:cool:Hundred Mill Dollar Bill here.:cool:

Lately i have seen several postings about people saying that the GXP wasnt really worth the money. I have my heart set on one, but im just curious to hear everyone's honest opinion about the GXP, positive and negative, now that its close to being released.

This isnt so much as the same thread as the one asking who is getting a GXP, So if you have a GT but you still like the GXP, your postitive posts are welcome.

I'm getting a GXP. I feel that it is worth it. I want a manual transmission and the other options. I really don't mind that they don't look that much different than the regular GT. I don't think the GT is a bad looking car. I only wish the rims/tires were wider.

IMHO, she's worth it.
I know the performance numbers aren't remarkably better than the GT, but, I think it's the totality of the package that makes it better. I know you can mod and I probably will do a few to my GXP too, however, GM has spent a lot of money to put together a great performing TOTAL vehicle and I don't believe you can simply say, yeah I can buy a GT and spend the difference and get a better car. Better is far too subjective, and that's a bit like comparing apples and oranges, yes they are both generally round and grow on tree's but they are vastly different in flavor and nourishment.
That's my 2 cents worth anyway.
Thanx for listening,
Kevin:)

I think what people mean is for the difference in $$$ they can add a bunch more power on there own. For the manual guys it's the only G8 for ya! I wanted a manual but this auto is DAMN good and in manual mode almost as fun IMO. :)

I will be getting one, price kinda scares me but I need a manual. I think the performance will be a greater gap when people get more seat time. Good buy unless you want auto then I would go GT.

IMHO, she's worth it.
I know the performance numbers aren't remarkably better than the GT, but, I think it's the totality of the package that makes it better. I know you can mod and I probably will do a few to my GXP too, however, GM has spent a lot of money to put together a great performing TOTAL vehicle and I don't believe you can simply say, yeah I can buy a GT and spend the difference and get a better car. Better is far too subjective, and that's a bit like comparing apples and oranges, yes they are both generally round and grow on tree's but they are vastly different in flavor and nourishment.
That's my 2 cents worth anyway.
Thanx for listening,
Kevin:)

Totally agree with everything you just said.

They really shouldnt have detuned the LS3. I dont think the GXP will be faster than a vette even with the same amount of horses.

If it didn't have a manual tranny, then no.

With the manual, its the ONLY G8 to get... I think that folks who can't drive stick cannot appreciate how much better a car can feel when you are in COMPLETE control.

Numerically its not that much (if at all) faster in most cases, but I'll bet that it will FEEL alot faster since you can choose the gear you want to be in.

Yeah its a lot of money, but its also going to command a LOT more money at resale (due to the exclusivity).

I'm totally convinced this car is going to be the BEST car GM produces for a long time to come! OK... that CTS-V is purty nice too... but I can't afford it so it doesn't count! :-)

~LSx

I suppose its only worth it if you're set on a manual.

But if I had the money, I would go with a GT and add as many mods as possible to have the ultimate sleeper.

I suppose its only worth it if you're set on a manual.

But if I had the money, I would go with a GT and add as many mods as possible to have the ultimate sleeper.

This is my thinking too.

Also, per your sig, if you really are going to put 24's on it just get a V6. Whats to point of waisting the money on a fast car if you are just going to slow it down with those things?

ill say it again, if your sig is true and you are getting 24"s...

then they would negate the GXP's more rigid suspension

but then again you might need that extra power so you could maybe keep up with a GT

IMO in the G8s view....the GXP's largest difference is the M6 option...

you can get a G8 GT to GXP numbers with not much work, you can also upgrade the suspension beyond what the GXP has but unless you want to spend a LOAD of money...your stuck with an auto

so ask yourself if you really want that M6

If it didn't have a manual tranny, then no.

With the manual, its the ONLY G8 to get... I think that folks who can't drive stick cannot appreciate how much better a car can feel when you are in COMPLETE control.


~LSx

sorry.

if they offered a damn M6 for the G8 GT i would have opted for it, but they didn't and even though there are other manual cars out there that i could have bought, none of them made me as happy when driving it as the G8 GT. And I was not going to wait for next year to get a M6 for 10k more, i can drive stick but obviously will not be as good as someone who drives one daily

GM should have put an M6 in the GT and pumped the GXP up a little more with lets say a blower

This is my thinking too.

Also, per your sig, if you really are going to put 24's on it just get a V6. Whats to point of waisting the money on a fast car if you are just going to slow it down with those things?

I just noticed that im probably the only guy that wants a GXP in an auto....

Its the power and sound of the V8 im after. I may put the factory wheels back on and take her to the track from time to time, but for the most part she'll be a weekend cruiser. Ima have to break her in before i put the 4s on though!:driving:

ill say it again, if your sig is true and you are getting 24"s...

then they would negate the GXP's more rigid suspension

but then again you might need that extra power so you could maybe keep up with a GT

IMO in the G8s view....the GXP's largest difference is the M6 option...

you can get a G8 GT to GXP numbers with not much work, you can also upgrade the suspension beyond what the GXP has but unless you want to spend a LOAD of money...your stuck with an auto

so ask yourself if you really want that M6


If that was referring to me then i'd prefer an auto.

GM should have put an M6 in the GT and pumped the GXP up a little more with lets say a blower

Couldn't agree more! If I could get a manual GT I WOULD!

But, since that will never happen, then here we are with the GXP.

