Auto Trends

While the Pontiac GTO is quite a powerful specimen, it doesn’t really scream retro muscle as the current Ford Mustang and future Chevrolet Camaro. While the GTO’s executive sedan looks may have disappointed some, the G8, which replaced Pontiac’s popular line of Grand Prix’s, is supposed to be somewhat of a family sedan… but papa’s got a brand new bag for 2009!

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, which was unveiled at the New York Auto Show recently looked pretty darn good to most onlookers. Pontiac really wanted to put the look of muscle into the new G8 and they certainly succeeded with its “wide-mouth” lower air intake grill and rear diffuser, extra large fog lamps tucked into the facia, and a subtle, yet racy lip spoiler.

Pontiac was actually planning on attaching a large Subaru WRX STi style spoiler on the trunk when a sense of style overcame them and they opted for the smaller lip. Somebody was on the ball over there at the Pontiac headquarters, as a “kid-racer” spoiler would have looked atrocious on the G8.

They may have even been too much on the ball, as the G8 GXP has been tested at having even better handling and driving characteristics as the beastly Charger SRT8. This means if a Mom and Pop happen to pull up to stoplight next to an SRT in their G8, the SRT driver will probably quickly turn their attention to the radio, to avoid any conflict!

Okay, so maybe it’s slightly more nimble than the SRT8, so what?

Well, Pontiac’s main goal with the new G8 was to build a poor man’s BMW M5. which would be hilarious to most at first thought…

But considering their basic recipe includes the Corvette 6.2-liter 16 valve V-8, with 402 horsepower and 402 lbs-torque, Brembo brakes, and a 6-speed transmission, they’re probably not too far off the mark…

Look for these in late autumn of this year. Just in time for your Christmas lists!

Specifications for the Pontiac G8 GXP:

Base Price: (approximately) $38,000

Engine: 6.2 liter, 402 Horsepower, 402 Lb-Ft of Torque, 16-Valve V-8

0-60 MPH: 4.7 Seconds

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual or Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive

Vehicle Weight: 4023-4050 lbs

Wheelbase: 114.8 inches

EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: Hasn’t been released, but with 6.2 liters and no electric engine backup, you can’t have too high of expectations!