Yes, there will be a G8 GXP and it will further enhance Pontiac’s Performance image by offering and 6.2 liter LS3 engine capable of 402 hp that is backed by a six-speed manual transmission or the familiar six-speed automatic. With the stick will come a more aggressive 3.70 rear gear as compared to the auto’s 3.27s—both have limited-slip standard. The GXP is the first G8 to offer the manual gearbox. With the power increase comes huge 14-inch Brembo front brakes up from 13 inches on the G8 GT. Pontiac says, the suspension is tuned for, “the highest performance in the G8 family.” A set of 19x8-inch polished aluminum wheels and P245/40R19 tires are standard—they are optional on the G8 GT.
Pontiac is estimating a 0-60 time of 4.7 with a quarter-mile e.t of 13.0 at 108 mph. No word as to whether the stick or automatic is quicker due to the differences in the trans and rear gear ratios between the two, but we also must remember that manual trans performance is much more dependent upon driver skill.
Subtle visual changes were made to the front and rear fascias to make the GXP more distinctive. GXP identification can be found on the lower front fenders, rear decklid and inside, embroidered on the heated leather seats.
Look for the GXP to hit dealers in late 2008. The complete Pontiac press release for the G8 GXP is printed below for your reading pleasure.
For release: March 15, 2008, 12:01 a.m. EST
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 bellhousing; 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 rpm 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
2009 PONTIAC G8 GXP SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Models: Pontiac G8 GXP
Body style / driveline: 5-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive sedan
Construction: unitized body frame, 1- and 2-sided galvanized steel
EPA vehicle class: midsize sedan
Manufacturing location: Adelaide , Australia
Key competitors: Dodge Charger SRT-8, Nissan Maxima
Engine: 6.2L V-8 (LS3)
Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 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; solid state direct-fire ignition w/ coil near plug and integrated ignition
Fuel delivery: returnless, multi-port fuel injection
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 402 / 300 @ 6000*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 402 / 546 @ 4400* (automatic transmission)
400 / 542 @ 4400* (manual transmission)
Recommended fuel: premium unleaded
Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6600
Emissions controls: evaporative system, close-coupled catalytic converters, positive crankcase ventilation, electronic throttle control
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): TBD
Transmission
Type: Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic
TR6060- six-speed manual
Gear ra:Auto Manual
First: 4.03 3.01
Second: 2.36 2.07
Third: 1.53 1.43
Fourth: 1.15 1.00
Fifth: 0.85 0.84
Sixth: 0.67 0.57
Reverse:3.06 3.28
Final drive ratio: 3.27 3.70
Chassis/Suspension
Front: multi-link MacPherson strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe
Rear: four-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe
Steering type: variable-ratio rack-and-pinion; rack forward of 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; quad-piston front calipers; single piston alloy rear calipers
Rotor diameter (in / mm): front: 14 / 355, rear: 12.76 / 324
Wheels/Tires
Wheel size and type: 19x8-inch polished aluminum with machined face
Tires: P245/40R19 summer (standard); P245/40R19 all-season (optional)
Dimensions: Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.8 / 2915
Overall length (in / mm): 196.1 / 4982
Overall width (in / mm): 74.8 / 1899
Overall height (in / mm): 57.7 / 1465
Track (in / mm): front: 62.7 / 1592, rear: 63.3 / 1608
Curb weight (lb / kg): 4050 / 1837 (automatic), 4023 / 1825 (manual)
Interior
Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm): front: 38.7 / 989, rear: 38 / 965
Legroom (in / mm): front: 42.2 / 1071, rear: 39.4 / 1001
Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 59.1 / 1501, rear: 59.1 / 1500
Hip room (in / mm): front: 56.7 / 1439, rear: 58 / 1472
Capacities
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L): 107 / 3047
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): 124.5 / 3528
Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 17.5 / 496
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): 2000 / 907
Fuel tank (gal / L): 19.2 / 72.6
Engine oil (qt / L): 8.9 / 8.5 (dry), 8.8 / 8.3 (w / filter change)
Cooling system (qt / L): TBD
*Pending SAE certification.
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.
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