Posted on 18 August 2008
Tags: 2009 pontiac g8, G8 GXP, G8Nation, GTO, GXP, Pontiac
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.
Discuss this post in our Pontiac G8 Forum - (13) Posts
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Posted on 15 August 2008
Tags: 2009 pontiac g8, BMW, bmw m5, KickingTires, Pontiac
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]
Discuss this post in our Pontiac G8 Forum - (4) Posts
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Posted on 08 August 2008
Tags: 2009 pontiac g8, Brembos, G8 GXP, GXP, Jim Hopson, Pontiac, Tremec
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.
Discuss this post in our Pontiac G8 Forum - (3) Posts
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Posted on 31 July 2008
Tags: 2009 pontiac g8, Atari, DIC, G8Nation, Holden HSV, Jim Hopson, Pontiac, W427
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.
[Source: Pontiac]
Discuss this post in our Pontiac G8 Forum - (1) Posts
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Posted on 21 July 2008
Tags: 2009 pontiac g8, BMW, Canada, Lutz, Pontiac
As the Pontiac G8 makes it way into Canada, we’re starting to see some pretty thorough coverage by the Canadian press. John Turley-Ewart of The National Post has written a decent article reminiscing of the Pontiac’s of yesteryear and a history of the arrowhead’s changes over the past 83 years.
Overall, John speaks fondly of the exterior design of the G8 and its departure from the rounded and undefined lines of recent Pontiac’s. He quickly draws parallels to the brands that Lutz wants us to draw parallels with; BMW and Audi….while still remaining obviously American. Except for the non-functional dual hood scoops, John feels that the designers of the Pontiac G8 were close to achieving “design nirvana”.
On the inside, John notices the continuation of the clean lines with an upscale air. Both front and rear seats are roomy yet supportive and the interior surfaces provide “ample pleasure”. Like may have stated, John doesn’t feel that the user stereo and climate controls are not intuitive.
Testing both the V6 and V8 models, the G8 handled well thanks to its 50/50 weight distribution and precision steering. After pushing both power plants to the limits, this is the first reviewer we have heard say that the Pontiac G8 V6 is the star performer holding its own against the BMW 328i.
In conclusion, John Turley-Ewart states, “Through the G8, Pontiac has returned to the winning formula that transformed the carmaker into one of the top lines in the 1960s. And the key component in that formula, price, has been kept top of mind as well.”
[Source: National Post]
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Posted on 14 July 2008
Tags: 2008 pontiac g8, 2009 pontiac g8, G8Nation, GM, Pontiac
Being introduced late in the 2008 model year, the first year Pontiac G8 had only 3 and-a-half months of exclusivity on dealer lots before having to compete with the 2009 Pontiac G8. Between mid March and June 30, Pontiac sold 6,230 G8s, with a monthly breakdown as follows:
Unfortunately, we don’t have a break down of sales my trim between the V6 sedan and the V8 GT. However, G8Nation has obtained the total number of 2008 Pontiac G8s produced, not only in total, but by engine offering as well.
According to GM, there were a total of 12,045 Pontiac G8s produced for the 2008 model year. The Pontiac G8 V6 sedan accounted for 5,902 of total G8 production and the G8 GT accounted for 6,143 of total production. For those of you who are wondering, that’s a 49% / 51% split between the two G8 trim lines respectively.
This means that as of June 30, there are still 5,815 2008 G8s still looking for owners. The excess could be the reason for the price increase in the 2009 Pontiac G8. Now should be a good time to get some good deals on a 2008 Pontiac G8.
[Source: GM]
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Posted on 11 July 2008
Tags: 2008 pontiac g8, 2009 pontiac g8, car and driver, Christine Kozlowski, Jim Hopson, Mark Gillies, Miss Mississippi, ny daily news, warrack leach
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.
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Posted on 11 July 2008
Tags: 2009 pontiac g8, GXP, Jim Hopson, Pontiac
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:
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]
Discuss this post in our Pontiac G8 Forum - (1) Posts
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Posted on 08 July 2008
Tags: 2009 pontiac g8, GXP
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:
- the show car color will not be available
- there will not be any GXP-unique colors available
- 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:
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Posted on 04 July 2008
Tags: 2009 pontiac g8, american car, car news, chevy el camino, Clint Williams, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dale Jr, edmunds insideline, G8 ST, G8Nation, gas prices, Holden Commodore, InsideLine, magnetic gray metallic, NASCAR, Pontiac, sprint cup, tame the name, washington times
It’s been a busy week at G8Nation with 9 big stories. We’re happy to say that G8Nation broke some big Pontiac G8 news this week that quickly spread to the top car news sites. It’s been a while, but the Pontiac G8 ST made its way back into the news in a big way thanks to G8Nation. Even though we’ve all been expecting the results to the Tame the Name sweepstakes, Pontiac is still trying to decide whether or not it would be wise to consider the classic Chevy El Camino nameplate for the Pontiac G8 Ute. Not quite as many choices as the number of names being considered, G8Nation informed the Pontiac G8 community that the Pontiac engineers and marketing teams are considering adding V6 engine option for the G8 ST.
Since Pontiac parted ways with NASCAR a few years ago, there is no chance we’ll ever see a Pontiac G8 in the Sprint Cup, however, the next best thing is watching Dale Jr. drive a Holden Commodore in Australia this December.
GM reported their June sales this week and to date they have sold 6,270 Pontiac G8s this year, with 1,536 Pontiac G8s being sold in June, down from Pontiac G8 sales in May. We expected a slightly higher number considering the Pontiac G8 was the most reviewed car in the Month of May. However, as Clint Williams of the Washington Times pointed out in his Pontiac G8 GT review, gas prices are rising sharply. It was a rough month for GM with their stock price dipping below $10.00 a share for the first time since 1954 and now considering eliminating employee pricing on the 2009 Pontiac G8.
For the second week in a row, G8Nation broke some more news regarding the 2009 Pontiac G8 colors. Contrary to previous reports, Pontiac is considering letting Magnetic Gray Metallic (18U) remain for the entire 2009 model year.
In the spirit of America’s favorite holiday, Edmunds InsideLine asked readers to vote for the most American car in their long term fleet. Of course, despite its Aussie roots, the Pontiac G8 GT is one of the All-American candidates.
Keep sending us your Pontiac G8 news and questions.
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