Because the Pontiac is based on the Holden Commodore sedan, which offers both six-speed manual and automatic versions in several trims, it appeared a given that GM would import those options unchanged to America. Unfortunately for fans of rowing their own cogs, American tastes tend almost exclusively toward slush boxes, and so the Tremec TR6060 manual has been reserved for the limited-volume, enthusiast-targeted G8 GXP. A spec sheet available on GM's PR site makes this fact abundantly clear.
The G8 GT and V6-powered base G8 will still be equipped with manual-shift capable automatics, however. The base model gets a 5L40 five-speed unit, and the V8 models get 6L80 six-speed 'boxes standard.
Original: Currently touted by Pontiac as the fastest car under $30,000, the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT will no longer be able to claim that title after its $1,365 price rise. New standard equipment being added to car adds some value, though the weakening dollar is likely at least in part to blame.
Priced at $29,995 in base form the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT is essentially a rebadged and slightly reworked Holden Commodore, designed and built by General Motors' Australia operations. The new price rise places the car's MSRP at $31,360. Though the U.S. and Australia have free trade agreements, the weakening U.S. dollar means the nominal cost of the car is rising, and so too must its retail price. The addition of standard XM radio and possibly Bluetooth device connectivity are also part of the price rise, adding some value for the $1,365 extra dollars, reports GM Inside News.
The base model G8 sedan will also receive a price bump to $27,995, a jump of $400 over the 2008 model. Option packages and prices are expected to remain the same for the 2009 model year, however, so the modest price rises and additional standard features will be the only additions to the G8 lineup for the year. Pricing for the high-performance G8 GXP wasn't included in the information.
Reader Comments
Wed Jun 18 2008 12:12 PM
Gus says
That is a really good looking car in person. Allthough with gas prices rising, it may have a dim future...
Tue Jun 24 2008 1:45 PM
chris says
yeah I agree gus, there are few brands out there that I would prefer the large sedan over the midsized sedan... id rather a 5 over a 7, rather a CTS over a DTS, rather a C class over an E class, rather a fusion over a taurus, an aveng..... nah never mind.
but i would take this car over the G6 any day of the week. and twice on sunday.
Tue Jun 24 2008 9:01 PM
Wizards Lore says
hope you guys get the full blown version of this car...it is quality..especially with the 7.0litre V8 being dropped in it !
Wed Jun 25 2008 1:31 PM
Ray says
No Manual? thats retarded!
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