Per Pontiac's website, the GT will be available with a 230 watt Blaupunkt system, and an 11-speaker array including (2) 8" subs. The new HU has a 6-disc changer and adds MP3 capacity. XM and OnStar are both available. My guess would be there's a center speaker for some sort of surround playback option, and two-ways in both sets of doors. The subs are likely rear-deck mounted as in the GTO The showcar has Bluetooth with steering wheel controls. Not clear if that's an option but it most likely is. Hopefully it's a 4 ohm system with real speakers rather than the 2 ohm/paper cone deal that shipped with the GTO. Like the GTO, the HU appears to be a proprietary form-factor that will not easlily lend itself to an aftermarket conversion.

I like my GTO's stereo with the bass mod :wall:

Per Pontiac's website, the GT will be available with a 230 watt Blaupunkt system, and an 11-speaker array including (2) 8" subs. The new HU has a 6-disc changer and adds MP3 capacity. XM and OnStar are both available. My guess would be there's a center speaker for some sort of surround playback option, and two-ways in both sets of doors. The subs are likely rear-deck mounted as in the GTO The showcar has Bluetooth with steering wheel controls. Not clear if that's an option but it most likely is. Hopefully it's a 4 ohm system with real speakers rather than the 2 ohm/paper cone deal that shipped with the GTO. Like the GTO, the HU appears to be a proprietary form-factor that will not easlily lend itself to an aftermarket conversion.

G'day, for your information you will probably find bluetooth is standard as all bar the base Holden Commodore Omega come with it as standard. John

hopfully ipod aux!

G'day, for your information you will probably find bluetooth is standard as all bar the base Holden Commodore Omega come with it as standard. John

Lets just hope we get it standard since the G8 is coming standard with OnStar. No other GM vehicles have Bluetooth b/c they want customers to pay for OnStars expensive phone service.

hopfully ipod aux!

It WILL have an Aux-In outlet on the dash.

I will be pissed if it doesn't offer navigation.

I'm thinking no navi, since OnStar offers turn-by-turn guidance. I may be wrong.

If the G8 does have screen based navigation, wouldn't it be something like a $1500 premium? That's judging by the AUD price of navigation on the SS V. To me, it would seem more economical to just buy a handheld GPS unit that is capable of putting sound out to the stereo aux input for voice directions. Some of the newer GPS handhelds have reasonably large screens. Sure, it's a little bit redneck and an inconvenience to have to deal with attaching wires but really nice handhelds can be bought for $500 or less nowadays. I have GPS on my phone and use it this way now in my car and it works great and don't even mind the tiny map screen. I'm sure a larger screen handheld would be even better.

On a semi-related note, Blaupunkt uses TeleAtlas for GPS maps and TeleAtlas offers north American map data so if screen based nav isn't offered, it certainly isn't for technical reasons.

How does turn by turn work when you are on the phone? Does it interrupt your conversation to tell you to turn? What if you are talking and you miss the directions?

Edit: this was pretty much covered in the what's onstar thread...

how does the Blauplunkt system sound ?

how does the Blauplunkt system sound ?


If you like clear and crisp music...replace the Blauplunkt system as soon as you can.

I'm surprised Holden allows the system in their vehicles. They must get them real cheap.

I will be pissed if it doesn't offer navigation.

I agree, if it doesnt have Nav I will be buying a Head Unit from Australia and installing it myself. Nav is an absolute must for me and I am not using one of those window mounted units or Onstars retarded turn by turn navigation.
Windows were made for looking through, not for hanging sh1t off of.

:eek2:

GM offers Nav units in a lot of different vehicles including the previous Malibu Maxx. I can't see them competing in the $30k plus category without offering it.

The same goes for Bluetooth. This is expected to be available in a new car in the $30k plus class since you can buy $15k cars with it.

Oh...the previous GTO did not offer a Moonroof....I hope GM is wise enough to include that this time around.

This initual version of the G8 won't have a nav system but I think the system that Caddy have will eventually find its way into the other brands. Its not that big of a deal to get a aftermarket 7" screen installed with navi and bluetooth.

This initual version of the G8 won't have a nav system but I think the system that Caddy have will eventually find its way into the other brands. Its not that big of a deal to get a aftermarket 7" screen installed with navi and bluetooth.

The Commodore comes with it as an option; I would prefer to get a head unit that will slide into the car that is designed for it. Getting a CD for the US may be an issue but im sure siemens has something.

