A True Successor to the GTO

by Casey Williams - www.car-data.com

The impending Pontiac G8 Sport Truck won’t be the only Pontiac G8 getting attention this year. Realizing true performance enthusiasts would want more power than base models, and that GM’s performance division needed a true successor to the GTO, engineers stuffed a 6.2-litre V8 into the engine bay. Marketers call it the GXP.

Said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager, “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.” Pontiac claims the car will run 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and through the quarter in 13 seconds at 108 mph.

Pouring out 402 horsepower and 402 lb.-ft. of torque, the big V8 engine obviously moves the GXP with enthusiastic athleticism. So does a short-throw Tremec six-speed manual transmission. However, the sedan also stops like a champ with four-wheel Brembo disc brakes inside of 19” alloy wheels and summer performance tires. StabiliTrak electronic stability programming shepherds all of that power down the road as straightly as possible. A stiffened four-wheel independent suspension system and quick-ratio steering were developed at Germany’s famed Nurburgring race circuit.

Visual differences from mortal G8s include a revised front fascia with lower splitter, rear diffuser, and 19” wheels. Highly bolstered two-tone sport seats, alloy sport pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, GXP embroidery, and leather trim rounds out the special cabin. Easy-to-read white/red-lit analog gauges remain just as they should.

Many of you will quickly let Pontiac know that the G8 GXP is a poor excuse for a GTO, especially since it allows the convenience and comfort of four real doors. Here’s a reality check: You never saw or drove a GTO that could match the G8 GXP. The fact that it can get the kids to school or your mother to BINGO nearly as comfortably as any full-size sedan sold in America is something you’ll just have to get over. No worries. It won’t take long. With an expected base price near $35,000, competition includes the Dodge Charger SRT8, Chevy Impala SS, and Nissan Maxima.