2009 Pontiac G8 GXP and 2010 Pontiac "sports truck" photos/info

[jetsetter]

Additional Photos: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-...re-tiac-g8-gxp

The Northeast is the Pontiac division's largest market, and the brand -- which has played the stepchild in recent years, banished to the outer limits of exhibition halls -- is finally getting its own coming out party in New York next week. The resurgent Performance Division will flex its muscles at the Javits Center. Joining the 2010 G8 sport truck (and maybe another newcomer sporting the Arrowhead badge) is the highly-anticipated Pontiac G8 GXP.

The new Poncho flagship wears subtle visual tweaks including updated front and rear fascias plus the same 19" HSV wheels that were shown on the G8 concept. More importantly, the GXP packs GM's 6.2L LS3 V8 underhood. In this application (it's also in the Vette, where it makes even more power), the small-block punches out 402 horses and 400 lb-ft of torque rearward via a Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox or a HydraMatic 6L80 auto. (Add another 2 pound-feet of twist if you opt for the latter.) A fully-adjustable suspension helps keep the muscle sedan planted to the tarmac, and stopping power comes from the gang at Brembo. Look for an upgraded interior with glitzier trim and well-bolstered leather sport seats.. A Pontiac stand littered with V8s? It's sure been a while. Welcome back to the party, guys. Let the wanton tire destruction begin!

PRESS RELEASE:
PONTIAC ANNOUNCES THE 2009 G8 GXP

High-Performance Flagship Combines Progressive Design and Powerful Performance

NEW YORK – Today Pontiac announced the flagship of its GXP performance series, the G8 GXP high-performance sedan, at the New York Auto Show. This 2009 model will join the Solstice, G6 and Torrent GXP models in Pontiac dealerships in late 2008. The G8 GXP takes the G8's responsive driving experience, refined passenger environment and aggressive good looks to a new level. It also delivers an enjoyable driving experience, thanks to a 6.2L V-8 that produces in excess of 400 horsepower.

"More than just raw power, the GXP delivers the sophisticated yet exciting driving experience that enthusiasts expect in a car costing far more than the GXP," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager

Engine performance

The heart of the G8 GXP is the 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8, currently rated at 402 horsepower (300 kW)* and 402 lb.-ft. of torque (546 Nm)* pending final SAE certification. This engine is the newest member of GM's small-block V-8 family. It features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block, high-flow, L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; unique camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; and high-flow fuel injectors.

The LS3 engine has an aluminum cylinder block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Larger bores help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement. The block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads to enhance its strength and improve bay-to-bay breathing. New pistons were designed for high-rpm performance.

New, high-flow cylinder heads aid engine breathing and are based on the large port and valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L76 engines. The larger-capacity, straighter intake port-design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber, an effect augmented by large valves, measuring 2.16 inches (55.0 mm) on the intake side and 1.59 inches (40.4 mm) on the exhaust side.

Pending final testing, the G8 GXP is expected to deliver 0-to-60 mph performance of about 4.7 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 13.0 seconds at 108 mph.

Six on the floor

A new six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission is optional on the G8 GXP. This next-generation manual smoothly transfers the engine's power and torque to the rear wheels with a reduction in shift throw. The transmission features a host of refinements including premium gear synchronizers; stronger gears, housing, and bell housing; a single-piece counter shaft; and machined gear teeth.

The standard Hydra-Matic six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission is technologically advanced and robust. It uses a clutch-to-clutch operation and an integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts. The six-speed has a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that enables a "steep" first-gear. The result is strong launch acceleration along with "tall" overdrive ratios that lower engine rpms for better fuel economy and reduced noise.

A 3.27 final drive ratio comes with automatic-equipped GXPs, and a 3.70 gear is matched with the manual transmission. A limited-slip differential is standard.

High-performance suspension

The G8 GXP rides on the G8's 114.8-inch (2915 mm) wheelbase with wide front ( 62.7 inches / 1,592 mm) and rear ( 63.3 inches / 1,608 mm) tracks. The four-wheel independent suspension is fully adjustable and is tuned for the highest performance in the G8 family. The GXP's ride and handling was developed and validated on racetracks and highways around the world, including the famed Nürburgring racing circuit. It rewards the driver with sharp, immediate responses, as well as a well-balanced road feel during spirited driving.

The suspension employs a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link, coil-over-shock design in the rear. A direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension deliver increased lateral stiffness for more responsive handling. The front suspension features fully adjustable caster, camber and toe; the rear suspension has fully adjustable camber and toe, for more precise tuning.

