Competition
The base G8 starts at $31,995, and this test car is equipped with the Comfort and Sound Package, the Premium Package as well as the sunroof, which totals $36,460. The base price might limit the number of rental sales, as the Grand Prix sold for $7,000 less.
If we limit ourselves to V6-powered mid-size sport sedans, here's what the G8 rivals:
Dodge Charger SXT, 250 hp, $32,595
Ford Fusion SEL V6, 221 hp, $27,499
Mazda6 GT-V6, 272 hp, $33,095
Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart, 258 hp, $32,998
Nisan Altima 3.5 SE, 270 hp, $30,798
Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV, 290 hp, $37,900
Subaru Legacy 3.0R Limited, 245 hp, $36,995
By the way, in addition to the 361-hp GT, a G8 GXP with a 402-hp 6.2-litre V8 will also find its way into dealerships, as well as the 2010 G8 Sport Truck, a two-door pickup version of the sedan, which is common Down Under but will be unique in North America.
Conclusion
The Pontiac G8 is worth a long look, as it offers a sporty driving experience, good looks and a spacious interior. The G8 has nothing to do with the outgoing Grand Prix, and GM probably cringes when they hear the names of the two cars in the same sentence.
What's weird is that the G8 feels very American despite being imported from Australia. In any case, you don't have to be ashamed if you choose the V6-engined version. And more importantly, whatever engine you decide to go for, it's the car's rear wheels that take care of putting the power to the pavement; it makes that much of a difference. The competition should pay close attention here.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
The base G8 starts at $31,995, and this test car is equipped with the Comfort and Sound Package, the Premium Package as well as the sunroof, which totals $36,460. The base price might limit the number of rental sales, as the Grand Prix sold for $7,000 less.
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| The base G8 starts at $31,995. |
If we limit ourselves to V6-powered mid-size sport sedans, here's what the G8 rivals:
Dodge Charger SXT, 250 hp, $32,595
Ford Fusion SEL V6, 221 hp, $27,499
Mazda6 GT-V6, 272 hp, $33,095
Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart, 258 hp, $32,998
Nisan Altima 3.5 SE, 270 hp, $30,798
Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV, 290 hp, $37,900
Subaru Legacy 3.0R Limited, 245 hp, $36,995
By the way, in addition to the 361-hp GT, a G8 GXP with a 402-hp 6.2-litre V8 will also find its way into dealerships, as well as the 2010 G8 Sport Truck, a two-door pickup version of the sedan, which is common Down Under but will be unique in North America.
Conclusion
The Pontiac G8 is worth a long look, as it offers a sporty driving experience, good looks and a spacious interior. The G8 has nothing to do with the outgoing Grand Prix, and GM probably cringes when they hear the names of the two cars in the same sentence.
What's weird is that the G8 feels very American despite being imported from Australia. In any case, you don't have to be ashamed if you choose the V6-engined version. And more importantly, whatever engine you decide to go for, it's the car's rear wheels that take care of putting the power to the pavement; it makes that much of a difference. The competition should pay close attention here.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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