Just picked up this week, now have around 350 miles. Couple of quick observations. I've owned 2 BMW's and 3 M/B's. This car does drive like a BMW, no question....very impressive. Seems responsive, although I've not really jumped it yet. Have RotoTec (or whatever it's called!) CAI on order for delivery next week....car is truly way too quiet! Needs an attitude sound...this car has a big engine! Have received numerous positive compliments from employees at work....girls and guys. Everyone loves it (and that's good!).
TWO major gripes...I did have the transmission TSB done. Sorry to break the news, guys, but the Charger RT transmission is FAR superior to what we have in the G8GT....and that's shameful. Now maybe it's not broke in yet (and I doubt that), but it is sloppy as H*LL. Not near as quick or predictable as the Dodge/Mercedes unit....that's sad.
Also, no satillite radio available, option or otherwise. Now I'm sure some of you have hung a Sirius or XM unit on, but that's not me...I like it built right into the system....like it will be in 2009. I really thought (and I think was told) that XM was standard with a 3 month trial subsrciption in the 2008 GT's....guess I was wrong! Anyway, since it is standard in 2009, I think Mr. Bob Lutz ought to go out to all the 2008 owners and offer up a conversion to the Satillite system (like the new 2009's) at a decent price (again, optional to 2008 owners). This would be built in unit....not something hung from an A/C vent. Anybody else game for this "waste of time" challenge?

Get the tune along with the cai, you'll love it. The TCM tune is a big improvement.

Just picked up this week, now have around 350 miles. Couple of quick observations. I've owned 2 BMW's and 3 M/B's. This car does drive like a BMW, no question....very impressive. Seems responsive, although I've not really jumped it yet. Have RotoTec (or whatever it's called!) CAI on order for delivery next week....car is truly way too quiet! Needs an attitude sound...this car has a big engine! Have received numerous positive compliments from employees at work....girls and guys. Everyone loves it (and that's good!).
TWO major gripes...I did have the transmission TSB done. Sorry to break the news, guys, but the Charger RT transmission is FAR superior to what we have in the G8GT....and that's shameful. Now maybe it's not broke in yet (and I doubt that), but it is sloppy as H*LL. Not near as quick or predictable as the Dodge/Mercedes unit....that's sad.
Also, no satillite radio available, option or otherwise. Now I'm sure some of you have hung a Sirius or XM unit on, but that's not me...I like it built right into the system....like it will be in 2009. I really thought (and I think was told) that XM was standard with a 3 month trial subsrciption in the 2008 GT's....guess I was wrong! Anyway, since it is standard in 2009, I think Mr. Bob Lutz ought to go out to all the 2008 owners and offer up a conversion to the Satillite system (like the new 2009's) at a decent price (again, optional to 2008 owners). This would be built in unit....not something hung from an A/C vent. Anybody else game for this "waste of time" challenge?

I don't understand what everyone's gripe is about the transmission. What does it do that it shouldn't, or not do that it should?

Get the tune along with the cai, you'll love it. The TCM tune is a big improvement.

Completely Agree. This is actually the first CAR i've owned. I had a Ford Explorer, Chevy Blazer and BMW X5 before this, and even I noticed a huge difference after the tune. Basically, im just saying that i havent even driven a sedan before and I could tell the difference before/after the tune.

Please note however that the changes are far more dramatic to the sport shift mode rather than the normal drive mode (from what i can tell, and from what i remember kirk telling me). I still noticed the difference in normal shift mode, but the sport shift mode is spot on with where i'd shift a manual now. Whenever i need to accelerate quickly on the highway or in traffic, i switch it into sport shift real quick, then back to drive when im back at a steady pace.

On a side note: is there anything wrong with leaving the car in sport shift at all times? Waste of Gas? Bad for the tranny? Anything? Thanks.

I have noticed that over time the tranny has gotten smoother. I haven't had a Tune or a Flash {TSB} done yet. I have about 800 miles on her and it has gradually smoothed out a bit. I am still looking forward to the TCM tune though.