Steering and brakes

The steering rate for the GXP is tuned to provide immediate response with definitive driver feedback. Like the G8 sedan and GT, the GXP's steering box is located ahead of the front axle line for a quicker, more direct feel.

The Brembo braking system matches the GXP's boost in performance with an equivalent increase in stopping power. The system includes 14-inch (355 mm) vented front and 12.76-inch (324 mm) rear disc rotors, with special quad-piston alloy calipers in front. The alloy calipers on the rear brakes have single-piston actuation. The four-wheel disc brake system includes standard anti-lock brakes and traction control.

Wheels and tires

The GXP rides on 19-inch polished aluminum wheels with a special machined face. Performance-oriented summer P245/40R19 tires are standard, and a comparable all-season tire is available. Combined with the suspension and steering enhancements, this setup gives the GXP exceptional cornering grip.

Exterior styling

The G8 GXP exhibits strong Pontiac design cues. A unique front fascia with a lower splitter and a distinctive rear fascia diffuser contribute to its sporty look. The dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance are all unmistakably Pontiac traits.

Interior amenities and comfort

The G8 GXP's interior is driver-oriented with aesthetic and tactile details like instruments with a sporty appearance that match the car's performance. Interior materials consist of satin and chrome trim and high-quality textured materials throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp, white light on the primary instruments. Pontiac's signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the instrument panel cluster.

Standard comfort and convenience amenities include:

* Highly bolstered two-tone sport seats with color-coordinated gauge cluster and GXP embroidery
* Leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter
* Power-adjustable front seats
* Fog lamps
* Alloy sport pedals
* A 230-watt Blaupunkt audio system
* XM Satellite Radio

The seats offer firm support to hold occupants in place during aggressive cornering. The standard heated leather seats were designed to deliver excellent comfort during long drives. They are available in Ebony or an Ebony/Red two-tone.

Safety

Maintaining the G8's tradition of a full suite of standard safety features, the G8 GXP includes:

* Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control
* Electronic stability control
* Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system
* Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows
* OnStar

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/15/n...-402-hp-and-a/

Additional Photos: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-...c8-sport-truck

After more than two decades, the ghost of the El Camino has finally risen from the grave, at least for U.S. drivers. It never actually went away in Australia. Now that the Pontiac G8 has ushered in a new era of affordable rear-wheel-drive performance at General Motors, the car-based pickup truck, or Ute as they are called Down Under, is coming back. Rumors have been flying for months about a G8 Ute and GM even showed the GMC Denali XT concept at the Chicago Auto Show last month – a four-door ute with a two-mode hybrid power-train that may or may not see production.

What we will definitely see in showrooms late next year is the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. The G8 Ute gets a 6-foot 2-inch long cargo bed behind its two-passenger cab. Compared to the sedan, the pickup has a four-inch longer wheelbase plus two more inches hanging behind the rear axle. The box that's unified with the passenger compartment comes with a color matched soft tonneau cover to enclose the 42.7 cubic feet contained within the composite bed. That's nearly double the volume of the late and unlamented Chevy SSR. The G8 can haul almost 1,100 lbs and tow 3,500 lbs, that latter figure also 1,000 lbs more than the SSR.

This time around GM isn't skimping on the power in the initial offering, with immediate availability of the 361-hp 6.0L V8 from the G8 GT sedan. That will push the G8 to 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. No word yet on whether they will offer up the 3.6L V6 as a base engine, although that does seem likely whether its the direct-inject version or not. There's even 8.5 cubic feet of room inside the cab behind the seats to protect valuables.

You might be wondering about that rather lame G8 Sport Truck name. Since so many people were clamoring for GM to bring the Ute to the U.S., the company has decided to let fans name the new vehicle. They've set up a site at www.pontiac.com/namethiscar where you can submit your ideas. The winning name will be announced on April 15. We imagine "El Camino" has a pretty good shot at winning.

If we haven't satisfied your U.S. Ute craving yet, check out Pickuptruck.com for more info and Jalopnik for more exclusive pics like the ones in our high-res gallery above.

PONTIAC INTRODUCES SEGMENT-BENDING G8 SPORT TRUCK

NEW YORK – The 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck blurs the line between cars and trucks and is creating an all-new segment in the North American car market. This dramatically different vehicle blends the sporty handling of a performance coupe with the cargo capabilities of a light truck.

Based on the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan, the newest member of the G8 family has a longer wheelbase and a cargo bed suitable for either work or recreation. The G8 sport truck significantly stretches Pontiac's commitment to style and performance and is expected to arrive in dealers' showrooms in late 2009.

