http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_2008_pontiac_g8_gt_first_look

*Can someone fix the Title, I can't type*

Nice writeup.

Thanks for posting.

The G8 is one hell of a sports sedan for 30 grand!

Hold on..... I don't think this one has the chrome trim around the windows.
Am I right or just blind?

It has the chrome, look at the pictures. And for you Manual guys, I hope you didnt skim too fast and miss the "M6 coming soon with possibly a higher tuned engine."

I assume the cryptics mean only a near 40k GXP w/ LS3 gets the manual. They wouldn't offer a higher tuned engine with a manual at the same average price as an auto GT because those buyers would feel short changed. Some reps saying one thing. Others saying another. I wish Pontiac execs would make a decision and just state no manual for the GT so the admittedly small percentage of those wanting that can move on.

They aren't going to state anything to anybody until there is an officially sanctioned message and an official event. You will have to be satisfied with the teasers. Obviously, if the engine were higher tuned, then it would cost more... I really doubt 40k.........but more.

Love the color, hate all the chrome.

Nice article! Yeah, GXP will be more. Like $5-7k more! Probably come in at less than the current GP GXP, at least for the first couple of MYs. Maybe our buddie Dave can shed some light on this subject?!?:confused:

Love the color, hate all the chrome.

Really?...........I never would have guessed :bootyshake:

Can't wait to read a real road test and hear thoughts. I also want to see the blue car in person. Hopefully MY09 will have my color, nav and xm!

And for you Manual guys, I hope you didnt skim too fast and miss the "M6 coming soon with possibly a higher tuned engine."

I sure didn't miss this very important part. I would really like a more affordable option with a manual transmission (like a L76 manual GT), but if I am "forced" to pay extra for a GXP with an LS3 or equivalent, I can live with it!

Thank you for finding that motor trend has done the homework for me...

Now..Im waiting to see if i like the orange or gunmetal color...

Damn..I hate the suspense...lol

Love the color, hate all the chrome.

The GXP will probably get the no chrome treatment to give it more of a menacing look , much like the solstice.

I assume the cryptics mean only a near 40k GXP w/ LS3 gets the manual. They wouldn't offer a higher tuned engine with a manual at the same average price as an auto GT because those buyers would feel short changed. Some reps saying one thing. Others saying another. I wish Pontiac execs would make a decision and just state no manual for the GT so the admittedly small percentage of those wanting that can move on.

Why not.... that is exactly what they did to the GTO buyers...

personally i think its GMs fault for not offering the manual as the standard trans, even tho more people buy autos now, a car like this should have the stick standard. Look at the Mustang, 5 speed is standard and auto is optional. We all know how well mustang has done

personally i think its GMs fault for not offering the manual as the standard trans, even tho more people buy autos now, a car like this should have the stick standard. Look at the Mustang, 5 speed is standard and auto is optional. We all know how well mustang has done

The Mustang is a coupe, the G8 is a sedan. Different buyers and expectations there.

I thought that it was previously posted that more options (including the manuel tranny) will be available in the next model year.

Wow, that was an awfully glowing writeup. Did Pontiac specifically tell testers to take pictures of the car doing burnouts? First Edmunds and now Motor Trend. Maybe they want to really get across the "it's RWD, stupid!" point since so many people still don't know the GTO is right-wheel drive.

The Mustang is a coupe, the G8 is a sedan. Different buyers and expectations there.

true, but they also did it with the GTO, Camaro, Firebird, and i believe in the vette the auto is standard

true, but they also did it with the GTO, Camaro, Firebird, and i believe in the vette the auto is standard

On the Corvette ( I have an '07 ) the A6 trans. is
an option: $1,250.

Not to ruin this moment but... did anyone catch the superbowl ad for Hyundai Genesis... talk about WOW 375 HP V8 with all the premium options found only in cars that cost 35k and up.

Now back to the G8 GT .. Thanks for finding this article im about to read it.

You know that hyundai is launching a genesis coupé based on the same platform right?

I thought about the Genesis for a moment. It will probably have a lot of stuff and decent numbers but... like most recent Korean cars: It looks like a copy of the class leaders but under the skin it has more in common with the previous generation class leaders. The generation after the Genesis will be the one to beat. They should be truly caught up by then. The G8 is a drivers car. The Genesis is a wannabe luxury car.

