Does anyone know if a navigation system will be avaliable as an option>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Not as of right now. It will have onstar turn by turn but not the full nav for 08MY.

They are really killing this car..... Why are we the ones who ALWAYS get stripped down versions of our OWN development....

:offtheair:

Nav, I don't need no stinkin' nav.....

They are really killing this car..... Why are we the ones who ALWAYS get stripped down versions of our OWN development....

:offtheair:

They give you Onstar turn by turn free for a year, and is like 23 bucks/month after. All you have to do is push a button give a live person your destination and the display does the rest. Instead of typing in manually on a screen and paying 2k+. So over a five year period onstar comes out about $800+ cheaper than a full nav!

But the Nav system is nice say in a traffic jam and you just need a quick detour. My nav system saves me a bunch of time cutting corners around stopped traffic :)

But the Nav system is nice say in a traffic jam and you just need a quick detour. My nav system saves me a bunch of time cutting corners around stopped traffic :)

Will Onstar have traffic re-route feature?

I have no need for the Nav, nor do I hardly ever use it, but I really enjoy having it for some reason. As long as Nav comes available on any car I ever buy in the future, I will order it...I just hope they add it to the list for the G8.

Will Onstar have traffic re-route feature?

Not sure but I dont want to spend 5 minutes discussing something that should take me 1 minute.

They give you Onstar turn by turn free for a year, and is like 23 bucks/month after. All you have to do is push a button give a live person your destination and the display does the rest. Instead of typing in manually on a screen and paying 2k+. So over a five year period onstar comes out about $800+ cheaper than a full nav!

Problem is the Onstar turn-by-turn does not work to well when you are out of cell coverage (i.e. I would like to setup a new route and have no cell phone coverage). This can happen in areas that I travel.

Chip

I have no need for the Nav, nor do I hardly ever use it, but I really enjoy having it for some reason. As long as Nav comes available on any car I ever buy in the future, I will order it...I just hope they add it to the list for the G8.

Alot of people feel similar to you...

Also, remember that the nav systems available these days also enable you to get the back-up camera options, which people really do use every day..

I wonder, do you think the G8's optional 6.5" screen will be able to be hooked up to a back up camera? That's a sweet thought...

But I still want the option of ordering nav... dangit!

Problem is the Onstar turn-by-turn does not work to well when you are out of cell coverage (i.e. I would like to setup a new route and have no cell phone coverage). This can happen in areas that I travel.

Chip

This is (according to their training courses) one of the main reasons why GM installs DVD based nav systems...

Sometimes they make no sense.. Maybe the main competitors don't have a nav option? No that's not right... They are calling the Charger and the 5 series the main competitors... Oh, and the Infiniti...

This is (according to their training courses) one of the main reasons why GM installs DVD based nav systems...

Sometimes they make no sense.. Maybe the main competitors don't have a nav option? No that's not right... They are calling the Charger and the 5 series the main competitors... Oh, and the Infiniti...

And add the Maxima to that list. According to Jon's review: http://www.g8board.com/08G8/, the problem is not an oversight in feature needs or not competing with Onstar but possible compliance issues with NHTSA guidelines. I wonder if it is a software issue (lock out destination entry while in motion) or sightlines/dash positioning of the nav?

Chip

And add the Maxima to that list. According to Jon's review: http://www.g8board.com/08G8/, the problem is not an oversight in feature needs or not competing with Onstar but possible compliance issues with NHTSA guidelines. I wonder if it is a software issue (lock out destination entry while in motion) or sightlines/dash positioning of the nav?

Chip

My 2007 Accord with Nav allows me to type in addresses while driving as long as you hit the "I agree" button at startup. My Lexus IS350 would lock you out at any speed above 10mph, so you were always trying to type in the address at stop lights. It was lame and more unsafe.

They give you Onstar turn by turn free for a year, and is like 23 bucks/month after. All you have to do is push a button give a live person your destination and the display does the rest. Instead of typing in manually on a screen and paying 2k+. So over a five year period onstar comes out about $800+ cheaper than a full nav!