"Pontiac has never shied away from offering segment-defining vehicles, going back to the original GTO," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "There's simply nothing else like the G8 sport truck on the road today, and we definitely believe that there are customers who will be excited by its distinctive design, performance and cargo capabilities."

Consumer named

Another unique aspect of this new vehicle is the fact that it will be named by a consumer. Beginning today (March 15, 2008), consumers can visit www.pontiac.com/namethiscar and submit their name ideas. "As an important part of the G8 family, we know that 'sport truck' doesn't fully describe the vehicle's ability to blur the lines between sports car and truck," said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. "Because its fans will surely be as unique as the vehicle itself, we're giving them a voice in selecting a name that reflects its appeal." The winning entry will be announced April 15.

Design

The G8 sport truck maintains the same sporty exterior design as its namesake sedan. Flared fenders wrap around the 18-inch wheels and give it a wide, confident stance. The roofline has a coupe-like profile that reflects the vehicle's performance pedigree.

The doors, roof and exterior panels aft of the B-pillars are unique from the G8 sedan. One-piece outer body panels give the vehicle a sleek appearance. Wrap-around taillamps and fully concealed tailgate hinges add to the sculpted look. A color-coordinated, soft tonneau cover conceals and protects items in the cargo bed from the weather.

Performance

The sport truck draws its strength from the same powerful 6.0L V-8 engine used in the G8 GT. It puts out 361 horsepower (270 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. (522 Nm) of torque. The combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management technology provides both car-like fuel economy and an unexpected 0-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

While these performance numbers are respectable by sports car standards, the G8 sport truck offers flexibility unlike that of a sports car. A 73.9-inch (1878 mm) cargo bed has 42.7 cubic feet (1208 L) of cargo space and a durable composite bed liner. It also can carry a payload of more than 1,074 pounds (488 kg) and tow a 3,500-pound (1,600 kg) trailer.

Structure

The G8 sport truck is based on the same rear-wheel-drive architecture as the G8 performance sedan. However, the sport truck's body structure was reinforced in key areas to support its cargo and towing duties. More than 60 new components were added to strengthen the structure. Compared to the sedan, the 118.5-inch (3,009 mm) wheelbase is approximately four inches longer and the overall length is six inches longer.

Suspension and wheels

A four-wheel independent suspension with electronic stability control delivers confident handling, whether loaded with weekend home-improvement supplies or towing a pair of personal watercraft to the lake.

The steering box is located ahead of the front axle line for a quick, direct feel. The sport truck's front stabilizer bar is one mm larger than the sedan, and the rear suspension has been enhanced to support payloads without adversely affecting handling.

The G8 sport truck rides on 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with a P245/45R18 summer performance tire. All-season tires are available. An optional Sports Package includes 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with P245/40R19 summer performance tires.

Brakes and steering

The sport truck shares the G8 GT's four-wheel disc brake system, featuring 12.64-inch front and 12.76-inch rear rotors. Front rotor thickness is 1.0 inch, while the rear rotors are 0.87-inch thick. Twin-piston, front alloy calipers and vented rotors and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented rotors are standard, as is ABS.

Comfort and convenience

Given its heritage, it's not surprising that the G8 sport truck offers many of the same creature comforts as the G8 GT, such as:

* Air conditioning with electronic dual-zone climate control
* Cruise control
* Driver Information Center
* Bluetooth connectivity
* Tilt/telescoping steering wheel with DIC and radio controls
* Power windows/locks/mirrors
* Remote keyless entry and remote start
* Theft-deterrent alarm system

Fully-bolstered, four-way adjustable cloth seats are standard. Heated, six-way leather seats are available. They can be customized with two-tone, black-and-red inserts and a coordinating gauge cluster.

Behind the seats is a surprisingly large interior cargo area with more than 8.5 cubic feet (245 liters) of storage space. There are two covered storage compartments beneath the load floor and a pair of cargo nets.

Sound system

The G8 sport truck's 230-watt Blaupunkt AM/FM/six-disc CD changer has an MP3 input and five speakers. The 6.5-inch audio display controls both the sound and climate control systems.