Looks like? It is a copy. That's what the Korean designer rip-offs do. They re-engineer everyone else's designs, add alot of plastic, and call it a class leading sedan.

I just love how they're trying to liken themselves to BMW, Mercedes, and even compare mention the Genesis and Rolls Royce in the same sentence at one point.

I think its ugly, but some people I know think it looks pretty nice. But I wonder how many people will be willing to shell out 44,000 for a Hyundai, which lets face it... has not exactly exonerated themselves yet in the quality department.

Wow, that was an awfully glowing writeup. Did Pontiac specifically tell testers to take pictures of the car doing burnouts? First Edmunds and now Motor Trend. Maybe they want to really get across the "it's RWD, stupid!" point since so many people still don't know the GTO is right-wheel drive.

I wouldn't think so. GM showed the GTO doing burnouts but went into fits when people started having engine & drivetrain related problems with low mileage. But, since when have car mags cared about a test car's warranty? :gr_jest:

On the Corvette ( I have an '07 ) the A6 trans. is
an option: $1,250.

Through the C4 'Vettes, the A4 was the "standard" transmission (excluding ZR-1s, Grand Sports) while the M6 was a "no-cost option". I remember it being the same way for 4th-gen F-bodys.

On the Corvette ( I have an '07 ) the A6 trans. is
an option: $1,250.

touche! then on the vette

But I wonder how many people will be willing to shell out 44,000 for a Hyundai, which lets face it... has not exactly exonerated themselves yet in the quality department.

First.. where did you hear that the Genesis will be $44k??? Hyundai already said that a fully loaded V8 will be ~$40k.

Second... have you even been in a Hyundai as of the last couple of years? They've come a long way from their garbage and now they are getting rave reviews of their quality, refinement and bargain prices. Heck even Toyota and Honda's Presidents both admitted that they are more concerned about Hyundai than they are with Big 3. - If you haven't been in a Hyundai, go ahead and test drive one, then tell me if you think it's a piece of crap.

Come on, I know this is a Pontiac forum but if you're true car enthusiast, you'd give credit where it's due. You can't cover the sky with your bare hand :rolleyes:

But nevermind, this thread is about the G8. I can't wait for a test drive and a M6 :)

But nevermind, this thread is about the G8. I can't wait for a test drive and a M6 :)

You're right! But that wait for a M6 might be awhile. Think you can holdout without slipping into one of those $40K Hyundais?:huh:

If the USD continues plummeting it will be 44K. Hyundai really has made incredible strides in quality by assimilating (http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/hyundai-accused-of-stealing-data-from-toyota/2006/11/28/1164476204947.html) the manufacturing techniques of Japanese automakers. It's true they are getting rave reviews now. So is GM for some of their products. However, ask the average person if they would buy a top of the line Hyundai over an entry level Lexus. Perception is everything and they still have a way to go.

Hyundai is aiming directly at the G8 with this car:

"While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America

It's been said before, but It was a big mistake on the part of Buick dealers to reject the Statesman.

Even though this is a blatant amalgamation of several Euro/Asian luxury models, I'm glad Toyota and Honda are worried as competition is good for the consumer. I don't know If I would trust the long-term durability of this car compared to a Holden.

Why is the Genesis being brought up here? Hyundais are great when you test drive them, but from what I've experienced they don't hold up well. At least the Sonata doesn't. Can't speak for the Genesis yet obviously, but if it follows the same pattern it won't be in very good shape after 2-3 years.


As for the G8, I doubt the Genesis will be as "performance oriented" as a G8 GT, most likely it will be closer to the Chrysler blingmobiles.

Hyundai is aiming directly at the G8 with this car:

"While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America

It's been said before, but It was a big mistake on the part of Buick dealers to reject the Statesman.

I'll agree that the Genesis has a long way to go with their engineering compared to the Germans. But, I don't expect too many people cross-shopping a Genesis with a G8 GT. A base Genesis vs. a G8 V6, maybe. I definately agree with the last statement made.

