2008 Pontiac G8

Ride quality is quite good given the G8's athletic abilities; the GT makes an excellent executive's express. The cabin is nicely tailored with a "tech-grain" dash, comfortable and enveloping seats, and simple controls. What's more, though it might not look it, the car is huge inside-particularly in back, which also features what at first sight appears to be the world's largest pass-through.

Pretenders can choose a 261-horse four-cam V-6/five-speed automatic combo, but muscle-maniacs will consider only the 6.0-liter, 362-horse V-8/six-speed Tap-shift automatic (a proper six-speed stick will follow).

This Pontiac G8 GT is a smoking deal. For under $30,000 you get a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan with a limited-slip differential that can blast to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

I like the way the G8 handles, but if this is supposed to be a sport sedan, where are the paddle shifters? Sure, you can manually shift the car with the gear lever, but it seems to me that paddle shifters would really drive home the message that you're driving a sport sedan when you're behind the wheel of the G8.

The G8 will get a 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 that makes about 260 hp and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, while the G8 GT will be powered by a 6.0-liter OHV V-8 sending at least 360 hp through a six-speed automatic. Engineers concede that the V-8 could be tuned for more power, and a hotter version of the G8 GT - possibly with as much as 450 hp - is likely for later in the model cycle. At that time, Pontiac might also offer a six-speed manual for the V-8.

In "G8 GT First Drive" (Aug. '08), High Performance Pontiac reviewed Pontiac's flagship rear-wheel drive performance sedan and applauded its corner-carving abilities, giving credit to its well-engineered factory suspension package. But as good as the G8 is in stock form-and the reviews from the automotive press have been unanimous-we knew that if it was to be a serious track contender, improvements needed to be made in cornering and steering.

"Spring rates are a bit too soft while the vehicle sits a bit too high. The basic oil and air struts are modestly tuned on the critical damping scale. Chassis bushings are over-engineered for noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) standards and compromise the control of the vehicle. That said, many who testdrive and purchase a G8 will be thrilled with the vehicle as it out-performs literally every vehicle in its class. Again, it is the opinion of Pedders that the G8 should be delivered, or at the very least, available, from the factory with our suspension components pre-installed. A 'Pedderised' G8 is a formidable vehicle."

From a stylistic standpoint, the G8 hits the nail on the head with a big hammer. As you gaze at it head-on, the most dominant feature is the surreal fender flares. They appear to have been sculpted with a most sinister shape in mind. Accented by hoodscoops and fender vents, this new Pontiac screams performance at every curve.

Since the G8 actually has four doors, ingress and egress are easy, too. This may come as a welcome feature to any GTO owner who has grown tired of waiting for the pseudo-luxury electronic seats to move to provide access to the backseat.

The G8 is a rear-wheel-drive sedan, Pontiac's first full-size car since the Bonneville was discontinued in 2005.

The shape of the new Pontiac G8 is exactly what it should be. Muscular but smooth, and not overkill.

The all-new Pontiac G8 rear-wheel-drive sedan, designed and built in Australia, succeeds in every respect. With the 361-hp V8 engine in the GT model, it's the most powerful car you can buy for under $30,000.