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2009 Pontiac G8 GXP officially rated at 415hp

 
7 4,513 views Sep 8, 2008

2009 pontiac g8 gxp 019

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP officially rated at 415hp

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP officially rated at 415hp

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General Motors’ performance flagship for the Pontiac G8 range, the all-new 2009 GXP saloon, will arrive in showrooms in the first half of next year with a 415hp (309kW) version of the Corvette’s LS3 V8 engine nestled under its bonnet. Peak torque, meanwhile, is rated at 415lb-ft (563Nm) and according to official SAE J1349 dyno charts there’s more than 300lb-ft (406Nm) of twist from as early as 2,000rpm all the way up to redline.

While the standard Pontiac G8 GT is based on Holden’s tamer SS, the GXP is loosely based on the hotter HSV-prepped Clubsport R8. HSV, short for Holden Special Vehicles, is the official in-house tuner for Holden and has been building high-performance versions of the Commodore sedan for the past two decades. Its cars are even exported to the UK and Middle-East, and now, finally, the North American market will get its taste.

Like its Aussie sibling, the new GXP will be available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, as well as 19in HSV alloy wheels housing 14in brake discs up front and 12.76in discs in the back. Brembo brake calipers are fitted all ‘round as standard. Other features include a limited slip differential and uprated suspension. One thing the GXP misses out on is the fuel-saving ‘Active Fuel Management’ cylinder deactivation found on the G8 GT’s 6.0L V8 engine, however we bet most GXP buyers will hardly care.

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Via: GM Inside News
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 pontiac g8 gxp 019




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Comments (7)

  1. By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/8/2008 10:07pm PDT

    Even though GM has been underestimating its hp ratings, always good to hear the numbers go up, now down.
     
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  2. By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/8/2008 10:08pm PDT

    not down I mean
     
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  3. By Wizards Lore Posted: 9/8/2008 11:06pm PDT

    this isnt even the HiPo version of the HSV range.
    Get the GTS out there with 370kw of power. you guys will be happy with that ...the sound is amazing....
     
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  4. By chris Posted: 9/9/2008 6:31am PDT

    wizard, i suspect the GXP will be the range topper. that is the typical range topping designation for all of pontiacs. cehvy's got the SS label, and i'm sure they figure if you want any more than 400 hp in a large sedan, you'll be going german anyways.

    ...unless you think some one out there would be willing to pay for the LS9 engine in this thing...
     
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  5. By Ivan Posted: 9/9/2008 7:53am PDT

    Awesome car, I don't see any other car with similar specs in this price range.
    RWD, LSD, good brakes and lots of power. I'd def get me one of those if I could afford to pay $500+ a month for gas.
     
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  6. By Gus Posted: 9/9/2008 10:19am PDT

    I've seen several of them up close now, and they really look fantastic. Much better than the 5 series (especially from behind) and really nicely understated, which is a big surprise from Pontiac (I know, they started with an Australian car, but I'm glad they didn't mess it up)...
     
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  7. By HECTOR Posted: 9/9/2008 7:04pm PDT

    I don't think this car should aim to compete with the 5 series Gus. Maybe the 3 series, the A4 and the similar offerings from Japan.

    Clearly Pontiac's finest hour.

    However, I'm ashamed that once again GM had to go overseas for inspiration and were uncapable of producing such a car from scratch in the USA.
     
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