Ah shucks.

I'm not so sure about the blowered GXP... the mileage figures would have been EVEN WORSE than where we are.

Maybe a turbo-D.I. 3.6L V6 would have been better... better mileage AND power!

~LSx

Bill, if you really don't want a manual transmission then I would think you would lean towards a loaded GT. If the GT came with a manual I would probably already have it.

I'm not so sure about the blowered GXP... the mileage figures would have been EVEN WORSE than where we are.
~LSx

well how much more does the LSA weigh compared to the LS3?

Pontiac could have an M5 destroyer for half its price or close to it, it would not be as fast as the CTS-V and not as high tech but it definately would be a killer car

i think the LS3 should be GT trim with everything the same except for the larger LS3(screw the FE3/brembo)....like the Camaro's V8 trim is

then the GXP would have forced induction, but i guess the L76 was already there(great engine anyways)

Bill, if you really don't want a manual transmission then I would think you would lean towards a loaded GT. If the GT came with a manual I would probably already have it.

I guess, because it does make a little more sense....i hate to say it. Not only for that, but i doubt it will be easy to find a SBM 6A GXP.

Every since i have started liking vehicles. I have always been interested in the top of the line trim of every vehicle i gazed at. I get that from my mom and dad. She wants an enclave CXS, and my dad wants a Sequoia Platinum(or a Land cruiser). Its a brainwash curse you might say.

Honestly though, unlike the enclave, the trims are not really about the equipment, rather about the engines, which might just make me downgrade to a GT instead.

I will tell you once I drive one. Paper comparisons are worthless, its the seat of the pants feeling that makes or breaks the decision on GT vs GXP.

you get a better seat of the pants feel with 6m due to gear selection and better control and feel. I think when driven it will feel like a whole different animal.

you get a better seat of the pants fell with m due to gear selection and better control and feel. I think when driven it will feel like a whole different animal.

But you won't know for sure until you drive it. The GXP may feel more of an extension of the driver with the six speed and revised suspension. That is something I am looking forward to trying out.

I just noticed that im probably the only guy that wants a GXP in an auto....

Its the power and sound of the V8 im after. I may put the factory wheels back on and take her to the track from time to time, but for the most part she'll be a weekend cruiser. Ima have to break her in before i put the 4s on though!:driving:

You are not the only one who wants the GXP in an auto. I want an auto too. Since my daily driver is a stick I get tired of shifting gears and according to tests the auto is quicker than the stick.

Don't think any 2008 Corvette guy would go back to an 07. The LS3 is a fantastic motor and that 54 Hp jump it has will widen as the same engine mods are added. I have talked to Haddad and the Maggie should bolt on the same as should the longtubes and good cats. Now that's about 600hp or better at the crank. Rest of drivetrain from the manual is a LS1 variant I think so should hold up fine for me as I will never show up at a dragstrip.
Now for about 48K all in it will be perhaps one of the best sedans in the world. 08 M5s with around 10K miles can be had at a bit under 60K at Manheim auctions with some of them Lemon Law returns from many many glitches in a very complicated car. It is slower than a blown GXP and not as fun to drive with all the Euro trash putoff that no longer appeals to me.
The blown manual Caddy is heavier and sorry I am just not the bling bling type. It just can't shed the 'Lade with spinnin Dubs image for me and it is more money.
My go to work and take the kids to school driver has been a blown and lowered and Bilsteined Crown Vic Police Intercepter for 6 years waiting for a better sedan option.
Ahhhh such a nice upgrade for me!!!

I think us American get shafted when it comes to fantastic cars being driven abroad.

I got my 1st taste of Holden cars back in 99 while traveling to Australia. Before I knew the Holdens history / origins I was drawn to these sporty 4 door sedans being Fords Falcon and the Commodores. Both well built, sporty looking but practical with the extra 2 doors. I immediately thought that car could easily replace Chevy gone Impala. Fast forward 8 years and we now get Aussie baddest domestic sedan trickled down as a Pontiac. The Aussies have been enjoying this great car on it highest performance level being the HSV cars. Finding performance parts for this car won't be problem here or abroad so long as you got the funds. So by bringing this car to the states was the step I needed to someday have my own American version HSV. I was gonna transform my beloved 05 GTO into a HSV Monaro but it wouldn't have been practical with my expanding family. Having the GXP will meet all my criteria as a daily family sedan.

Oh BTW my GXP will probably be a automatic! I do envy those who'll be going for the stick.

There's nothing more thrilling than the stupid smile on your face when you're side stepping the clutch trying to put 400+ ponies to the ground.

Don't think any 2008 Corvette guy would go back to an 07. The LS3 is a fantastic motor and that 54 Hp jump it has will widen as the same engine mods are added. I have talked to Haddad and the Maggie should bolt on the same as should the longtubes and good cats. Now that's about 600hp or better at the crank. Rest of drivetrain from the manual is a LS1 variant I think so should hold up fine for me as I will never show up at a dragstrip.
Now for about 48K all in it will be perhaps one of the best sedans in the world. 08 M5s with around 10K miles can be had at a bit under 60K at Manheim auctions with some of them Lemon Law returns from many many glitches in a very complicated car. It is slower than a blown GXP and not as fun to drive with all the Euro trash putoff that no longer appeals to me.
The blown manual Caddy is heavier and sorry I am just not the bling bling type. It just can't shed the 'Lade with spinnin Dubs image for me and it is more money.
My go to work and take the kids to school driver has been a blown and lowered and Bilsteined Crown Vic Police Intercepter for 6 years waiting for a better sedan option.
Ahhhh such a nice upgrade for me!!!
Like your reasoning, we like the GXP for similiar reasons, we have been waiting for 7 years for just the right vehicle, wife likes manual too, we have 2001 GMC heavy duty 4-wheel drive 3/4 ton pickup we only found 3 east of the Mississippi when we bought that one. Will probably do modifications interested in what everyone else will be doing and how. Hope they will post them after they purchase the car. Keep us posted on what you do to the GXP!

