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
Related posts
Posted on 04 August 2008
Tags: Brembo, GXP, Pontiac, pontiac g8, Tremec
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]
Discuss this post in our Pontiac G8 Forum - (3) Posts
Related posts
Posted on 27 June 2008
Tags: 2008 pontiac g8, 2009 pontiac g8, chicago cubs, Dave Gibbons, detroit news, G8Nation, Holden HSV, Jim Hopson, kosuke fukudome, Rod Keane, Scott Burgess, Tremec, W427
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.
Related posts
Posted on 24 June 2008
Tags: 2009 pontiac g8, CarDomain, GXP, Jim Hopson, Pontiac, Tremec
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
Posted on 23 June 2008
Tags: Holden, Holden HSV, Pontiac, pontiac g8, Tremec, W427
The Pontiac G8’s more powerful brother from down under; the Holden HSV W427 is Australia’s fastest street legal car. The G8 sibling is outfitted with the Corvette Z06 7.0 Liter V8 pushrod making 503 ponies and a spine-crushing 472 lb-ft of torque.
The clever marketing guys at GM Holden have decided to do a limited run of only 427 units of the W427, all built to order. Each beast will cost you $150,000 Australian or approximately $142,000 U.S.
You’re not “just” getting a Z06 heart for your money; you’re also getting the stunning 20 inch wheels, a new front fascia and rear spoiler crafted from carbon fiber, 14.9-inch, six-piston front brakes and Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual.
The W427 should hit New Zealand dealers in August 2008.
Below are the most recent details from Holden (note, measurements and pricing reflect home market):
Price
Volume and Distribution
- HSV will build, to order, up to 427 W427s.
- Each Australian and New Zealand dealer (around 64 in total) will be entitled to one HSV W427 in the first production batch, provided they have a firm retail order.
- Further 2008 allocations will be prioritized to dealerships according to 2007 sales figures.
Exterior
- All new Front Fascia exclusive to W427
- All new 3 piece rear spoiler in carbon fiber
- All new 20 inch wheel
Interior
- HSV E series performance seats in full red hot trim with W427 logo
- HSV steering wheel, gear shifter and console lid in full red hot leather trim
- HSV specific trim panels
Powertrain
- 7.0 Liter, LS7 Engine with HSV specific calibration
• 375kW @ 6500 rpm
• 640Nm @ 5000 rpm
- Over radiator style cold air induction system - with high flow air filter.
- Dry sump lubrication system with 2 stage pump.
- Hand fabricated aluminum oil reservoir, with baffles for high G loading.
- Front mount, 13 row engine oil cooler
- Ceramic coated, high flow 4 into 1 extractors
- High flow catalytic converters and exhaust system (3″ into 2 ¾”)
- Active bi-modal rear mufflers
- Exhaust back pressure management
- Improved noise quality
- High strength limited slip differential
- New high strength 6 speed manual gear box (TR6060)
- GMPT LS7 Clutch with new actuator and pedal assembly for high clamp loads
Suspension
- New springs, 30% stiffer than GTS
- Revised ride height - 20mm lower than GTS
- New stiffer rear suspension bushing
- All new MRC calibration to suit new springs, ride height and bushing
Brakes
- New 6 piston front braking system (50% increase in pad area)
- Strap drive, 2 piece floating front rotors (380 x 35mm) compared to 365 x 32mm one piece on GTS
- High friction pad material
Testing and development
- GMPT requirement for race track testing
- Full ‘Normal Durability’ cycle
- Hundreds of hours of engine dyne testing
- Full static and dynamic rig testing of critical components
[Source: Holden]
Related posts
Posted on 20 June 2008
Tags: CarDomain, g8, Lutz, maximum bob, Tremec
Correction - Confirmed on June 24, 2008, the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT will not offer the 6 speed Tremec manual transmission .
The gang at CarDomain.com recently had the pleasure of breaking bread with Maximum Bob. They were relentless at getting an answer to the all important question….”What’s with the disappearance of the stick shift from modern cars?”
Mr. Lutz responded by reminding us that gone are the days where manual transmissions are more fuel efficient than automatics. So in order to meet the all-important average fleet MPG goals, the number of sticks needs to be reduced.
On to the good stuff…we’ll keep it short and sweet….Lutz confirmed that the G8 GT will have an optional Tremec six-speed for 2009.