Safety and security

A full list of safety features are standard, including:

* StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system
* Head-curtain side air bags
* Side thorax air bags
* Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
* Safety belt pretensioners
* OnStar

2010 PONTIAC G8 SPORT TRUCK SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model:

2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck

Body style / driveline:

two-passenger, front engine, rear-wheel drive coupe-based sport truck

Construction:

unitized body frame, 2-side galvanized steel body with high-strength steel in chassis

EPA vehicle class:

truck

Manufacturing location:

Adelaide , Australia

Engine

Type:

6.0L V-8 w / Active Fuel Management (AFM)

Displacement (cu in / cc):

364 / 5967

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.99 x 3.62 / 101.3 x 92

Block material:

cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners

Cylinder head material:

aluminum

Valvetrain:

valve-in-head; 2 valves per cylinder; roller lifters

Ignition system:

high-energy distributorless ignition; solid state direct-fire ignition w/ coil near plug and integrated ignition

Fuel delivery:

returnless, multi-port fuel injection

Compression ratio:

10.4:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

361 / 270 @ 5300*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

385 / 522 @ 4400*

Recommended fuel:

premium unleaded

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6000

Emissions controls:

evaporative system, dual exhaust with close-coupled catalytic converters, equal-length exhaust, positive crankcase ventilation, electronic throttle control

Transmission

Type:

Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic

Gear ratios (:1):

First:

4.03

Second:

2.36

Third:

1.53

Fourth:

1.15

Fifth:

0.85

Sixth:

0.67

Reverse:

3.06

Final drive ratio:

2.92

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

multi-link MacPherson strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar (24-mm dia.); progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe

Rear:

four-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; decoupled stabilizer bar (12-mm dia.); higher lateral stiffness for handling through two lateral ball joints per side; fully adjustable camber and toe

Steering type:

variable-ratio rack-and-pinion; rack forward of front axle centerline

Steering ratio:

46-53 mm per revolution

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

2.8

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

38.4 / 11.7

Brakes

Type:

four-wheel disc w/ ABS; ventilated front and rear rotors; twin-piston front calipers; single piston alloy rear calipers

Rotor diameter (in / mm):

front: 12.64 / 321
rear: 12.76 / 324

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size / type:

18 x 8-inch machine-faced aluminum (std); 19 x 8-inch machine-faced aluminum (w / optional Sports Package)

Tires:

P245/45R18 summer tire (std); all-season tire optional; optional Sports Package includes P245/40R/19 summer tire

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

118.5 / 3009

Overall length (in / mm):

201.8 / 5127.8

Overall width (in / mm):

74.8 / 1899

Overall height (in / mm):

58.3 / 1480

Track (in / mm):

front: 62.7 / 1592

rear: 63.3 / 1608

Curb weight (lb / kg):

3995 / 1812

Weight distribution (front / rear)

TBD

Cargo box

Length at floor (in / mm):

73.9 / 1878

Width at floor (in / mm):

TBD

Width between wheelhousings (in / mm):

47.4 / 1206

Tailgate width (in / mm):

TBD

Inside height (in / mm):

TBD

Interior

Seating capacity:

2

Headroom (in / mm):

38.8 / 985

Legroom (in / mm):

42.2 / 1071

Shoulder room (in / mm):

59.0 / 1501

Hip room (in / mm):

56.7 / 1439

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):

TBD

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):

TBD

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

42.7 / 1208

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):

3500 / 1600

Payload (lb / kg):

1316 / 597

Fuel tank (gal / L):

19.2 / 73

Engine oil (qt / L):

8.9 / 8.5 (dry)
8.8 / 8.3 (w / filter change)

Cooling system (qt / L):

11.4 / 10.8

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/15/n...-wants-you-to/

All hail the El Camino!!!!!!!!!!

Additional links:
http://jalopnik.com/366699/2010-Pont...Camino-Is-Back
http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/2010...ook/page1.html
http://jalopnik.com/367820/2009-pont...l-transmission

[eddysdaman]

These look like the SSV equivalents. Which means for you guys:
a) They're good cars
b) They'll be really cheap up there
c) You're gonna enjoy them up there as they're so much fun to drive, especially the Ute/'Sports Truck'

[thedguy]

Originally Posted by jetsetter

All hail the El Camino!!!!!!!!!!

I see no El Camino in those pics

My Avatar shows exactly what I'm feeling about these cars. When these hit the used market for cheap, I'm all over one, as they are the only "pickup" I'd own.

[jetsetter]

Originally Posted by thedguy

I see no El Camino in those pics

My Avatar shows exactly what I'm feeling about these cars. I can't wait for these to hit the used market. The only "pickup" I'd own would be a "ute."

http://www.pontiac.com/namethiscar

Vote El Camino!!!!!

[JalopnikRay]

By the way, did you see Jalopnik has significantly more photos as well as some video we made of the "Sport Truck"?