First.. where did you hear that the Genesis will be $44k??? Hyundai already said that a fully loaded V8 will be ~$40k.

Second... have you even been in a Hyundai as of the last couple of years? They've come a long way from their garbage and now they are getting rave reviews of their quality, refinement and bargain prices. Heck even Toyota and Honda's Presidents both admitted that they are more concerned about Hyundai than they are with Big 3. - If you haven't been in a Hyundai, go ahead and test drive one, then tell me if you think it's a piece of crap.

Come on, I know this is a Pontiac forum but if you're true car enthusiast, you'd give credit where it's due. You can't cover the sky with your bare hand :rolleyes:

But nevermind, this thread is about the G8. I can't wait for a test drive and a M6 :)

I couldnt agree more with what you wrote...
Hyundai has come a long way and its image branding is starting be be more like Honda. It will improve!

Oh and the price i for some reason though the V8 was going to be mid 30's fully loaded.

Lets keep the Genesis talk for the Hyundai forums. LOL.:dunno:

I couldnt agree more with what you wrote...
Hyundai has come a long way and its image branding is starting be be more like Honda. It will improve!

Oh and the price i for some reason though the V8 was going to be mid 30's fully loaded.

I pulled the figures right off of Hyundais website.


THREE TRIM LEVELS
Genesis is available in three trim levels: Grand, Luxury and Royal. Korean pricing for the Grand entry level model equipped with the 3.3-liter Lambda engine begins at 40.5 million won (approximately US$44,000. inclusive of taxes, calculated at 920 won per US$) and tops out with the Royal at 52.8 million won (58.3 million with the inclusion of the VIP pack).

Genesis will be covered by a three-year 60,000km bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year 100,000km powertrain warranty and the Genesis ownership experience includes membership in the exclusive Genesis Purple Club which promises to raise the bar for luxury car customer care programs.

This year's sales goal for Genesis has been set at 35,000 in the Korean market in 20,000 in export markets which include North America, China and the Middle East. Next year's sales goal has been set at 80,000 units, with 45,000 earmarked for export. Genesis is due to arrive this year in North American showrooms by June and in China in the second half.

While that is Korean pricing, it means that pricing is not yet announced for the Genesis, but will likely price around the 35K and up to 50k. I was saying 44k as median.

Anyways, Hyundai can have their Genesis. It wont put the G8 in jeopardy... or BMW for that matter......... So lets end this Genesis discussion. It really doesn't matter to me what they price it at... I'm not interested.

Ramsesiii you are WAY WAY off mark.

For someone posting in a G8 forum you should know better than to try converting car prices from one country to another. The G8 itself sold as the commodore in Australia costs MUCH more than it would does here. The Vauxhall version also costs more than double the G8 version.

Same way the genesis pricing cannot be arrived at by converting their korean pricing.

They've said at motorshows that their fully loaded top of the line genesis luxury sedan is going to be 40k.

Some of us DO think the genesis sedan is competition to the G8. Dont forget the genesis coupe is also competition to the camaro, mustang, challenger whatever else.

I also saw someone mention the quality of their cars:

You can nay say hyundai all you like, but if you look at consumer reports their reliability fit & finish and the overall quality of their cars is, of LATE, more than competition for pontiac.
If you're interested in those qualities, you would already know that it varies HUGELY from model to model and you can't judge those categories collectively by brand just as you cannot judge performance without looking at specific models.

While some companies like Acura only have very reliable cars, others like pontiac and hyundai have some models that rate as very reliable and some that rate as horrible as you can measure. You got to get model-specific to make any sense.

Here's a comparison of reliability:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/used-cars/reliability/best-worst-in-car-reliability-1005/how-makes-compare/0407_how-makes-compare.htm
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/9282/howmakescomparegi2.th.jpg (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=howmakescomparegi2.jpg)

Hyundai converted them... Not me. How many times do I have to say that.

Besides, I came here to talk about the G8. I could care less about the Genesis, as I wouldn't be here if I was "anticipating" it. I don't have to like it, I don't have to make nice about it. I'll nay say all I like. At the end of the day, I'm still interested in the G8; not the Designer Ripoff that the Genesis is... just like all Korean cars.... I really wish they'd get some originality to their designs... I thought it was a BMW commercial when it started with the tail.

