2009 Pontiac G8 – The Driver Oriented Car
Reviews | February 7, 2012Highlights
Sets new Pontiac standard for interior quality and design; sharp handling; voluptuous rear seat; firm, yet compliant ride; muscle car power from V8 engine.
Drawbacks
Automatic transmission of GT could be smoother; thirsty V6 sounds coarse.
Introduction
2009 Pontiac G8 is a large, rear wheel drive sports sedan with available V8 power, aggressive styling and sport suspension and is a proof that Pontiac is serious about performance vehicles. Those who are in the market looking for rear wheel drive, affordable full size sedan with European élan and American muscle, the 2009 G8 is the only game in town. It gets standard XM Satellite Radio across the board, and high-performance G8 GXP featuring detuned version of V8 engine of Corvette with sportier suspension and optional manual transmission. The dorky Atari-style oil/battery gauges atop center stack have been removed. As responsive and powerful rear-wheel drive sports sedan, the G8 dominates the road with rare grace and confidence and continues in Pontiac’s exciting lineup of new trucks and cars in General Motors Family and Certified Pre-Owned Program.
The Pontiac G8 is a rear wheel drive sedan designed and developed by Holden, an Australian General Motors subsidiary. The G8, a rebadged Holden Commodore was revealed in the year 2008 for 2008 model year in America and for 2009 model year in Canada. It is based on General Motors Zeta platform, produced by Holden for VE Commodore in Australian market and differs from Commodore mostly in interior details and frontal styling. At 2007 Detroit Auto Show, Mr. Bob Lutz, Chairman at General Motors confirmed that the company is intended for importing Holden Commodores in North American markets as G8. The G8 is available with 3.6 liter High Feature V6 engine that generates 256 horsepower. The only transmission available is five-speed GM 5L40-E automatic; offering the fuel economy of 17mpgcity and 25 mpg highway. Base G8 models come standard with traction control, six airbags with full-length side curtain airbags, dual tailpipes, electronic stability control, sports body kit, 18 inch alloy wheels with either all-season or summer performance tires, power windows and locks, foglights, black cloth seats, seven-speaker audio system with front center speaker, auxiliary input jack and single-disc CD player and cruise control.
The 2009 Pontiac G8 is at the core of the company’s current resurgence. This refined, yet powerful rear wheel drive performance oriented sedan is unlike anything Pontiac has available in recent memory. It is a mechanical twin of Commodore car from Holden. The stylists of Pontiac resisted the urge for outfitting an American version with marque’s conventional assortment of spoilers, scoops and vents and the vehicle looks purposeful and muscular from all angles. The mechanical merits of G8 are impressive, from its spectrum of energetic engines to imposing combination of supple composure and sharp handling over broken pavement.
The 2009 Pontiac G8 impresses inside, particularly considering its plasticky depths to which Pontiac interiors had previously sunk. The center stack is more than little reminiscent of industry leading efforts of Audi. Passenger room is plentiful, where largest riders will have space to spare. At moderate price point of G8, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger twins are the only other roomy, full size rear wheel drive performance sedans available. The Chrysler siblings are certainly more competent, but sporting character of G8 sets it apart. Those who are in the market seeking a large sedan with American attitude and Continental manners, 2009 Pontiac G8 is in a class of its own.
Trim Levels, Body Styles and Optional Features
The 2009 Pontiac G8 is a performance focused full size rear wheel drive sedan, which is available in GT, GXP or base trim. Base models come standard with rear spoiler, 18 inch alloy wheels, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, seven-speaker CD sound system with auxiliary audio jack and XM Satellite Radio and four-way power front sport seats. Stepping up to GT variant gets summer performance tires, 6.0-liter V8 engine, dual zone automatic climate control, limited slip rear differential, premium 11-speaker Blaupunkt surround sound stereo system with six-CD/MP3 changer and leather wrapped steering wheel. The tarmac terrorizing GXP version comes with unique front fascia, Corvette sourced V8 engine, 19 inch wheels and upgraded sport tuned suspension.
Much of the equipments of 2009 Pontiac G8 GT can be had on base model through Comfort and Sound Package. The Premium Package is available with six-way power heated front seats and leather upholstery. The sunroof can be selected as standalone option, while the Sport Package available for GT gets sport steering wheel and 19 inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires.
Performance and Powerplants
Powering the base trim level of 2009 Pontiac G8 is a 3.6 liter V6 engine with maximum output of 256 horsepower with 248 pound feet of torque. The engine is paired with five-speed automatic transmission with rear wheel drive system that sends power to the rear wheels. The GT is powered by 6.0 liter powerful V8 engine, which is good for cranking out 361 horsepower and 385 pound feet of torque. This particular engine is teamed up with six-speed automatic transmission.
The range topping 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP comes with brawny 6.2 liter V8 engine, which is good for pulsating 402 horsepower with 402 pound feet of torque. The engine is mated to six-speed automatic or manual transmission. In performance testing, the GT accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in the time range of 5.3 seconds and offered the fuel economy of 25 mpg highway and 17 mpg in city driving.
Safety Features
Standard safety features on 2009 Pontiac G8 include front seat airbags, traction control, side curtain full length airbags, stability control and antilock disc brakes with brake assist feature.
Special Features and Cabin Design
The interior of 2009 Pontiac G8 is driver-oriented with tactile and aesthetic details such as instruments with sporty appearance, which match its performance. Interior materials consist of chrome trim and satin along with high quality textured materials throughout. The instrument cluster glows with white, crisp light on primary instruments. The company’s signature red lighting illuminates rest of instrument panel cluster. Standard comfort and convenience amenities include highly bolstered seats with GXP embroidery and color coordinated gauge cluster, leather trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter, power adjustable front seats, foglamps, alloy sport pedals, dual-zone electronic climate control system, 230-watt Blaupunkt audio system, XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth phone compatible.
Driving Impressions
Those who purchase the V8 powered 2009 Pontiac G8, they want a four-door modern day muscle car will not be disappointed. The upgraded six-speed automatic often transmits a firm kick during upshifts, which is not found with the base five-speed unit.
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