The Pontiac G8 sedan and ST coupe-utility will both offer hi-po GXP models featuring the LS3 with a choice of six-speed automatic or manual transmissions (Saw this on another forum, posting it here).



GXP model confirmed for 2009.

The GXP has specific leather (special seats or stitching), 19" wheels, performance suspension tune, 3.27 or 3.70 rear gears depending on transmission choice, and it's the only model to offer a manual.

New colors for 2009

Sport Red (NEW)
Stryker Blue (NEW)
Maverick Silver (NEW)
Karma Metallic (NEW)

Carry over colors

White Hot
Magnetic Grey
Liquid Red
Panther Black

Dropped colors (now unique to 2008s)

Stealth Blue
Ignition Orange

All three G8 models will gain XM and Bluetooth as options.

2009 G8 production begins the first Monday in March. GXP details will become public sometime this summer.

 

Is the regular G8 even available yet?

 

g8 gt's and i think even the v6's have a choice of 6 speed manual

 

I dunno. I just quoted the specs from the article on the other board. I know the first batch of G8 GTs will only have automatics though.

 

I don't think the V6 was ever in line for a manual tranny, and the current rumor is that only the GXP will now get the 6-speed manual.

 

COME ON GM! How do you offer a car for enthustasts and not put a M6 in all the models.

 

Yes.

 

GXP will be manual.


Because no one buys manuals anymore. Yet, it cost just as much to certify a manual transmission as it does a automatic. You don't need an MBA to see that the return for investment on certifying an manual tranny is pretty much nonexistent on most all models today.

The G6 discontinued offering manuals because of horrendous sales.

In 2007, out of 40,561 Corvettes sold a mere 12,670 had manual transmissions... and out of that number, 8,159 were Z06s!!

In short, only about 4,500 regular production (non Z06) Corvettes out of roughly 32,000 had manuals last year.

It the number is that low for a SPORTS CAR, imagine how low that number is going to be for a full size sedan... performance sedan or not.

The market (meaning you and I).

That's why GM can offer an enthusiast car and not put a manual in "all" models.

 

I know it's a little different of a car, but the take rate for the manual in the GTO was 46-62-63% in it's three years. And in fact, when people talk about GTOs sitting on the lots too long, basically all of those cars were A4s.

Being a full sized sedan, i'm sure the G8 wouldn't get quite that take. Also, selling in much higher numbers would start to dillute the number of 'enthusiasts' buying the car anyway. As long as they make enough M6 GXPs to fill needs, no worry about lesser cars not having it. I just think it's one of the more interesting modern GTO statistics that it had such a high manual take rate though.

 

I dunno. 6speed with tapshift makes a manual seem obsolete to most of even the enthusiast crowd, as supported by the Corvette numbers. GTO had the 'antiquated' 4 speed.

 

You decide you don't want to lose a bunch of money on a manual option that no one buys. Of course, you know that you have to endure the complaints from those who write about them (but wouldn't buy one). But you figure that's better than losing a million or two to develop and certify.


I'll get that's how GM does it

 

Whoops! I see my reply was redundant.

 

IIRC, corvette has generally had a low take rate on the manual going back many years, directly in keeping with it's mid-life crisis and beyond buyer demographic. So i'm not sure using that statistic proves anything. I'd venture corvette has not had a higher manual take rate than the fbody or mustang since maybe the 60s, if even then.

I'll admit, i haven't driven the GM A6, but every single tap-shift / aut-stick / whatever gimmick name in other models i have driven you want to throw out has not been remotely similar to a real manual in behavior and has even been less than impressive compared to the built 700r4 that was in my 92 Z28 with a regular, cable shifted automatic.

I mean, seriously, if you bought a new sports / pony car and one of your friends /family / co-workers came up to you and asked if you got a stick, could you look them in the eye and say, no, but i got teh paddle shiftxorz with a straight face? I couldn't, it's just not close to the same thing

 

I have nothing against autos but a manual car is way much more fun to drive. I don't think I am superior to anybody. I just enjoy driving a manual car and using both of my feet.

 

Agreed, its more fun to drive, and I feel as though I am driving the car, not just operating the car. You have more mental involvment when you drive a manual, there are desisions to make about which gear to go to, when to switch etc. Basically it involves you with the experience.

I've driven both, and I much prefer changing my own gears. Operate your appliance as you see fit.