Merry Christmas everyone :)

Recently I was in Detroit and had a neat little experience that I would like to share with everyone.

G8 Review (http://www.g8board.com/08G8)

Feel free to share the link.

Nicely done and much appreciated. Wife still wants one of these bad assuming the M6 will come to fruition. Is good to see there is still hope.

If you are into rowing gears you should be able to purchase a manual equipped G8 in the 2008 calendar year.

Merry Christmas!

Nice job you lucky dog.

Something worth buying in 2008 indeed. Heres to 2008 Merry Xmas. I can't wait for the G8 GT.

Thank You DY. Was it your impression that the 888s had been shipped yet, or no.

Great stuff DY, thank you. By chance, did it have an outside temp indicator? That was a little trinket I missed on my GTO. Not that it would make any difference in my purchasing decision (once I hit the Lotto, of course). ;)

I currently have a G6 with adjustable pedals. Do you know if this will be an option for the G8 GT?

Nicely done write up!

DY's the man ;)

Great job, thanks for posting it and the photos.

Thank You DY. Was it your impression that the 888s had been shipped yet, or no.

The delivery time frame was not different than what has been posted here. Around March for them to be all over the country. The Project Manager specifically mentioned that he will bee there when the first batch arrives to head up quality control. Not that there were many problems with the GTO import process - but that they are always looking to make improvements.

Great stuff DY, thank you. By chance, did it have an outside temp indicator? That was a little trinket I missed on my GTO. Not that it would make any difference in my purchasing decision (once I hit the Lotto, of course). ;)

Check out the upgraded stereo / HVAC system - its on the LCD. I didn't notice one on the standard HVAC system. It might have been in the LCD system somewhere, but I wouldn't count on it.

I currently have a G6 with adjustable pedals. Do you know if this will be an option for the G8 GT?

I do not believe this is an option. The steering wheel has the a similar tilt system for the wheel - but I did not need to adjust the pedals.


Another little tidbit - the windshield wipers go in the proper direction unlike the GTO.

Great stuff DY, thank you. By chance, did it have an outside temp indicator? That was a little trinket I missed on my GTO. Not that it would make any difference in my purchasing decision (once I hit the Lotto, of course). ;)

The G8 order book says the rear view has a compass - not the temp but a gadget none the less

AH, great news DY. This is the first new car I have ever ordered. At age 64 I keep thinking that I won't live to drive it.

I would have looked for a used G8 GT, but.....well. :P~

DY,

Thanks for the info.

Great Job Jon. ;)

Regarding the outside temp display:

Check out the upgraded stereo / HVAC system - its on the LCD. I didn't notice one on the standard HVAC system. It might have been in the LCD system somewhere, but I wouldn't count on it.
I saw what appeared to be an inside temp display on the upgraded HVAC system, but since that display said 75 degrees and your review said it was 30 degrees outside, I figured it was just reading the inside temp.

Does that display change to outside temp after a few moments, like the one in the TrailBlazer (for example)?

Thanks and Merry Christmas-

Sorry I was going off of memory. There is an EXT Temp because I asked about it. To be honest I had little sleep and drove from Detroit to Toronto right after and tried to write it all down late that night going off of memory. :)

This picture

http://www.g8board.com/08G8/images/009b.jpg

Bottom left button on the HVAC controls

Thanks for the info DY

Happy Holidays and have a safe New Year everyone.

The one question I have is: Did the automatic rev-match on downshifts? That's a make-or-break for me, believe it or not.

Thanks for the writeup, btw.

Yes thanx much for the review.

Any additional info would be welcome especially on the V6 model.

Thanks for posting!

Any indication of "rev match on downshift" in the G8 GT w/the A6 trans???

Thanks!

- Ray
With a GM V8 & A6 - but no "rev match on downshift"....

Nice! I've been looking at G8 info all over the web, and its always the same stuff.

Finally something different. :)

This picture

http://www.g8board.com/08G8/images/009b.jpg

Bottom left button on the HVAC controls
Very cool, thank you!

Great article!! Most GM US ECUs will advance timing for octane. Will the processor on the G8? If yes I'm running 94, or maybe even miking in 10% 106 octane E85. I wonder how close to maxed out the injectors are?

Great article!! Most GM US ECUs will advance timing for octane. Will the processor on the G8? If yes I'm running 94, or maybe even miking in 10% 106 octane E85. I wonder how close to maxed out the injectors are?