"Nay nay nay nay nay..." All I want. That's why this isn't a Genesis forum. Its a G8 forum. The Grannnysis ain't gonna be in my garage.

Hyundai converted them... Not me. How many times do I have to say that.

Besides, I came here to talk about the G8. I could care less about the Genesis, as I wouldn't be here if I was "anticipating" it. I don't have to like it, I don't have to make nice about it. I'll nay say all I like. At the end of the day, I'm still interested in the G8; not the Designer Ripoff that the Genesis is... just like all Korean cars.... I really wish they'd get some originality to their designs... I thought it was a BMW commercial when it started with the tail.

"Nay nay nay nay nay..." All I want. That's why this isn't a Genesis forum. Its a G8 forum. The Grannnysis ain't gonna be in my garage.

Waaaay COOL!:thumbsup:

I have to agree with you, I'm also anticipating the G8. I'm just growing bored as hell waiting for the GXP.

I have to agree with you, I'm also anticipating the G8. I'm just growing bored as hell waiting for the GXP.

You wont be bored when you're burning up the road in one, eh?!!:gears:

I don't see a problem with Genesis talk. A RWD sedan is a direct competitor, just as much as a Charger is. I think the Genesis could have been a cool car if it looked more like the prototype. They tamed it down too much.

I do see a problem with Genesis talk in a forum entitled "G8 News." Perhaps a new forum should be created that is dedicated to discussions about competitors with the G8 like Genesis, Charger, 5 series etc. I do agree that the Genesis is a really interesting new vehicle, one that I plan to check out as soon as it shows up at my local dealership, I just don't think this is the appropriate place for discussions about it.

Exactly, thats what I was thinking. G8 News.....

The G8 will spank both of them anyway.

I do see a problem with Genesis talk in a forum entitled "G8 News." Perhaps a new forum should be created that is dedicated to discussions about competitors with the G8 like Genesis, Charger, 5 series etc. I do agree that the Genesis is a really interesting new vehicle, one that I plan to check out as soon as it shows up at my local dealership, I just don't think this is the appropriate place for discussions about it.

True that. Acceptable topic, wrong section. Hence the admin pushing the general talk to the lounge.

Exactly. That way, if folks wanna discuss it, they can discuss it in the proper venue... Not a forum and thread titled G8 News - Motortrend G8 First Look

I began to think I clicked the wrong link. haha. Anyhow, discussion of the genesis is fine. But how about title the post g8 vs. genesis.

those korean cars are just throw aways..no deposit..no return, just getting more expensive..just try to trade one in or sell after just a couple of months, years, dosen't matter....pretty much junk...

I don't see a problem with Genesis talk. A RWD sedan is a direct competitor, just as much as a Charger is. I think the Genesis could have been a cool car if it looked more like the prototype. They tamed it down too much.

My thoughts exactly! I have already driven and priced out a Charger R/T. I am now waiting to drive a G8 and the Genesis. To me they would ALL suit what I am looking for. Put simply, 350+HP V8 with RWD and some creature comforts. Once I drive and price all three I will decide which one to buy. Perhaps this was in the wrong section but it could be easily moved where we can continue the discussion.

those korean cars are just throw aways..no deposit..no return, just getting more expensive..just try to trade one in or sell after just a couple of months, years, dosen't matter....pretty much junk...

The same could certainly be said for many domestic cars. How much is that Aztek and Grand Am worth these days? How about that Aveo, Focus or Taurus?

I own a Grand Am. I'm not sure what its worth is. It's a 99 MY that rolled off the assembly line in 98. It's been a solid little car and has nothing but the basic preventative and scheduled maintenance. I bought it cheap and it's been as reliable or better than a brand new Honda, Toyota, Lexus

It's worth alot to me. It's been paid off for several years and it just keeps going and going and going.

Motor Trend's full review has a date up, the 22nd:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_2008_pontiac_g8_gt_first_test

Motor Trend's full review has a date up, the 22nd:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_2008_pontiac_g8_gt_first_test


Interesting - must be the embargo release \ remove date.
Thanks!
- Ray

I can't wait to see the comments about this and the GXP. The GXP is a "Q-ship" (rocket) and it will be interesting how the G8 compares.

I own a Grand Am. I'm not sure what its worth is. It's a 99 MY that rolled off the assembly line in 98. It's been a solid little car and has nothing but the basic preventative and scheduled maintenance. I bought it cheap and it's been as reliable or better than a brand new Honda, Toyota, Lexus

It's worth alot to me. It's been paid off for several years and it just keeps going and going and going.


Well it could worth $1 million to you, doesn't mean anybody else will give you $3k for it. And I take it you also have owned Honda, Toyota and Lexus vehicles to make that claim?

1 more day..... :gears:

1 more day..... :gears:


1 more day until what? (You can't leave us in suspense......)


:popcorn2:

1 more day until what? (You can't leave us in suspense......)


:popcorn2:

LOL... For the road test review.

Sweet! I must have missed the 2/22/08 date in the article. I'm looking forward to it too! Thanks......

I know the Genesis topic is worn-out but I saw the Genesis at the DC Auto Show. I thought the interior was really cheap looking. It reminded me of a fake leather jacket. It looks close to leather but it's plastic smell gives it away as imitation. IMO, the interior of the G8 is one of the nicest of any car under $40k.

I know the Genesis topic is worn-out but I saw the Genesis at the DC Auto Show. I thought the interior was really cheap looking. It reminded me of a fake leather jacket. It looks close to leather but it's plastic smell gives it away as imitation. IMO, the interior of the G8 is one of the nicest of any car under $40k.

Careful there! You'll have P_T wanting to know if you're a plastic car seat owner! Hahahaha:gr_jest:

Well it could worth $1 million to you, doesn't mean anybody else will give you $3k for it. And I take it you also have owned Honda, Toyota and Lexus vehicles to make that claim?

The Grand Am been totally reliable. I briefly owned a Tercel that was a POS.

Since the Grand Am has been such a good reliable car I was comparing it's actual reliability with cars of perceived reliability. It hasn't broken down or stranded me so I haven't been tempted to buy a Honda or Lexus (re-badged Toyota).

Careful there! You'll have P_T wanting to know if you're a plastic car seat owner! Hahahaha:gr_jest:

Ramsesiii needs to post a Tom & Jerry pic of Spike the dog after getting suckered. :gr_jest:

The story is up at the link...

The story is up at the link...

Nice.....
Accel. compared to 335i - not 535i?
Odd.
- Ray
Interesting read...

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_2008_pontiac_g8_gt_first_test

"The cabin is nicely tailored with a 'tech-grain' dash, comfortable and enveloping seats, and simple controls. What's more, though it might not look it, the car is huge inside-particularly in back, which also features what at first sight appears to be the world's largest pass-through."

Remember all the bitching about the quality of the interior? They didn't seem to have a problem with it...

^Please do not bother the ricer/kraut fans with facts

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=124876?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1 .*

Great review from Motor Trend. :)

I can't wait for their comparison with the Charger.

It's amazing to hear such positive reviews about a domestic vehicle (yes, I realize that it's actually imported, but from a domestic manufacturer). I am really looking forward to my first testdrive!

That Edmunds test drive video is awesome. Great reviews, I can't wait to test drive one!

Re: Edmunds Review
The good news is it got a great review. The bad news is good reviews make more people want to buy them and drives the price up with the limited supply. But, the sooner all the 08s get tagged, the sooner they will put the 09s up for tagging and I can get one.

If the GT can do that to the Super Bee, just think what the GXP with a manual is going to do.

Re: Edmunds Review
The good news is it got a great review. The bad news is good reviews make more people want to buy them and drives the price up with the limited supply. But, the sooner all the 08s get tagged, the sooner they will put the 09s up for tagging and I can get one.

If the GT can do that to the Super Bee, just think what the GXP with a manual is going to do.

I can't believe the G8 GT is turning in such good quarter mile times. What an awesome car! The GXP should be crazy fast with likely ~60 more horsepower and more aggressive gearing. I can't wait to see how it will perform.

I want one even more now.