Rejoice my friends….rejoice.
[Source: CarDomain]
[Photos: CarDomain]
Related posts
Posted on 10 June 2008
Tags: 2009 dodge challenger, 2009 pontiac g8, Dodge Challenger, Pontiac, Tremec
Just days after 2009 Pontiac G8 pricing information leaked out, indicating an increase of $1,365 for the 2009 G8 GT, Dodge announced pricing for the highly anticipated 2009 Challenger. It looks like Dodge will take ownership of the G8 GT’s tag line from 2008 touting “the most powerful car available under $30K.”
With the 2009 G8 GT rumored to retain its 361 hp and 385 lb/ft of torque all for a base price of $31,360, Dodge has blown the doors wide open to be a serious bang-for-the-buck competitor with the 2009 Challenger RT.
The Challenger RT will be loaded with a 5.7L HEMI V8 cranking out 370 hp and 398 lb/ft of torque when coupled with the standard 5 speed auto.
Available as an option is the “Track Pak” which features the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with “pistol-grip” shifter for $995. When the six-speed manual transmission is paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, it produces an estimated 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N*m) of torque.
Has the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT has met a worthy Challenger?
[Source: Yahoo]
Related posts
Posted on 02 April 2008
Tags: Bob Lutz, CAFE, coupe, GXP, Holden, Holden Coupe, Magnum, Pontiac, Sedan, Tremec
When we first reported on the Holden Coupe 60 back in March, there was speculation that it could hint at either the upcoming G8 GXP or a new G8 Coupe. Since the NY Auto Show, we have realized the GXP coming out later this year and will have just as many doors as the G8GT.
Inside Line is reporting that the G8 coupe is real and has a strong possibility of coming to the US. If Holden ends up producing a coupe on the rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform and Lutz and his faithful followers get their way, the two-door would be offered in GXP and GT variants to match the sedan, possibly within the next three years.
As seen in these illustrations, the G8 Coupe GXP will depart somewhat structurally from the Holden Coupe 60. The G8 Coupe will develop a B-pillar and fixed rear side glass in production trim.
You can also expect many parts from the GXP Sedan to make its way into the new G8 Coupe. Most obviously are the 19-inch wheels, 245/40ZR19-spec summer tires and a version of the GXP’s aggressive front fascia. That rolling gear would be attached to the sedan’s stiff FE3 suspension and, like the sedan, the GXP coupe would offer an optional Tremec six-speed manual transmission.
CAFÉ standards have some people worried about the future of the G8 and other beloved American Muscle cars. One source within Pontiac recently stated, “The G8 Coupe is not dead. This is an uphill battle. It shouldn’t be. But it is.” When pressed, our source indicates that the chance of getting the coupe is probably less than 50 percent.
“The G8 GXP, the G8 sport truck and the G8 wagon were all part of the plan. Then they pulled all three just three or four months ago. It was a classic over-reaction to CAFE. We got the GXP back and, because Lutz is a big fan of the sport truck we got that back, too. But then Dodge killed the Magnum and that was the end of the wagon,” our source says.
As expected, Bob Lutz is flexing his muscles and throwing his support to the development of the G8 Coupe.
-
-
Can Lutz find a way to beat CAFE and get the G8 Coupe Built?
-
-
Related posts
Posted on 15 March 2008
Tags: 50 Cent, Bob Lutz, Corvette, horsepower, HydraMatic, Jim Bunnell, NEW YORK, NY, Pontiac, Tremec
Ahhh….the moment we’ve been waiting for. Pontiac took the sheets off the 2009 G8 GXP at the NY Auto Show today. At first glance, there aren’t very noticeable visual differences to the untrained eye. Some styling differentiators include updated front & rear fascias, the 19″ HSV wheels that were shown on the Pontiac G8 concept, and functioning hood scoops. The real story however is beneath the skin. The Pontiac arrowhead is now being propelled by the Corvette’s GM’s 6.2L LS3 V8…slightly detuned to a still impressive 402 ponies and 400 lb-ft of torque rearward via a Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox or a HydraMatic 6L80 auto. Also included is a fully-adjustable spring setup and Brembo brakes. It looks like Pontiac is finally building some serious excitement.
[Source: GM - Press Release below]
[Photo Source: GM]
Read the full story
Related posts