I want the manual...that's all I want the GXP for. It comes with some nice additions, which don't mean much to me so I don't think it's a very good value. But what are you gonna do when the manual only comes in the GXP? I guess a solution to the price difference would be to wait a year and buy used, after someone else takes the hit on depreciation and decides they didn't want a manual afterall?

I'm too impatient to wait. I want one now!! I want the manual too but I do like the other options that come with it.

Pluses for the GXP:
LS3, Better suspension, 1/2 the brakes, faster acceleration (hp + gearing).
Biggest plus is the M6--if you're not getting that not as much difference.
With the M6 if you want it I would say its probably worth the extra $5-6K, if not its hard to justify

Pluses for the GT:
Cheaper out the door, esp now it might even be closer to $8-10K, with incentives, gently used GTs.
Better Mileage
Performance is decent (acceleration, handling, braking)
Takes to mods fairly.
Mostly the same as GXP.

For me it came down to budget--I didn't want to finance the price difference and/or pay the higher mpg costs (when I drive its mostly highway for work).

I will say though, the only M6 I ever had was the 04 GTO, and in this G8 there are times I, surprisingly, find myself wanting to shift gears. If this economy finally turns around I can see myself picking up a GXP M6 down the road....

johnh's post got me thinking about what I "really" like about the GXP compared to the GT.

I REALLY want a manual transmission. That is the main reason. I miss it and crave being able to select my own gears. I know you can do that with the GT but there is something about a manual transmission that I can't explain. It makes me feel more like I'm at one with the car.

I also like the fact that the final drive ratio is going to be 3.70. I think the GT's ratio is a little to tall for my tastes. I think it leaves some performance on the table.

The LS3 motor really appeals to me. After reading the specs about this motor I'm very impressed with it. I feel that the modding mark is starting at a higher level and will stay at a higher level mod for mod over the L76.

While the GXP only has Brembos on the front, it still appeals to me. This is probably the most superficial thing that I like about the GXP. It's got "Brembos". Yeah, I know that's cheesy but it's the truth.

As far as appearance of the GXP compared to the GT, I don't think they are that different and I really don't care. I like the styling of both cars.

The way I look at it is, if I bought a GT I would want to start modding it. I would want to change the rear gear, bump up the horsepower and possibly improve the brakes. With the GXP I have all of that PLUS a factory warranty to go with it.

if they offered a damn M6 for the G8 GT i would have opted for it, but they didn't and even though there are other manual cars out there that i could have bought, none of them made me as happy when driving it as the G8 GT.
If the GT came with a manual I would probably already have it.

I agree. At least a GT/6M combo would be a good indicator of what my ST would be equipped with.

I want the manual...that's all I want the GXP for. It comes with some nice additions, which don't mean much to me so I don't think it's a very good value. But what are you gonna do when the manual only comes in the GXP? I guess a solution to the price difference would be to wait a year and buy used, after someone else takes the hit on depreciation and decides they didn't want a manual afterall?

The manual isn't the only good reason to have the GXP. Those minor suspension tweaks & slight upgrade in brakes are a good way to help sell the car. But, most magazines are saying that the GXP brakes are not offering shorter stopping distances. Most are recording a reduced amount of fade from hard stops. One magazine even felt some fade from the Brembos. Honestly, if someone wanted to track day their G8, they would opt for their own aftermarket options.

LOL @ 24s on a GXP. What a waste (if it actually happens, which I'm doubting, but whatever)

I REALLY want a manual transmission. That is the main reason. I miss it and crave being able to select my own gears. I know you can do that with the GT but there is something about a manual transmission that I can't explain. It makes me feel more like I'm at one with the car.

For me, the manual transmission has ONE quality that really stands out.. in-gear highway acceleration. When you are cruising along in 5th and you're trying to shoot for a hole in traffic, the manual has that INSTANT change of speed when your foot goes down. No automatic can act like that and its really special.


I also like the fact that the final drive ratio is going to be 3.70. I think the GT's ratio is a little to tall for my tastes. I think it leaves some performance on the table.

I'm actually on the other side of that fence... I'd rather have the option for the taller gearing to save some gas! Perhaps I can swap it out later...


The LS3 motor really appeals to me. After reading the specs about this motor I'm very impressed with it. I feel that the modding mark is starting at a higher level and will stay at a higher level mod for mod over the L76. .

Its one of the best engines EVER! Read this article:

http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/112_0709_ls3_engine/index.html

It's pretty amazing, light, fast, cheap, and bullet proof!


As far as appearance of the GXP compared to the GT, I don't think they are that different and I really don't care. I like the styling of both cars. .

If you want to stand out, get a Camaro. If you want a sleeper to move you and your family around quickly, get this G8!