Actually, none of them will. If they are tuned FOR high octane then yes they will run higher timing. They dont "advance it" on thier own, unless of course you've been running horrible gas and pinged it into the low octane table. The calibration in the G8GT is setup to run on 87 octane and achieved the 361HP on 87 octane BP fuel.

Just some other notes I found interesting about our little journey.

-The fuel door, this thing is hilarious.. you push on it to unlock it and it springs open no more button. It DOES however lock when you lock the doors!

-Ride is remarkably good, even with four people in the car.

-Power is smooth and well delivered although when we romped on it we DID get some wheel hop which is pretty bad in the back seat hehe. It definately seemed better than the GTO!

-Seats, my God someone finally did it.. these seats are actually BETTER than the GTO's! I know, unheard of.. The materials are also incredibly touchy feely hehe

I'll add more as I remember but man its a pretty sweet car :D

I totally forgot to mention the fuel door!

As far as rev match, I believe so...but due to conditions it was not as if we were pulling mad G's in corners and down shifting.

I totally forgot to mention the fuel door!

As far as rev match, I believe so...but due to conditions it was not as if we were pulling mad G's in corners and down shifting.

hmmmmmm....

Thanks!
- Ray
In need of a test drive....

We werent? Oh yeah.. we werent LOL :D

-The fuel door, this thing is hilarious.. you push on it to unlock it and it springs open no more button. It DOES however lock when you lock the doors!thanks so much for the review, additional info, and great to hear about the seats being even better than the GTO's!

Regarding the fuel door, the operation you discuss is pretty standard on European cars for years, push to open and lock the doors and it locks. Only problems (minor) are that now the fuel door has an electric actuator that can wear and break (I know from experience) and 2, for women, they have to unlock their door to open the fuel door (for when they are in less than desirable neighborhoods ;) )

I am still ( more than a litte bit ) annoyed that
the filler is on the right side.

Virtually every gas station I have seen is set up expecting that the fuel filler will be on the left....

And in a busy station, pulling in on the ** LEFT ** side of a row of pumps - when almost every other driver is heading toward you - can be an issue...

(( sigh ))

Hmm I rent a lot of cars and I find them to be about half and half. ANd of the cars I've owned it's been about half and half. Most of the stations I have seen you come in the driveway and there is a row of pumps. You pick the pump on the side of your filler door. No big drama.

What were your impressions of the V8's exhaust?
Note?
Tone?
Loudness?
Inside & outside?

Thanks!
- Ray
Addicted to the distinctive, heterodyne beat of V8 exhaust . . .

:gears:What were your impressions of the V8's exhaust?
Note?
Tone?
Loudness?
Inside & outside?

Thanks!
- Ray
Addicted to the distinctive, heterodyne beat of V8 exhaust . . .
Yeah! What Ray asked. :gears:

What were your impressions of the V8's exhaust?
Note?
Tone?
Loudness?
Inside & outside?

Thanks!
- Ray
Addicted to the distinctive, heterodyne beat of V8 exhaust . . .

Note, typical V8 production nothing crazy
Tone, relatively deep
Loudness, not really unless you are in the back seat with the passthrough open LOL

Inside easily livable, outside not sure didnt hear it.

I am still ( more than a litte bit ) annoyed that
the filler is on the right side.

Virtually every gas station I have seen is set up expecting that the fuel filler will be on the left....

And in a busy station, pulling in on the ** LEFT ** side of a row of pumps - when almost every other driver is heading toward you - can be an issue...

(( sigh ))

Generally (since inception in Australia) Commodore have been right hand side fuelling where Ford are left hand side.

Mike

Nice article! I do however have a question.

You told us the technical aspects of the stereo but how does it SOUND? The gto's stereo looked like it would sound good on paper but it sounded like crap! I'm hoping it sounds close to the stereo in my g6. Please tell me your impressions.

Nice article! I do however have a question.

You told us the technical aspects of the stereo but how does it SOUND? The gto's stereo looked like it would sound good on paper but it sounded like crap! I'm hoping it sounds close to the stereo in my g6. Please tell me your impressions.

Sounds great, we cranked the GT's stereo up pretty damn high with no distortion.

And no rattling!!?? :)

I love crisp sound, but when you've got rattling plastic accompanying the bass drum...... its maddening.

Sounds great, we cranked the GT's stereo up pretty damn high with no distortion.


Good to hear. I wonder if we'll be able to do the "Bass Mod", and turn up the gain level on the amp?

