Nice!! I like!!

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/p...ted-at-415-hp/

The V8-powered Pontiac G8 GT has garnered a fair amount of respect around Autoblog HQ, with almost everyone who's spent time behind the wheel singing the praises of the Aussie-imported four-door muscle car. We're all suckers for rubber-melting torque and rear-wheel motivation, and even El Capitan Neff has thought about retiring his Alero for a shot at G8 ownership. For the rest of us, a six-speed manual would seal the deal.

Next year Pontiac will finally offer a proper cog swapper on its G8 GXP, and not only do drivers get to row their own gears, but they're getting an extra 13 horses and 15 lb.-ft. of torque to boot. The SAE has finally performed its official testing on the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 and output is up to 415 horsepower and an equal amount of twist.

With 19-inch HSV wheels framing 14-inch (front) and 12.76-inch (rear) discs and Brembo calipers, a standard LSD and a stiffened suspension, the additional power is just another reason to be smitten by the Pontiac G8 GXP. That, and the Tremac TR060 manual. We'll take ours in slate grey for maximum intimidation.

 

Extra 13 horses? The G8 GT is rated at 361 right? So wouldn't that be a bigger difference? Or is the GXP going to offer an auto rated at 402?

The G8 GXP is leading the pack to replace my current daily driver! Now we just need pricing info!

 

They originally estimated the HP to be about 402. AFAIK, it's the same engine auto or man.

 

Yeah about that, why is Camaro required to run 2 V-8's based on trans. while GXP is only using 1? Is it because they expect to sell so few GXP's that it won't make a difference to CAFE? I know GM targeted selling 30-40 thousand G8's total so that would equate to what? about 3-4 thousand GXP's? How many Camaro SS's do they expect to sell?

 

I'ld be very interested in the 2010 model as long as things like XM, a backup camera and Nav are available with having to add on some $4k pkg.

 

I dunno, I was thinkin' I like the V6 Camaro RS as my most favorable option, but after seeing the blue that came out for '09 on the G8's , and its priced decently, this will probably be my new car...

 

Does anyone know when the GXP goes on sale?

 

Is there an Automatic version of this car? Or is the LS3 only going to be teamed with manuals?

 

Yes, the G8 GXP will have a gas guzzler tax (13 city MPG). They don't want that for the Camaro.

You're deliberating between a mid-high 20s RS and a circa $40,000 GXP?

Late fall

Your choice of tranny.

 

AFAIK, the GT has auto only & GXP will have manual only.

 

The GXP will come with either manual or automatic. The GT is auto only because it uses the L76 which has AFM. The LS3 does not have AFM. The GXP will use the LS3 whether manual or automatic.

 

...uh, its possible...what does it matter to you anyway?? I love the blue on the Pontiacs, and I really love the large performance/powerful sedans...so if this justification is ok with you, then it might still be an option for me.

 

I really don't think that attitude is called for.

I just found it unusual that you'd be looking at a V6 Camaro, but an LS3 GXP when you can get an LS3 in the Camaro, too for likely 8-10k cheaper.

Sorry that I offended your delicate shopping sensibilities

 

Also there is a V6 G8 available now, likely to get that color very soon.

 

You mentioned that you are jumping from a Camaro RS to a Pontiac G8 GXP simply because of the color.

Outside of Beverly Hills living, Rodeo Drive shopping, fashion conscious, questionably straight metro-sexuals (or women there whose cars must match their eyes or wardrobe), people would be hard pressed to name anyone who'd spend an extra $15,000, jump a couple of sizes, and adopt 2 doors in an entirely different automotive class simply to get a specific color they like.

Blue is my favorite color but even I can't see myself going that far.