One of the best design features...
One of the best design features on the front end of the G8 is the fender flares. They're bold and help to convey the performance image of the Pontiac brand, as well as the G8. The projector beam headlights do an excellent job of illuminating poorly lit roads, and add to its premium look.
Though the suspension continued to work well overall, even at its cornering limit, there didn't seem to be much excitement from the driver's point of view. It all felt too silky and effortless. Perhaps this is sophistication and the modern feel of driving, but a degree of sensory stimulation was lost in an effort to make it all smooth and quiet.
The supple suspension gives the G8 great potential in its desired market. While it will please most, it's not the corner carver that will put a smile on the face of those who want ultimate high-g performance in stock form. The good news is that the aftermarket has responded well to the arrival of the G8, and there are already suspension packages that should have you grinning from ear to ear.
Conclusion
The G8 and G8 GT add some spice to the lineup at Pontiac. With the GXP model, G8 sport truck, and Solstice coupe just around the corner, Pontiac has regained a great deal of attention. It seems like the brand has finally revived some of the spirit it was so famous for back when the GTO and Trans Am ruled the streets. The G8 GT has effectively put Pontiac back into the spotlight with a highly competitive car in a tough market.
While we all wanted a two-door coupe, the G8 GT shouldn't be overlooked. It packs a lot of performance for the money, while still maintaining practicality and fuel economy. You can drive it everyday, fit anything you want in the trunk, and have a whole lot of fun on the weekends. Its handsome and muscular design makes it one of the better-looking cars on the street today, too. This is one proud Pontiac.
| 2008 G8 GT Specifications |
| Overview |
| Construction | Unitized body frame; 1- and 2-sided galvanized steel |
| Manufacturing Location | Adelaide, Australia |
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| Engines |
| 6.0L V-8 (L76) |
| Application | G8 GT |
| Type | 6.0L V-8 |
| Displacement (cu in/cc) | 364/5,967 |
| Bore and Stroke (in) | 3.99x3.62 |
| Block Material | Cast aluminum with cast-in-place iron bore liners |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Valve-in-head; 2 valves per cylinder; roller lifters; 1.7:1 rockers |
| Cam | 200/208-deg duration at 0.050; 0.472/0.480-in lift |
| Induction System | 90mm electronic throttle body; high-flow composite intake with acoustic shell |
| Injectors | 5.0 g/s static flow |
| Ignition System | High-energy distributorless ignition; solid-state direct-fire ignition with coil near plug and integrated ignition; extended-life spark plugs |
| Fuel Delivery | Returnless, sequential fuel injection; Active Fuel Management system |
| Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 |
| Horsepower (hp at rpm) | 361 at 5,300 |
| Torque (lb-ft at rpm) | 385/520 at 4,400 |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded (premium maximizes performance) |
| Maximum Engine Speed (rpm) | 6,000 |
| Exhaust | 4-2-1 design; 5-bolt inlet flange with unequal-length primaries and equal-length secondaries merging into one outlet with a counter bore flange; dual closed couple cats, four-pipe exhaust outlet with round chrome tips |
| Estimated Fuel Economy | 15 city/24 hwy |
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