on Speed TV (0)
• Get Your Pontiac G8 V6 in High Performance Pontiac Magazine (0)
• Rod Keane Retires - GM Holden Executive Director of Manufacturing (1)
• 2009 Dodge Challenger RT vs 2009 Pontiac G8 GT (0)
• Pontiac G8 Sneak Peek - Thanks Rick Wagoner (0)

The Pontiac G8 GXP debuted at the NYC Auto Show this past March in an amazing color that seems like it could have been based on Ignition Orange Metallic (77U). As amazing as that color was, we hope you didn’t get too attached to it.

G8Nation has learned that GM is still discussing color availability for the Pontiac G8 GXP; however, we know three things are certain:

1. the show car color will not be available
2. there will not be any GXP-unique colors available
3. the availability of GXP colors is limited to the 2009 Pontiac G8 colors, however, it’s possible that certain colors may not be available on the GXP

The 2009 Pontiac G8 colors are:

• Liquid Red 62U
• Magnetic Gray Metallic 18U
• Maverick Silver Metallic 17U
• Pacific Slate Metallic 64U
• Panther Black Metallic 80U
• Sport Red Metallic 26U
• Stryker Blue Metallic 39U
• White Hot 11U

Related posts

• Production G8 Spied Down Under (0)
• Pontiac G8 News Week in Review - June 27 (0)
• 2009 Pontiac G8 Pricing Released (1)
• Confirmed - 2009 G8 Removes Atari Style Voltmeter and Oil Gauge (0)
• Pontiac G8 GXP may get Corvette LS3 6.2L V8 (0)

It’s been an exciting week for Pontiac G8 news. Unfortunately, one of our biggest stories this week was our most disappointing. Contrary to reports last week of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT getting an optional 6 speed Tremec stick, G8Nation confirmed with Pontiac Communications Manager, Jim Hopson, that the 2009 G8 GT would only be offered with a 6 speed automatic. If you want a stick, you’ll have to wait for the 2009 G8 GXP.

There were a few changes in command reported as well. Dave Gibbons will be overseeing Pontiac G8 production in GM’s Asia Pacific region and Holden Executive Director of Manufacturing, Rod Keane, announced his retirement, just as Holden announced the HSV W427, the fastest street legal car in Australia.

Scott Burgess of the Detroit News published his second review of the Pontiac G8. This time he spent a week with the G8 V6 sedan in Florida.

Shortly after getting his driver’s license, Chicago Cubs right fielder, Kosuke Fukudome was spotted driving a 2008 Panther Black Metallic (80U) G8 GT at Wrigley Field. Kosuke took it nice and slow as he exited the parking lot, unlike our friends from GM High-Tech Performance who tuned a stock Pontiac G8 GT to go 0-60 in 5 seconds flat.

Finally, our good friends at GM supplied us with the official 2009 Pontiac G8 colors and color chips.

Keep sending us your Pontiac G8 news and questions.

• 2008 Pontiac G8 0-60
• Official 2009 Pontiac G8 Colors With GM Color Chips
• G8Nation.com Exclusive: No 6 Speed Manual for 2009 G8 GT
• Video - Kosuke Fukudome Drives a Pontiac G8
• Holden HSV W427 - Fastest Street Legal Car in Australia
• Rod Keane Retires - GM Holden Executive Director of Manufacturing
• Review 2008 Pontiac G8 V6 by Scott Burgess
• Dave Gibbons to Oversee G8 Production

Related posts

• MotorTrend: 2009 Nissan Maxima SV vs 2008 Pontiac G8 GT (0)
• 2009 G8 GT Gets Optional Tremec 6 Speed Stick (1)
• Updated Vauxhall VXR8 Gets Z06 7.0L with 570HP (0)
• No GM Employee Pricing on 2009 Pontiac G8? (0)
• 2008 Pontiac G8 Production Color Breakdown (0)

On June 20, a story hit the G8 community that indicated that the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT would be available with an optional 6 speed Tremec stick. The story originated at CarDomain.com and was published here at G8Nation.com as well as many other auto web sites.

We decided to go straight to the source and ask for clarity from Mr. Jim Hopson, Pontiac Communication Manager. Please see Mr. Hopson’s response below:

Subject: Re: 2009 G8 GT / 6 Speed Manual

Sender: Jim Hopson

Recipient: g8@g8nation.com

Date: Today 08:11

Unfortunately, this is not correct. We still intend to offer the six-speed manual transmission as an option on the GXP model released late this year, however we have no current plans to offer the manual tranny on any other G8 model. It’s possible there was some confusion over the GT vs. GXP, but I’m glad you wrote and asked for clarification.

In fact, please feel free to ask any questions you’d like in order to quell the rumors that may pop up on the forums. G8 Nation is one of the premier sites for the G8 on-line and I want you to have the most current information.