Well, I have had my IOM GT for a day and a half, puttting only about 75 miles on the car so far.
My initial impression is that I did not make a mistake buying this car. The GT performs flawlessly and is a real pleasure to drive.
I have not quite got my seating position dialed in perfectly yet, but I am working on it.
I have found no issues with the A6.
The Atari style gauges do not bother me in the least. Yes, I will admit, they do look a bit out of place, but it's a non issue for me. As is the airbag light on the mirror. Hardly even notice it, to be honest.
I did the sub amp gain mod yesterday, and tweaked the stereo setting and I am pleased with the results. Now Darude and Armin Van Buren will shake the rearview mirror!
Over all, I am very pleased. My previous BMW (which I traded I trade in on the G8) was not any more car than this.
Pontiac did a great job with the G8. I just have to get used to all the looks I get when I pass by.

mac

Driving the car normally, the 6l80e is nice and smooth. Shifts where it should, you barely feel it shift. You want to get a little spirited, you REALLY want to shift over to sport mode. Even in sport mode, the tranny will get confused pretty easily. Example: Try accelerating HARD and lift off the go pedal a little right before redline. The car will bounce off the limiter a few times, then shift. Manual shift mode is USELESS in this car. You tap the shifter up and start counting. It takes entirely too long to shift and it feels like the tranny is slipping into gear, almost what you'd expect from a tranny on its way out. I would have thought GM would have dialed back the TQ management for manual shift and sped up the shifts, maybe even brought up the line pressure for shifts, but nope. Its like a manual tranny with a new driver behind the wheel, trying to figure out where the next gear is.

Overall, not a big deal. If you want to go fast, put it in sport mode, and just keep your foot firmly planted to the firewall.

I'll mostly agree with h3llphyre's comments, except that I think the manual shift mode is very useful once you get used to the timing lag. If you throw it down a couple of gears just as you are braking into a corner, the lag will catch you out, for sure. But if you anticipate the lag you can get it into the proper gear for a corner and get a great drive out.

I'll mostly agree with h3llphyre's comments, except that I think the manual shift mode is very useful once you get used to the timing lag. If you throw it down a couple of gears just as you are braking into a corner, the lag will catch you out, for sure. But if you anticipate the lag you can get it into the proper gear for a corner and get a great drive out.

I'm used to exclusively driving manual transmissions, so lag is not something I prefer. When I operate a switch/pedal/stick, I want it to work as quickly as possible. However, I agree. I've already taken into account the delay. Honestly, I find sport mode more then enough and the only time I EVER use manual mode, is to bump it down a few gears, if a mustang comes up beside me. its the only way to make the car make any noise :)

Driving the car normally, the 6l80e is nice and smooth. Shifts where it should, you barely feel it shift. You want to get a little spirited, you REALLY want to shift over to sport mode. Even in sport mode, the tranny will get confused pretty easily. Example: Try accelerating HARD and lift off the go pedal a little right before redline. The car will bounce off the limiter a few times, then shift. Manual shift mode is USELESS in this car. You tap the shifter up and start counting. It takes entirely too long to shift and it feels like the tranny is slipping into gear, almost what you'd expect from a tranny on its way out. I would have thought GM would have dialed back the TQ management for manual shift and sped up the shifts, maybe even brought up the line pressure for shifts, but nope. Its like a manual tranny with a new driver behind the wheel, trying to figure out where the next gear is.

Overall, not a big deal. If you want to go fast, put it in sport mode, and just keep your foot firmly planted to the firewall.

What you may be experiencing here is PMLF, Performance Mode Lift Foot Mode.
From the owner's manual:

"Within Sport Shift Mode, there is a further performance feature called Performance Mode Lift Foot (PMLF) Mode.
The feature is activated automatically when sports oriented driving is detected, based on cornering and on/off throttle application. PMLF allows the transmission to hold the current gear instead of upshifting when the throttle is lifted." (section 8-8)

mac

Other than the obvious, the one thing I like about the sport mode is that you actually get to see what gear you are in on the DIC.

mac

What you may be experiencing here is PMLF, Performance Mode Lift Foot Mode.
From the owner's manual:

"Within Sport Shift Mode, there is a further performance feature called Performance Mode Lift Foot (PMLF) Mode.
The feature is activated automatically when sports oriented driving is detected, based on cornering and on/off throttle application. PMLF allows the transmission to hold the current gear instead of upshifting when the throttle is lifted." (section 8-8)

mac

Quite possibly, but the computer should be smarter then that. I'm not talking about 1/2 pedal lifts, I'm talking a slight lift, .25", and it bounces off the rev limiter a few times. Almost thought the tranny has exploded.

Quite possibly, but the computer should be smarter then that. I'm not talking about 1/2 pedal lifts, I'm talking a slight lift, .25", and it bounces off the rev limiter a few times. Almost thought the tranny has exploded.

Could also be that, since we all have relatively few miles on our cars, that the adaptive shift logic is still learning to adapt! :wink2:

mac:driving:

I have 1,800 miles on mine, the tranny has gotten much better.