That's what the GTO guys did, right?

Note, typical V8 production nothing crazy
Tone, relatively deep
Loudness, not really unless you are in the back seat with the passthrough open LOL

Inside easily livable, outside not sure didnt hear it.

unfortunately the Australian rules mean exhaust drive-by noise is ridiculously quiet, so apparently the note was 'tuned' to be heard more on the inside of the cabin.

the initial start of the motor sounds awesome, instantly noticeable its a V8, but it does quieten down at idle. not sure about full-throttle, the speed limits around work are lower than most carparks!

unfortunately the Australian rules mean exhaust drive-by noise is ridiculously quiet, so apparently the note was 'tuned' to be heard more on the inside of the cabin.

the initial start of the motor sounds awesome, instantly noticeable its a V8, but it does quieten down at idle. not sure about full-throttle, the speed limits around work are lower than most carparks!

Thanks!
Q:
Is the G8 also built with the exact same exhaust as the Holden version???
Since the 'rules' here are different?
- Ray

And no rattling!!?? :)

I love crisp sound, but when you've got rattling plastic accompanying the bass drum...... its maddening.

I dont recall any ratteling but then again by that point I was half deaf LOL :D

Its a very solid car. I can check on the exhaust. The GT had a nice exhaust for a factory car. I am sure that it is similar to the Commodore, but if the specific mufflers or resonators are the same I'd have to confirm that with Pontiac.

Any word on when an all season high performance tire option will be available on the GT with the 19" rims? For those of us desiring that option and living anywhere but the "smile states", as Mr Lutz puts it, the AS tires are a must.

Any word on when an all season high performance tire option will be available on the GT with the 19" rims? For those of us desiring that option and living anywhere but the "smile states", as Mr Lutz puts it, the AS tires are a must.

I'd get the performance tires and use dedicated winter tires. I can't imagine a rear wheel drive car like the G8 would do well even with all seasons. IMHO all seasons do nothing well (summer or winter).

To survive winters I'd use something like Nokia Hakka's (maybe even studded).

I'd get the performance tires and use dedicated winter tires. I can't imagine a rear wheel drive car like the G8 would do well even with all seasons. IMHO all seasons do nothing well (summer or winter).

To survive winters I'd use something like Nokia Hakka's (maybe even studded).

I agree:popcorn2:

See, I'm not looking for "winter" traction, in the Pacific NW we have rain 9 months out of the year and summer tires are the pits for "wet" traction. A top of the line AS will give you excellent "wet" and "dry" traction and fair snow traction. If I were looking at a lot of snow conditions, I'd go dedicated winter tires, but seeing as what we need is something for 9 months out of the year, its hardly worth switching to winter tires.

I am still ( more than a litte bit ) annoyed that
the filler is on the right side.

Virtually every gas station I have seen is set up expecting that the fuel filler will be on the left....

And in a busy station, pulling in on the ** LEFT ** side of a row of pumps - when almost every other driver is heading toward you - can be an issue...

(( sigh ))

I know what you are saying, but the G8 will now match my 91 mustang.

should make it setup more like the stations in Australia, basically a general rule, all cars drive in and out the same direction (whatever side of the road the station is on) which is handy as my fuel filler is on the left side, and most other cars are on the right, so the lane i want is normally free!

and if someone comes in the wrong direction, just park in front of them :P

should make it setup more like the stations in Australia, basically a general rule, all cars drive in and out the same direction (whatever side of the road the station is on) which is handy as my fuel filler is on the left side, and most other cars are on the right, so the lane i want is normally free!

and if someone comes in the wrong direction, just park in front of them :P

Thats right. The first driveway is always the entry point.

So if your on the opposite side you pull into the 2nd driveway.

The only thing that annoys me with the fuel filler being on the right is when I used to forget because my previous car had it on the left. Otherwise.... its a fuel door. I don't see how that can be listed as a design screw up... The aussie's drive it on the right...

Why would they waste money to redesign it for the fuel filler on the other side.

Thats right. The first driveway is always the entry point.

So if your on the opposite side you pull into the 2nd driveway.


I see a right side fuel door as a benefit. The right side of most gas station islands always seem to be lined up more then the left side (ex: Costco).

Refueling from the left side of the pumps could speed up the process.

Complaining about what side the fuel fill in on? How much trouble do you guys really have? I hope for you people it's not that hard to find an empty Isle or back it in is it?

I'm just asking is fueling that big of an issue.

