Wouldn't that be pretty sweet? V8 G8 with 400+ horsepower and AWD, to take on the likes of the Audi RS4, etc.

it would be fun......i'd like to see at least 425hp with it

then slap on a maggie type blower!! :)

i would definitely go for an AWD model. i dont really like the current AWD options available in today's late model line-up. :attachment:

Wouldn't that be pretty sweet? V8 G8 with 400+ horsepower and AWD, to take on the likes of the Audi RS4, etc.

It would be great for holeshots:driving:

I just want it so I don't have to get a truck.

400/400 with AWD is quite nice :)

It would definetely be nice!

400/400 with AWD is quite nice :)

It would definetely be nice!

Indeed...!:eek2:

AWD would IMO make this car a direct competitor with an Audi RS4, which is one of my favorite cars out there, but it would be a hell of alot cheaper.

http://padrenet.com/hlink/smilies/ihi.gif

Padre

http://padrenet.com/hlink/smilies/ihi.gif

Padre

+1 :yumyum:

Yup a high powered AWD sedan with an GM small block would be sweet.

400/400 with AWD is quite nice :)

It would definetely be nice!

Yes it is:) Especially with a converter.

After a year though, I am feeling the need to smoke the tires more and more:burnout: :aus_flag:

I agree, looking out at all the snow in my drive, that AWD would be great. That is one reason I've been waiting to see the new CTS, and why I even have considered the MKZ (although it can't match the performance of the G8, even with a Jaguar on the hood)

AWD would be great! Zeta was designed with AWD capability from the start, in fact one of the clips in the video billion dollar baby is of a VE on one of those suspension shock machines and u can clearly see a front axl.

But It'll be up to you guys and the Euros (if they get it) to lobby for it because Holden tried AWD on the old whored out platform and it faild to produce sales. It was a fine system but too heavy, too inefficient and made the cars too expensive.

The system ought to be excellent on the Zeta chassis but they just need a reason to do it...

And if they do it, we'll ALL get it:)

Adam

I agree AWD would be a great option, after driving my brothers new STI I can see where it has alot of advantages, you can rip threw corners on the throttle that would put my GTO into the curb. If it did have it I would like 80/20 to the rear like BMW does so it still feels/ drives like a RWD car...

Wouldn't that be pretty sweet? V8 G8 with 400+ horsepower and AWD, to take on the likes of the Audi RS4, etc.

For your info, don't be surprised if you do see sooner than later because in the last series of Commodore 4WD was tested on both a wagon version and a Ute version. So the precedent is there for GM-H to develop it for the VE. The Zeta platform I have been told is capable of having the 4WD architecture. Oh we also had a 4wd version of the Monaro/GTO which was sold as a HSV Monaro.

For your info, don't be surprised if you do see sooner than later because in the last series of Commodore 4WD was tested on both a wagon version and a Ute version. So the precedent is there for GM-H to develop it for the VE. The Zeta platform I have been told is capable of having the 4WD architecture. Oh we also had a 4wd version of the Monaro/GTO which was sold as a HSV Monaro.

I sure hope so... :yumyum: :yumyum: :yumyum:

AWD would be nice but I am sure with the 2 tons of fun and all the safety systems the car would drive fine in bad weather

I'd buy AWD over standard RWD. I loved it in my 1990 Eclipse.

I'd love to have AWD.

The new CTS will get AWD as an option (Different chassis, I know - just saying). Probably will be a second/third year addition on the G8.

zeta can do awd. the engineered it out of the Camaro's version of zeta, but i think the rest still have the possibility

zeta can do awd. the engineered it out of the Camaro's version of zeta, but i think the rest still have the possibility

The Camaro's version is shortened quite a bit though, right?

AWD would be a good thing for us Nebraska boys.

AWD would be a good thing for us Nebraska boys.

I am looking for a break down of cars in snow states vs cars not in snow states.

And AWD is also nice in the rain.

