G8 @ Woodward

[WhereHaveYouBeen]

I'm disappointed. I can't believe I expected GM to get something right...I've been let down by them enough to know better.

http://xtreme3s.net/images/DC07/DSC06174.JPG

http://xtreme3s.net/images/DC07/DSC06176.JPG


http://xtreme3s.net/images/DC07/DSC06173.JPG


http://xtreme3s.net/images/DC07/DSC06177.JPG

[camber]

Interior looks decent much better(with exception of the steering wheel) then any previous Pontiac I can recall.

The rear 3/4 view is kind of generic. If they are going to make the rear tail lights so small, they should have put reflectors in the bumper.

The front end is what really lets it down. It looks like a G6 with a couple hood scoops.

Nicer wheels and projector fogs would give it a more expensive look.

I would have liked a lower beltline but I doubt the could have gone any lower without using a "power dome" hood. I'm suprised by how high the engine sits up there....

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

I'm guessing it's the interior that gets the failing grade from you? The exterior looks identical to the car I saw at the Chicago auto show, except now it's red and is raised a little with different wheels, but body-wise it's the same.

Inside, it just looks like the final plastics might be the usual GM hard plastics.

[M_TYPE_X]

It's ok, but not the best evar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXSOQWhIopk

[LigouriRd]

I like it better across the pond.
http://www.rs-auto.bg/photos/gallery/large_image/image_18529_0.jpg
http://www.automotoportal.com/media/images/vijesti/070226007.4.jpg

[khannie112]

Can't GM get over the fact that the Pontiac style grill that they've been using since the 80's just doesn't have the same appeal as the BMW kidney grills?

That G8 looks like a edgier Grand Am that came out in the early 90's

[mr_e]

I'm disappointed. I can't believe I expected GM to get something right...I've been let down by them enough to know better.


I don't know why you're disappointed...The production G8 is nearly identical to the concept shown in Chicago in Feb. I mean, the two tone interior was "a show car only" feature as were the rims. I think that GM did a GREAT job with the G8 and I can't wait to take one of the GT trims with a manual for a test drive. :D

[CharlieDigital]

Maybe it's just me, but I think it looks great.

I think the red color can be deceiving as, from my experience with trying to photograph red cars, red seems to make seams, creases, and small details in the shape disappear in digital photographs.

I like the subtle yet in-your-face looks. I like the clean lines. I like the interior layout (minus the center mount window controls (argh! stupid!)) and design (thought it does lack a little bit of color variation). Looks like a winner so far as GM is concerned.

[M_TYPE_X]

I dislike red, but the car is otherwise what was expected.

[mayhem]

Yikes! Swap out the grill and lose the spoiler off the trunk and you could put "Altima SE-R" badges on there and nobody would ever notice...just the wheels and extra tailpipes in the back.

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

Yikes! Swap out the grill and lose the spoiler off the trunk and you could put "Altima SE-R" badges on there and nobody would ever notice...just the wheels and extra tailpipes in the back.

You're right man, they both have clear taillights!:rolleyes:
http://xtreme3s.net/images/DC07/DSC06174.JPG

http://www.nissanclub.com/ALTIMA/2005SER/2005SERBACK.jpg

[mayhem]

Seriously, you don't think they're similar?

I see more similar lines than dis-similar ones.

[M_TYPE_X]

Super similar.

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

What car in this class doesn't have similar lines though? I could have probably thrown up the previous-gen Passat in red from the rear 3/4 and gotten the same response. The coupe-y like curve to the c-pillar is the only thing I can really pick out though and that's very alive in this group - might as well say the Impala is Altima SE-R like too.

[mayhem]

What car in this class doesn't have similar lines though?

Accord, camry, Malibu, Taurus (aka 500), Sebring, Avenger, Azera, Sonata, Sable, 6, Milan, Aura, Legacy...lots of cars in this class don't look like that.

I do agree that there are multiple models from different manufaturers out there that do share a rather similar shape...I always thought my 02 Altima was strikingly like a 99 Passat with the front end of a Sable for example...but in the G8 I see alot of features that are distinctive of the late 3rd Gen Altima...the headlamp shape is very similar for example, the clear covered altezza tails (thankfully a realtively unique styling exercise), the shaping of the side character lines, the proprtions of pretty much all the body panels relative to the surrounding panels.

