With the balance of rear-wheel drive and the availability of V8 power, the G8 represents another step in Pontiac’s commitment to its performance DNA. In fact, this vehicle firmly establishes that Pontiac has never been more serious about the business of performance - and we expect the G8 to be very competitive; even against cars that cost far more.

The Pontiac G8 is a rear-wheel drive sedan produced by General Motors to be released for the 2008 model year under the Pontiac name. It is a replacement for the Pontiac Grand Prix, which ceases production after the 2008 model year with one year of overlapping. The G8 will be Pontiac’s first full-size car since the Bonneville was discontinued in 2005.

The G8 will be the first rear-wheel drive Pontiac sedan sold in North America since the 1986 Bonneville and Parisienne. However there are several rear-wheel drive offerings on the road already such as the Solstice and the outgoing GTO. The size of the car is marginally bigger than the size of many German large cars such as the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6.

The G8 will be available in two trims: base and the GT. The base G8 will be available with a 261 hp (194 kW) 3.6 L DOHC VVT V6 engine, standard with a 5-speed automatic. The GT will come with a 362 hp (270 kW)[2] 6.0 L Generation IV V8, featuring a 6-speed automatic and Active Fuel Management as standard, capable of reaching 60 mph (96 km/h) in just over 5 seconds. A 6-speed manual was formerly being considered as an option on the GT package, although Pontiac dropped the option, stating that it would possibly be available at a later time. The cars will come standard with 6 airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags, 18 inch alloy wheels, sports body kit, power-adjustable front seats, cloth seats and a 7-speaker audio system, featuring a satellite radio system. An optional sports package will be available, containing 19 inch alloys with performance tires, upgraded sports suspension, 11-speaker stereo with six-stacker CD system, color display screen featuring climate control & audio functions, leather-bound steering wheel and alloy pedals. GT interiors will be available with the choice of a two-tone interior that will match black with either red or blue.

For the 2008 model year, the Pontiac G8 will be available in 6 colors: Stealth Blue, Liquid Red, Ignition Orange, White Hot, Magnetic Gray, and Panther Black.

Option packages are dependent upon the choice of engine: V6-powered G8’s are available with either the Premium Package, Comfort and Sound Package, and a Sunroof Package, whereas the V8-powered G8’s will be offered with either the Premium Package GT, Sport Package GT, or Moonroof Package.

All G8’s will be equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, and 19-inch wheels will be made available as an option on all G8 GT models optioned with the Sport Package.