Complaining about what side the fuel fill in on? How much trouble do you guys really have? I hope for you people it's not that hard to find an empty Isle or back it in is it?

I'm just asking is fueling that big of an issue.

+1 Also if you some how run out of gas and pull off road you would be refueling out of the path of traffic....lets get back to HP/torque, ride etc..

Amen to that :p

Good write up, but damn I still have to wait for the 09's though.

I have already been sold on the G8 GT. I will say its a bit upsetting that there will be no Bluetooth or Nav available at launch if ever. What really gets me is that the SS-V spoiler wont be available at all. Thats just pathetic. GM/Holden/Pontiac lets be smart here, make as many options available at launch as possible. Now I am sure someone will figure out how to get the spoiler on the car (and when you do let me know) but people have been waiting for this car and will want to option it however they want. So while there still are a few months to official launch, GM lets get this right.

Jon's review made gminsidenews:

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59027

What really gets me is that the SS-V spoiler wont be available at all.

It will be an option for the 09' model year.

I'm wondering, would an aftermarket Bluetooth kit be easily integrated into the car? If it had a "phone" input, then an aftermarket kit from Motorola or Parrot might work.

I wonder if the Aussie BT or the OnStar uses this input on the radio that can be used with an aftermarket kit instead.

It will be an option for the 09' model year.

I certainly hope so. But what about those of us that want one this year. Do I have to wait another year to get the car I want? If I do wait, I will just get the GXP and call it a day.

Looking at the marketing brochure somebody posted last week, it says the target demographic is men 35-45 who may have families. I think the percentage of the target market who want the bigass spoiler is tiny, like 10% or less. I am firmly in the target demo and I don't want any part of that spoiler. Stealth is the key. :D

I'm wondering, would an aftermarket Bluetooth kit be easily integrated into the car? If it had a "phone" input, then an aftermarket kit from Motorola or Parrot might work.

I wonder if the Aussie BT or the OnStar uses this input on the radio that can be used with an aftermarket kit instead.

From what I heard from DY was a guess that if you disable OnStar, then you can add the Bluetooth kit. Can't have both, some kind of voice interference between the systems that GM was trying to work out. GTPrix or DY can clarify probably more than I can, or it'd turn into a very bad telephone game. But I bet someone will figure it out by May if the cars come out in March.

It's a shame they added so much tacky chrome trim around the windows and grilles for the US version of this car. It really looks awful compared to the Commodore and makes the style of the car harder to work with for those of us that want to tweak it.

There's also no reason we shouldn't be getting anything the Commodore offers like the big spoiler as an option. We aren't getting the interesting colors, the spoiler, or the manual transmission on a performance car, but they thought it would be important to add cylinder deactivation? Why on Earth do they think people in the market for a V8 muscle car have fuel economy as a high priority? It's not or we would be buying something else.

I am still ( more than a litte bit ) annoyed that
the filler is on the right side.

Virtually every gas station I have seen is set up expecting that the fuel filler will be on the left....

And in a busy station, pulling in on the ** LEFT ** side of a row of pumps - when almost every other driver is heading toward you - can be an issue...

(( sigh ))

I drive a GTO and believe me it is not an issue, in fact you generally get a spot much faster than everyone else that has to fill on the driver's side. You also don't whack your door on anything as you're getting out.

Thanks for the write up DY. I have a question and I don't recall seeing any info on it anywhere else, does the Information Screen have an option for MPH like our GTOs have? I know alot of GP owners love their HUD and since the G8 won't be getting one I know this feature would be helpful.

Thanks for the write up DY. I have a question and I don't recall seeing any info on it anywhere else, does the Information Screen have an option for MPH like our GTOs have? I know alot of GP owners love their HUD and since the G8 won't be getting one I know this feature would be helpful.

Sorry, I do not recall all the screens selections. I recall it being very similar to the GTO but the tire pressure was new. I was taking note and photos of new things that caught my eye.

Thanks for the write up DY. I have a question and I don't recall seeing any info on it anywhere else, does the Information Screen have an option for MPH like our GTOs have? I know alot of GP owners love their HUD and since the G8 won't be getting one I know this feature would be helpful.

I have wondered the same thing. The VE Commodores do show KPH and also Nav directions (similar to the HUD in the GP).

Chip

I have wondered the same thing. The VE Commodores do show KPH and also Nav directions (similar to the HUD in the GP).

Chip

The DIC will display OnStar turn by turn directions.