I like the rev matching in manual mode mentioned in the Edmunds article. That's a big + in my book.

I like the rev matching in manual mode mentioned in the Edmunds article. That's a big + in my book.

Big Plus for me, too.
Now, if only we could test drive one.
And order one.
Etc.
- Ray
Rather tired of being patient....

Makes me want a GXP EVEN more now!! ^_^

Re: Edmunds Review
The good news is it got a great review. The bad news is good reviews make more people want to buy them and drives the price up with the limited supply. But, the sooner all the 08s get tagged, the sooner they will put the 09s up for tagging and I can get one.

If the GT can do that to the Super Bee, just think what the GXP with a manual is going to do.

I was thinking the same thing when I read the reviews. I am affraid the demand will go up and make it hard to even get to test drive one because dealers can't keep them on the lot. Time will tell.

are they even going to let anyone test drive these??

Of course they'll let people test drive them. The GXP might be another story, but the other two models should be no problem. Now I can see a dealership who might only have one on the lot be hesitant to let it go out for a bunch of test drives. It might take a little while to get inventories up.

Uhh, why wouldn't they let you test them? They won't let ya just randomly come in and test drive it if you aren't willing to buy. But if you're contemplating it who's gonna say now.

GXPs will probably be bought by folks who have already test drove GTs plenty anyways.

Bottom line, though... if some dealer was idiotic enough to tell me I couldn't test it, I wouldn't be buying it from them.

Uhh, why wouldn't they let you test them? They won't let ya just randomly come in and test drive it if you aren't willing to buy. But if you're contemplating it who's gonna say now.

GXPs will probably be bought by folks who have already test drove GTs plenty anyways.

Bottom line, though... if some dealer was idiotic enough to tell me I couldn't test it, I wouldn't be buying it from them.

exactly .. but i went to quite a few when I bought my Monaro/GTO before i found one that would let you drive one.

I thought it was pretty normal for a dealer not let a brand new car (model) -that like you said they only have one or two of- off the lot to anyone who just wants to come and drive. Its not a Honda Civic!!

Can't post a new thread so I'll put this here if it's ok....

Car & Driver Review:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/performance_files_tested_by_c_d/2008_pontiac_g8_gt_road_test/(page)/1

I posted the other in the lounge :)

Nice!!!!!!!

are they even going to let anyone test drive these??


If the dealer wouldn't let me test drive one then I'd be shopping for another dealer.

I can understand the first ones could already be sold or a few prospective buyers should already be lined up. Once the inventory gets built up it should be no hassle.

I had one A-Hole BMW dealer want to run a credit check before I could test drive a car. WTF I went off. I already had my own credit arranged. All I needed to do was pick a car. I bought my GTO shortly after that.

That's interesting. I had just the opposite happen to me. I went to look at GTO's and they wouldn't even let me TOUCH it, much less test drive. They had ropes around it (along with a $5,000 "market adjustment" sticker on the window). I went across the street to the BMW dealership and test drove a couple of cars, then ordered one. Of course, I wound up trading the BMW in at the Pontiac place when they starting putting huge incentives on GTO's less than a year later. They practically begged me to test drive one. Pontiac dealers can be A-Holes, too.

I cant wait for the GXP, seems like the only complaint was the brakes.

Who thinks the GXP will have Magnetic Ride Control. I do.

Who thinks the GXP will have Magnetic Ride Control. I do.

WTH is that?

I had one A-Hole BMW dealer want to run a credit check before I could test drive a car. WTF I went off. I already had my own credit arranged. All I needed to do was pick a car. I bought my GTO shortly after that.


Yeah right, like I'm going to let some dumb ass car salesman run my credit without me for SURE knowing that I want to buy the car.

WTH is that?

GM's Magnetic Ride Control is a complete, stand-alone vehicle suspension control system that uses innovative magneto-rheological fluid-based actuators, four wheel-to-body displacement sensors, and an onboard computer to provide real-time, continuous control of vehicle suspension damping.

The system responds in one millisecond to provide superior ride, handling and control on even the roughest road surfaces. Magnetic Ride Control uses a simple combination of sensors, as well as steering wheel and braking inputs from the driver, to reduce noise, vibration and harshness for a smoother ride.