I did have the transmission TSB done. Sorry to break the news, guys, but the Charger RT transmission is FAR superior to what we have in the G8GT....and that's shameful. Now maybe it's not broke in yet (and I doubt that), but it is sloppy as H*LL. Not near as quick or predictable as the Dodge/Mercedes unit....that's sad.

I don't know who to believe anymore...

Edmunds' Inside Line writes "Frankly, the Charger R/T's Mercedes-made five-speed automatic feels prehistoric compared to the G8's six-speed. You can shift the Charger yourself using autostick, but the computer steps in if it thinks you're holding the gear too long and shifts. And when left to its own devices, the Dodge's shifts are slower and softer. It's not a bad transmission by any stretch of the imagination...but the 6L80 has stretched our imagination."

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=124883

Well, having just trading in a Charger, I can tell you that the G8 tranny in Manual Mode shifts much more crisply. I am pleased with it's performance and it will only get better after the TCM tune.

O.K. here is my .02....First let me introduce myself. My name is Mike and I have been a lurker here for the last few weeks. I had been watching videos and reading a lot after I found out about the G8/GT. I liked the specs and tests I had seen. My wife is a GM researcher so I had GMS and incentives; this made the purchase a no-brainer. I went on a two day search and located a Panther Black / Prem. / Sport w/ sunroof about 75 miles from me. I called the GMS manager that day and told him to hold the car until that evening. I made the trip and fell in love at first sight. It's the perfect shape. A blend of Audi, BMW and American muscle. Made the purchase on the spot. As many of you I have owned my share of Sports and GT cars. Cars I will compare the G8/GT will be other cars I have owned and/or tracked, FFR Mark II Cobra, 2006 Corvette and a Cadillac STS-V. I also open track at Watkins Glen quite a bit and I am an avid autocrosser. Here are my driving observations from May first until now, about 400 miles. My first impression of the engine is that it is well built and revs well and puts power to the ground in a predictable manner. I am able to get on it without WOT and control the revs and power smoothly. Something that helps a lot at the track. The car "squirts" forward at almost any speed when you get on it. It feels very close to the same sensation you get in an STS-V. Instant controlled power with excelleration on the same level as the C6, at least in the sensation. The transmission is something of a mixed blessing. I find the Sport mode to be great if you do not do your own shifting. Manually shifting down becomes difficult when attempting to match revs while aggressively driving. I believe the car would benefit from a different set of shift points. However, the transmission seems to be well built for the most part which is a plus. I did not find it sloppy. Now, my favorite part of the car, the suspension.... I took a few spirited runs through some of my favorite twisties and was pleasantly surprised to find out this car is a handling machine. The characteristics are very close to the C6 I had without the harshness. The car transmits its intensions before the car rotates and I found it very balanced with a lot of theatrics. Smooth turn in and even though the body roll is more than I like it was never nervous. Bravo! GM and Holden. Now the part I do not like.. The brakes... rather the feel of the brakes. The cars brakes do a great job, but you cannot feel the disks under load. The car also noses over more than I like at the braking limit. I'm sure this goes back to the suspension being just slightly too soft. Easily fixed ;). On too the interior. I am a performance first, luxury second guy so I do not really dwell on the interior appointments to much. Comparing the interior to the STS-V I was again shocked. I could not believe that a $30,000 Pontiac could be on par with a $75,000 Cadillac. Now you don’t get all the bells and whistles, but the fit and finish is superb. The leather stitching is top notch and gauge and button choices are not bad for a car of this value. I must complain as many others have about the Atari gauges. This seemed rushed or just plain cheap. It is the only part of the car I am seriously thinking about replacing at some point simply based on the poor quality look of the thing.

My overall opinion is that for $30,000 this car is an absolute steal. I beleive GM could have easily started pricing $5000 higher and sold out just as quickly. The comparisons to BMW 5 series are correct from the performance stand point, however the finish and qaulity of materials on the BMW are better. You do get what you pay for. I paid for a BMW killer with the same build quality at half the price.

I have my first autocross with the G8/GT coming up this weekend. I will try to get pictures, maybe video if I have a chance. I believe the car will do very well. It was funny talking to the SCCA guys, the car is so new and rare that SCCA does not yet have a SOLO II class for it yet. I am also thinking about an open track / drivers school event at Watkins Glen the first week of June.

I will be following the threads here for more information and guidance. I believe some software changes might be in order, but don’t want to kill the warranty. I like the Peddlers suspension and may have the Track II package put in at some point. I will be watching the forum for more ideas.

Have a good one,

Mike

Mike,

I agree with everything you've said. Major points I'd like to call out again, because its hard to read your post.