The Blaupunkt system in the GTO is horrible. I'll bet the B'punk system in the G8 won't be any better. Pontiac should take a page out of the new '08 CTS playbook and put in the 10 speaker Bose system. That system rocks.

I like my GTO's stereo with the bass mod :wall:


Speed Demon or anyone else that knows: What is the "Bass Mod" and how does it work (GTO w/ Blaupunt owners)?

The "sub" amp for the GTO has a gain setting on it. it ships with the gain turned down. Simply locate the amp, find the knob and give it a turn. On the GTO/Monaro it is located in the trunk inside the right rear quarter panel. You peal the carpet back an fish around w/ your hand until you feel it. Be careful though, there are lots of sharp screws and edges back there.

Thanks for the info!

Click here for discussions one the VE sound systems (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=73969)

Pontiac should take a page out of the new '08 CTS playbook and put in the 10 speaker Bose system. That system rocks.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lothar king of the hill people, what don't you like about the Bose System?

I just want XM with this Blaupaunt system.....

Lothar king of the hill people, what don't you like about the Bose System?

I just want XM with this Blaupaunt system.....

The "Bose" part.

system seems to be good, but hopefully its better than what you guys were saying.

B- Buy O- Other S- stereo E - equipment

The Blaupunkt system in the GTO is horrible. I'll bet the B'punk system in the G8 won't be any better. Pontiac should take a page out of the new '08 CTS playbook and put in the 10 speaker Bose system. That system rocks.

Actually, the GTO's Blaupunkt system isn't that bad. It gets loud enough to make my ears ring. BOSE systems used to be great. They may still be good, but if 1 speaker blows out, go aftermarket. Less money for a better quality speaker.

How does some old school Metallica, Gun n' Roses or AC/DC sound on the factory speakers? I don't want to spend more money on speakers when the car is going to be $30K....

If it's anything like the GTO system, it should be good. Not car show sound-off winning material, but great for a factory system. Somewhere down the line you will more than likely replace the speakers. Factory parts aren't designed for long lasting quality. But, I'm going on 3 years.

I have never had a stock head unit reproduce all frequencys properly. If you want clean and clear music, you need to upgrade the head unit in any automobile.

I plan on putting a 10 or 12 inch sub in the trunk! I like my bass loud. I'll probably use a Rockford amp to power it. Newer stock systems are getting a lot better but still don't hold a candle to after market systems.

The "Bose" part.

No highs no lows it must be Bose...;)

Does anybody have any experience with a product like this? It's supposed to clean up, strip out junk from the output of the factory receiver and give you a cleaner, higher end output.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=318850&i=5753SIXTY1&search=3sixty&tp=6870
I like to keep the factory look and functionality, but just make it sound better.

Thanks

Or this one:
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=318850&i=136441DSP&tp=6870

Does anybody have any experience with a product like this? It's supposed to clean up, strip out junk from the output of the factory receiver and give you a cleaner, higher end output.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=318850&i=5753SIXTY1&search=3sixty&tp=6870
I like to keep the factory look and functionality, but just make it sound better.

Thanks

Or this one:
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=318850&i=136441DSP&tp=6870

The first one has been around in one form or another for many years. The problem is that they use high level or speaker level inputs which don't offer the sound quality that low level (RCA) does. It's basically a device that allows you to put an external amp on a head unit that doesn't have low level (RCA) jacks on it. The second one sounds like the same basic thing but with a variable filter. JL and Fosgate are great by the way! I have seen a Fosgate amp damn near melt it was so hot and it kept on thumping!

The Blaupunkt system in the GTO is horrible. I'll bet the B'punk system in the G8 won't be any better. Pontiac should take a page out of the new '08 CTS playbook and put in the 10 speaker Bose system. That system rocks.

The Blaupunkt isnt THAT bad is it!?! 11 speakers! I've never played with a system with more than 8!! Two aftermarket tweeters and a 12" sub will top it off just right.

The Blaupunkt isnt THAT bad is it!?! 11 speakers! I've never played with a system with more than 8!! Two aftermarket tweeters and a 12" sub will top it off just right.

No factory system compares to a aftermarket system done by professionals.

Suggestions:
Alpine for the head unit
JL Audio for amps
AudioControl for Digital EQ's
(Pro) Fosgate, JL Audio, or Kicker for the subs (they always sound better in pairs)
Focal components or seperates for the door/deck/dash speakers.

If you want to go the cheaper route, you can go JL Audio for all speakers and amps. AudioControl units are a must - Once you hear the difference the EQ has on your system, you won't be able to live without one.

