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Pontiac G8 To Return As Sporty Chevrolet?

 
7 3,024 views Nov 21, 2010
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Chevrolet Lumina based on the Holden Commodore

Chevrolet Lumina based on the Holden Commodore

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Pontiac may be long gone but some enthusiasts have been clamoring for at least one of the brand’s cars to be rebadged and sold under another GM brand: the Australian-built Pontiac G8. Designed and constructed by GM's Holden subsidiary Down Under, the G8 had been rumored for re-branding as a Chevrolet Caprice but money troubles and strict CAFE regulations meant the plan was put on hold. Of course, this doesn't include the small number of the Holden Caprice, itself a long-wheelbase variant of the Commodore--being imported to the U.S. as the non-civilian Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV).

As for the long-rumored Chevrolet-badged G8, interest has been renewed following several hints made by some higher-ups at GM during last week’s 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Speaking with Drive, senior GM engineer Al Oppenheiser revealed that negotiations over a deal to sell the Holden Commodore--the Australian version of the Pontiac G8--as a Chevrolet sports sedan were taking place.

"We are definitely looking at that, although we have made no official announcement as yet," Oppenheiser said. "We are definitely looking at doing something with Holden for the retail market."

Oppenheiser’s words were backed up by an unnamed source that went further, revealing that the deal had already been made.

Interestingly, the Holden Commodore is already sold in certain markets wearing Chevrolet badges, such as the Middle East and South Africa, where the car is known as a Lumina.

[Drive]



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Comments (7)

  1. By adamk Posted: 11/21/2010 6:40pm PST

    Not my cup of tea, but if you're going to bring it back GM, you better get moving. That model isn't getting any younger.
     
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  2. By dan aka 64chevyman Posted: 11/22/2010 6:02am PST

    That gives the Chevy lineup some meat! Efficiency will be 30 MPG range, 22 city?! Nice job GM!
     
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  3. By joseph Posted: 11/22/2010 8:08am PST

    if GM owns Holden why do they always have to ask them to use there platforms. If it does happen I cant wait, not saying I'll get one because i want it to look as mean and hot as i think it should and GM always has a way for cutting coroners on Chevy remember there SS cars are just badges on bad product......LETS GET IT DONE GM/CHEVY
     
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  4. By Chris Posted: 11/22/2010 4:21pm PST

    I'd add the Solstice/Sky to the list of Pontiacs that should be resurrected in Chevy digs.
     
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  5. By Saabaru5 Posted: 11/23/2010 1:27pm PST

    I vote yes. Bring it back as a Chevy, maybe with some updates (compared to the G8) to keep it current and relevant.
    America needs and deserves this poor man's BMW.
     
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  6. By WizardsLore Posted: 11/24/2010 7:39pm PST

    new Gen 3 version of the Commodore has just been released here in Oz, and is doing very very well. Its a no brainer that Chevy should import it. Its a great simple large car. Ford should follow the same route and import the Falcon and either keep the name or replace the Crown Vic.
     
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  7. By Jon Posted: 12/16/2010 3:52am PST

    Wizards, what nonsense are you talking.Whats Gen 3 mean. The current commodore sold in australia is a VE series 2. Series 1 started waaaaaaay back in 2006. The model shape is 4 and a half years old,and becoming more like a dinosaur each day.
     
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