Well $2k Nav usually comes with other options so you're not really paying that amount just for the Nav feature. Most Nav systems are all voice activated and very intuitive these days. Both my Accord and Lexus worked great with just voice. Further while you don't recoup all of the money spent on Nav when you sell the car, you do get some back. The exorbitant monthly fee is down the crapper forever.

Just noticed that Holden offers what seems like two different navigation systems. One is integrated into the headunit and displayed on the screen and the other displayed directions using arrows on the DIC screen between the Tach and Speedo.

This was posted some time ago and may be useful
http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92

This was posted some time ago and may be useful
http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92

So, is Navigation a dealer installed option?

Yes.............and an expensive one at that. For the turn by turn sat/nav be prepared to part with almost $3000.00 oz fitted. They are also different for with or without "Holden Assist".

olly,

Do you know if the direction on the full color nav also show up in the DIC display between the Tach and Speedo. I had read else where that it does, but I was wanting some confirmation.

Also, explain how the steering wheel controls are used with the nav. The Navs here (at least on domestics) use mostly touchscreens and have no steering wheel interaction, except for normal audio control functions.

Thanks,

Chip

Unfortunately, I can't answer your questions due to the fact I have only been involved with supplying 3 units since VE has been out, and I never saw the units in operation.

Well, I appreciate the thought anyhow.

Chip

This is as good as I could find.
http://www.southgate.com.au/pr09.htm

Thanks. I appreciate the link. It did provide some good information.

I'm hoping but not hopeful that those who make the decisions read the comment below. On-Star is not a substitute for an effective Nav system especially with the cost of a yearly subscription.

One can buy a Magellan, etc. nav system that is just as functional as a OEM system for only $400. Actually it is far more functional as it can be used by the driver or passenger to query the system while the car is in motion. If the mfrs want to protect against liability yet make their NAV functional then put an interlock in that allows the passenger weight on the seat to make the system operational when in motion. I despise having to stop my Caddy to use the NAV to find the nearest hotel.

No NAV, no bluetooth?

What is this ......a 2003 model year G-8?

You'd think GM with a brand new model would want to be on the leading edge of electronic design.....not on the lagging edge of a 5 year old typical GM "has been" vehicle.

NAV and blue tooth have been an available feature on drivers' cars for years and both are typically commonplace.

Obviously GM mgmt is still back in the 1990s and will always be blaming unions for their woes even the problem obviously is the CEO and managers that know nothing about what America wants.

I have a a 2003 DTS with NAV and night vision which was a rarity at the time, even though NAV then was common place on Euro and Lexus cars. The Caddy salespeople at the time couldn't even demo it. They still have the mindset of 75 year olds in bench seats, and so does GM as it is still in the 1990s.

I had considered this car because I wish to support the USA and purchase a contemporay high performance sedan ........ yet I'd now feel as though I'm regressing if I bought it. The problem with USA manufacturing are the incompetent corporate managers that are 20 years behind the times.

You really are not supporting the USA.. the car isnt manufactured here in the good ol USA. This car is imported thus does not help the states.

I might be wrong and pardon me if i am mistaken but.. this doesn't help our GDP.

We are importing more than we are exporting.

I do agree that GM is living in the past. However, they did put a exceptionally well built engine in this car which makes up for its lack of features.

I still would like bi xeon lights and a nav + bluetooth. But.... GM hasn't grown up.

you dont want the holden satnav, trust me. it's crap. my $400 portable craps all over it for interface and features.

you dont want the holden satnav, trust me. it's crap. my $400 portable craps all over it for interface and features.

Give us some comparison. You apparently have seen or have the Holden satnav. Those of us in the states obviously can't compare it.

Chip

In dash nav is over rated. The rate that portable navs have evolved over the years, I don't even want to have some fossil nav system stuck in my dash. I have a 6 year old Magellan that was $1000 back in the day (I got it as a hand-me-down). You can get something that has more features, works better and is less than half the price. Plus you can transfer it from vehicle to vehicle. If you drop 2K on a nav for the G8, then another 2K for you wife's car, seems like a waste to me. Get a portable one for $500 and use the $3500 for mods on the G8!

Most people only use nav on long trips, so I don't mind sticking something to the windshield then. 90% of the time I am in town going places I know, so the nav wouldn't be used anyway.

