All-new G8 Accelerates New Era of Rear-wheel-drive Performance Pontiacs

Confirming its commitment to style and performance, Pontiac introduced a show car version of an all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. The 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in dealerships early next year.

“With the balance of rear-wheel drive and the availability of V-8 power, the Pontiac G8 represents another step in Pontiac ’s commitment to its performance DNA,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “Added to the Solstice and the recently announced additions of the G6 and Torrent to the GXP series, the G8 demonstrates that Pontiac has never been more serious about the business of performance – and we expect this vehicle to be very competitive in the segment, even against cars that cost far more.”

The Pontiac G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary.

Pontiac G8 GT Show Car Details

The G8 show car unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show is representative of the production GT model, including use of the 362-horsepower 6.0L V-8 engine and optional six-speed manual transmission. The show car also features some unique items not found on the production model, including:

Twenty-inch “shadow chrome” wheels and performance tires
Ride height lowered approximately half-inch
High-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers
Custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash
Exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey
Concept of “modernized” Pontiac badge, to gauge public opinion.
Production Model Details

The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. A sport package will be available for both models and adds features such as specific wheels – including 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT – a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.