The DIC will display OnStar turn by turn directions.

Thanks. That will help bridge the gap a little since no Nav is currently available.

BTW, great writeup. I appreciate the real info you and CW have been able to provide, especially some insight into the NAV, Bluetooth, and XM issues. I was wondering if you could provide some additional details around the NAV issues (is it positioning, software lockout on motion, etc.?). While it appears that Pontiac has an interest in providing all of those items in an integrated package, it looks as though they (Pontiac) were involved too late in the design cycle or Holden was not familiar with some of the US laws. I know I heard that very thing on the lack of a HUD (certain design parameters had already been locked in by the time Pontiac was asking about a HUD).

Thanks.

The odd part about it .... it's not a law, just a suggestion. No OEM has implemented a system against the suggestion yet. Fines or forcing the suggestion into a law is not worth it at this point. I think that is why they worked so hard to integrate the turn by turn directions.

I guess my question may have been more about what part is not complying with the suggestion. I ask because it seems from my reading that the NHTSA guidelines/suggestions (specifically thought on the "15 second" rule) reflect not only US thought but European and Japanese suggestions/guidelines/research. I think that was why I was initially surprised to hear no Nav because of guidelines. SAE seemed to internationally have common thought on this that should have Holden much more in sync with the NHTSA guidelines.

I guess my question may have been more about what part is not complying with the suggestion.

It was not the unit or software. It was more the center stack and viewing angles.

OK. Thanks for that bit of info.

I would be interested about what you find out about us (consumers) being able to get the Holden unit and receiving US data maps.

Also, I saw this and found it interesting: http://www.cobracaralarms.com.au/Text/1146719020816-7917/Satellite-Navigation

Look for the one for Holden. Not sure if the pieces are there since we will not have a NAV button.

I drive a GTO and believe me it is not an issue, in fact you generally get a spot much faster than everyone else that has to fill on the driver's side. You also don't whack your door on anything as you're getting out.

You know, I never thought about the door ding scenario. I suppose which side of the car the gas door is on is no bother for GTO owner/former owners. :thumbsup:

Sorry, I do not recall all the screens selections. I recall it being very similar to the GTO but the tire pressure was new. I was taking note and photos of new things that caught my eye.

Yeah, if it were me I probably wouldn't have bothered to look either. Too much other new stuff going on. :)

Although I did find this. At least the SSV has it so there IS a possibility that the G8 will have it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdmXNvJvFBI

hey nice VID man. That just makes me want it more.:turbonaughtdy_1:

Man, I have been watching this car since I first heard about it and now I am not so sure. I love the engine and the look, but how does Pontiac expect to compete with the German/Japanese sedans without offering simple Nav and Bluetooth????? I understand they are trying to milk the OnStar thing, but this is ridiculous........

Does anyone know if this car has automatic up on the front windows?

Thats the only feature I'd really miss.

I dont believe it had auto up, I know it had auto down.

Man, I have been watching this car since I first heard about it and now I am not so sure. I love the engine and the look, but how does Pontiac expect to compete with the German/Japanese sedans without offering simple Nav and Bluetooth????? I understand they are trying to milk the OnStar thing, but this is ridiculous........

I felt the same way when I found about the lack of Nav. There is talk of some promising options for the 09MY which may be available towards the end of 08. I am also interested in factory cat-back exhaust, blue-tooth, CAI, high-wing spoiler, and the DVD screens in the headrest. I am going to wait and see what happens. None of this is a deal breaker for me. The extra few months will give me some time to pay off credit debt and let the people who have to have them first, get them.

Does anyone know if this car has automatic up on the front windows?

Thats the only feature I'd really miss.

Nope. I specifically asked that. My buddy's 525 has it. There are some safety concerns, but over all more complexity and electronics that go into that style of a system. They'd rather put that effort into the nav / stereo area that they hope to improve.

Thanks!
Q:
Is the G8 also built with the exact same exhaust as the Holden version???
Since the 'rules' here are different?
- Ray

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9940#post9940

One more question:

Did you notice \ do you recall if the driver & passenger seat bottoms adjust for angle? Meaning you can adjust the front or rear height individually?

Thanks,
- Ray
Still yet to sit in one, let alone drive one . . .

Ray, The seats in my SSEi are 12 way adjustable including 4 way lumbar. Since the premium PKG gets you 8 way adjustable heated leather in the G8 my guess is yes.