Brakes - They have NO feel to them, but that doesn't mean they aren't well suited to the car. Whether you're rolling at 30mph or 130mph, the brakes stop the car with authority. The problem is, there is no feedback, so it feels the same either way.

Handling into corners and out of them - The car is WAY more predictable then I thought and you hit the nail on the head. The car is able to give you notice before the tail starts coming out. I was surprised how well the car was capable of coming out of a corner under acceleration. The body does roll, but it doesn't appear to be a detraction from the handling. It FEELS less safe then it is.

Something you didn't hit on. The steering. Its a great touring car, but there is absolutely NO feedback in the wheel. Not a huge deal, pretty reminiscent of the vette (opposite of a BMW), but it makes it a little more of a guessing game as to what the car is doing when you're entering a corner.

Something else for you to try. Try taking the car up over 100mph. I was VERY surprised at how well the car handled and stuck to the road, at those speeds. I assumed, because of the body roll while playing on some back roads, that this would translate over to an unsafe feeling while "lane changing" at speeds over 100, but this wasn't true. The car felt much more capable at this rate of speed and was surprisingly vette-like at 130mph. It's almost too bad the limiter is set to 138, because the car gets there so fast and handles so well, I was curious how it would do beyond.

I plan on taking the car out on the track, at NHIS, maybe even Limerock, but I still want to put a few more miles on the car, before I go flogging it to that degree.

-jason

Something you didn't hit on. The steering. Its a great touring car, but there is absolutely NO feedback in the wheel. Not a huge deal, pretty reminiscent of the vette (opposite of a BMW), but it makes it a little more of a guessing game as to what the car is doing when you're entering a corner.

-jason

Dead on Jason. My Vette suffered from dead center numbness as well. We'll figure it out, especially on the track. I do beleive with a set of shocks, springs and the right sways the feel would be better, both in the roll and steering feel. Let me know if you make it out to WGI sometime. I would love to run Limerock in this car at some point. I havent hit 100 yet, waiting for the next 100 miles to go by and then an oil change.

Please forgive my writing skills....they suck ;)

--Mike

, but don’t want to kill the warranty.

Then you better stay off the track. Just like your insurance won't cover repairing it after a track shunt, GM won't replace anything broken caused by racing. At least that would appear to be the corporate line.

Then you better stay off the track. Just like your insurance won't cover repairing it after a track shunt, GM won't replace anything broken caused by racing. At least that would appear to be the corporate line.

Yes,
I know this rule well. However, if I stuff it at the track I will eat the insurance cost...the car is paid for. As for GM knowing a part failed at the track, had that happen before and the failure was covered. I just didn't mention where it happened. If the car is operating within its billed performance range and not being abused (7000 RPM launches, down shifting to 1st gear from 100 MPH etc.) then they will usually cover it. I beleive the last thing they want is a performance car buyer telling the world that a part failed while the car was doing what GM claims it can do ;). Any good racing driver will tell you its about smoothness on the track anyway. Driving crazy unsettles the car and that is when people and parts break.

--Mike

Let me know if you make it out to WGI sometime.

I'm staying away from WGI. I have a friend who had an "iron horse" foxbody stang, who hit 176mph on the straight away, which just spells out to me, "trouble". :)

I'm staying away from WGI. I have a friend who had an "iron horse" foxbody stang, who hit 176mph on the straight away, which just spells out to me, "trouble". :)

176 Nice! My personal best is 158 down the back straight in a 500 horsepower A&C Cobra replica. Scarey!, but so addictive. Coming out of the esses at speed is a real test of your nerves. That left side armaco comes up fast ;). WGI is still one of the best tracks on the east coast. The track is laid out to be fast on the straights and fun in the corners. It will test your skill without putting you into to much trouble......if you are careful. Had my mis-haps, never had a bad shunt (now where is that wood to knock on) ;).

By the way. Friends on mine just ran at WGI on the 4th and 5th, racing gas is now $8.00 a gallon!

--Mike

176 Nice! My personal best is 158 down the back straight in a 500 horsepower A&C Cobra replica. Scarey!, but so addictive. Coming out of the esses at speed is a real test of your nerves. That left side armaco comes up fast ;). WGI is still one of the best tracks on the east coast. The track is laid out to be fast on the straights and fun in the corners. It will test your skill without putting you into to much trouble......if you are careful. Had my mis-haps, never had a bad shunt (now where is that wood to knock on) ;).

By the way. Friends on mine just ran at WGI on the 4th and 5th, racing gas is now $8.00 a gallon!

