ALT-1 Pontiac
The G8 is the first full-size, rear-wheel drive sedan from Pontiac since the 1986 Bonneville. The G8 replaces the Bonneville, which ended production with its 2005 model and the Grand Prix, which will cease its tenure with the 2008 model.Pontiac also has a hopeful third market share responsibility for the G8, since it also replaces the V8-powered GTO coupe, which was discontinued in 2006.The 2008 G8 is available in two trims: base and GT. The base G8 is available with a 256 horsepower V6 engine, standard with a 5-speed automatic. The GT, the Weekly Driver test vehicle, comes with a 361 horsepower V8, featuring a 6-speed automatic. It's capable of reaching 60 mph in just over 5 seconds.Base G8 models come standard with 6 airbags (including full-length side curtain airbags), traction control, stability control, dual tailpipes, 18 inch alloy wheels (fitted with either all-season or summer performance tires), sports body kit, black cloth seats and a 7-speaker audio system, including front center speaker, single-disc CD player, and auxiliary input jack.In addition to the larger engine and 6-speed transmission, GT models also feature quad tailpipes, clear taillight lenses, automatic climate control, a larger center-console display screen, and an 11-speaker Blaupunkt premium audio system with 2 subwoofers, six-disc CD changer, and auxiliary input jack. Some of these features are available as options on the base model.I first drove the G8 during a two-day press function in Santa Monica, California. En route to Ojai, about an 85-mile trek, I maneuvered through some of the famous Southern California mountains with ease.Pontiac is touting the G8 as the most powerful car available in the United States for less than $30,000. And while the car's base price is just under the 30-grand plateau, with taxes and various standard extras, the minimum price is about $32,000.That doesn't diminish what Pontiac is hoping for with its much-promoted new offering. The GTO and Bonneville were power stalwarts of the line. The G8 doesn't fall too short of the mark, although of course, it doesn't have the legacy yet of either of it predecessors.The G8 has a few shortcomings. A navigation is not available for either trim and the radio, battery strength readouts and other control lack logic. The handbrake is both nicely designed and when it's dis-engaged it rests flush against console. As such, it's hard to determine it's actually the brake.The G8 is a powerful machine, though. It has a keen new, sleek design, particularly the sharp-angled front grill and angular side paneling.There's a slight delay when accelerating from low speeds, but the high horsepower gives the car plenty of authority, just like power Pontiacs of yesteryear. Now, only time will tell if the G8 lives up to its now-gone siblings.Safety Features front seat airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control and traction control, OnStar.Warranty Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain, 5 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion 6 years/100,000 miles.Roadside Assistance 6 years/100,000 miles.Gas Mileage Estimates 15 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway).Base Price $29,310.