I personally run the old school PPI PC 100% Power Amps (1998&99) due to the exceptional sound quality and power they produce on my (2) Fosgate Power DVC 12's using my AudioControl EQX wired to the factory system in my DTS, everything sounds great, but would sound better if all the BOSE crap was replaced.

My 2 cents worth

No factory system compares to a aftermarket system done by professionals.

That might be true, i was kinda thinkin bout replacin every speaker with powerbass speakers. They make the loudest speakers to me. But does it require replacin the head unit! I have had a huge problem with replacin the radio in brand new cars. It just doesnt look right(unless u replace those plain radios in cheap foreign cars, thats different).

The Blaupunkt isnt THAT bad is it!?! 11 speakers! I've never played with a system with more than 8!! Two aftermarket tweeters and a 12" sub will top it off just right.

I think he has listened to too many aftermarket system or never heard a GTO system after the bass mod was done. Most people will be satisfied with their choice of factory radio. If most buyers are looking to use a G8 as a family car (not a sports car with a trunk & back seat), then they will be talking to their passengers & not think about upgrading the radios.

That might be true, i was kinda thinkin bout replacin every speaker with powerbass speakers. They make the loudest speakers to me. But does it require replacin the head unit! I have had a huge problem with replacin the radio in brand new cars. It just doesnt look right(unless u replace those plain radios in cheap foreign cars, thats different).

:soapbox::repost:I installed the AudioControl EQX which allowed me to have speaker level inputs running threw a awesome eq and crossover, then into my PPI PC2300 100% perfect sound quality amplifier (and is able to be ground back to the battery which keeps your car from having any extra holes) to my 2 Rockford Fosgate Pro 12" DVC subs in individual enclosures. This setup has loosened parts on my car (mainly interior trim) and sounds awesome. Adding the subs really completes the existing factory system and doesn't take up much space in your trunk. I'm also able to remove everything at the drop of a hat, and the car is back to stock for any visits to the service department. I've been doing this for years, it's very easy and low cost.

But you have to have a good source for the sound, Blau isn't the best for sound quality.

Go to this webpage, http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_cleansweep_pages.php?page_id=94

They flatten out the frequency curve of stock headunits to have a clean, un equilized frequency response and they also convert the high level speaker inputs to low level outputs to amps, probably still cant meet aftermarket sound quality, but it will be way better if you want to keep the stock head unit. I am going to try to put an aftermarket head unit above the stock one where the battery gauge is if size allows.

O yes! I almost forgot! Is anybody else pissed that the pontiac vibe(a corolla with the arrowhead logo and the twin grille) has a more powerful system than the G8? I am!!!

G8's Blaupunkt-230 watts
Vibe's Monsoon-320 watts

It will be interesting to hear the difference between the two. I have a Bonnie GXP with the 8 speaker Monsoon now and had the same thing in my last car, 2002 Camaro SS. The Monsoon will rattle the windows/mirrors at only 3/4 volume. Be interesting to see if the Blaupunkt can do the same with 11 speakers!:popcorn2:

O yes! I almost forgot! Is anybody else pissed that the pontiac vibe(a corolla with the arrowhead logo and the twin grille) has a more powerful system than the G8? I am!!!

G8's Blaupunkt-230 watts
Vibe's Monsoon-320 watts

That's a Matrix, not a Corolla.

There is more to the equation than wattage. But time will tell how the G8's sound.

Wutever! The Matrix and Corolla are variations of the same vehicle. Both are extremely boring(if only i was in charge of Toyota. Sigh). Anyway back to the subject, That head system displays a lot more info besides just radio, so is there any way you could replace the factory head unit with one that looks EXACTLY like the old one, just without the so-called lame blaupunkt technology(similiar to how Nissan's vehicles are. The head unit looks exactly the same in a base as it does in a fully loaded model, yet the fully loaded model's head unit is powered by BOSE)by special orders to the GM factory or sumthin?

If i cant do it like that then i highly doubt i will be replacing the head unit in this vehicle. Its not just a plain radio, its the center of attention and useful information on the lower dashboard. Forgive me if that was a crazy question, i dont deal with replacing sound systems that much...

I think he has listened to too many aftermarket system or never heard a GTO system after the bass mod was done. Most people will be satisfied with their choice of factory radio. If most buyers are looking to use a G8 as a family car (not a sports car with a trunk & back seat), then they will be talking to their passengers & not think about upgrading the radios.

what is this bass mod?

I believe the amp./ crossover comes from the factory at 0 or flat and one can turn up the "gain" control for the bass, increasing the bass.


: )