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]

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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

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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

• $150,000

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]

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Closely akin to the recently unveiled Holden W427, it looks like the Vauxhall VXR8 is going to receive the heart of the beast. That is the 570HP 7.0L Corvette Z06 engine.

The flagship edition of the Vauxhall VXR8 is will be priced around £55,000 ($110,000) when it goes on sale later this summer and looks like the perfect complement to Vauxhall’s fresh new look.

Estimates suggest that the VXR8 will hit 60mph from a standstill in approximately 4.5 seconds and easily reach its electronically-governed 155 mph. The VXR8 will likely never be seen in the rear view mirrors of the Audi RS6 and the BMW M5, but is the price justified?

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