Pontiac has been trying to position itself as a performance vehicle company for years. They came close with the GTO. The Solstice came even closer. Finally, they stepped up to the plate earlier this year and delivered the G8 series. They gave us the Base V6 engine (3.6 liters) in the stock sedan and delivered a performance monster in their 6.0-liter V8 engine GT. Early reviews were almost unanimously positive. People got excited (us included) and rushed to order. Some folks are just now having their G8's delivered.
But, Pontiac has some big plans to expand their G8 line during the next couple of years. I'm sure they realize how big a hit their G8 sedan and GT already are with car enthusiasts. In fact, with the GT's sticker price at $29,995, it's currently the lowest-priced highest-horsepower car on the market! No wonder it's popular. We're hoping they can continue the momentum. Here's a quick preview of 2 models that are sure to light up the showroom floors.
The Upcoming 2009 G8 GXP
Most of the buzz surrounding Pontiac these days is about the new 2009 GXP that debuted at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. The main points of interest are the size of the engine (6.2-liter V8) and the manual transmission. The engine can push 402 horsepower with 428 ft. lbs. of torque. The power of these horses can take the GXP from a standing stop to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds. Plus, the suspension and chassis have been uniquely formulated to provide a smooth ride during what Pontiac has called "spirited driving." The GXP should build Pontiac's reputation as a player in the performance vehicle market.
On The Horizon: The G8 Sports Truck
At the New York Auto Show, Pontiac also revealed their latest creation: the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. There aren't many vehicles on the market that can polarize a community. But, the G8 Sport Truck may become one of them. Some car aficionados can't wait until late 2009 when Pontiac unleashes their Sport Truck to the market. It's reminiscent of the old-fashioned (but still a revered classic) El Camino. But, other car lovers aren't impressed. They claim the new Sport Truck doesn't offer much more under the hood than the GT and upcoming GXP. In other words, the G8 Sport Truck is all style and little substance.
Let's talk about the details. The Sport Truck will come standard with a 6.0-liter V8 engine that can climb to 361 horsepower. Also standard will be a 6-speed automatic. Pontiac claims the engine will take the Sport Truck from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds. Like the G8 sedan, the Truck will sport a long wheelbase. The feature that obviously stands out is the cargo bed. After all, this is the 21st century. When was the last time a manufacturer delivered a new vehicle with a cargo bed? It can hold 1,074 lbs. and according to Pontiac, can tow up to 3.5 tons.
It's impossible for us to predict how the market will react when Pontiac launches their G8 Sport Truck to the world. It's a strange move, given Pontiac's obvious desire to be known as a major force in the performance car market. The G8 Sport Truck doesn't take them in that direction.
What's Next?
As far as we know, Pontiac hasn't revealed any other upcoming models in their G8 line. We're obviously anxious to see what their plans are for future G8 models. The GXP will probably be a stunner. It's likely to be a success right out of the showroom gate. The G8 Sport Truck is still a mystery. We're betting that if the Sport Truck fails to ignite sales, Pontiac may need to escalate their plans to release newer models.
So, let's wait and see.