The Camaro's version is shortened quite a bit though, right?

dont remember off hand but im pretty sure it is

I believe the VE architecture was designed to accept front differential for AWD in the future.;)

It will be interesting to see how they accomodate the front drive with a longitudinal engine, if the diff will go in front of the engine with the steering.

I hope you get it on the G8, because we might then stand a chance of getting it back here in Oz. Denney Mooney (Holden CEO and an expat American) has publicly stated that he is not keen on AWD on passenger cars, so our only hope is to piggy back on US demand. I miss the AWD I had on my Subaru - I got my Commodore bogged so many times in the first year...

I am looking for a break down of cars in snow states vs cars not in snow states.

And AWD is also nice in the rain.


AWD is amazing in the rain, you just drive as normal, wonderful.
Maybe they could lower the TBSS chassis and mount the G8 bod on it, hehe.

It will be interesting to see how they accomodate the front drive with a longitudinal engine, if the diff will go in front of the engine with the steering.

Look at the drivetrain of the HSV coupe 4 , basically an AWD GTO. It was an afterthought and needed mods to the chassis to get it to work,and the AWD system wasn't the best, but they did it. Very limited production and expensive also.

The GTO is rear steer with a front sump pan. Not sure if the VE (ie. G8) is the "typical" front steering rack with rear sump pan or not.

Look at the drivetrain of the HSV coupe 4 , basically an AWD GTO. It was an afterthought and needed mods to the chassis to get it to work,and the AWD system wasn't the best, but they did it. Very limited production and expensive also.

The GTO is rear steer with a front sump pan. Not sure if the VE (ie. G8) is the "typical" front steering rack with rear sump pan or not.

Nope Front steer. Here is a couple of pics.

http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/Physical_Prop_092.jpg?download=031445

http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/Physical_Prop_093.jpg?download=031444

crosstrac from the hsv,


http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o249/ericguy320/CrossTrac1.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o249/ericguy320/CrossTrac2.jpg

I would have moved the cross shaft back behind the flywheel, posibly incorporating into the transmission housing instead of going throught the oil pan. Cheaper to redesign the engine to put flywheel at front wit htiming gears to make space at the back. Sure the shafts would not be in a completely stragt line while driving straight, but that's why they are CV joints and not just cardan.

I would have moved the cross shaft back behind the flywheel, posibly incorporating into the transmission housing instead of going throught the oil pan. Cheaper to redesign the engine to put flywheel at front wit htiming gears to make space at the back. Sure the shafts would not be in a completely stragt line while driving straight, but that's why they are CV joints and not just cardan.

There is nothing different on the motor just the oil pan, The 5.3-6.0 Trailblazer and SSR has the same style oil pan with mounting location for the front diff and a hole, just the oil filter is not in the same location as the HSV

I hope you get it on the G8, because we might then stand a chance of getting it back here in Oz. Denney Mooney (Holden CEO and an expat American) has publicly stated that he is not keen on AWD on passenger cars, so our only hope is to piggy back on US demand. I miss the AWD I had on my Subaru - I got my Commodore bogged so many times in the first year...

Denney, looking at the Australian marketplace, may have a point. Maybe the Aussies don't need an AWD version, I don't know. But Lutz and Pontiac had better not jump the shark on this one. The G8 needs AWD to be competitive in the US/Canadian marketplace in the colder climate States.

Even if the std. RWD was O-K in snow and ice, there simply are too many keen competitors in the same price range with AWD and variations of RWD/AWD like the Infinitis. Consumers WANT it and people who would otherwise think seriously about a G8 will take their dollars elsewhere if it only has RWD. Competing with the big boys means engineering must catch up to the competition and the competition is fierce. Failing to provide AWD will cost them hundreds, if not thousands of lost unit sales.

I'd certainly get the AWD option, though I could live without it.

Strictly from a handling standpoint, Ford believes (and two groups of 150 drivers as well) that AWD can be what beats Honda and Toyota. And on teh Fusion it costs less than $2k. I would spring for that in a heartbeat. Right now it may come down to the wire and a CTS with AWD may win over the G8 without.

