2008 Pontiac G8 GT: Abundance

""I'd own one and I can afford it - that's a great combination in my book.""

+2

BTW, nice picture of the G8....one of the better ones of the rear end that I've seen.

I have test driven 2 G8 GTs.
My Daily Driver is a C6 Corvette Coupe w/A6 [ 6L80].

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?p=60877#post60877

I am reminded of a quote from a Pontiac test – long, long ago.
Car and Driver tested a Catalina 2+2 ( larger cousin of the GTO ) compared to a Ferrari 2+2 back in the 60s. When considering not only what ( performance numbers ) the two did, there was reference to “how” they each performed during testing.

Near the end of the article – regarding the Pontiac:

“. . it took a team of three talented mechanics and a lot of hard work under the hood to make it do what the Ferrari did all day with its left hand.”

My sense, from my test drives – and reading every review I am aware of, is that the G8 GT is designed & developed as a well-integrated system, not over-weighted toward acceleration or handling or any other particular performance aspect.

And so is the Corvette – though at a somewhat higher level – and including such other differences \ compromises as a much higher price, and only 2 seats, and lower, etc.

I would suggest that one could certainly build \ modify a G8 GT capable of matching a stock Corvette in acceleration. By a coupe of means. For a ‘reasonable’ price.

To duplicate the entire performance envelope of a Corvette would cost a bunch more – largely due to the size & weight of the G8 GT. But could probably also be done.

In the meantime, I consider the G8 GT to be the closest thing to a 4DR Corvette available for less than $35K.

YMMV.

- Ray
Ready for 4 doors again – and a ‘real’ sunroof, etc.

Did not mean to include that link.
Please ignore...
Sorry,
- Ray
Wish ( again ) that we could edit posts here...

Brain, I couldn't agree more. What I remember most from driving the G8 is the wonderful surge of power that never felt strained.

rayainsw writes "I consider the G8 GT to be the closest thing to a 4DR Corvette available for less than $35K."

Someone call Nissan and give them the news that the Maxima lost it's crown as the 4-door sports car.

It was never a close to a 4-door sports car (in my book). It's FWD helped to prevent that.

I really need to actually test drive one of these (G8) not just explore one.

Joe

The wheel base on the G8 is very BMW-esque... The front wheels pushed very far forward, kind of looks like the previous gen 3-series BMW.

I like it.

The G8 isn't as urgent as a Vette - Pontiac a 4 door Corvette, I'm not sure - could be. All i know is that the car is very very good. One of the best performance sedans out there, SUPER compelling price and good looks too.

I looked at one of these when I took my 2003 6MT Acura CL Type-S in for scheduled service (Courtesy Pontiac/Acura) a few weeks ago and found the G8 to be physcially larger than what pictures suggest. Not a bad thing at all but it was a suprise as pitcures or its overall profile suggest its actual size.

Why Id buy this car:

- Excellent power/handling balance.
- Excellent.. excellent value.
- Aggressive yet well executed exterior styling.
- Exclusivity. (Ive seen maybe 2 on the road and both werent GTs.

Things I dont like about it:

- No 6MT option for the GT (manual is a must).
- No hoodscoop delete option.
- No premium features (Navi/HIDs/Smart Key ETC ETC).
- Percieved interior materials quality wasnt up to my expectations compared to say a ......Passat or even a Accord or Malibu as those cars start well below the G8's starting price yet seem to have better percieved material quality. The materials arent anywhere near dirt cheap but it just didnt match the rest of the cars premium Germanic presence.

If GM...Holden....whoever...... would spend a bit more money and add a more upscale interior package along with some premium features Id gladly pay extra.