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: The El Camino Is Back!

-Ray

[jetsetter]

Originally Posted by JalopnikRay

By the way, did you see Jalopnik has significantly more photos as well as some video we made of the "Sport Truck"?

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: The El Camino Is Back!

-Ray

Yes, that is why I included your link at the bottom of my post.

[amdforever]

Wow, chrome actually looks good on this car.. AWESOME

[vegasrebel29]

Originally Posted by eddysdaman

These look like the SSV equivalents. Which means for you guys:
a) They're good cars
b) They'll be really cheap up there
c) You're gonna enjoy them up there as they're so much fun to drive, especially the Ute/'Sports Truck'

You place entirely too much faith in GM North America.
We screwed up the Monaro for fucksake!


Also, I dislike the rearend on the sedan, and the truck needs visual refinements.

[jetsetter]

We screwed up the Monaro for fucksake!

Negative, they actually improved the looks.

[thedguy]

Originally Posted by vegasrebel29

You place entirely too much faith in GM North America.
We screwed up the Monaro for fucksake!


Also, I dislike the rearend on the sedan, and the truck needs visual refinements.

I'd like to point out that the Monaro's redesign for the US was done completely by Holden, not Pontiac/GM NA

[Hidden_Hunter]

I suggested names like wombat for the hell of it

"Introducing the all new for 2010 the Pontiac Wombat"

[tigger]

Man, it's sacrilegious to call a Pontiac the El Camino. But I suppose I'm happy to see it back under any marque.

[vegasrebel29]

Originally Posted by thedguy

I'd like to point out that the Monaro's redesign for the US was done completely by Holden, not Pontiac/GM NA

Ah, well then..
shit.

Touche.

On the plus side, if I were Ray Charles, I'd love it.
But as it is, it's entirely too blandly styled for what it is.

[BlaRo]

Originally Posted by JalopnikRay

By the way, did you see Jalopnik has significantly more photos as well as some video we made of the "Sport Truck"?

2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: The El Camino Is Back!

-Ray

Holy crap, Ray Wert of Jalopnik is here? (At least that's what I'm assuming. I'm ƂƵЯ)

I suppose it was inevitable since you've come to rely on us for pretty much all of your Top Gear posts.


P.S.: Name it the Caballero!

With optional Diablo package

[torrent_rider]

What a sad day for America really. Saturn was created to fight the imports, now they are nothing more than rebadged Opels. Pontiac was supposed to become America's answer to BMW and now it's nothing more than rebadged Holdens. Where the hell has American ingenuity gone?!?!?!?

[cvrefugee]

Originally Posted by torrent_rider

What a sad day for America really. Saturn was created to fight the imports, now they are nothing more than rebadged Opels. Pontiac was supposed to become America's answer to BMW and now it's nothing more than rebadged Holdens. Where the hell has American ingenuity gone?!?!?!?

Why does it matter if GM controls Opel? Fighting a rebadged import against an import is better than nothing. Same goes with Pontiac.

[thedguy]

Originally Posted by torrent_rider

What a sad day for America really. Saturn was created to fight the imports, now they are nothing more than rebadged Opels. Pontiac was supposed to become America's answer to BMW and now it's nothing more than rebadged Holdens. Where the hell has American ingenuity gone?!?!?!?

Well first off, Pontiac was NEVER a BMW fighter, not in quality, not in straight line performance, and definitely not in style or handling/grip. Most of that is likely just GM's penny pinchers and executives at work.

Secondly, we've been screaming for the Holden's for a while now, GM is giving us what they want.

The whole Opel/Saturn thing is quite a bit retarded... then again, starting Saturn up and then killing Oldsmobile was dumb.

[BlaRo]

Originally Posted by torrent_rider

What a sad day for America really. Saturn was created to fight the imports, now they are nothing more than rebadged Opels. Pontiac was supposed to become America's answer to BMW and now it's nothing more than rebadged Holdens. Where the hell has American ingenuity gone?!?!?!?

I'm inclined to agree actually, but it's more of a result of 30 years of mismanagement, delayed market responses, union control, and sheer managerial laziness than anything else. One can only hope we can get there someday; until then, I'm going to wait for the El Caballerancheroamino to come with the 6-speed manual it deserves.

[Wizegui]

Better than a rebadged Chevrolet. This is really my kind of car. More performance than an M3 for half the price with twice the practicality. All it needs is that hideous Pontiac grille removed.

[Lambos r4ever]

One of the comments from Jalopnik:
"This must be how a woman feels when she cries at a wedding"