When Chrysler introduced its most recent mid-size line-up of vehicles, the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger, they had two features that instantly rendered the Grand Prix obsolete: rear-wheel drive and V8 firepower.
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| The G8 looks like a true musclecar. With its hood vents and a body that's devoid of plastic cladding. |
Of course, Pontiac replied with the GXP, which received GM's 5.3-liter V8 and 303 horsepower. But the front wheels and chassis couldn't handle the engine's torque, despite being shod with larger tires in front than in back, which we've never before seen on a car. Performance enthusiasts just couldn't fully exploit the GXP.
To solve this problem, GM got their Australian division Holden on the phone. In kangaroo land, time seems to stand still as V8 engines and rear-wheel drive are still very common. The Commodore gets a mild facelift as well as a name change, and is shipped across the Pacific Ocean to do battle on American soil.
Sporty good looks
The G8 looks like a true musclecar. With its flared fenders, hood vents and a body that's devoid of plastic cladding that plagued Pontiacs just a few years ago, the big sedan is pretty attractive. The Grand Prix had distinctive styling, but the new G8 looks more modern.
Visually, there are few differences between the V6 model we're driving and the V8-powered GT, which means you don't have to opt for the bigger engine to get a sporty exterior package, which isn't always the case with other cars.
Good performance with the V6
The base G8 gets the 3.6-litre engine that's also found in a vast array of GM vehicles. With 256 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, the V6 moves the G8 with a rush that makes the 361-hp GT model seem irrelevant. Obviously, the V6-powered G8 will be the volume seller.
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| The V6 moves the G8 with a rush that makes the 361-hp GT model seem irrelevant. |