Ray, The seats in my SSEi are 12 way adjustable including 4 way lumbar. Since the premium PKG gets you 8 way adjustable heated leather in the G8 my guess is yes.


Latest information I have seen from GM \ Pontiac is 6-way w/Premium Pkg:

Premium Package, includes leather seating surfaces, (KA1) driver and passenger
heated seats, (AJ6) 6-way power driver seat adjuster, (AQ5) 6-way power front
passenger seat adjuster, rear center armrest, (VY7) leather-wrapped shift lever and (NP5) leather-wrapped steering wheel

Latest information I have seen from GM \ Pontiac is 6-way w/Premium Pkg:

Premium Package, includes leather seating surfaces, (KA1) driver and passenger
heated seats, (AJ6) 6-way power driver seat adjuster, (AQ5) 6-way power front
passenger seat adjuster, rear center armrest, (VY7) leather-wrapped shift lever and (NP5) leather-wrapped steering wheel
You are correct Ray. Guess I have the number 8 on my mind. :nuts:

hey nice VID man. That just makes me want it more.:turbonaughtdy_1:

Testify! :yumyum:

I went to the New York International Auto Show and saw the G8. I sat in the GT, front and back. The body looks beautiful and construction appears much better than the GTO. Good headroom and hip room in the back. However, the interior still suffers from cheap and flimsy materials. There is an Ipod plug but no controller to allow operating the Ipod from the steering wheel. The GXP was also on display and the model said it would go on sale in the fall as a 2009. It appears to have superior sport seats but I could not get a better look at the interior.

In conclusion, from its appearance, this is no BMW. Perhaps performance-wise it is able to put on a better showing. You're getting what you're paying. I'm a bit disappointed because I had high hopes for buying a US car. I'll be waiting for the GXP to see if that may measure up.:(

Nice one mate. Good review, DY. On the hammer when it comes to detail. Now you're thinking like us Aussies do. Great to see you appreciate the G8. There's more variants to come as well. Keep an eye out for the HSV Clubsport. That has the 6.2 litre LS3 with worked motor and totally awesome bits and pieces to make it look and go faster. Have a llok. HSV Ute as well. And Electro Magnetic Ride is available.

Coach, I agreed with your assesment when I first saw it at the Detroit autoshow. However, I was just at the dealer, which had two, and was able to get in one (it wasn't locked :)) and was more impressed than I was at the autoshow. I don't know if it was the sun light or a couple of the gauges with the red/blue or what it was but it definately was nicer than I remembered from the AS.

I'd recommend still seeing one at the dealer before taking it off your list.

Does anyone know if they are changing the tail lights on the 09'?

I'll post this review without having gone through the other reviews in the thread. I'll go back and read them when I'm done and see how the comparisons work out. I picked up my '08 G8 GT (which is white) one week ago today, and I just ticked past 500 miles on my way home from work today. Lots of touring around to try to break it in nicely. I'm trying to be thorough to be helpful.

Overall - awesome car. Especially for GM (which I'm proud and sad to say).

I have some criticisms. Please don't misinterpret them. I state them because I think this is a critical time for GM. There are some serious things that need to be addressed to improve this car. I appreciate the fact that this is a $30K car rather than a $50K car. But, these are not $20K updates. COMMON!!!! Take a minute, GM.

So. First impressions:

