2008 Pontiac G8 Showcar to Debut at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show

In Chicago: Pontiac has rolled out a showcar version of the new 2008 Pontiac G8, announcing that it is “a representative of the production GT model” that will hit showrooms early next year. The automaker has also released details about the G8 saying that it is going to be the new Pontiac flagship sedan and will be built in Adelaide, Australia.

The G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary. The G8 is an important vehicle not only because of its importance to Pontiac but because it is the sister vehicle of the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro.

The G8 showcar is equipped with 362hp V8 and optional six-speed manual transmission. It includes items that are not found on the production model such as 20 inch “shadow chrome” wheels and performance tires, a ride height lowered by about half-inch, high performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers, custom interior trim color with leather-wrapped dash and “phantom gray” exterior paint. Pontiac has also employed a concept monochromatic “modernized” Pontiac badge to get public opinion.

The production G8 lineup will be comprised of two models: G8 and G8 GT. The base G8 is equipped with a 3.6 liter DOHC V6 rated at 261 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and a manual shift model.

The G8 GT for its part is given a 6.0 liter small block V8 rated at 362 hp at 5,700 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It is also equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode as standard feature. The six-speed manual transmission is going to be offered after the launching of the G8. Fuel economy numbers are not yet available for both models.

The G8 is fitted on a 114.8 inch wheelbase with 196.1 inch overall length. Its base has a curb weight of 3,885 pounds while the G8 GT weighs 3,995 pounds. GM says that G8 has a close to 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance ratio courtesy of its new architecture.

The global architecture for the G8 is designed to suit the production of both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive markets around the world. Pontiac has also stressed that the two production G8s will include four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, electronic stability control, 18 inch aluminum wheels, power adjustable front seats, quality auto accessories like GM door handle covers, and fog lamps. A sport package will also be offered with the addition of 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on the GT as well as a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather wrapped steering wheel, and alloy pedals.

The two production G8 models have distinct styling features. The G8 models are identified through its red tail lamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets while the G8 GT models are given clear tail lamp lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips. Inside the cabin, the G8 GT models have an optional two-tone cloth or leather combination that pairs black with red or blue inserts and color matched instrument faces on certain exterior color combinations.

The G8 is going to compete with Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima.