Pontiac has updated their G8 page. It now lists available configurations and MSRP for each configuration. Just my luck, I wanted the sports package but don't really need the premium package but you have to get the premium package to get the sports package.

I wonder how the leather wrapped sport steering wheel is different than the non-sport leather wrapped steering wheel.

I've read that it is larger in diameter (thickness, not overall)



Go Horns! (Longhorns that is)

Just checked out the Pontiac site, had checked it late last night/early this am and this change wasn't in effect then, so its new for this work day. Interesting that there are only "total package" prices and no breakdowns to mix and match as you go. Again, they are being pre-built to GM's preconceived plan on what we will want. Wonder if future years will allow us to "order" one built the way we want?:dunno:

Just checked out the Pontiac site, had checked it late last night/early this am and this change wasn't in effect then, so its new for this work day. Interesting that there are only "total package" prices and no breakdowns to mix and match as you go. Again, they are being pre-built to GM's preconceived plan on what we will want. Wonder if future years will allow us to "order" one built the way we want?:dunno:
:The_Villagers: How would YOU order?
You can only mix and match 11 different ways anyway with their prerequisites of Comfort & Sound to get Premium OR Sunroof on Base Sedan, and Premium to get Sunroof or Sport on GT. So the eliminated combos are:

Base Sedan with Premium only
Base with Premium and sunroof only

and

GT with Sunroof only
GT with Sunroof & All-season only
GT with Sunroof and Sport only
GT with Sport only

Biggest drawback is the only way to get a sunroof with cloth is to get a V6. And no way to get Sport package at all with cloth. So it boils down to the only option allowable with cloth interior is All-season tires and the only way to get leather on a Base is to upgrade the radio.

I wonder how the leather wrapped sport steering wheel is different than the non-sport leather wrapped steering wheel.

i think i read somewhere that it has a flat bottom:bootyshake: haha

:The_Villagers: How would YOU order?
You can only mix and match 11 different ways anyway with their prerequisites of Comfort & Sound to get Premium OR Sunroof on Base Sedan, and Premium to get Sunroof or Sport on GT. So the eliminated combos are:

Base Sedan with Premium only
Base with Premium and sunroof only

and

GT with Sunroof only
GT with Sunroof & All-season only
GT with Sunroof and Sport only
GT with Sport only

Biggest drawback is the only way to get a sunroof with cloth is to get a V6. And no way to get Sport package at all with cloth. So it boils down to the only option allowable with cloth interior is All-season tires and the only way to get leather on a Base is to upgrade the radio.

So you answered your question on how you'd order? When buying a $30k+ car I have this perverse idea that I might want to have some say in what equipment I'm getting. This is more or less, take it or leave it. Not all bad for GM, certainly makes the production line hum right along. But may tend to turn off some customers that don't want to pay for some options in order to get ones they want! As I said, we'll have to see what future model years bring us.:boink:

So you answered your question on how you'd order? When buying a $30k+ car I have this perverse idea that I might want to have some say in what equipment I'm getting. This is more or less, take it or leave it. Not all bad for GM, certainly makes the production line hum right along. But may tend to turn off some customers that don't want to pay for some options in order to get ones they want! As I said, we'll have to see what future model years bring us.:boink:

It is interesting because the Japanese brands (especially Honda/Acura) have been doing this for awhile. One of my friends at work hates sunroofs. However, the last three cars he has purchased (two Accords and one Acura TL) have had sunroofs since it was the only way to get the other options that he wanted. I always found that interesting since a sunroof is typically a $800+ option on most cars yet people were paying it to get the other options they wanted.

Chip

It is interesting because the Japanese brands (especially Honda/Acura) have been doing this for awhile. One of my friends at work hates sunroofs. However, the last three cars he has purchased (two Accords and one Acura TL) have had sunroofs since it was the only way to get the other options that he wanted. I always found that interesting since a sunroof is typically a $800+ option on most cars yet people were paying it to get the other options they wanted.

Chip

I am very happy with what Pontiac is offering here becuase I HATE sunroofs. As a data point to reinforce your comments, I found that you cannot get a Lexus without a sunroof. This is stupid, because with sunroofs in all of their vehicles, I cannot sit up in them, so therefore, I cannot buy one. Ridiculous.

Going back a couple of comments...there is the other extreme, like BMW, who offers 5 gajillion options for their vehicles, and within those options are 35 different settings for each option. I'd rather have few options and a more simple driving experience (notice Jeremy on Top Gear said the same thing).

Going back a couple of comments...there is the other extreme, like BMW, who offers 5 gajillion options for their vehicles, and within those options are 35 different settings for each option. I'd rather have few options and a more simple driving experience (notice Jeremy on Top Gear said the same thing).

OK, but isn't the whole thing with the G8 to place it in the category of the 5Series BMW? That has been the comparisons we've been given since the intro of the original concept/show car. As you said above, BMW offers a lot of options for their vehicles. I don't necessarily care for a gajillion options, just the ability to pick and choose between those that are offered!

OK, but isn't the whole thing with the G8 to place it in the category of the 5Series BMW? That has been the comparisons we've been given since the intro of the original concept/show car. As you said above, BMW offers a lot of options for their vehicles. I don't necessarily care for a gajillion options, just the ability to pick and choose between those that are offered!

Understood, but if the lack of customizability is somewhat responsible for the price being ~$30K (which I am sure it is), isn't that a good thing?

Understood, but if the lack of customizability is somewhat responsible for the price being ~$30K (which I am sure it is), isn't that a good thing?

Sure it is! It's all good so far! It also gives GM the ability to control what they make on each car, built in profit. I don't begrudge them the profit, but being the customer, we're the ones that are supposed to decide what we pay for, and that we pay for only what we want. What was Henry Ford's adage, you can have it any color you want, as long as its black!?!:quoties:

The limited options is directly related to first off product and the overseas shipment. Custom orders would increase the wait to get a car. The batch method also eases the inventory management.

Bob Lutz has actually stated that they are doing this to increase the success of the product launch.

The factory is actually just making variants based on a formula, and then dealers are simply finding car with the options you want while its 'on the boat' and putting your name on it.

~CB

Understood, but if the lack of customizability is somewhat responsible for the price being ~$30K (which I am sure it is), isn't that a good thing?

BINGO! Build so many this way and that way etc and it cuts cost. Try to get a honda with out a sunroof. They found that XX% wanted a sun roof and its cheaper to put one in every car...So do you want a $37,000 Gt custom order or a $33,000 our way???...Dang, just be glad it is here. If CAFE bump had been a year, year-half sooner it would not be here. End of rant.