2008 Pontiac G8 GT: Interior could use an upgrade

For $30k and with 361hp I wouldn't mind the interior as it is. I think the center stack gauges look better in person and are not as bad as many editors have put it. It'll defintely look better in other colors other than red though.

GM obviously found it hard to invest its increasingly scarce cash into putting navigations systems on a car which it will absolutely lose money on...
 
Too bad that its also something thats hard for us to swallow as well

This picture doesn't show the pretty part of the interior - the seats, thick-rimmed and stylish steering wheel, and the gauges. Still, the obviously-cheap black plastic that surrounds the air vents and flows down to the shifter has got to go. How about some red stitched leather instead to compliment the red color scheme?
 
I think Pontiac should ditch the stupid battery/oil pressure gauges and instead put a backup camera or something up there. Maybe a small one, like in the new Toyota Highlander. Or put climate control info, etc. up there to free up some space for navigation.
 

Uh, yeah, the center stack was pulled from a car called a Holden, it's Australian. It also looks similar to a car called the Vauxhall VXR8 sold in Europe. Come on, this is GM we're talking about; of course the center stack is going to look like it was pulled from another car because _it was_. It's $30k for a car that has 360hp and is the size of a BMW 5-series. Don't you think they have to cut costs somewhere?
  
The question is does the center stack work, is it intuitive and functional? If not then that would be a bigger concern rather than the fact it looks like it came from another car.
  
Yes, the LCD gauges are not doing the interior any favors especially when the Vauxhall has traditional gauges in place of the LCDs. Hopefully this will be addressed in the next couple of model years. In my brief look at the G8, the only real glaring offense in the interior was the horrible plastic used to surround the center stack as shown in the picture.

It still is a huge improvement over the horrid interiors of the past. I remember the mix of black and gray plastic and those huge bumpy knobs everywhere. Progress is good.

Honestly, I like it. I think it looks like a car that starts around 20k...but that's not a bad thing. It's not rich, but it's simple and straightforward. I -despise- the battery voltage gauge. C'mon. It's 2008. That's almost worthless except for the 3 times in the car's life you drain the battery all the way....and even then, you can kinda figure it out on your own :)
 
In place, it should be an oil temp gauge. Then you have oil pressure and oil temperature. Front and center. Like a real muscle car.
 
I do applaud them for having oil pressure though.
 
But, let's face it, every car has stupid stuff on it at some point. The 2006 BMW 330i had a MPG guage that just swung back and forth below the speedometer (ok, I kinda like those)....in 2007, for the 335, they replaced that with a very-nice oil temperature gauge. Hopefully we'll see the same with the G8.
 
One thing to note about this interior: I notice shut-offs for the center vents. That's a fairly uncommon feature in the sub-30k bracket, and a very nice one indeed. Most cars just allow you to re-direct center-stack vents, not shut them off completely.
 
Ed - I castigate you, unendingly, for your first post barely mentioning the dynamics of the car beyond that it can do burnouts. I can do burnouts in my 2.0 liter Civic SI (alright, maybe Puff-outs)....how does the car DRIVEEEEE?????
 
Joe

Since GM was intent on not having navigation, they could have scored a major coup by putting in its place a shelf, niche or cubby for an aftermarket unit. Just carve out a space that can be easily concealed and put power, aux input and/or USB back there, maybe even a door or lid.

AUTHOR: louiswei
DATE: 05/06/2008 12:46:22 PM
EMAIL: acer_wei@yahoo.com

I don't think GM was intent on not having navigation, they just couldn't plug their standard navi head unit into the Holden-designed G8. It's the same reason the car doesn't have satellite radio, or why the Astra doesn't have navi, sat radio or an aux jack.

The extremely harsh light of the photo exaggerates the unattractiveness - you could make a Maybach interior look cheap with the right kind of bad lighting.
 
That said, I think the G8's interior is decently attractive and light years ahead of the wretched Poncho interiors of recent history. GM is obviously spending lots more cash on materials, asthetics and design. Still, those uber-cheesy batt/oil gauges have got to go!

It's not clear to me why GM doesn't put Nav systems in their cars. It is usually (over)priced at $2k and rakes in big profit. Is it because they didn't want to or have the time to develop it? Or is it because it will compete w/ OnStar?

"It's the same reason the car doesn't have satellite radio..."
 
G8 gets four new colors and XM standard for 2009.

On-screen navigation will be available for 2009. The existing Australian unit was having issues complying with US FCC regulations.
 
Honestly, though, most integrated nav systems are overpriced if you're actually paying for it yourself. On a $50K BMW, I understand, but on, say, a midsize family sedan, what's wrong with a $150 Garmin nuvi 200?

that picture makes it look worse then it is. And even there it doesn't look bad, imho equal to the look of the accord center stack....
 
except for the stupid oil/battery metter. Would have been better left blank, instead it whips you into the 80's.

Good to hear about XM for 2009, hopefully they get it on the Astra.

