The Pontiac G8 is a modern muscle car, with rear-wheel drive and a snarly V8. Under full-throttle acceleration, the new...
With aggressive race-inspired styling and available V8 power the 2009 Pontiac G8, now in its sophomore year, is a sedan that is turning heads.
The G8's sleek styling is just what one would expect from the first rear-wheel drive sedan in over 20 years to emerge from GM's excitement division. Performance-oriented styling cues such as black honeycomb grille, 18-inch wheels and sport bucket seats are standard equipment on the G8.
The two engine choices offer plenty of power. The base 3.6 liter V6 with variable valve timing generates 256 horsepower, and the massive 6-liter V8 churns out 361 horsepower and 385 pound feet of torque. Both come with automatic transmissions. No manual transmission option is yet available.
To keep fuel consumption reasonable, the V8 incorporates active fuel management, shutting down 4 of the 8 cylinders during highway driving. Mileage ranges from 15 miles per gallon city up to 25 miles per gallon highway.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Pontiac G8 is $27,310. A fully loaded V8 powered GT will cost around $34,000. The G8 is backed by a 5-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty
The 2009 Pontiac G8, with its roots set in Pontiac's muscle car heritage, represents the performance future for GM's excitement division.