--Mike

I'm building a CRX specifically for NHIS as it is a pretty tight track. I'm working out the details (turbo setup wise) to allow for better times on more laid out tracks such as WGI, but that won't happen until next winter.

More or less, I don't want to blow through brakes in the G8 as I assume they are a little on the expensive side. The CRX's brakes are upgraded to Integra discs, which are still cheap enough to not worry about it. Then again, NHIS is so low speed, that I don't suspect I'll be using the brakes a whole lot.

CRX is a good solid track car. You can take corners much faster than the heavy cars on a tighter line and you will never need the brakes at WGI. You are right about the brakes on the G8, but I will have to see if I can pick-up parts at GMS. I am still a sucker for V8 GT's. I was able to score Vette parts at employee prices before, but not sure about imported stuff, hope so. I think the first real mod to the G8 will be the Track II suspension. I can live with the power output for now. You know what I would like to find...a removable 4 or 5 point rollbar or harness bar for this thing. I never liked running tracks with stock belts even at track schools and events. Any suggestions?

--Mike

You know what I would like to find...a removable 4 or 5 point rollbar or harness bar for this thing. I never liked running tracks with stock belts even at track schools and events. Any suggestions?

--Mike

I'd start by looking at Australian aftermarket dealers, as the Holdens have seen a lot of track use. They should have something that'll work for you.

176 Nice! My personal best is 158 down the back straight in a 500 horsepower A&C Cobra replica. Scarey!, but so addictive. Coming out of the esses at speed is a real test of your nerves. That left side armaco comes up fast ;). WGI is still one of the best tracks on the east coast. The track is laid out to be fast on the straights and fun in the corners. It will test your skill without putting you into to much trouble......if you are careful. Had my mis-haps, never had a bad shunt (now where is that wood to knock on) ;).

By the way. Friends on mine just ran at WGI on the 4th and 5th, racing gas is now $8.00 a gallon!

--Mike


Do you guys utilize the lower boot section of the track at WGI? NASCAR does not use it, but the IRL does.

“It feels very close to the same sensation you get in an STS-V. Instant controlled power with excelleration on the same level as the C6, at least in the sensation. The transmission is something of a mixed blessing.

. . .

The characteristics are very close to the C6 I had without the harshness.”

Mike -

Very interesting comments – particularly since I currently drive a C6 Corvette & I test drove the second STS-v that my local Caddy dealer received, a while ago now.

I was somewhat “underwhelmed” when I test drove that STS-v:

The V’s specifications suggested to me that the supercharged motor’s elasticity and low RPM Torque would provide exhilarating acceleration under all the conditions of my test drive. I have driven several cars with supercharged motors – and one thing I was impressed with (and led to the level of expectation here) was the low RPM Torque generation of such motors. The fact that the STS-V did not impress ** me ** is likely more my problem than any real criticism of the V.

While I do not doubt the published acceleration numbers, in about 10 miles of driving – from busy 4 & 6 lane surface streets to just over 90 MPH on the Interstate, the STS-v’s engine just does not feel that powerful and the car does not feel as quick as the numbers would suggest. In 2nd and 3rd and 4th gear, the acceleration seemed quite ‘flat’, to me. I believe that there are a couple of ( related ) factors in play here:

The V’s peak TQ and HP #s are good, but those peaks occur @ fairly high RPM. The STS-V curb weight has been reported in the area of 4375.

Much of the acceleration effect one might expect from that HP & TQ rating is ‘blunted’ somewhat by that weight.

The 6L80 6 speed automatic trans. is (as stated most everywhere) a bit slow to respond – particularly on downshifts. During my test drive, I drove exclusively in Manumatic mode – as I almost always have in my current and past 3 sport sedans. It does not rev match on downshifts – making downshifts to 3rd or 2nd rather more jolting than I’d hoped. Upshifts are executed reasonably quickly and are well managed – but again the pause between request & shift is long enough to be annoying. Sadly, I see little significant difference between the 2006 version of this trans. and the 2007 version in my Corvette – and the 2008 version in the G8 GT.

Regarding a comparison to the Corvette – mine has the ‘base’ suspension ( as opposed to the Z51 ) and is still a rather intense experience, compared to most any sedan. And the 6.0L’s TQ curve and gearing do provide reasonable acceleration feel. And the R&T quarter mile of 13.5 seems quite respectable, to me, for such a large 4DR sedan.

Best of luck in your competition endeavors!
- Ray
Unlikely to drive a G8 GT that hard . . .

The V’s peak TQ and HP #s are good, but those peaks occur @ fairly high RPM. The STS-V curb weight has been reported in the area of 4375.