The way I look at it is, if I bought a GT I would want to start modding it. I would want to change the rear gear, bump up the horsepower and possibly improve the brakes. With the GXP I have all of that PLUS a factory warranty to go with it.

Yep. This is where I am at. This car has EVERYTHING I would want and more, (except the damn seats!) and its just right the way it is.

~LSx

Echoing what some have already said, if you think that the following list is worth $10K more than a G8 GT with Premium & Sport:

1. LS3 engine
2. FE3 suspension
3. 1/2 a Brembo brake system
4. Minor cosmetic differences from a GT
5. Virtually identical interior and seats
6. Slightly better exhaust note
7. Manual tranny (which you already said you don't want)

Plus you get:

1. Gas guzzler tax
2. Lower gas mileage (which amounts to a gas "tax" with every fill up)
3. Higher insurance rates

IMHO, none of these say "I'm worth $10K more than the GT." To others, they may, but not to me.

Echoing what some have already said, if you think that the following list is worth $10K more than a G8 GT with Premium & Sport:

1. LS3 engine
2. FE3 suspension
3. 1/2 a Brembo brake system
4. Minor cosmetic differences from a GT
5. Virtually identical interior and seats
6. Slightly better exhaust note
7. Manual tranny (which you already said you don't want)

Plus you get:

1. Gas guzzler tax
2. Lower gas mileage (which amounts to a gas "tax" with every fill up)
3. Higher insurance rates

IMHO, none of these say "I'm worth $10K more than the GT." To others, they may, but not to me.
Well said.

Take that 10 grand and put some twin turbos, full exhaust, CAI, Pedders II and say goodnight to a stock GXP

Christ, this is getting ridiculous at this point.

Gentlemen, AGAIN, you are pulling that $10k number out of your asses. The worst part is, the following poster actually mentioned that he's comparing a GXP to a GT with Premium and Sport:

...if you think that the following list is worth $10K more than a G8 GT with Premium & Sport...

Well let's see here, the MSRP for a GT with Premium and Sport is a little under $34. The GXP will be around $37 + GGT (we're talking MSRP numbers here, BTW).

What kind of flunkee math are you guys producing that says that subtraction is anywhere close to $10k? :slap:

Not too mention how many of these posters vaguely acknowledge the LS3, then immediately dismiss it while saying that they can mod the L76 to get to the same stock point. Well, sure.

But guess what? The LS3 will always have a higher displacement than you, so guess what happens when the GXP owners start modding theirs too? No replacement for displacement, remember?

Or did you all think GXP owners aren't allowed to mod theirs, because that wouldn't be fair to us poor GT owners? :gr_jest:

Or did you all think GXP owners aren't allowed to mod theirs, because that wouldn't be fair to us poor GT owners? :gr_jest:


lol I've thought that too. I guess people think that if you spent the extra money on the GXP then you are officially out of money and can not afford to mod your car therefore GT WINS!!!

Christ, this is getting ridiculous at this point.

Gentlemen, AGAIN, you are pulling that $10k number out of your asses. The worst part is, the following poster actually mentioned that he's comparing a GXP to a GT with Premium and Sport:



Well let's see here, the MSRP for a GT with Premium and Sport is a little under $34. The GXP will be around $37 + GGT (we're talking MSRP numbers here, BTW).

What kind of flunkee math are you guys producing that says that subtraction is anywhere close to $10k? :slap:

LOL, play with MSRP all you want to make yourself feel better or smarter. But, how about stepping into REALITY?

How about this: 2009 G8 GT w/Prem and Sport can be purchased today for close to $29K. That's REALITY, not MSRP. I doubt that many GXPs will sell for MSRP or below, so the delta is going to be $10K. No voodoo about that.

Flunkee math? Hardly. I'm not living in a fantasy world here where quoting MSRPs is enough. LOL

I have, in my garage, a GT which was purchased, out the door, for ~$29,250. Therefore, if the GXP is $37k + TTL + GGT, then I would say my flunkie math is exactly correct. Thank you.

And for the record, if you have the money for the GXP then more power to ya! I'm not bashing anyone for going after the GXP. I'm just saying that I wouldn't give up my GT that I currently have in favor of going to buy a GXP when they come out.

There is no way I can step back to a auto tranny. I was all set for a 6M GT because I had planned on modding the suspension and brakes past what would be offered on the GXP but GM is giving me no choice in the matter. For me having the LS3 is just icing on the cake.

There is no question that GT at 30K delivers one of the best bang for the buck values ever in an everyday liveable world. So if value is the thing I'm sure a GT will deliver grins.
I have a different target and will probably wind up with one of the more expensive GXPs out there. I do get to buy at the proper side of invoice so at a 40K list which I expect with manual,roof,and gas guzzler,I am in at 37K thereabouts. Another 11K on mods and I have perhaps the best sports sedan of all time and at around 48K which is STILL an incredible bargain for what I will have. 2009 CTS-Vs are going around 70K for reference.

Its getting harder and harder to decide between the two for me. :(

I think ill build a wheel-of-fortune sized wheel and label parts of the wheel with GT and parts with GXP, and when the day comes give her a spin! :drink::drink:

I want a 6M.

GM refuses to make a G8 with one, so I'm now stuck hoping I can get a used/non-abused GXP.

I would even take a DI V6 with a 6M box! ..... I just wish GM would just listen to the customers & realize that G8 sales would be MORE if they would just give us a Manual.