My $.02

In dash nav is over rated. The rate that portable navs have evolved over the years, I don't even want to have some fossil nav system stuck in my dash. I have a 6 year old Magellan that was $1000 back in the day (I got it as a hand-me-down). You can get something that has more features, works better and is less than half the price. Plus you can transfer it from vehicle to vehicle. If you drop 2K on a nav for the G8, then another 2K for you wife's car, seems like a waste to me. Get a portable one for $500 and use the $3500 for mods on the G8!

Most people only use nav on long trips, so I don't mind sticking something to the windshield then. 90% of the time I am in town going places I know, so the nav wouldn't be used anyway.

My $.02

I agree totally. Granted in dash is a little less hastle. But I use my portable between the Grand Prix, RAV4 and the motorcycle.

Give us some comparison. You apparently have seen or have the Holden satnav. Those of us in the states obviously can't compare it.

Chip

I have the Holden SatNav in my wifes car. I could make a video of the user interface if it really helps people decide.

The problem with the in-dash unit is,

a) It's slow, real slow. Slow to start up and slow to use the interface generally. It calculates routes reasonably quickly though (in australia). It recalculates alternate routes ok too. It's just the interface is slow and clunky.

b) Touch screen - it doesnt have one. My portable has a little touch screen and it's just so much better to use; faster and more intuitive. You have to use the rotary dial on for the in-dash unit. It really is frustrating and slow to use.

c) Interface/display. In-dash is 2D; the portable can do 3D. t's just more intuitive and a better display when on the move.

d) Features. The points of interest and general usability is better in the portable. You can navigate features and the menu system so much faster with the portable.

Why did i buy it?

Well i didnt really. When i was negotiating the purchase (of the car) i made it a condition that they throw it in (after price was agreed). If you can do the same, perhaps it's ok. But, after using it i would rather soemthing else! Maybe some better wheels or a sunroof!

In dash nav is over rated. The rate that portable navs have evolved over the years, I don't even want to have some fossil nav system stuck in my dash. I have a 6 year old Magellan that was $1000 back in the day (I got it as a hand-me-down). You can get something that has more features, works better and is less than half the price. Plus you can transfer it from vehicle to vehicle. If you drop 2K on a nav for the G8, then another 2K for you wife's car, seems like a waste to me. Get a portable one for $500 and use the $3500 for mods on the G8!

Most people only use nav on long trips, so I don't mind sticking something to the windshield then. 90% of the time I am in town going places I know, so the nav wouldn't be used anyway.

My $.02

That's good advice and spot on. You don't normally use it. Ditto the in-car DVD system.

Call me old fashioned, or just old, but my nav system is spelled MAP!:oldfogey:

I have the Holden SatNav in my wifes car. I could make a video of the user interface if it really helps people decide.

The problem with the in-dash unit is,

a) It's slow, real slow. Slow to start up and slow to use the interface generally. It calculates routes reasonably quickly though (in australia). It recalculates alternate routes ok too. It's just the interface is slow and clunky.

b) Touch screen - it doesnt have one. My portable has a little touch screen and it's just so much better to use; faster and more intuitive. You have to use the rotary dial on for the in-dash unit. It really is frustrating and slow to use.

c) Interface/display. In-dash is 2D; the portable can do 3D. t's just more intuitive and a better display when on the move.

d) Features. The points of interest and general usability is better in the portable. You can navigate features and the menu system so much faster with the portable.

Why did i buy it?

Well i didnt really. When i was negotiating the purchase (of the car) i made it a condition that they throw it in (after price was agreed). If you can do the same, perhaps it's ok. But, after using it i would rather soemthing else! Maybe some better wheels or a sunroof!

Thanks for the insight. I hadn't been able to see it in action enough (one YouTube video of a Calais) to know whether it was touchscreen. All of the recent (05 and newer) indash GM models here have been touchscreen seems like. I currently have it on our two primary vehicles. I bought my wife's 04 Escalade used and it was already installed (nontouchscreen). I really liked the integration and purchased my 06 GP GXP (touchscreen) with one also. The Holden one does seem to be a step back (more like the 04 Escalade; starting 05 those are touchscreen).

