2009 Pontiac G8 & 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

2009 G8 GXP GETS LS3 POWER!

Four hundred and two horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque will be in store for G8 buyers who step up to the GXP model, thanks to a detuned version of the Corvette's 6.2L V-8. And they'll be revving to the 6,600-rpm redline with help from either the standard 6L80 six-speed auto, or an optional Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission!

A performance-tuned suspension was developed and validated on racetracks and highways around the world, including the Nurburgring. Brembo brakes (14-inch vented, four-piston front, 12.76-inch rear) are standard on the GXP, as are 19x8 polished aluminum wheels with 245/40/19 performance tires.

Along with some interior touches, the exterior styling was upgraded-including a new front fascia with lower splitter and a rear fascia diffuser.

Balancing fun and safety looks easy with the GXP: ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control come standard, as do seat-mounted thorax airbags, roof rail side-impact airbags for both seating rows, and dual-stage frontal airbags for front passengers, with an automatic passenger sensing system. Pricing had not been set as of our press date, but expect to pay at least a few thousand more than the$29,995 G8 GT's base price.

SPORT TRUCK COMING TO AMERICA

Mere days after our May '08 issue, whichincluded rumors of a U.S.-bound HoldenUte, hit the stands, Bob Lutz announcedat the New York Auto Show that thetemporarily named G8 Sport Truck wouldbe hitting U.S. shores as a 2010 model! The 6.0L V-8 is a go, producing 361 horses and 385 lb-ft of torque, redlining at 6,000 rpm,and retaining Active Fuel Management. Asix-speed 6L80 auto trans will help it getto 60 mph in around 5.4 seconds.

The UteCaminTruck is based on theG8's rear-drive architecture, but this ride has a 118.5-inch wheelbase (4 inches longer), with an overall length of 6 inches longer-and to let the cat out of the bag: it has a bed! Body reinforcements were made to handle the roughly 3,500-pound tow/1,100-pound haul numbers that we reported last time, and the IRS was beefed accordingly to handle the haul, but Pontiac says it won't affect handling.

Stopping this beast are ABS-assisted,12.64-inch dual piston front/12.76-inch rear brakes-and 18x8 rims are standard, with 19x8s optional. GM hopes to get this bad boy into dealerships by late 2009; prices are yet to be released.