In the GT; take the darn cylinder deactivation Off & give us a manual!

LOL, play with MSRP all you want to make yourself feel better or smarter. But, how about stepping into REALITY?

How about this: 2009 G8 GT w/Prem and Sport can be purchased today for close to $29K. That's REALITY, not MSRP. I doubt that many GXPs will sell for MSRP or below, so the delta is going to be $10K. No voodoo about that.

Flunkee math? Hardly. I'm not living in a fantasy world here where quoting MSRPs is enough. LOL

I have, in my garage, a GT which was purchased, out the door, for ~$29,250. Therefore, if the GXP is $37k + TTL + GGT, then I would say my flunkie math is exactly correct. Thank you.

You're both missing the point. MSRP is the only valid way to objectively and quantitatively compare price at all. If you try comparing market prices, you'll get a lot of fluctuation even for the exact same GT at different places (and at different times). The only constant is the MSRP.

Additionally,the GXP is a completely new launch, while GTs have been around. If you want to compare market prices you'd have to compare, say, the 2010 MY when they're both "established".

That said, there was a lot of talk about dealers not budging on MSRP or even selling for more than that back when the G8 line was officially launched in March. "It's a niche vehicle!", "It's new and it's in demand!", etc., etc., blah blah blah.

If that even came to pass, it didn't last very long. Taking that little nugget of history into consideration, do you really think all the talk from dealers about not budging on pricing is going to actually be true about the GXP, by some economic market miracle? Check out the stock market lately, and then make your prediction.

do you really think all the talk from dealers about not budging on pricing is going to actually be true about the GXP, by some economic market miracle? Check out the stock market lately, and then make your prediction.

Well how about this: GM raised the prices on the G8 GT a couple of times since the 2008 GT came out. The 09 initially were about $1100 more, and on 29-SEP they raised it again $880. So G8's must be selling (I also think they did it 1. So they could offer a rebate and not lose revenue 2. Make the GXP price look like not as much different).

If you compare a loaded 2008 GT to 2009 GXP, its a $7-8K difference..
If you compare a loaded 2009 GT to 2008 GXP, its more like $5k difference...

Now, I can easily see dealers not budging much on a GXP:
1. Limited production, so increased demand
2. People that *have* to have a GXP will pay...even in market conditions. Not that they will pay a markup, but I wouldn't expect to see too many GXP's going cheap unless GM goes into bankruptcy.
3. Use the GXP to improve dealer margin....I'll give away those 2008 Grand Prixs, they are a dime a dozen, but the GXP they can keep for the right buyer...plus it will help floor traffic.

Well how about this: GM raised the prices on the G8 GT a couple of times since the 2008 GT came out. The 09 initially were about $1100 more, and on 29-SEP they raised it again $880. So G8's must be selling (I also think they did it 1. So they could offer a rebate and not lose revenue 2. Make the GXP price look like not as much different).

If you compare a loaded 2008 GT to 2009 GXP, its a $7-8K difference..
If you compare a loaded 2009 GT to 2008 GXP, its more like $5k difference...

Now, I can easily see dealers not budging much on a GXP:
1. Limited production, so increased demand
2. People that *have* to have a GXP will pay...even in market conditions. Not that they will pay a markup, but I wouldn't expect to see too many GXP's going cheap unless GM goes into bankruptcy.
3. Use the GXP to improve dealer margin....I'll give away those 2008 Grand Prixs, they are a dime a dozen, but the GXP they can keep for the right buyer...plus it will help floor traffic.

You realize all those arguments were also used to say G8 GTs were going to be marked up when the G8 originally launched? Now after all is said and done, how much are they selling for?

Also, it really doesn't matter that they priced the 09s higher. They are still selling for much lower on the market. For what it's worth, I think what happened is they actually priced the 08s lower as a marketing tool, then brought the 09s to the price they intended which would make bringing this small production line over worth it in the first place. But I digress...

You realize all those arguments were also used to say G8 GTs were going to be marked up when the G8 originally launched? Now after all is said and done, how much are they selling for?

Also, it really doesn't matter that they priced the 09s higher. They are still selling for much lower on the market. For what it's worth, I think what happened is they actually priced the 08s lower as a marketing tool, then brought the 09s to the price they intended which would make bringing this small production line over worth it in the first place. But I digress...

You said it yourself here, yet you contradict what you said in your previous post, where only MSRP is valid and should be used for comparison. The FACT is this: today, NO ONE should be paying MSRP for a G8 GT.

That said, how many G8's were sold below MSRP when they launched? Now, add to it the limited production numbers for the GXP. How many GXP's do you think will sell below MSRP?

I say again, there is going to be a $10K difference for a buyer who buys a G8 GT with Prem & Sport today ($29K + TTL) versus waiting to buy a GXP in Q1 09. This post was started by a person who was debating on whether to buy a GXP when it comes out or to get a G8 GT with Prem & Sport. I say that the $10K difference is valid because GTs are selling for well below MSRP and GXPs will not.

Considering that the GXP is a limited production vehicle, with appeal to enthusiasts who will be willing to pay a premium for the added power and exclusivity, I highly doubt that the first batch of GXPs will be discounted. And even when they eventually get discounted, I doubt that they will go down in price proportionately to the GTs.

Do you see CTS-V's going down in price the same rate that base and V6 DI CTS's are? Or Z06 Vettes going down in price at the same rate as the regular Vettes?