Regards,

Jim Hopson

Manager, Pontiac Communication

Related posts

• Pontiac G8 News Week in Review - July 25 (2)
• The First Pontiac G8 Prototypes Roll off the Line in Oz (0)
• Pontiac G8 Sighting with Pics to Prove (0)
• Pontiac G8 Sneak Peek - Thanks Rick Wagoner (0)
• Pontiac G8 News Week in Review - July 18 (0)

We’ve already reported 2009 Pontiac G8 pricing, feature changes and color options a few times. This post is meant to consolidate all 2009 Pontiac G8 information that we have to date as well as inform you of some new information. Of course; you never know what GM may decide to change by the time the 2009s start hitting Pontiac dealer showrooms.

The biggest changes come in the way of pricing bumps, several minor interior changes, deletion of two colors, addition of four colors, XM & Bluetooth availability, and of course the release of the 2009 G8 GXP.

2009 Pontiac G8 Pricing

• G8 Sedan V6 - starting at $27,995
• G8 GT - starting at $31,360
• G8 GXP - pricing TBA - 2009.5 model year availability

All prices include $615 destination freight charge

2009 Pontiac G8 Mechanical Changes

• G8 Sedan V6 - none
• G8 GT - none

2009 Pontiac G8 Interior Changes

• G8 Sedan V6 & G8 GT
  • XM Satellite Radio (U2K) standard
  • Radio face plate color change from black to dark gray
  • Floor console and steering wheel center surround color change from black to dark gray
  • Lock, window, OSRVM (outside rear view mirror) and steering wheel buttons color change from black to dark gray
  • 2 rear seat cup holders added
  • (UWE) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system and HMI (Human Machine Interface) - 2009.5 model year availability
  • When Comfort and Sound Packages are added voltmeter/oil display gauges atop center stack are eliminated and replaced with storage tray

2009 Pontiac G8 Exterior Changes

• G8 Sedan V6 & G8 GT
  • Magnetic Gray Metallic (18U) to be dropped 2009.5 model year
  • Stealth Blue Metallic (25U) to be dropped
  • Ignition Orange Metallic (77U) to be dropped
  • Maverick Silver Metallic (17U) to be added
  • Sport Red Metallic (26U) to be added
  • Stryker Blue Metallic (39U) to be added
  • Pacific Slate Metallic (64U) to be added

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

• 2009.5 model year availability

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Mechanical Highlights

• (LS3) 6.2L V8 SFI engine Est. 402 hp and +400 lb-ft of torque Available 6-speed manual transmission with trans cooler (M10 High performance suspension (FE3) 3.27 rear axle ratio (6-spd auto); 3.70 rear axle ratio (6-spd manual) Brembo braking system with 14″ vented front and 12.76″ rear disc brakes

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Interior Highlights

• New seat backs w/ embroidered GXP logo’s on front seats
• New center stack gauge readouts
• New GXP tachometer / speedometer
• GT Sport and Premium packages standard on GXP

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Exterior Highlights

• Unique front lower fascia with new fog lamp surrounds and center grills
• Distinctive rear diffuser
• 19″ polished aluminum wheels with special machined face
• Magnetic Gray Metallic (18U) being dropped concurrently to G8 GXP availability, therefore will not be available on G8 GXP

Related posts

• 2008 Pontiac G8 Production Numbers (0)
• Pontiac G8 Sets the Bar for GM and Sets Expectations for a Bright Future (0)
• 2009 Dodge Challenger RT vs 2009 Pontiac G8 GT (0)
• 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Revealed at NY Auto Show - Corvette LS3 and 6 Speed Manual Included (0)
• You Ask Pontiac (3)

It looks like the Pontiac G8 marketing team will have to get to work to replace the powerful marketing line, “The most powerful car available under $30 Grand”.

According to a car dealer who posts on G8Board, Pontiac has just released preliminary pricing for the 2009 G8 Sedan (V6) and the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT. G8Nation has not verified this information.

2009 G8 Sedan Base has been bumped up $400 bucks to $27,995 including destination.

2009 G8 has been bumped up 3 times that of the V6 to $31,360. That’s a whopping $1,365 price increase.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP pricing was not released.

The pricing of the options packages has not changed.

We know that the 2009 G8 will have XM standard and might might not might have Bluetooth. This price increase may just be a strategy to not deter any purchases of the 2008 G8s that are parked on dealer lots for an average of 16 days while people wait for the 09s to roll in. If you’ve been waiting to buy a G8, now is the time.

[Source: G8Board.com]

Related posts

• Pontiac G8 Inspired Fashion - Flared Fenders, Freedom & Confidence (0)
• Production G8 Spied Down Under (0)
• Video: Pontiac G8 Design Explained by Mike Simcoe (0)
• Rod Keane Retires - GM Holden Executive Director of Manufacturing (1)
• Pontiac G8 GXP News on 08/08/08 (3)