I think at nighttime, the dash and everything looks much better. The outdoor unslight doesn't help it much.
 
My opinion is attached :p

What car of anything near this performance level and less than $30k looks any better? This is Camry money, not Audi $$, remember.

What about the gaps to the right and left of the center stack - looks like i can take my pinky - stick it in there and pull it apart. I have an 01 lex and fit and finish is ahead of that(and i still complain when comparing it to an 07 or 08 lex interior) All the plastics look really hard.
Can someone explain to me why, when honda was praised for its fit and finish and soft touch materials, on the current gen accord they regressed and went with hard plastics on the dash?

The current Mailbu and Aura aren't wired for navigation systems so there is no chance for such systems for this generation. They lack the harness necessary to route current to such a high draw system.
 
The take for navigation in non luxury cars is pretty small so it's really not much of a factor in the overall scheme of things.

i just drove a g8 gt this past weekend and found it quite nice. but, i really wish gm would have put satellite radio in it...electric seatback adjusters...and how in the heck did they forget homelink!!! that's a must nowadays!
 
i see xm is coming for '09, any other goodies on the way besides more colours?

Isn't this car intended to be an affordable alternative to the BMW 3 series, for drivers who live for and love RWD?
Perhaps next year Pontiac will offer an upgraded interior for those wishing to spend extra bucks.
The Aussie dollar has appreciated greatly over recent years - as of today it's worth 95 USA cents.

There's nothing wrong with the Gate's interior. New-age GM interiors will hopefully inspire Ford and Chyrsler interiors of the future.
 
And speaking of Chrysler, I'd say this interior looks a helluva lot better than the insides of that c-class thing.

What it needs is a giant speedometer there!
 
"Gate" is that the new name for it? The new version of the goat?

I don't think it really looks that bad either. I'd certainly take this beast over an Accord.

All GM needs to do, is steal that NAV position from honda, and stick it in place of that stupid oil display...
 
they could still have the oil/battery display... just hide it under a different screen.
 
Instantly would make the inside look thosands better.

"There’s hasn’t been much said about the interior though and now I know why."
 
Actually there has been praise for the interior in Automobile Mag, R&T's road test, C&D's recent comparo and MT's comparo last month. Most comments have been positive. automobile said it was better than most of GM's current non luxury interiors.
 
I sat in the car and the interior is not Audi quality but its not poorly built nor is it cheap. The car starts at $27k so you shouldn't expect it to rival that of a 5 series. The camry and Altima cost over $32k with all the options and their interiors are no better. The seats, upper dash and armrests in the G8 are all soft touch and seem to be high quality.
 
The interior is shared with cars that arent sold in America so I fail to see how that is a bad thing. No other NA GM product has this interior. You will not find these gauges, center stack, windor controls, AC controls or steering wheel in ANY other GM product sold in the US. How is this not a good thing?
 
No 2009 Astra info has been released yet so we dont know if it will get XM radio. I doubt it will get an AUX jack since its going to be replaced in 2 years.

Ah c'mon guys, that stack/dash is not very appealing. Look at the contours on buddy's photo of the Accord. And look at the Holden's (uups - Pontiac)- whatever - the Holdiac's looks like a Jenga stack with knobs.
  
And yes, I would say the C300/350's interior isn't that great either. Still, considering comments in the C300 post - what would YOU take if you had the option - the new C class (and the glory that comes with being in a 3 pointed star)or, the new Holdiac (and the grins that come with all the horsepower... but has the far less neighbour impressing badge)?
  
Last point, as the brand's "Halo" car - the G8/Commodore dash doesn't cut it. Forget the relative pricing - the Honda Fit's got a nicer deal goin' on inside.

Between the C300 and G8 GT I'll go with the later without a second thought. However, it'll be a much tougher call if it's the C350.

1487 -
 
"The car starts at $27k so you shouldn't expect it to rival that of a 5 series. The camry and Altima cost over $32k with all the options and their interiors are no better."
 
The G8 starts at 27k....the Accord, Camry, and Altima? What do they start at?
 
So, ok, I just pointed out that the G8 interior is about comparable with cars starting at a 30% lower price point.
 
That being said, I think the need for fancy interiors is going a bit far on this one. The interior of the G8 is not perfect....the LCD screen used on top of the dash is an eyesore (compare it to the Honda Accord posted above, which one looks more 2008 and more refined?).
 
But none of the plastics I see appear outright cheap. Everything looks decent and has a nice design (that center stack actually looks to have mimicked the 2004-2007 Acura TSX/TL in design theme.)
 
I don't think I'd ever look at that dash and think "this is cheap" or, conversely, "this is an awesome dash". It is what it is...
 
Joe

It seems like a nice enough stack. The plastics look a little hard, but I haven't sat in the car and tested it out so I really can't comment. Its refreshing to see rectangular vents in a Pontiac!

I totally agree with you Joe. I went to test drive the G8 this past Saturday and although it didn't impress an interior nazi like me but I wasn't disappointed either. Given that this car has a 361hp V8, RWD and returns decent FE at $30k I can totally live with a $20k interior.
 