Your arguments about MSRP is nice, but just not based in reality.

There are alot of good arguments either way on this thread but I disagree that the GXP is/will be overpriced for the value. Resaid" This is the only avenue for an M6, GM/Holden initially planned the Auto only GT and GXP Perf. version (remember CTS-V) as the only Manual car. As for pricing and availability,There is a boatload of G8s (Gt and std) on the lots and in the import yards (Long Beach and Benicia) and they have pretty serious discounts as well. I believe that there are fewer true buyers for the GXP than there will be available. Basically what we are getting is a lighter 06/07 CTS-V (with more HP and no rear Brembos) for 15k less. BTW-there are still new 07 CTS-v's on lots @ 50k+. Sounds like a great value to me and Yes I am waiting for one. Obviously there will be a slew of mods. but when you start out with more you end up with more!!!!

"Start out with more and you end up with more."
I had two different dealer in Nashville agree to sell to me a GXP at invoice or better before I used a supplier number. Remember there is no production restraint so if we buy 10K GXPs they will build 10K. All this we only have so much allocation is a dealer who is LYING to you. Maybe the first couple of months is tight on supply but they will rip in here by the summer so no discount off MSRP is crap. Go to another dealer.

You said it yourself here, yet you contradict what you said in your previous post, where only MSRP is valid and should be used for comparison. The FACT is this: today, NO ONE should be paying MSRP for a G8 GT.

I'm not contradicting myself at all. MSRP is the only valid way to compare prices, as it is the only constant number you will see in that respect. That has nothing to do with the fact that the market price is and will be below MSRP, for both trims. Comparison of price is one thing, where the market places the actual price is another.

That said, how many G8's were sold below MSRP when they launched? Now, add to it the limited production numbers for the GXP. How many GXP's do you think will sell below MSRP?

You really think every single G8 sold for MSRP or greater when launched? Please. "Limited production numbers" was true for the GT as well, particularly the short production run of the 08 MY. The predictions of inflated price were still false.

I say again, there is going to be a $10K difference for a buyer who buys a G8 GT with Prem & Sport today ($29K + TTL) versus waiting to buy a GXP in Q1 09. This post was started by a person who was debating on whether to buy a GXP when it comes out or to get a G8 GT with Prem & Sport. I say that the $10K difference is valid because GTs are selling for well below MSRP and GXPs will not.

Again, that will only be valid for maybe a month or two, if at all. Compare the prices after the GXP is established in the market and you'll see the same offsets from MSRP.

Considering that the GXP is a limited production vehicle, with appeal to enthusiasts who will be willing to pay a premium for the added power and exclusivity, I highly doubt that the first batch of GXPs will be discounted. And even when they eventually get discounted, I doubt that they will go down in price proportionately to the GTs.

Again, we've heard that one before...

Do you see CTS-V's going down in price the same rate that base and V6 DI CTS's are? Or Z06 Vettes going down in price at the same rate as the regular Vettes?

These are really bad examples to try and prove your point. The Caddies are in a completely different class than the G8 (especially the V), and Cadillac offers a very limited number of models overall. Consumers generally know what a CTS is; they have generally never heard of a G8. In addition, Cadillac does not suffer from the same negative connotations that the Pontiac brand does.

As far as the Vette, it's particularly ironic that you picked that as an example, since not only are they also in a different class entirely than the G8, but Vettes also happen to be one of the least depreciating vehicles on the market (including the base Vette).

Your arguments about MSRP is nice, but just not based in reality.

Interesting thought, seeing as you're the one using the same arguments that were proved inaccurate by what the G8 has been selling for in the market so far.

Cadillac V models are known for insane amounts of depreciation as well. Look at the STS-V, and consider that they were over $80k new.

To me, the GXP is definitely a cool vehicle. There's no doubt it will always have an absolute performance advantage over a GT. The extra displacement will see to it. At the stock level its 40-60 hp you gain by going up to the GXP as well.

For me, I'd like the ability to get great highway mileage as well that AFM adds. I believe that with an intake, exhaust, tune, and possibly a AFM compatible cam, you can get the same or higher power levels than a stock GXP, which would be more than enough for me, with the ability to still get huge mpg on the highway.

What disappoints me is that the GXP isn't as huge an upgrade as some of the HSVs. You don't get the different front clip, the magnetic ride control, etc. that you do on a HSV.

I'm not contradicting myself at all. MSRP is the only valid way to compare prices, as it is the only constant number you will see in that respect. That has nothing to do with the fact that the market price is and will be below MSRP, for both trims. Comparison of price is one thing, where the market places the actual price is another.

Ummm, like I said, you can play MSRP all you want. I'm talking about reality. I don't see why it's so hard to understand. Let me spell it out for you:

1. The OP asked: "Lately i have seen several postings about people saying that the GXP wasnt really worth the money. I have my heart set on one, but im just curious to hear everyone's honest opinion about the GXP, positive and negative, now that its close to being released."

2. I replied that for $10K less, you can get a G8 GT with Prem & Sport.

3. You came back and said, "hold it, you're pulling numbers out of your arse, it's only $5K".

4. To which I replied, that's only for MSRP. Why compare that when NO ONE is paying MSRP for a G8 GT? You can get a G8 GT for $29K, whereas the GXP will be sold for closer to $40K when released.