Holden will likely come up with AWD variants of the VE, which bodes well for us. The HSV Avalanche wagon from a few years ago was extremely hot.

I'd like to see AWD in a 400hp sedan...although, that would make for a tough decision.

You'd have to get all 4 of the wheel/tires the same, so no staggering because the overall diameters would be slightly different and therefore cause increased wear on the drivetrain.

So I'd surely go for the AWD version if it will fit a 275 width tire on all 4 corners. And of course if the AWD version had the largest/most powerful V8 option available.

Otherwise, I'd probably stick to the RWD because I already have an AWD toy.

I am not sure I would want to give up the performance that Audi seems to have wasted. Edmund's best time for an A6 quattro with the new 4.2 350hp V8 was 7.1 seconds 0-60. What a slug. And $55k to start with.

Yea, I guess the A6 is maybe closer in size to the G8, but the S4 though does much better than the A6 quattro.

4.2 420HP, 0-60 in 5.3 seconds with the 6-speed, and starting at a (slightly) better price of $47k

I looked a couple of A4's, at what I thought was a reasonable price of about $33k-$35k, until I realized that these only have the 2.0 engine, and are only 2wd.

Take a look at the new MY2008 Saab, which will have awd even though starting as a fwd, and tell me that the Saab designers did or did not borrow a pen from the Holden group.
http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2007/05/2008_saab_93_he.html

I have AWD in my current car, it's fun as hell, but I'd stick with RWD if I went with the G8. They probably wouldn't have a manual available with the AWD anyway.

It would be good, but it still wouldn't be in RS4 territory.

If they'd make a V8 AWD version, I'd buy it for sure. Otherwise, I won't even be considering it.

If they'd make a V8 AWD version, I'd buy it for sure. Otherwise, I won't even be considering it.

That's why as I gaze outside today at 3-6" of new snow on the road that the CTS is still on my radar. It will be interesting once the CTS arrives in Oz and the Holden engineers have a chance to flog these around they may see the merit I do in an awd option. At msrp from less than $1000 to no more than $2000 on most sedans in this class it is certainly cheap enough of an option. (CTS $1900)

If they do make the G8 with an AWD option, which is a major IF right now, I'd bet dollars to donuts that it will only be an option on the V6 model.

Take a look at the new MY2008 Saab, which will have awd even though starting as a fwd, and tell me that the Saab designers did or did not borrow a pen from the Holden group.
http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2007/05/2008_saab_93_he.html

I believe that is a Subbie pen being used.

I believe that is a Subbie pen being used.

Uhhhh, Saab? Can you say GM company? Global design studios ring a bell?:boink::us_flag:

What is life without rubber-melting wheelspin and clouds of stinky white smoke?

It ain't nuthin', that's what! :oldfogey: :burnout:

What is life without rubber-melting wheelspin and clouds of stinky white smoke?

It ain't nuthin', that's what! :oldfogey: :burnout:

You can still have that; you just need real skinny tires and a whole bunch o' power.

You can still have that; you just need real skinny tires and a whole bunch o' power.
Hmmm. Refit the G8 to take bike tires?

Hmmm. Refit the G8 to take bike tires?

Think 28's will fit in the wheelwells, or will we have to be happy with 24's?:gears: Don't want to have to resort to 20's, that's BMX size!:boink:

Hmmm. Refit the G8 to take bike tires?
Sure. Make them solid instead of pneumatic and you have 2-3 minutes of fun! :shiner:

I Really Like The G8 And I Want One When They Come Out, But I Live Where We Get Snow, And That Would Be The Only Car That I Would Have. N Would Need The Awd And I Know If The Dont Come Out With This As An Option Then I Will Go To A Different Car. My Wife Had A Cts Before The Came Out With The Awd Option And It Was Really Bad In The Snow, It Had Traction Control And Everything But Its Still Did Not Help. So Awd Is Really Needed In Places Where You Get Snow, And With All The 361hp I Think It Awd Would Give The Car A Better Feel With Grip To The Road, So Plaese Have Awd As An Option Because I Know There Are Other Out There That Feel The Same Way

