Overview

What Changed for 2008:

• First application of GM Zeta rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform


• New model rear-drive performance sedan


• G8 and GT models


• 6.0-liter small-block V-8 engine for GT


• 6-speed automatic or optional 6-speed manual transmission on GT


• 18-inch aluminum wheels


• 4-wheel anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with standard traction control


• Standard electronic stability control


• OnStar and XM satellite radio

Overview
The G8 is the first GM model to employ the automaker's new Zeta RWD architecture designed to accommodate production for global left- and right-hand-drive markets. It is a 5-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive midsize sedan, with which Pontiac intends to compete with the Nissan Maxima and Dodge Charger. The G8 features the flared fenders, wide tires, dual-port grille, hood scoops and front fender vents that often characterize the Pontiac look. The G8's interior features a driver-oriented instrument cluster with gauges positioned in direct line-of-sight and an electronic driver information center. Seating is designed to be supportive for tight cornering, according to Pontiac.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Pontiac G8 is available in two models: G8 and G8 GT. Standard equipment includes 18-inch aluminum wheels; power-adjustable front seats; fog lamps; chrome exhaust tips; rear lip spoiler; 4-wheel independent suspension; and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control.Step up to the G8 GT and you get the more powerful 6.0-liter V-8 engine; fully independent suspension and MacPherson front struts and multi-link rear; bigger brakes; limited-slip rear differential; clear taillamp lenses; and quad chrome exhaust tips. Optional two-tone cloth or leather combination in the GT's interior pairs black with either red or blue inserts, and color-matched instrument faces. A sport package is available for both G8 and GT models, including specific wheels (19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on the GT); leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; alloy pedals; and a rear wing spoiler.

Powertrain
A 3.6-liter, DOHC (dual overhead cam) V-6 engine with variable valve timing powers the 2008 Pontiac G8, delivering 261 hp at 6300 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. In the more powerful G8 GT, the power comes from a 6.0-liter V-8 engine with 362 hp at 5700 rpm and 391 lb.-ft. of torque at 4900 rpm. It is paired with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and active fuel management, GM's fuel-saving, engine cylinder-deactivation technology. An optional 6-speed manual transmission is also available. EPA fuel-economy estimates are not yet available.

Safety
All 2008 Pontiac G8 models feature 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with traction control; electronic stability control; OnStar; seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers with automatic passenger-sensing system; and roof-rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows. The 2008 Pontiac G8 and G8 GT have not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), for crash or rollover tests.

Technology
Pontiac says it's got all the technology bases covered with the 2008 G8 and G8 GT: standard 7-speaker audio system with MP3 input jack; available 230-watt Blaupunkt 6-disc CD player with 11 speakers, including two 8-inch subwoofers; 6 standard air bags; StabiliTrak stability system and full-function traction control; available limited-slip differential; and OnStar with one-year service with available Turn-by-Turn Navigation. XM satellite radio is also standard, and includes three free months of programming.