A couple quick questions:

1. Do the Holden satnav directions also show up in the DIC between the speedo and tach? On my GP, the directions are displayed both on the screen and my HUD. I have read that the Holden displays in the DIC, but maybe that is the less expensive Holden satnav only.

2. Are the steering wheel buttons/wheels used for any of the satnav functionality or only the AV portion? Again, I have read different things on the Holden forums.

I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

Chip

In dash nav is over rated. The rate that portable navs have evolved over the years, I don't even want to have some fossil nav system stuck in my dash. I have a 6 year old Magellan that was $1000 back in the day (I got it as a hand-me-down). You can get something that has more features, works better and is less than half the price. Plus you can transfer it from vehicle to vehicle. If you drop 2K on a nav for the G8, then another 2K for you wife's car, seems like a waste to me. Get a portable one for $500 and use the $3500 for mods on the G8!

Most people only use nav on long trips, so I don't mind sticking something to the windshield then. 90% of the time I am in town going places I know, so the nav wouldn't be used anyway.

My $.02

I guess we will all have our opinions based on our needs. I have indash in both of our primary vehicles. When we bought our first vehicle with indash nav, I wondered how useful it would be (pricewise, it was a wash because I was buying used plus it was part of the 6yr/100,000mile warranty). However, we found it to be very handy. I have three daughters and we end up travelling to sporting events within about 120 mile radius with most being in a 40 mile radius. A large number of these schools are very rural and in fact a number I have never been too before. I'll program my wife's vehicle for her prior to an event and of course set my own up (because of work, we will often travel separately to the events within a 40 mile radius).

Now a portable (with the exception of the warranty) could handle these basic functions. However, I find that a number of these destinations will cause us to travel through steep valleys that cause the GPS signal (and often XM too) to be lost for 10 - 20 mile stretches. Often, there will be multiple turns through this stretch. Because the indash system is tied to the VSS, the dead reckoning keeps us pretty much on track.

My sister had a TomTom with her 2002 Yukon Denali and it was OK. However, she traded for an 06 Yukon recently and made sure she got the indash nav. She said she liked it much better and did not have a nav system that was lost like her TomTom in some of these areas.

One final thought on Navs in general and something that may not work well with a map. I love to jump in the car and drive to unwind. Often times I will pick a road I have never been on (while I have lived in this area my whole life, there seems like thousands of two lane twisties around here because of the mountains). I may drive an hour with only the radio playing or just the sunroof open and listening to the engine/exhaust melodies. There has been more than once at night, that I have ended up in a place that I haven't a clue where I am or even truly which way to go (well, I have a guess; but often I have made some quick decisions at different Ys with litte regard for direction). Sometimes, I have been surprised by where I am once have the Nav maps me a route to Home. Useful, well I don't know. It is just fun for me and relaxing. Which as a driver, has to be worth something in the same vein that certain performance parts can be.

Chip

Thanks for the insight. I hadn't been able to see it in action enough (one YouTube video of a Calais) to know whether it was touchscreen. All of the recent (05 and newer) indash GM models here have been touchscreen seems like. I currently have it on our two primary vehicles. I bought my wife's 04 Escalade used and it was already installed (nontouchscreen). I really liked the integration and purchased my 06 GP GXP (touchscreen) with one also. The Holden one does seem to be a step back (more like the 04 Escalade; starting 05 those are touchscreen).

A couple quick questions:

1. Do the Holden satnav directions also show up in the DIC between the speedo and tach? On my GP, the directions are displayed both on the screen and my HUD. I have read that the Holden displays in the DIC, but maybe that is the less expensive Holden satnav only.

2. Are the steering wheel buttons/wheels used for any of the satnav functionality or only the AV portion? Again, I have read different things on the Holden forums.

I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

Chip

1. Yes. On my unit, directions display on the HU and the dash. I believe there is a cheaper version of the SatNav whereby the directions only display in between the speedo and tach. I have the "full colour" system.

2. I believe the steering wheel controls do not drive any satnav functions.

Thanks, lsx-438. I appreciate the info.

Chip