Pontiac G8 to be cut after single product cycle?

If this is the truth, it's indeed saddening and it's GM and/or Pontiac division shooting themselves in the foot! It's the polar opposite of Lutz's focus.

Then again, it could be perceived in these way(s):

• Perhaps after the 5-year life-cycle of the Pontiac G8/Holden Commodore, maybe it will not be exported to the USA from down-under at that time for the assembly (for the Pontiac version) will then take place, or be shifted in NA.

• Maybe a next-generation Solstice (and Sky cousin) could move to the upcoming Alpha platform, and it would be the end of the Kappa platform, not the models. There were reports indicating this recently.

• Maybe there will be integration if (or when) GM absorbs Chrysler - maybe Pontiac could be combined, or merged with Dodge with the integration (don't know what name would be retained) and Chrysler has the LX/LY platform to work with, so perhaps a next-generation G8, or the like, could be LX/LY based, that's what could be gained.

There also seems to be some wrangling and flop/flopping within GM, stretched Epsilon 2 or Zeta forming the basis of Impala and Lucerne replacements. It's most likely guaranteed that the Cadillac STS/DTS successor (coined DT7), though delayed, could still be a RWD Zeta. There are front-drive and rear-drive camps within GM appartently discussing this, so Zeta is still, in some way, in the cards. I'm certain that a G8 successor is still contingent with this, then again, we shall see how this could play out with a possible integration of Chrysler, be it outright, a stake holding, or cooperation, or even Nissan/Renault could own another share of Chrysler - it's anybody's guess as of now.

If the G8 dies, that would be too bad. It's one of the best looking, most capable sedans on the road!

The CAFE excuse is a rouse, there is no reason that a rear drive platform can't get good mileage.

That GM is nearly out of money and in the next couple of years, perhaps in bankruptcy means they need to be selective on where and what they spend on for development. Besides in 5 years Pontiac, as well as Saturn and Buick may not be around so why spend money on products for them?

Let me get this straight, if CAFE rules are so tight then how come BMW is not going to end rear wheel drive cars? America was once the land of innovation but lately the current generation of engineers give up the minute life gets difficult.

I'm holding out hope that generation Y does a better job than boomers and their kids generation X. Why these two generations quit when even the slightest bump appears in the road is beyond me and I just love it when they throw their hands in the air and claim can't be done!!!

If the Caddy CTS can get the 4.5 liter diesel, why not this car, or a smaller V6 diesel based off the 4.5 liter, this is lame, it is like GM wants Pontiac to die.

At least off awd and high po engines to be a chea alternative to Audi

If Pontiac cuts the G8, they've cut themselves out of a future. That sedan is just too good to lose.

Leave it to GM to consider so quickly cutting one of the few vehicles it makes that merit attention from the performance enthusiast. As an earlier poster noted, if rear-wheel drive is such a taxer on fuel economy, how come BMW (and others) are able to have their entire lineup based around it? I understand that the economy is down, times are tough, and cost-cutting is a necessity, but, must GM remove the "fun to drive" factor from all its cars? As one who cannot afford a Corvette, a CTS, or even the G8 GT, I would be thrilled to be able to purchase a RWD G6 (or even smaller sedan) with a turbo 4-cylinder. I guess I'll be looking elsewhere.

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Bummer, that didn't turn out the way it was supposed to but you get the idea.

Wonder what the projected sales penetration of the manual version is? Less than 20%, I'm guessing. Only BMW seems to sell a decent amount of stick shift cars and those are mostly 3-series.