G8
The base G8, referred to in Pontiac sales literature as the "G8 Sedan", is available with a 3.6-liter High Feature V6 engine, producing 256 hp. The only transmission available is a five-speed GM 5L40-E automatic; fuel economy is officially rated at 17 mpgus city/25 mpgus highway.[14]
Base G8 models come standard with six airbags (including full-length side curtain airbags), traction control, electronic stability control, dual tailpipes, 18-inch alloy wheels (fitted with either all-season or summer performance tires), sports body kit, fog lights, power windows and locks, cruise control, black cloth seats and a seven-speaker audio system, including front center speaker, single-disc CD player, and auxiliary input jack.[15]
A "Comfort And Sound" package is available on V6 powered G8s, which upgrades the seven-speaker audio system and manual HVAC controls to the 11-speaker audio and automatic climate control found in the GT model. The "Premium" package upgrades the Sedan's cloth seats to leather seating surfaces, driver and passenger heated seats, six-way power driver seat adjuster, 6-way power front-passenger seat adjuster, rear center armrest, leather-wrapped shift lever, and the GT's standard leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both the base G8 and the GT utilize the "FE2" suspension package.
G8 GT
The GT comes with a 361 hp[16] 6.0 L (364 cu in) Generation IV V8,[14] featuring a 6-speed 6L80 automatic and Active Fuel Management, capable of reaching 60 mph in 5.2 seconds,[17] with quarter-mile times as low as 13.4 seconds.[17] The G8 GT averages a fuel economy of 15/24 mpg (city/highway). A 6-speed manual was being considered as an option on the GT model, but Pontiac decided against offering it, stating that it would instead be offered as an option on the G8 GXP. One change in 2009 was the deletion of the center stack oil pressure and voltage gauges. Midway through the 2009 model year a few changes were made to the G8 GT, including an additional pair of catalytic converters which reduced engine output to 355 hp, the addition of bluetooth and rear cup holders that pulled out from under the rear seats.
In addition to the larger engine and six-speed transmission, GT models also contain additional equipment, including all of the standard Sedan features plus quad tailpipes, clear taillight lenses (as opposed to the Sedan's traditional red taillights), automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a larger center-console display screen, and an 11-speaker
G8 GXP
A G8 GXP version was shown at the New York International Auto Show in March 2008 with a 6.2-liter[14] 402 hp LS3 V8 and a six-speed manual transmission.[18] The production version of the GXP was more powerful with its LS3 V8 producing 415 hp and 415 lb·ft of torque. The six-speed automatic was standard while a six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission was available. The GXP reached 60 mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 13.0 seconds at 109.6 mph, and 0.90g (8.8 m/s2) of lateral acceleration on a skidpad.[19]
The GXP has an upgraded, Nürburgring-tuned FE3 suspension package, as well as larger, ventilated Brembo disc brakes. It also features a unique front bumper cover and a rear (non-functional) diffuser to differentiate it from the standard Sedan and GT models.
Total sales of the Pontiac G8 GXP were 1,829 units.[20]
Holden VE Commodore versions (2009)
Following the cancellation of Pontiac brand, it was reported that Holden planned to sell 1,500 limited-edition version of the Commodore SS V fitted with the Pontiac G8 front-end fascia and other trimmings. Unlike the G8, which was offered only as a sedan, Holden would be offering utility, sedan and wagon body variants of the G8.[22] They would be sold in Australia in November and December, with production beginning on 2 November.[23]
Production versions were sold as VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition (Sedan, Sportwagon) and as the Ute SS V-Series Special Edition,[24] with the choice of manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. SS V-Series Special Edition was unveiled in 2009 Deni Ute Muster. Production version for SS V-Series Special Edition went on sale in 2009–11.[25]