Much of the acceleration effect one might expect from that HP & TQ rating is ‘blunted’ somewhat by that weight.



Hi Ray,
Yup. I concur.. I was just trying to relay the feeling not saying the numbers would be close. The V was fun to drive, but very heavy. If memory serves me right it weighed exactly what you quoted. Power to weight was 9.3:1. The G8/GT is 10.6:1 so I would have figured the V faster. I think that explains the sensation I was feeling. The Vette was much faster but a do see some of the same handling characteristics in the G8, which is good. I do not beleive the G8 will be as tail happy as the Vette however. As for the tranny, I would have much preferred a manual 6-speed hooked to the 6.0, the A6 is tedious when running hard.

--Mike

Do you guys utilize the lower boot section of the track at WGI? NASCAR does not use it, but the IRL does.

Yup. Love it...scares the hell out of you :). I am much more afraid of turn nine just after the boot. Up hill turn, late apex while your suspension is being unsprug. Lost it there once, hopefully never again.

--Mike

“I was just trying to relay the feeling not saying the numbers would be close. The V was fun to drive, but very heavy. If memory serves me right it weighed exactly what you quoted. Power to weight was 9.3:1. The G8/GT is 10.6:1 so I would have figured the V faster. I think that explains the sensation I was feeling.”

The actual numbers are quite similar, as well. The G8 GT quarter mile just reported in R&T is 13.5 – their test of the STS-v shows 13.2. Quicker, certainly, but I doubt many people have a “butt dyno” sufficiently well calibrated to reliably discern that level of difference in acceleration times between any 2 cars.

- Ray
Looking forward to a report on your Solo II runs . . .

“butt dyno” LOL :D

I'll tell you the diffenence between the STS-V and the G8/GT I like the most:

$44,000

;)

--Mike

Then you better stay off the track. Just like your insurance won't cover repairing it after a track shunt, GM won't replace anything broken caused by racing. At least that would appear to be the corporate line.

The deciding factor is usually whether the event was timed or not. HDPE component failures can usually be covered if they are still under warranty.

Glad to at least bring out a lot of positive comments. Now up to 600 miles and the transmission shifts just fine for the most part in the full auto mode. Smooth, relatively quick, no big issue. I live in western PA, where we have hills/mountains that rival what you see in San Francisco. If you have a manumatic option, you learn to downshift to save your brakes. Most people see a 20,000 mile break life. I had 54,000 on the Charger when I traded her in, 50% front pads and warped rotors....heat from going down hills. Downshifting really does save on brakes, especially on downhills if you haven't tried it tried it. That's where my complaint is....very unpredictable, as several others indicated. GM could fix this if they wanted....their engineers know as much if not more than Vector and this problem should be corrected without any of us needing a tuner recalibrating the TCM.
As far as the radio, nothing beats a satillite system and I'm still P.O.'d that it isn't standard in the G8....and you can't by a "built in" type unit.
But I love the car, really enjoyable

Another comment on the trans. . .

I have noticed that in sport mode, the shifts are firmer at all speeds + it won't upshift quite as early if you have your foot into the loud pedal a bit. I've also noticed that in lazy street driving in traffic or local driving, sport mode is not very smooth - kinda bangs the gears. Not a criticizm but that's probably why they made "normal" mode normal! Normal is very smooth but it upshifts sooooo early - too early for my tastes.

Another comment on the trans. . .

I have noticed that in sport mode, the shifts are firmer at all speeds + it won't upshift quite as early if you have your foot into the loud pedal a bit. I've also noticed that in lazy street driving in traffic or local driving, sport mode is not very smooth - kinda bangs the gears. Not a criticizm but that's probably why they made "normal" mode normal! Normal is very smooth but it upshifts sooooo early - too early for my tastes.

Bman, I agree with your comments completely. I have a Black MY07 Clubsport R8 - LS2 with an A6. I've just clicked over 10,000 miles (17,000km or so) and it behaves much better now that the whole thing is a bit looser than when brand new, but NORMAL mode is really for "soft" driving and was designed this way to keep as many revs out of the driveline during suburban driving as possible.

I've done a number of track days in my car and found that even in manual mode it's pretty hard to do better than the SPORT mode in automatic. (maybe that's because the exhaust is do quiet it's hard to hear the appropriate shift points.)

I plan on taking the car out on the track, at NHIS, maybe even Limerock, but I still want to put a few more miles on the car, before I go flogging it to that degree.

-jasonJason, I was looking for a track day at Limerock, but it looks like we just missed one in April, hard to find a club with open classes at Limerock.....