5. To which you insist that MSRP is the only legitimiate way to compare. Huh????

Tell you what, come back and tell me "I told you so" when you can buy a GXP for $34K when it's released. Because that will give you the $5K difference that you are so bent on saying it will be.

Otherwise, your MSRP vs MSRP argument holds no water because, again, no one is buying G8 GTs at MSRP, while I contend that there will be few who will get a GXP for under MSRP when released.

Like I said, if I'm wrong, go ahead and tell me when the GXP comes out.

If GM doesn't kill Pontiac along with Saturn, and Saab this week (Dec, 2) when a survival plan is being given to Congress. I can see some of the dealers trying to mark up the GXP's.

In my area the G8's aren't selling I can't imagine a higher priced GXP's selling either.

Another thing a heads up if you will..If your credit score isn't 700 or above don't even think about going through GM. It will be an automatic turn down.

I have to add my say in here. I agree with most of you. I don't think the GXP is worth the extra money EXCEPT for the manual. I love the car but driving it auto just wasn't what I wanted. I really want a manual. If the GT had a manual you bet I would buy one and just mod the thing myself with some aftermarket suspensions and some engine mods. As for the price, I dont expect Pontiac dealers to be selling these things by the hundreds. Honestly my current Pontiac dealer has the GT sitting in the same spot for awhile now. This is just not the right time for the car people are not in the right situation to be dropping tons of money on these cars. Also GM is doing pretty bad so people think of it as a bad investment. I think were going to see some major price drops on these cars from dealers as they try to push them off lots IMO. Especially with the Camaro coming up.

I have to add my say in here. I agree with most of you. I don't think the GXP is worth the extra money EXCEPT for the manual. I love the car but driving it auto just wasn't what I wanted. I really want a manual. If the GT had a manual you bet I would buy one and just mod the thing myself with some aftermarket suspensions and some engine mods. As for the price, I dont expect Pontiac dealers to be selling these things by the hundreds. Honestly my current Pontiac dealer has the GT sitting in the same spot for awhile now. This is just not the right time for the car people are not in the right situation to be dropping tons of money on these cars. Also GM is doing pretty bad so people think of it as a bad investment. I think were going to see some major price drops on these cars from dealers as they try to push them off lots IMO. Especially with the Camaro coming up.

Im beginning to think the same thing. Call me crazy but i would have nabbed the GXP for the new gauges, but since they arent there, i might as well go for a GT.

Hey, almost 1300 views! My thread is popular! :laugh:

The more I think about it, I don't think the GXP is worth it either, except I also want a manual. I wouldn't buy the car without it. The bummer is I plan to change everything else that comes on the GXP(wheels and suspension) except maybe the brakes. For those interested in the GXP wheels, I'm sure there will be deals to be had.

I want a 6M.

GM refuses to make a G8 with one, so I'm now stuck hoping I can get a used/non-abused GXP.


If I were you, I wouldn't buy one after me. :gears:

I'm just kidding. I am harder than average on car but I don't usually abuse them for the sake of abusing. I'll run through the gears though... frequently. Tires usually take the brunt of my joy. And if I do break something and I have to pay for it. It's going to be replaced with something stronger than what was there.

You realize all those arguments were also used to say G8 GTs were going to be marked up when the G8 originally launched? Now after all is said and done, how much are they selling for?

Also, it really doesn't matter that they priced the 09s higher. They are still selling for much lower on the market. For what it's worth, I think what happened is they actually priced the 08s lower as a marketing tool, then brought the 09s to the price they intended which would make bringing this small production line over worth it in the first place. But I digress...

The G8 GXP is not limited production. GM says (at LA auto show) GXp (like the G8) is a full production line - as long as they keep selling them they'll keep making them. There are no production targets; when they can't unload cars profitably, they'll swap the line to service some other design.

Christ, this is getting ridiculous at this point.

Gentlemen, AGAIN, you are pulling that $10k number out of your asses. The worst part is, the following poster actually mentioned that he's comparing a GXP to a GT with Premium and Sport:



Well let's see here, the MSRP for a GT with Premium and Sport is a little under $34. The GXP will be around $37 + GGT (we're talking MSRP numbers here, BTW).

What kind of flunkee math are you guys producing that says that subtraction is anywhere close to $10k? :slap:

You can get an 09 GT with sport and premium today 12/01/08 for 30,500.00. When the GXP comes out in January the price will be 40K including the GGT and no red tag sale. THis is where the 10 Grand comes into play.

The G8 GXP is not limited production. GM says (at LA auto show) GXp (like the G8) is a full production line - as long as they keep selling them they'll keep making them. There are no production targets; when they can't unload cars profitably, they'll swap the line to service some other design.

I'm not sure what that has to do with what I posted, or when I even said that the GXP would be limited production. It's a niche vehicle, as it was intended to be, but the only "limited production" run was the 08MY.

You can get an 09 GT with sport and premium today 12/01/08 for 30,500.00. When the GXP comes out in January the price will be 40K including the GGT and no red tag sale. THis is where the 10 Grand comes into play.

A little economics here: what you can get anything for at the moment is called market price. This can be a wildly fluctuating number, and in the case of most production vehicles, is usually substantially less than MSRP.

Now that we have that covered, I will repeat what I said before: if you want to compare prices between the two, compare apples to apples. The $30k price for a GT is the market price, during a full production year (as opposed to the limited run for 08MY), and in the second model year of sales.