To be honest, design wise, I actually prefer G8's center stack over Accord's.

""The car starts at $27k so you shouldn't expect it to rival that of a 5 series. The camry and Altima cost over $32k with all the options and their interiors are no better."
  
The G8 starts at 27k....the Accord, Camry, and Altima? What do they start at?
  
So, ok, I just pointed out that the G8 interior is about comparable with cars starting at a 30% lower price point. "
 
But as pointed out in earlier posts you are paying for performance from the G8. If you make its interior top notch then the price goes up and suddenly you are looking at a car that is priced comparably with other cars in its performance category.
 
Is the G8 designed to compete with the Accord, Camry or Altima?

Sorry, but I like the G8's layout (except for those silliy gauges) much better than the Accord's starship Enterprise look and weird button arrangements. The G8's layout looks very simple and intuitive in comparison, which sometimes makes for bland to some people...
 
Anyone with a pulse would take even a base G8 over a CamCord. If not, you are probably an accountant or librarian.

"And yes, I would say the C300/350's interior isn't that great either. Still, considering comments in the C300 post - what would YOU take if you had the option - the new C class (and the glory that comes with being in a 3 pointed star)or, the new Holdiac (and the grins that come with all the horsepower... but has the far less neighbour impressing badge)? "
 
First of all I am not a fan of the C class interior. The materials are better than those in the G8 but the design is not superior. Considering the size, price and styling of the G8 I would take it over a COMPARABLY priced C class any day of the week. I am not a brand snob so I could care less if people respect me less by not driving a base model C class with leatherette.
 
Joe,
 
My point about the camry and Altima is that comparable V6 (not I-4s) cars are in the same price range as the base G8 and the interiors of those two cars are not any better than the Pontiac. yes I know you can get a 158hp Camry with wheelcovers for $21k but I dont think that is comparable to a 256hp full sized Pontiac that comes standard with 17" wheels, stability control, ONstar, remote start and other features not found on a base camry.
 
I fail to see how that pic of the Accord interior is supposed to shame the G8. Am I missing something? I see lots of large buttons, a monochromatic center stack and tons of cut lines.

I was pointing out that the display (the blue LCD) puts the G8 to shame...but I think even you said that earlier, that those LCD bar-graphs need to stay back in the 80s where they belong. Of course, again, I applaud GM for putting an oil pressure gauge into a muscle car.
 
I actually have to say that I think the G8 WILL compete with buyers of the Accord/Altima/Etc....
 
Why? Because it's in their price range and offers genuine driving excitement. It's a large car, able to handle family duty. It gets comparable EPA gas mileage ratings to, say, the Altima. And it's different. I'm not saying they are going to buy it in flocks, but I think the G8 has a better chance of stealing those buyers than getting 3-series buyers.
 
Lets face it, people who buy CTS's, 3-series, Infiniti G35s, Lexus IS's, etc. are buying for the luxury experience, the brand, because they have the money, or because they value a certain appeal (I.e. for me, I love the inline six engine and suspensions of the 3-series....I'm seriously considering getting a 2003 530i 5-speed as a very-long-term car because it has those characteristics I enjoy).
 
I'll take this a step further in the direction of interior. I think the G8 has a far better executed and designed interior than the new Malibu. And if we go off 1487's comments, both v6 models are pretty similar in price/content.
 
I think the G8's sales-base are going to come from Family sedan shoppers who want practicality and sport.
 
Which fits my profile, so I'll go test drive one :)
 
Joe

"And if we go off 1487's comments, both v6 models are pretty similar in price/content. "
 
The G8s interior is not better than the Malibu's from a design or materials standpoint. If you sit in both cars you will see for yourself. In fact, the the Aura/Malibu have a much more solid door closing sound/feel than the G8. I was surprised at how light the G8s doors felt.

Hard plastic, soft plastic blah. My 98 Mustang has been trough hell and back, and the interior looks brand new. I'm in college for God's sakes, and we're not known for keeping our cars up well. As for the G8, I like the styling of the interior, except for two glaring things. The driver's seat either needs a power recliner, better placement of the roundel like the previous gen VW Jetta, or a lever to pull in order to recline. Also, the interior would look much better to some if it was offered in colors other than BLACK! How about that tan deal from the concept??? And maybe gloss black trim to contrast better than the gray plastic??

And since I revealed something about what my age might possibly be ;] here's some things to consider before you attack my cred. 1) We are still talking about somewhat of a bread and butter sedan, NOT a luxury sedan. I only quip about the plastics inside because not a single car in this price class is built better or worse than another at this point in time. I would happily field any objections to that claim. 2) I've been in cars with cracked dashes, and am quite familiar with the advantages of having the soft-touch stuff auto journalists so praise about. However...if you've had any long term experience with the likes of a Volkswagen or Honda, they might be the prettiest finished cars in their classes, BUT are by no means any more durable or expensive feeling inside.