I've run a few of my cars there, always puts a big :) on my face.......

Jason, I was looking for a track day at Limerock, but it looks like we just missed one in April, hard to find a club with open classes at Limerock.....

I've run a few of my cars there, always puts a big :) on my face.......

I know one of the instructors for SCCA at NHIS, so I'm just going to use him as a means of getting in there. I'm really up in the air, of whether I want to wait for my CRX to come back out, or take the G8 out first. The G8 is still a lil too new for me to justify taking it out for a beat run around the course. We'll see.

Just got back from my first SOLO II event with the G8/GT. The car was great, better than I had anticipated. The course was set-up as a very long run with a few long turns that tightened into short slaloms at the end. There was also a tight 180 degree u-turn and a lot of hard braking turns. I loved it! Few notes on the G8/GT under hard usage. The braking is fantastic regardless of feel. I could go very deep yet still stay under control while heading into a turn. There was not as much nose dive as I expected. Coming out of braking into turns that required a little throttle, the car was balanced and did not get upset. Should have mentioned this earlier, I did run the course with the tranny in sport mode and did not use the shifter. One thing about the car that stood out the most was the figure skater like ability to steer with the throttle. I was able to run a slightly tighter line because I could transition from understeer to oversteer with only a slight adjustment to the gas pedal. This happened without a lot of smoke and noises and felt very smooth. For such a large car I was very impressed. Still a little body roll, but an amazing car for the money. My friend brought his 07 CTS-V and was consistently 1 second behind my times. He had also complained of wheel hop and understeer issues with his car. I got a lot of good comments on the looks and performance and a few “I can’t believe you brought this here with only 500 miles on it” ;)

--Mike

....

Should have mentioned this earlier, I did run the course with the tranny in sport mode and did not use the shifter. One thing about the car that stood out the most was the figure skater like ability to steer with the throttle. ...

--Mike

Interesting.
Did you try Manual mode?
- Ray
Just curious.....

Interesting.
Did you try Manual mode?
- Ray
Just curious.....

Hi Ray,
No, not on that course. I really would have only had to shift twice and until I really get good with the manual I wanted to hold off. An accidental shift into 1st would have made things interesting in some of the corners. I did find that you don't have to think about the gearing, at least at that autocross, because the tranny does a really good job in Sport mode. I wil definitely use the manual at Watkins Glen. Give you a report afterwards.

--Mike

For such a large car I was very impressed. Still a little body roll, but an amazing car for the money. My friend brought his 07 CTS-V and was consistently 1 second behind my times. He had also complained of wheel hop and understeer issues with his car. I got a lot of good comments on the looks and performance and a few “I can’t believe you brought this here with only 500 miles on it” ;)
--Mike

This is good to hear especially since the CTS-V was the other car that I was considering for purchase.:) Was your friend as experienced an autocrosser as you? After reading your write up I just may have to take the G8 out to the autocross. I really had no plans too since I have another more dedicated track car. One other question, I assume you had the stability control turned off?

Neil

This is good to hear especially since the CTS-V was the other car that I was considering for purchase.:) Was your friend as experienced an autocrosser as you? After reading your write up I just may have to take the G8 out to the autocross. I really had no plans too since I have another more dedicated track car. One other question, I assume you had the stability control turned off?

Neil

My friend has about the same experience that I do, at least as far as autocross. He has owned the car for the last year and a half as well compared to my 1 week. I was also thinking about a CTS, but after the autocross I am sure I made the right choice. Now I'm not sure what would happen in a straight drag, my guess the CTS-V would win. However, if you consider the base cost difference, I could add $15,000 worth of parts and still have a better platform.

I had the stability control off, well worth it when hitting the corners and hanging the back end a bit. I say head out to the autocross! You will love it.

I will tell you one other thing I noticed. On the drive home and again today my G8 feels better and kind of shifts slightly better. It's strange, but I think it even sounds a little better. I only had 500 miles on it when I took it out to the autocross, maybe it helped break it in a little. It never got to hot and never complained the whole day. Anyway, I love this car.

--Mike

Awesome news Mike!

Awesome news Mike!

I had fun doing it! I really am suprized at the value built into these cars. Pontiac could ask a lot more for them. I am still on the fence about Watkins Glen in June, but I know I will end up doing it.