You want to compare the price of the GXP to that, apples to apples? Then you either use the MSRP, or wait for some valid data about the market price, as at the moment it isn't out yet so, obviously, there is no market price. Additionally, to be a technically valid comparison to the current GT prices, you'll need to see some numbers for the GXP market price after a full, non-abridged model year of production.

Even considering that, the limited production run 08MY GTs are selling for quite low now, even though they were a limited run. If anyone thinks the GXP will stay at MSRP (if it even sells there in any high numbers) due to its rareness alone, they are completely blocking out what happened with the famous rumors of marked-up 08MY GTs back in March.

Just to point out, I keep getting responses that the "reality" of what is going on in the market is that GTs are selling for under $30k.

That's not what this is about. This thread, and the root of the price discussion, is whether the new features that the GXP is offering are worth the increase in price. To answer that question, you need an apples to apples comparison of the price. Whatever is happening at the moment in the market with one side of that equation is simply circumstantial data.

Just to point out, I keep getting responses that the "reality" of what is going on in the market is that GTs are selling for under $30k.

That's not what this is about. This thread, and the root of the price discussion, is whether the new features that the GXP is offering are worth the increase in price. To answer that question, you need an apples to apples comparison of the price. Whatever is happening at the moment in the market with one side of that equation is simply circumstantial data.

And to point out, arguing about what a "theoretical" difference is worth is about as useless as it gets. People are paying with "real" money, and the "real" money today gets you a G8 GT with Prem&Sport for under $30K. If you consider "real" money just "circumstantial", then that's your perogative.

Trying to say that the new features of the GXP is worth the "theoretical" difference of $4K-$5K over a GT with Prem&Sport may make you feel better at some level. But when "real" money leaves the wallet today, it's really $10K when you look at everything.

So yes, people who prefer to play the MSRP game can continue to do so. But to say that reality doesn't matter is pretty narrow minded. I mean, seriously, what good does it do me to say "well, the MSRP of the GXP is only $4K over the MSRP of the GT", when I know for a fact that I can get a GT for so much less than MSRP?

And even if you want to argue that the GXP will be available for less than MSRP when it is released (which I doubt seriously), you would need the GXP to drop in MSRP pretty drastically to keep the delta close.

Did I say anywhere in my post that "reality doesn't matter"? Anybody see it? I'd love to know if I did.

I'm reasonably sure that what I actually said is that the current market prices of the GT is just circumstantial information, as the same data for the GXP is not available yet.

As far as the GXP dropping in MSRP, whether it will drop in MSRP is not at question. Watch the news lately.

Now, it might not and probably won't drop a gigantic amount right at launch. Hence what I said about comparing market price after the GXP is at a similar market situation that the current GT is in.

So sure, you may save more than the MSRP difference would be if you go with a GT during the time the GXP has recently launched. That would be expected for any recently launched car. But wait a few months, and see what happens then.

Now that we have that covered, I will repeat what I said before: if you want to compare prices between the two, compare apples to apples. The $30k price for a GT is the market price, during a full production year (as opposed to the limited run for 08MY), and in the second model year of sales.

Thanks for the economics lesson. Now, kindly explain WHY I need to compare the MSRP of a car today that I KNOW I can get for under $30K? To make the exercise "fair" to the GXP somehow?

You want to compare the price of the GXP to that, apples to apples? Then you either use the MSRP, or wait for some valid data about the market price, as at the moment it isn't out yet so, obviously, there is no market price. Additionally, to be a technically valid comparison to the current GT prices, you'll need to see some numbers for the GXP market price after a full, non-abridged model year of production.

Again, why does it NEED to be technically valid when REALITY is so plain and simple: Buy a G8 GT with Prem & Sport for under $30K now, or wait for the GXP to come out and hope that it can be bought for closer to $34K-$35K? Since none of us can tell the future, what we have to go on is the MSRP + GGT that was announced. And maybe some brief history of the G8 to look at.

So, while you may feel that it is invalid to do a market price vs MSRP comparison, it is the only information we have at this time that is accurate. I'm not into speculating what the GXP will discount for at launch, or one, two, three, six, or twelve months after launch. The OP did not say whether he was thinking of getting a GXP at launch or if he was going to wait until prices dropped, so the assumption is that he was hot to get one early on. Therefore, IMHO, the comparison of the two numbers are more valid than a theoretical exercise of comparing MSRPs or trying to come up with a market value for the GXP at launch.

Regardless of whether the price on the GXP will come down or not, GM still screwed us out of the regular GT with stick. If a regular GT was available with stick I think 90% of the people holding out for a GXP would already be happy GT owners. A GT with a CAI/tune is good for about 385-390HP which is more than sufficient for most. In my case I decided that the premium and the wait for a GXP was just not worth it and hence I'm driving a automatic for the 1st time in 9 years.

A GT with a CAI/tune is good for about 385-390HP which is more than sufficient for most.

I assume you aren't referring to rwhp. If so then your numbers are too high. Most people are getting around 330 rwhp with a tune/CAI

I assume you aren't referring to rwhp. If so then your numbers are too high. Most people are getting around 330 rwhp with a tune/CAI

I meant actual HP. It also looks like my numbers were off. Vector's website shows your number on their dyno graph for Roto-Fab CAI + ECM/TCM tune. Assuming a .20 conversion factor between HP/RWHP the actual HP with CAI/Tune should be 410-415. Even if it's only 400 it's still a good number.