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