- Stanfield/Koretsky - 9/6/2010
- LE Tonglet - 9/6/2010
- Hines, Smith, Krawiec - 9/4/10
- Anderson/Line - 9/4/2010
- Jeff Arend - 9/4/2010
- Johnny & Shane Gray - 9/4/2010
- Allen Johnson - 9/4/2010
- Bob Tasca III - 9/4/2010
- TJ Zizzo - 9/3/2010
- Stanfield/Koretsky - 9/3/2010
- Herb McCandless - 9/3/2010
- Steve Torrence - 9/3/2010
- Lewis Bloom - 9/3/2010
- Rick Nitti - 9/3/2010
- Terry McMillen - 9/3/2010
- Bob Frey - 9/3/2010
- Thomas Tiernan - 9/3/2010
Shirley Muldowney-4/27
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP: The Chief’s goes out with speed and performance
By the Automotive Insiders: Joe Castello and Ric Green
One of major disappointments coming out of General Motor’s recent restructuring is the announced end of the Pontiac marquee. However I have to wonder that GM had built more cars like the 2009 G8 GXP would we standing here at the grave side eulogizing this storied brand?
Like Fuddruckers and Circuit City on Fort Lauderdale’s Federal Highway, this Pontiac super sedan will soon be a topic of “remember when” discussions. Auto collectors will be showcasing it in their collections as the last a special breed.
Joe and I both were both saddened to learn were the last members of the media to test a Pontiac in Florida. What made it worst was how much we embrace the tools Pontiac utilized to make the 2009 G8 GXP what we look for in a sport sedan. We understood why this last of a breed has quickly earned the reputation as being a poor man’s BMW.
It starts with horsepower. Under the hood is a 6.0-liter, L76 that puts 316 hp to the rear wheels which translates to 0 to 60 in just 5.3 seconds and runs the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds at 104mph. All that with four doors and enough interior room to carry five people and plenty of their luggage in comfort.
Not only is it the fastest production Pontiac ever, it can get through turns with the same, if not more, agility than the German imports. That is made possible through a low stiff suspension and a six-speed manual gearbox. The G8 GXP strikes the right balance between supercar performance and real world practicality. Think BMW M5, with a V8 power, better steering and a lower price tag ($31,360 MSRP).
From Deerfield to South Beach the G8 GXP fits in. On US-1 it is easy to drive and comfortable, sounding a deep growl as the clue to the potential of its performance. Keep it below 3,000 RPM and, with the aid of its anonymous styling, you’ll probably avoid speeding tickets too.
There is still time to try a find one these future collector cars. It the last of a breed, while facing its end, is going out in high-performance style.
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