White is an absolutely gorgeous color on this car. I test drove a red one, and signed papers on a white one without having seen one. I couldn't even find a picture on the Internet of a white one as of a week ago. It's awesome.
The exterior design is superb. The front end is world class. Profile is excellent. The rear-end is really nothing special, but it's not like it makes it a bad car. It isn't horrible - it just seems like an after thought. Of course, I don't have any real suggestions here. Leave well enough alone, I suppose.
I noticed the front end hood gap (mentioned in a Cars.com vid and bimmer boards) the first time I washed the car Saturday. The fact that it is noticeable is not good. It's not a fortune, GM. Freaking bend the metal a little more.
The interior is really nice. Best GM interior I've seen in a long time. Fit is good. Finish is good. Not a lot of unfinished plastic molded edges left scruffy.
Instrumentation really sucks overall. The face-up analog gauges are a nice change for Pontiac, and have good contrast on them, but the "sport steering wheel" gets in the way of my speedometer over about 35 mph. The center DIC sucks DIC. I don't give a sh*t if "red" is your brand color. YOU CAN'T FREAKING SEE IT IN A DISPLAY. If you have sunglasses on during the day, forget about seeing the DIC or the information screen display. They have no resolution and just are not bright enough.
I don't really know what purpose the retarded "Space Invader" graphic showing battery charge and oil pressure is supposed to do, but all it's done for me is initiate the question of "what the ***** is that" from everyone who's gotten into my car. I assumed that you could change it or turn it off when I test drove it. WRONG!!!
Why no GPS? I hear it's the result of the exclusive deal with OnStar. They won't allow it. Well, OnStar was cool 5 years ago. Today, my iPhone does 70% of that. Emergency accident alert - awesome. Concierge - awesome. Get my keys out because I'm an idiot - awesome. Forget the directions. Forget the EXPENSIVE calling. Change the contract.
Sun roof - very disappointed. I have never had a factory power sunroof. Is it normal for the entire roof to vibrate over about 40 mph if you have it wide open? I've had a manual aftermarket roof before and drove much faster. I've got to close the roof to about the 2nd or 3rd dot to stop the vibrating. And, I'm talking about vibration that makes the RV mirror illegible.
Why on Earth is the airbag light on the mirror? WTF?!? Who came up with that? Put it in the retarded message light area. That thing is insanely bright at night too. Stupid stupid stupid. And, I'm not convinced it's not a hazard, to be honest.
Power is awesome in this car. It just oozes it. It intoxicates me even when I'm vexed at the moronic decisions noted above.
I saw a video that criticized the shifting of the automatic - especially in the first 3 gears. I have not experienced that. I think that the car is actually very smooth. Excellent after you drive it for a day or two and get more used to it.
I've gotten tons of looks and even more questions when I stop. I love this car so far.

I love the G8 GT. Wouldn't get rid of it for the world right now. But, there are several really small things that I think GM needs to take care of for '09 to make this a smash. It would get rid of so much of the "cheap American car" talk. Don't get me wrong - I'm not expecting excellence everywhere for $30K. I actually appreciate what I got for that amount. But, this is the "low hanging fruit" that could be picked off for next year to make the mass market G8 sing.

What were your impressions of the V8's exhaust?
Note?
Tone?
Loudness?
Inside & outside?

Thanks!
- Ray
Addicted to the distinctive, heterodyne beat of V8 exhaust . . .
I've found the G8 GT to be very mild in neighborhood conditions. Very quiet, really. Even standing behind it while idling is nothing to note. But, inside at least, when you put your foot down there is a distinctive and unmistakable V8 rumble. It's actually really cool. Not obnoxious at all, but apparent when it needs to be. Does that sound "refined" to anyone? ;)

Nice article! I do however have a question.

You told us the technical aspects of the stereo but how does it SOUND? The gto's stereo looked like it would sound good on paper but it sounded like crap! I'm hoping it sounds close to the stereo in my g6. Please tell me your impressions.
After about 3 days of messing around with the stereo, I've gotten it to sound decent. I don't find the preset EQ settings satisfactory at all though. I'm disappointed with the results from an 11 speaker "Blaupunkt" system. I thought that the Delco system in the '01 GMC Sierra SLT that I traded in was far superior. Far better range.

I dont recall any ratteling but then again by that point I was half deaf LOL :D
I can confirm no miscellaneous rattles or noises at least in the first week of "fun" driving

GOOD LUCK with your White G8 G.T. I ordered a WHITE HOT GT (luxury/sport/no sunroof) 6 weeks ago, SIGHT UNSEEN. I think that the color looks classy on this car. I just found out that it landed at the port of San Fran this past Monday. I can't wait to get it in a couple of weeks. My first new car was a 1989 BLACK Firebird Formula 350. I still have the car almost 20 years later but it's the hardest color to keep looking new. Finally Pontiac has brought some "EXCITEMENT" back.

Looking at the marketing brochure somebody posted last week, it says the target demographic is men 35-45 who may have families. I think the percentage of the target market who want the bigass spoiler is tiny, like 10% or less. I am firmly in the target demo and I don't want any part of that spoiler. Stealth is the key. :D
AMEN! to that. No bigass spoiler. Stealth is awesome. The best aspect of this Pontiac is that it is subtle AND stunning. People look, but only after a double-take. Then you snap their heads with power.

GOOD LUCK with your White G8 G.T. I ordered a WHITE HOT GT (luxury/sport/no sunroof) 6 weeks ago, SIGHT UNSEEN. I think that the color looks classy on this car. I just found out that it landed at the port of San Fran this past Monday. I can't wait to get it in a couple of weeks. My first new car was a 1989 BLACK Firebird Formula 350. I still have the car almost 20 years later but it's the hardest color to keep looking new. Finally Pontiac has brought some "EXCITEMENT" back.

