I recently was invited by Bunnin Auto Group’s General Sales Manager, Daniel Sterkel to take the new Pontiac G8 GT for a spin. How could a gearhead like me refuse? This is the latest addition in the already well-accepted line up from Pontiac.

I have been following this car since Bob Lutz announced its plan to hit our highways. This is actually another car to come over from the GM counterpart in Australia known as Holden. The specific model is a VE Commodore and shares over 80% of its parts with the G8.

Lines of a 5 series BMW, priced for everyone

Looks:

Three letters come to mind while looking at not only the stance, but the body lines found on this car...B-M-W. From the flared front fenders, allowing a wider track, to the "B" and "C" pillars on the roof line. I am a large fan of the additional European queues from the side markers on the fenders to the rear defuser. The ride height of the car is ideal for most U.S. roads but could withstand an inch less gap in the wheel wells.

The G8 GT equipped with optional factory 19" wheels

Ride:

GM is the first of the "big three" to bring a true “global� platform to fruition. The new Zeta platform started its life on Australian draft tables to take the place of the aged Omega platform from Opel. After years of design, the platform came to reality in the 2006 model year of the Holden VE Commodore. Is it worth the billion+ Australian dollars of design? Heck yeah! This chassis combined with the StabiliTrac system makes for not only a smooth, but a safe ride. I found one could easily take a set of train tracks at any speed without spilling your coffee. The tuned factory suspension stolen again from Holden also makes for superior handling with minimal body roll.

The beautiful mono-toned onyx interior

Feel:
The interior also holds a very European-like look and feel. I know, I know don’t say BMW. Well, the center stack alone screams classic Bavarian with window controls, center locks and mirror adjustments. The HVAC controls are very simple and allow for a near infinite number of temperature adjustments on the GT tested car. The dual heated seat controls and ESC button are also nestled behind the shifter in the center stack.

A well laid out center stack with dual climate control and heated seats

For those familiar with VW & Audi, I think you may feel at home in this cockpit as well. I found the OBC screen in the instrument panel very close in relation to that found in VW. Likewise, the shifter and shift gate had a VW/Audi feel as well. I must also mention that although this car is shorter than the Charger, it has more interior space. The G8 also has a great ski-through which opens to a 17.4cu. ft. trunk!

The GT's 6.0 liter V8 with Active fuel Management

Power:

The car is very responsive and has more than enough get up and go. On a second drive I was accompanied by three other individuals, all of us weighing 200+ each.. Even with a near 900 pound passenger load, we still had no problem getting “up on it�. The car comes in at 361hp and with a few common mods this car will be wide awake and over 400hp easy. The Active Fuel Management was never recognized, but much appreciated at the pump I’m sure. I found the true dual overdrive 6 speed to be a perfect match to the 6.0 liter engine. Another BMW trait is noticed when you toss the shifter to the right gate and activate “Sport Mode�. The “DSC� (Direct Shift Control) mode is nice for those who think they can shift better than a computer.

Manually adjustable wheel

Cons:

They always say start with positive yet this means you end on negative, the few features I think this car fell short with were; No Bluetooth (coming, finally in '09), limited automatic seat control and a manual telescoping wheel. After pointing out these flaws I realized I was picking over things I expect on a $50K up car!? Having said that, this car is excellent bang for the buck. It has the win in my book going above and beyond the simple claim as "the most powerful car starting under $30,000".

Motor On,

Lance