The big news for the Pontiac G8 for the 2009 model year was the introduction of the highly anticipated G8 GXP performance sedan. Aside from this noteworthy event, and because the G8 was originally introduced midway through the 2008 model year, the 2009 G8 and G8 GT are largely unchanged, although more standard technology has been added.
The G8 GXP aims to compete with more expensive European performance sedans and is equipped with an athletic 6.2 liter V8 engine rated at 402 horsepower. It's ride and handling were developed at racetracks around the world, including the famous Nürburgring racing circuit.
The GXP gets the same LS3 V8 as the Chevrolet Corvette and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is available as an option. The GXP delivers a 0-to-60 mph performance of about 4.7 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of approximately 13.0 seconds at 108 mph.
Other features of the GXP include 19 inch polished aluminum wheels with a special machined face, performance P245/40R19 tires, bolstered two-tone sport seats, a leather steering wheel, fog lamps, alloy pedals, a 230-watt Blaupunkt audio system, XM Satellite Radio, and OnStar.
The rest of the G8 lineup, the base G8 and the G8 GT, are also well equipped. The base G8 comes with a responsive V6 engine, while the G8 GT is equipped with a 361 horsepower 6.0 liter V8. The GT features GM's Active Fuel Management technology, which switches the engine from V8 power to four-cylinder mode for light-load driving conditions.
The base G8 gets a standard 5-speed automatic transmission while the GT gets a standard 6-speed automatic. Both models have a similar exterior appearance, but the distinquishing differences for the GT include chrome-trimmed door handles, clear taillamp lenses, and four exhaust tips.
This sedan rides on GM's new Zeta rear-wheel-drive platform, which also underpins the new 2010 Camaro.
New features for the 2009 G8 include four new exterior colors (Maverick Silver Metallic, Sport Red Metallic, Stryker Blue Metallic and Pacific Slate Metallic), XM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth connectivity (late availability).
The long list of G8 standard features includes traction control, stability control, dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, air conditioning, OnStar assistance system with one-year service, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, steering wheel radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, 4-way power front bucket seats, center console, trunk pass-through, remote engine start, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system, Blaupunkt AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, compass, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats, fog lights, rear spoiler, and 18 inch alloy wheels.
G8 GT standard features adds limited-slip differential, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
A sport package is also available for G8 GT which adds 19 inch aluminum wheels, performance tires, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, and alloy pedals.
How To Buy A New Car At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 G8, here's an article on getting the absolute lowest price on any new car, especially given the current slow auto sales environment.
Home