You will LOVE it. Don't worry. It'll be the hottest car around. People's heads snap when I go down the street. It's crazy, really.

AMEN! to that. No bigass spoiler. Stealth is awesome. The best aspect of this Pontiac is that it is subtle AND stunning. People look, but only after a double-take. Then you snap their heads with power.

But i'm glad they are offering the high rise wing in 09' for us young folk.

I have to say that the white looks stunning in these G8s. Not too many buy white SS Commodores over here now - mainly because all the police pursuit cars are white coloured SS Commodores, I s'pose. I reckon you blokes get the better rear spoiler option too - the Commodore one is butt-ugly IMO.

Enjoy the cars lads.

Cheers,

Macca

So, I've been renting Cadillacs for the past year from National. Went to the DFW airport location to see if they had anything new and interesting, maybe something fast. Looking around, I noticed they had a white Pontiac G8. I thought, "Isn't that a pretty fast car?" Looked it up online from my phone and saw 361hp. So I walked back to the counter and asked if I could trade the Cadillac STS for the G8. (Both are "specialty" cars). They ran it through the computer and said, yes. And at no extra charge. Now, I know the STS should rent for more than the G8, but I was happy to have the variety and some wheel time in a really cool car. They put me in a regular G8, but I went back in and had them switch me into one of the G8 GT's that were on the lot. I really had trouble believing they had both kinds. But they also have Impalas and Impala SS's. Strange thing is, they don't charge a different price for the V8's. Most people wouldn't know or care about the difference. But I wasn't about to give up the STS for a regular G8. The car is amazing! It's super fast, handles great, looks great, is stable and steady with a terrific ride. I'm enjoying it so much, I'm not sure how long I'm going to keep it before switching back into another Cadillac. (And the Cadillacs are terrific cars too with plenty of power - so that's saying an awful lot for the G8 GT!) If you need a fix, go rent one!

Through Hertz Prestige collection I have rented previously
a Caddilac XLR , Audi 8L , Jaguar XKS( $75K cars), Audi S4 Cabrio

I think this year you can get an Audi A6 still, Hummer H2, and 08 Corvette,
maybe even the Shelby GT350H still
Hertz has been the leader in higher class rental cars since its first Shelby rental in 1966.

G8s and even the GT in rental car fleets already, yet there are dealers yet to receive one, even a Base model!?!?! What's wrong with this picture??????????:confused::huh::cursin::barf::eek 2::dunno::turbonaughtdy_1::bs:

Nevermind....

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=18925

I got White and love it.

AMEN! to that. No bigass spoiler. Stealth is awesome. The best aspect of this Pontiac is that it is subtle AND stunning. People look, but only after a double-take. Then you snap their heads with power.

Finally, some people who agree. I bought new a 2004 Comp G and a 2007 GXP and immediately had the rear spoilers removed. I thought they looked 100% better and posted some pics on the Grand Prix site. Boy, did I get flak there. Obviously a different mindset over there.

My wife works for Accenture and travels almost every week. She likes the little cars that they usually stick her in but over the past year has also driven a Jag, GMC 4X4 SUV, Mustang convertible, Caddy and others. Usually she gets stuck in a Mazda 3 or Mazda 6 but she likes those little pieces of crap. The only cars she won't accept are the Toyota's, she (and many other people) just feel that the Camry's, Corolla, Yaurs (whatever) all those little Toyota's have no personality and ride the same

NEWS FLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Pontiac has been canned .. Just heard it on the news... I replayed it several times to make sure I was not hearing things.....Pontiac is no more.....

:wink2: very nice!!!

I have the same K&N also and love it, I could have found it a little cheaper on ebay, but I wanted a valid warranty so I got it at here or you can try one of the vendors on the forum here, you can usually find a good deal that way as well. This was very easy to install and I love it.

IMHO, GM has/had an awesome car that was not advertised enough or were very lame in promoting it. Is unbelievable how many people have not heard or know what is a G8. Even my wife. Most people that sees it agree that is a nice ride by just the looks and the people that I gave them ride and even drive it, they just love it.

I think they could sold way more numbers if they ran a good campaign.

Perhaps is wishful thinking but I have hopes that GM just shelved Pontiac for few years.