Must be just me.

[240Xtrm]

The location of the main front switches for all the windows just don't do it for me. I just hate it when it is located in the center consol between the two front seats. Over all, the cars is ok for a big car. Besides that, GM just need to get rid of all the SUV in the Pontiac line-up and focus just on sports model cars and sedan.

[helldorado]

Its the best car that Pontiac ever had somebody else build for them. If it wasn't for Holden, Pontiac would be more of a laughingstock than it is as a "performance" brand.

Its a shame though. The Holden aesthetics were stunning, in all trims. Then they had to go and make it look like a Pontiac which is where it flounders.

[DAVDZ1]

I think the rear end looks like the out going Accord sedan. They could have done a better job with the rear, larger taillights perhaps. It just doesn't catch your eye. I like the Aussie versions lights though.

As far as the front end goes, i think the features are too 'big'. Thin the grilles out and slit the headlights more. It looks way too happy and doesn't really look all that mean as the engine is going to make it. Interior is really nice though..except for the noticably wearing drivers seat ALREADY.

um this car is $30k plus right? Where's the nav screen? Didn't look like one could fit in the space where the readout appears.

I've been upset with Pontiac since the GTO came out. Who makes a big two-door like that and doesn't offer a sunroof?! come-on!!

[ZYAL8R808]

Not bad but is it enough? IMO, it has a slight edge over the Dodge Charger. The styling is a little cleaner than the Charger.

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

Accord, camry, Malibu, Taurus (aka 500), Sebring, Avenger, Azera, Sonata, Sable, 6, Milan, Aura, Legacy...lots of cars in this class don't look like that.

I do agree that there are multiple models from different manufaturers out there that do share a rather similar shape...I always thought my 02 Altima was strikingly like a 99 Passat with the front end of a Sable for example...but in the G8 I see alot of features that are distinctive of the late 3rd Gen Altima...the headlamp shape is very similar for example, the clear covered altezza tails (thankfully a realtively unique styling exercise), the shaping of the side character lines, the proprtions of pretty much all the body panels relative to the surrounding panels.

Must be just me.
Sorry, being facitious. The "Passat curve" was such a big deal on these boards when the '02 Altima came out that I felt the need to jokingly throw the line out.

Maybe it's just because I've seen this car in person from all angles that I don't buy the "super similar" thought process. Yes, they both have Altezza's. So did the IS before the Altima arrived. But under those taillights, the Altima bumper curves outward, while the G8 appears to curve inward slightly. The fender flare on the G8 is much more pronounced and the crease that runs along the Altima skews much higher, giving a rising presence, while the G8's crease rises only slightly, giving a much more squat appearance. Even the crease above the rocker panel on the G8 creates a different look than the molding that sits on the Altima. I've got a similar C-pillar and altezzas. Outside of that - nothing.

[Madmaster]

I am a lil let down. Interior is bland, front end does resemble a G6, and the big one - GM won't put the LS2 in here? The LS2, or better yet LS3, would have been the hook IMO - this thing has just slightly more hp than the dodge charger. Well, at least it comes with a 6 speed manual. Given the car's curb price, weight, power, and interior, I see few advantages here over a 330hp G37 Sedan.

[psushoe]

I look for a GXP version to get the LS2 or LS3 in the future... but that will probably be a $40k car.

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

I am a lil let down. Interior is bland, front end does resemble a G6, and the big one - GM won't put the LS2 in here? The LS2, or better yet LS3, would have been the hook IMO - this thing has just slightly more hp than the dodge charger. Well, at least it comes with a 6 speed manual. Given the car's curb price, weight, power, and interior, I see few advantages here over a 330hp G37 Sedan.
Again - are you let down in comparison to what you saw in the concept or did you not get a chance to see the interior prior to this? Just curious...

[M_TYPE_X]

I've been upset with Pontiac since the GTO came out. Who makes a big two-door like that and doesn't offer a sunroof?! come-on!!
Don't get me started. The 4AT unit offered was old school, too.

