Here's the car a lot of you are waiting for: the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP. This baby is slated for a late 2008 release and is already being displayed at car shows around the world. If you already own a G8 and love it, you're going to be blown away by the 2009 GXP. There are several improvements that Pontiac has made to their G8 line of performance sedans, including a bigger engine and manual transmission. Here are some of the highlights that Pontiac recently released about the GXP.

Muscle Mass

Current G8 models come in two varieties. The G8 Base V6 models have a 3.6-liter, 261-horsepower engine that goes to 6,300 rpm. The L76 V8 model has a larger 6.0-liter engine that can comfortably reach 362-horsepower at 5,700 rpm. Lots of power for a relatively cheap price. But, hold onto your seat. The upcoming 2009 GXP has a V8 unit that launches out of the gate with a 6.2-liter LS3 small-block engine that's pulled by 402 horses. It's basically the same engine that's used in the Corvette LS3. To put that into perspective, most of us expect the 2009 GXP to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds. That's fast. The numbers are still pending final testing and approval, but that what it's shaping up to deliver.

The engine uses a new aluminum cylinder block, pistons with a larger diameter and a specially-designed camshaft. The new pistons are included to maximize the GXP's performance at high RPM levels while the block casting has been updated to allow more strength behind the engine. This is a serious performance machine.

Manual Transmission

Here's a biggie. As you know, the G8 models only come with an automatic transmission. Some of you are fine with that. But, a lot of you (us included) have always wanted the option of a manual transmission. After all, the G8 has a monster engine with a great suspension system and chassis. These cars are built for aggressive driving. Being restricted to driving these performance vehicles with an auto transmission has always seemed strange. Well, Pontiac has removed that limitation with the new GXP.

You can get a 2009 GXP with the optional 6-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission. Plus, it's not merely a 6-speed manual transmission. This transmission has been designed to reduce the shift throw and to seamlessly transfer the torque and raw power of the 6.2-liter LS3 engine to the rear wheels. The Tremec TR6060 transmission includes high-quality gear synchronizers and a 1-piece counter shaft.

If you want to experience the power of the new GXP's engine with an automatic transmission, you can. It comes stock with a Hydra-Matic 6-speed 6L80 automatic trans. It's supposed to deliver smooth shifts with a clutch-to-clutch process that leverages a "steep" first gear. That should help launch the GXP from a standstill.

Suspension

The upcoming GXP is going to ride on a 114.8-inch wheelbase that includes wide front and rear tracks. It's on a 4-wheel independent suspension system that can be adjusted and tuned to your preference. The GXP's suspension is built specifically to give the feel of a luxury sedan while practically encouraging aggressive, hard-charging driving that takes advantage of the 402 ponies under the hood. Sharp turns shouldn't be a problem as the chassis helps the GXP hug the road with a minimal amount of lean.

Pontiac bills the GXP as having a high-performance suspension for what they call "spirited driving." I think we can assume what "spirited" means. The suspension includes a decoupled stabilizer bar in the rear balanced with a direct-acting bar in the front. The result? The handling of the GXP is more responsive.

Steering and Brakes

Every performance vehicle has to come equipped with a quality steering and brakes system. Both need to respond immediately and offer quick feedback to the driver. The GXP uses the same system as the G8 sedan and GT models. The steering box is placed in front of the head axle to allow quicker response and feedback. The braking system is a Brembo design that is supposed to be capable of handling the GXP's increased power. Also, it's worth noting that the front rotors come with unique quad-piston alloy calipers.

The Features You've Come To Expect

The 2009 GXP will come with the standard amenities such as fog lamps, power-adjustable front seats, a powerful Blaupunkt stereo system and sport pedals made from alloy. More important (to us, anyway) is that the seats are snug (and heated!) and designed to hold the driver in place during "spirited driving" and sharp cornering. Leather trim on the gear shifter and steering wheel along with Pontiac's customary red lighting on the instrument panel promises that the GXP will offer a great aesthetic and tactile driving experience.

Bringing It Home

This is arguably Pontiac's most-anticipated car in years. Most G8 fans are waiting for the bigger engine and manual transmission. Pound-for-pound, dollar-for-dollar, the GXP joins the G8 line as one of the most affordable, highest-horsepower vehicles money can buy. It's coming at you later this year.