The system's onboard computer reacts to wheel inputs from the road-sensing suspension by sending an electronic signal to coils in each damper, changing the damping fluid's flow properties. This fluid contains randomly dispersed iron particles that, in the presence of a magnetic field, align themselves into structures adopting a near-plastic state. This action regulates the damping properties of the monotube struts, changing up to 1,000 times per second.

The system offers an expanded range of soft-to-firm damping capabilities for increased control over vehicle motions for a flat ride and precise handling. The active suspension helps maintain the maximum amount of tire patch in contact with the road, providing improved wheel control for a safer more secure ride. This new technology also helps reduce the traditional tradeoff between ride and handling.

Magnetic Ride Control is superior to the traditional suspensions and the real-time-damping systems found in other performance and luxury vehicles that use an electromechanical valve to control hydraulic pressure for shock damping.



:eek2:

I hate playing devil's advocate.... But they do it to limit "joy rides." I bet a lot of people like to waltz into a BMW dealership with the sole intention of checking out a 7 series for the hell of it.

Yeah right, like I'm going to let some dumb ass car salesman run my credit without me for SURE knowing that I want to buy the car.


It was Dreyer & Reinbold BMW/Infiniti in Greenwood. It was only a 3 series I was wanting to test drive. The manager called me on my way home and asked me to come back to take a test drive. I told him I wouldn't have driven nearly 50 miles one way if I wasn't seriously interested in buying a car. I told him I'd shop BMW dealers in Ohio from now on.

That's true.

Great review from Motor Trend. :)

I can't wait for their comparison with the Charger.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=124883?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1 .*

There you go. First of no doubt many victories for the 8.

No XM Radio, although the literature I've seen says it is adaptable with an external plug in (then a reference to the XM Satellite radio site web page). Since the radio is a Blaupunkt (and I like the one in my GTO), the Euros probably don't have XM Satellite radio (? - geo-synchronous satellites over the UK?), so no capability from the Germans.

No XM Radio, although the literature I've seen says it is adaptable with an external plug in (then a reference to the XM Satellite radio site web page). Since the radio is a Blaupunkt (and I like the one in my GTO), the Euros probably don't have XM Satellite radio (? - geo-synchronous satellites over the UK?), so no capability from the Germans.

... according to usually reliable sources...
- Ray
Passing on the current rumor...

I can't believe the G8 GT is turning in such good quarter mile times. What an awesome car! The GXP should be crazy fast with likely ~60 more horsepower and more aggressive gearing. I can't wait to see how it will perform.

That would suggest that either the Dodge is overrated, or the G8 is underrated. It is very unusual to have nearly 400lbs/ft torque and only 361HP. It's that torque that pulls off the line. HP is a combination of torque and RPM.

... according to usually reliable sources...
- Ray
Passing on the current rumor...

According to the literature (see link above of the "Training" manual) from GM, unless you don't consider that a reliable source.
:)

According to the literature (see link above of the "Training" manual) from GM, unless you don't consider that a reliable source.
:)

RE: XM

I see no such "Training" manual link 'above' - what post#?

I am referring to this thread - post#1:

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=950

I can't believe the G8 GT is turning in such good quarter mile times. What an awesome car! The GXP should be crazy fast with likely ~60 more horsepower and more aggressive gearing. I can't wait to see how it will perform.


Why is the G8 GT posting ‘such good quarter mile times’?
I believe that part of the answer here is the gearing.
The Edmunds test refers to the 2.92:1 final drive ratio.
Not considered very ‘aggressive’, normally.
In this particular case, paired with the 6L80’s first gear ratio of 4.03:1, it actually is fairly aggressive.

[[ For reference, the 2006 – 2008 Corvettes with versions of the motor and this automatic trans. have standard final drive ratios of 2.56:1. And now, for 2008, an optional ‘performance’ axle ratio – of 2.73:1. ]]

The Charger R/T’s first gear ratio is 3.58:1 and the final drive ratio is 2.82:1.