GM overpromises and underdelivers everytime. Honda is the opposite.

[Madmaster]

Again - are you let down in comparison to what you saw in the concept or did you not get a chance to see the interior prior to this? Just curious...

I am let down compared to the concept and just in general. Yes it's decent for a Pontiac, but it all just looks so grey and plain... and I was never a fan of having the window buttons in the center.

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

I am let down compared to the concept and just in general. Yes it's decent for a Pontiac, but it all just looks so grey and plain... and I was never a fan of having the window buttons in the center.
Other than the two-tone color though, what's the difference between the concept interior and this one?

[WhereHaveYouBeen]

The blandness for one. The two-tone really added a lot of life to the interior, and I hoped they would do it with this since they're doing it with the Malibu.

http://news.windingroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/pontiac-g8_00006.jpg

http://news.windingroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/pontiac-g8_00007.jpg

However, now it looks no better than a Gen-IV F-Body. May as well grow a mullet, and strap a live-axle on the thing and call it a day.

I believe the 6MT is an option that will be available some time next year. But that was the last I heard in May/June.

Also, the concept wheels were a homerun. Shame they didn't clear those for production. Production wheels are Chevy Impala-ish.

I'm not usually "OMG LOL RETARD they copied this honda/bmw/nissan," but it really does look like an Altima from that angle.

I hope, for GM, that it sells well.


Hey on the lighter side, C7 Vette will be Mid-Engine, or at least have a model availble in Mid-Engine form with numbers approaching 1000bhp! That makes me happy because I'll actually be able to buy one around the time it's released. It will go nicely with my Volt.

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

But the materials don't look any different, just the color scheme, which is something they said wasn't going to make it into production anyway. I like the concept rims also, but being particular about stock rims is like not dating a girl because of the color of her hair - that's a changeable factor.

I'm not trying to sing the G8's praises. I think the materials on the interior of the concept and the production model don't have the quality look that I'd like. I can only hope that plastic is soft to the touch. Also, while I understand where people grasp a similar look from that angle, in person I don't think it's as apparent.

[Sorin]

May as well grow a mullet, and strap a live-axle on the thing and call it a day.
I was floored when I actually read someone say that the GTO (which wasn't out yet at the time) wasn't going to be a true muscle car like the old one was because it was going to have an independent rear. Yes, having an independent rear disqualifies a car from being a muscle car. Oh, and not being body on frame. :rolleyes:

I bet if you gave them Fred Flintstone's car, they'd be all over it like a mullet on Dog's kid.

[shirohniichan]

Until I can see it with my own eyes and sit inside one to see fit and finish, quality of plastics, etc, I can't decide if I really like it. I don't like the big Pontiac grill or hood scoops.

Since the Impala SS disappeared after 1996, I've been wondering when the large American sport sedan would come back. The 300C definitely has brawn, but it sure doesn't look sporty (except in SRT guide, and, boy, is that expensive). I'd hoped the 03-04 Marauder would be closer to a Kenny Brown Panther, but it turned out to be an OK-but-not-great exercise by FoMoCo.

Big, American, sporty, and big enough for family hauling-- will the G8 succeed in filling these requirements of us older-with-wife-and-kids guys?

[M_TYPE_X]

I don't care for the grille or hood scoops either. They'll ruin this, just like they did with the Holden Monaro => Pontiac GTO.

[NSE70]

Dis c4r 1z h4wt.

['87 Sentra]

huh?

[M_TYPE_X]

I love the photo of the coney island booth with "GM" on it. GM Coney Island, home of the employee-only price hotdog.

[RetAF]

I love the photo of the coney island booth with "GM" on it. GM Coney Island, home of the employee-only price hotdog.
$317.95, but it is employees only!

[M_TYPE_X]

$317.95, but it is employees only!
No, more like FREE, and everyone else pays full price.

I miss Woodward.

[azn808]

the taillights remind me of the 05 ricer altezza tail lights on the civic sedans

[07G35S]

I don't know... I think it looks pretty good.