I Really Like The G8 And I Want One When They Come Out, But I Live Where We Get Snow, And That Would Be The Only Car That I Would Have. N Would Need The Awd And I Know If The Dont Come Out With This As An Option Then I Will Go To A Different Car. My Wife Had A Cts Before The Came Out With The Awd Option And It Was Really Bad In The Snow, It Had Traction Control And Everything But Its Still Did Not Help. So Awd Is Really Needed In Places Where You Get Snow, And With All The 361hp I Think It Awd Would Give The Car A Better Feel With Grip To The Road, So Plaese Have Awd As An Option Because I Know There Are Other Out There That Feel The Same Way

Hey Welcome to the site! AWD is probably a nice idea, but doubt you'll see it real soon on a G8. Cadillac will own that territory for awhile. Maybe something other than the OEM tires and some classes on winter driving. Some of us oldtimers have driven rear wheel drive in snow for eons without much trouble. No matter what you do, it isn't going to be like driving on a warm, dry road! Proceed with caution should be your watchword!:oldfogey:

Everyone should just buy a G8 in RWD and then buy an old beater 4WD/AWD for the snowy times of year :) Thats my plan, I've already got the beater (soon to be race car actually)... now I just need the manual G8 to arrive!

Ill stick with the rear drive...how many 4 second cars run 4 wheel drive? oh ya they get by with just 2 wheel... :)

id like to see this car in awd, would be nice to drive in any weather, and would love to see it off the line

I was wishing the G8 would have an AWD variant but I can't see it being much of a benefit in very many situations. Off the line, you'll use the AWD for less than a second then it'll just be extra weight (and cost). In bad weather (primary reason for me), I reason that four-wheel ABS is much more important than AWD. Do AWD drivers punch the gas when they start slipping? I hope not.

G8 with AWD and manual transmission... I would pay alot of money for that.

I was wishing the G8 would have an AWD variant but I can't see it being much of a benefit in very many situations. Off the line, you'll use the AWD for less than a second then it'll just be extra weight (and cost). In bad weather (primary reason for me), I reason that four-wheel ABS is much more important than AWD. Do AWD drivers punch the gas when they start slipping? I hope not.

AWD will lower MPG averages but does comes with great traction all weather. But I loved RWD in the snow all I have to do is avoid the rear end from coming forward.

An awd G8 would be sick

an SWD G8 would be cool for a little while. but then it wouldent be a muscle car any more. it would be great for bad ass 60' times, snow and other weather conditions. but after that it would be a heave pig and due to the front end drag, top speeds would drop. drifting would be virtualy out of the picture. and then when you do create 600+ hp and 600+ lb-ft, there is that much more stuff to go wrong. also, its another diff. to do a ring and pinion swap when doing ratios. i say stick with the rwd and a big V-8 and just get a junker for the snow. cause i would be concerned aobut some other driver hitting my G8 in the snow with their junker.

an SWD G8 would be cool for a little while. but then it wouldent be a muscle car any more. it would be great for bad ass 60' times, snow and other weather conditions. but after that it would be a heave pig and due to the front end drag, top speeds would drop. drifting would be virtualy out of the picture. and then when you do create 600+ hp and 600+ lb-ft, there is that much more stuff to go wrong. also, its another diff. to do a ring and pinion swap when doing ratios. i say stick with the rwd and a big V-8 and just get a junker for the snow. cause i would be concerned aobut some other driver hitting my G8 in the snow with their junker.

Out of all of that the only thing tat you said that made any remote sense was how problems are created when making alot of power and torque. and that applies to any car despite awd or rwd. Your opinion is just that, an opinion.

And btw how many awd cars have you ever known to do gear swaps? Nothing you said in your post is a valid reason not to make an AWD G8.

AWD is absolutely sick......my last 1996 Audi A6 Quattro had a puny 2.8Liter V6 @178Hp. But when I mashed the gas on black ice........it was mind boggeling how it could stabilize the vehicle.