[[ This means the G8 GT ‘launches’ with around 10% greater mechanical advantage. Assuming that the tire diameters are approx. 7% different ( the Charger’s tires, in the Edmunds test are 225/60x18s vs 245/40x19s on the G8 GT w/Sport Pkg - means the Charger has roughly 7% higher RPM ) and assuming similar initial Torque Converter behavior in the 2 automatic transmissions. ]]

AND ( I think particularly relevant here ) Pontiac chose a final drive ratio that allows the G8 GT to hit the Quarter Mile lights at the very top of Third Gear.
Third gear @ redline ( 6,000 RPM ) is 104 MPH.
And the Quarter Mile Terminal Velocity in each test I have seen so far is between 102.8 and 104.1 MPH.
So: The motor is at peak HP and no 3 – 4 shift is required before the end of the Quarter.
The Charger ( non-SRT8 ) in tests I have see is geared for 118 MPG in Third gear – and clears the Quarter running at roughly 97 to 101.

Just my 0.02 gallons worth . . .
- Ray
Pleased to see these acceleration times . . .

Cars like the new 2008 Pontiac G8 GT and 2008 Dodge Charger R/T were once supposed to be every American's birthright. Brawny, V8-powered, relatively affordable rear-drive cruisers that can blow through a couple of big Western states in an afternoon at 90 mph — their drivers staring at the horizon through Ray-Bans, steering with one hand and smoking a Pall Mall with the other.

I love that opening paragraph

Yep, I know exactly what they mean as I was there for that! bought all new: '67 goat, '69 ram air III and '72 (end of era but a nice ride)...friends had hemi cudas, super bee, ss396 etc...

my '69 was around $3,600-3,800?? and that should be about equal to the GT $30,000 in todays $s

Check out the article in Automobile Magazine, where the G8 Gt to BMW 550 (where it does extremely well against a car nearly twice its price !)

Nice writeup.

Thanks for posting.

The G8 is one hell of a sports sedan for 30 grand!

+1.

Check out the article in Automobile Magazine, where the G8 Gt to BMW 550 (where it does extremely well against a car nearly twice its price !)


Performance wise, but the G8 will never match the interior, comfort, gizmos and fit and finish that you pay for with the bmw.

fine by me...

Check out the article in Automobile Magazine, where the G8 Gt to BMW 550 (where it does extremely well against a car nearly twice its price !)

Link?
I don't see aanything on their web site...
And I have not seen the issue.
Do you subscribe?
Thanks,
- Ray
Interested in the comparitive 0-60 & quarter mile times, particularly -
same time, same venue, same driver...

Yup BMW 550 360HP, G8 361HP, exactally why the GXP will be 426+HP right over the SRT's 425HP, it's all about "most powerfull sedan" marketing hype.

Performance wise, but the G8 will never match the interior, comfort, gizmos and fit and finish that you pay for with the bmw.

fine by me...

No iDrive in a G8 GT.
And no 'weird & wonky' automatic trans. lever - like in the
latest BMW 5 series...
- Ray
Also both fine by me........

Check out the article in Automobile Magazine, where the G8 Gt to BMW 550 (where it does extremely well against a car nearly twice its price !)Doc, any link that article? I can't seem to find it.

Thanks.......

RE: XM

I see no such "Training" manual link 'above' - what post#?

I am referring to this thread - post#1:

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=950

Sorry, the link was in another section (brochures)

http://www.g8board.com/08G8/images/G8_DB_reversed.pdf

Page 13.

Sorry, the link was in another section (brochures)

http://www.g8board.com/08G8/images/G8_DB_reversed.pdf

Page 13.

Ah.
I did read that.
I was referring to integrated XM.
"For customers who would like XM Satellite Radio
on their G8, there are a variety of XM Plug & Play
radio products available for purchase. The XM
Plug & Play radios are easy to install."
My understanding is that XM will be available
as a factory option and \ or standard for 2009.
Thanks,
- Ray

Just check out the NY Daily News website. Looks like the G8 is getting popular with every victory. Make that 2-0 way to go G8. :)

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/080226-119250/?utm_source=nydailynews.com&utm_medium=dailynewsWidget

MotorTrend G8 v. R/T comparo:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_2008_pontiac_g8_vs_2008_dodge_charger