Yeah! SCCA just posted pics!

http://solopix.flr-scca.com/2008/5-11-08/img_6816.jpg
http://solopix.flr-scca.com/2008/5-11-08/img_6819.jpg
http://solopix.flr-scca.com/2008/5-11-08/img_6820.jpg

The fastest way around a gate is sideways! ;)

http://solopix.flr-scca.com/2008/JaneQuinn_5-11-08/img_5074.jpg
http://solopix.flr-scca.com/2008/JaneQuinn_5-11-08/img_5420.jpg


Must resist spending money....Must resist spending money....Must resist spending money.... :drink:

:)


--Mike

My friend has about the same experience that I do, at least as far as autocross. He has owned the car for the last year and a half as well compared to my 1 week. I was also thinking about a CTS, but after the autocross I am sure I made the right choice. Now I'm not sure what would happen in a straight drag, my guess the CTS-V would win. --Mike

I suspect you are correct, but from a dig the G8 may have a chance since it is easier to launch than a V. A highway roll should go to the V in a stock to stock comparison.

Neil

I suspect you are correct, but from a dig the G8 may have a chance since it is easier to launch than a V. A highway roll should go to the V in a stock to stock comparison.

Neil

Hard to say. Maybe. The CTS-V seems to have a bad wheel hop problem. This may help the G8 in a straight drag. The cars are actaully very close in performance.

--Mike

Do not take your G8 to Watkins Glen unless you can afford to total it and take a complete loss. Road insurance will not pay for it. Track Insurance will, but is expensive, has a huge ($10,000) deductible and they do not cover things like sales tax, towing etc.

Ask me how I know. This Porsche was nice, but it was paid for and I had track insurance. The crash still cost me a fortune.

I overcooked it into turn 8, ran out of track, backed of the throttle a bit and out came the back end. I swung back and forth, then around and hit the wall sideways going backward at a whopping 10 MPH or so and it totaled the Porsche.

It was not a fun ride home. I bought an airline ticket, flight then was cancelled. Ended up driving a rental car all night since every single hotel was full from Watkins Glen to Niagra, and by then I just said screw it and drove all night to Detroit.

Please do not take your regular car onto that track unless you can deal with the outcome of a crash, up to and including your own death. That does happen occasionally...

That's totalled?

Do not take your G8 to Watkins Glen unless you can afford to total it

I can. Been to the Glen for drivers schools and track days for many years now and risked cars of much greater value. I have always believed you should do what you want with cars....if you can afford the loss. I have also accepted the death and injury that may happen. Made sure my life insurance covered such nonsense and that I was fully covered for the max amount. You only get one life...some say play it safe...I say if you do not do what you love and face your fears your life was not worth living. Just my .02

I lost it in turn nine in a very expensive Cobra replica (see picture of the car, Blue one). Thank God I ended up in the midddle of the track after spinning around a few times. Very sorry to hear about your Porsche. I feel your pain. I still run another Cobra and I make sure I am fully suited and even use head restraints.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2503482154_7727a60d52.jpg?v=0


--Mike

Mike,

Sorry, I thought that you were a young guy that just bought a G8 and thought it would be nice to go to a track and drive fast. You have a lot if experience and know what is at stake. The G8 is a very fast car yet the suspension is probably not ideal for a track and it is very heavy. That could get a kid in trouble especially if it were an open track day without instruction. I will not preach any more.

For those who have not been to Watkins Glen, it is a bit faster than most track where people do weekend track events and there is virtually no runoff as the track is surrounded by barriers. A minor spin at another track is going to be a crash into a wall at Watkins Glen. That however keeps it safe as the walls help keep you from flipping into tree's etc which can happen at other tracks.

That Porsche that I totaled was worth maybe $30,000 plus the upgrades, so not such an expensive car. The car was twisted, the door on the opposite side would not close right and the engine pushed out the driver side fender slightly. The cost to fix it was over $20K plus the new wheels. My track insurance was really not very good, they agreed with only 18k of damage, they would not cover even the sales tax or wheels. Then they subtracted $10K for the deductible, so I get an 8k check and the car. I sold the car to scrap yard in Oklahoma and move on to another 964, this time a 1989 C4 with only 3500 original miles, which is not a typo. I will not go back to the Glen, been to Mid Ohio a few times, had fun.

Have fun you go!

No problem Doug. It is a dangerous track and not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. They have increased the run-off in some areas recently, but only in a few places. I know many people who have come away with the blue armco paint job on their ride.

I am very sorry to here about the loss of your 911. Turn 8 is usually not that bad, it's 9 I have a problem with. 6 is a real hair raiser too.

--Mike

Mike,

I crashed on an easy turn. That is the sad part. I was doing quite well, driving very smooth and improving every time. My instructor was pushing me quite hard, talking too much and distracting me. I was off my line and too fast with nowhere to go.

Take care!