Press Kit Information:
• New for 2009
• Model Lineup
• Press Release
• Specifications
• Download Document 

Standard & Optional Features:
• Exterior Features
• Interior Features
• Seats
• Sound Systems
• Mechanical
• Safety & Security

Additional Information:
• Pricing
• Fuel Economy

Archives:
• None

Pontiac Home

For immediate release

2009 PONTIAC G8


New for 2009


Model Lineup

 

Engines

Transmissions

 

3.6L V-6
with VVT

6.0L V-8
with AFM

6.2L V-8

5L40
5-spd. auto.

6L80
6-spd. auto.

TR6060
6-spd. man.

G8

s

-

-

s

-

-

G8 GT

-

s

-

-

s

-

Key:

Standard

s

Optional

o

Not available

-



G8 IS DESIGNED TO DELIVER A BLEND OF PERFORMANCE, FUNCTIONALITY AND FUEL EFFICIENCY IN AN AUTHENTIC, REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE PACKAGE - ALL AT AN UNEXPECTED PRICE POINT

With the excellent handling traits of rear-wheel drive, the refined ride attributes of a four-wheel independent suspension and the exhilaration of available V-8 engine power, the Pontiac G8 lineup delivers the type of crisp driving experience typically found in more expensive performance sedans.

G8 offers standard technology such as XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth capability on all models. Available later in the model year, Bluetooth capability is integrated into the G8's standard OnStar system enabling hands-free phone calls, for safer, more convenient connections.

G8 lineup

G8 is the first North American application of GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture. The 2009 lineup comprises two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each delivers a broad range of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including:

A sport package is available for G8 GT models; it adds features such as 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires; a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and alloy pedals.

The G8's powertrains consist of a responsive V-6 engine in the base model and a 361-horsepower (268 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine for the GT.

G8 design

All G8 models share a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues, such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance. The design accents the car's performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires and enhancing the sporty stance.

Distinctive elements include hood scoops and front fender vents, as well as projector-beam headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, the taillamps feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements. G8 models have red taillamp lenses and twin polished stainless steel exhaust outlets, while G8 GT models feature clear taillamp lenses and quad polished stainless steel exhaust tips. All models have an antenna mounted at the rear of the roof.

G8 interior

Designed to meld form and function with world-class fit and finish, the G8's interior delivers both comfort and convenience, packaged in a level of sophistication not often found in its price range. A driver-oriented instrument cluster positions the gauges for easy, direct line of sight; an electronic driver information centre is located between the large, round tachometer and speedometer.

Attention to detail includes easy-to-read instruments, selective use of satin and chrome trim and rich-feeling, grained textures throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp, white light on the primary instruments and Pontiac's signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the instrument panel cluster.

The seats offer firm support to hold occupants in place during aggressive cornering; all seats were designed to deliver excellent comfort during long drives. Cloth seating surfaces are standard, with heated leather seating available. G8 GT models also offer an optional two-tone leather combination that pairs black with red inserts and colour-matched instrument faces on certain exterior colour combinations.

G8 engines

The base G8 model receives a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 256 horsepower (190 kW) and 248 lb.-ft of torque (335 Nm). Variable valve timing optimizes the power and efficiency across the rpm range, giving the car the best performance at all speeds.

The G8 GT is powered by a uniquely configured 6.0L small-block V-8, rated at 361 horsepower (268 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. of torque (520 Nm). It features GM's Active Fuel Management technology, which allows the engine to switch from V-8 power to four-cylinder operation during light-load driving conditions, enhancing fuel economy.

Transmission choices

The base G8's 3.6L V-6 engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control, offering a choice of balanced shift points, a performance-oriented Sport Mode or full manual control. This combination helps give the car solid fuel economy, with an Transport Canada rated highway rating of 8.0 L/100km.

The GT's standard Hydra-Matic six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission is technologically advanced and robust. It uses a clutch-to-clutch operation and an integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts. The six-speed has a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that enables a "steep" first-gear. The result is strong launch acceleration along with "tall" overdrive ratios that lower engine rpms for better fuel economy and reduced noise. The 6L80 also features Driver Shift Control for increased driver control.

A limited-slip rear differential is standard on GT models.

G8 architecture

Built on GM's global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the G8 is designed to deliver world-class levels of strength and refinement, along with crisp driving dynamics. Among the architecture's design attributes is a layout that promotes a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance ratio, thanks to design features that include a steering rack mounted ahead of the front axle, engines mounted low and rearward in the front chassis cradle and a trunk-mounted battery.

GM's rear-drive architecture also has an exceptionally strong unitized chassis/body structure, including advanced-strength steel used in more than 80 percent of its construction. This strong foundation enables several factors than benefit the G8's driving experience, including smoother, more solid ride characteristics and more precise suspension tuning, as the stiffer structure allows engineers to tune the suspension without having to account for chassis flex.

The stiff structure also enhances safety, as it helps absorb crash energy through a multiple load path strategy that includes optimized front-end and rear-end deformation zones. (See safety section below.)

Responsive suspension systems

A unique, four-wheel independent, performance-tuned suspension system is integrated with the G8's structure, and is the result of eight years of development. It uses the strength of the body structure to enhance the driving experience through optimized steering, handling and driving control.

The G8 rides on a long, 2,915 mm (114.8-inch) wheelbase, with the wheels set wide on 1,592 mm (62.7-inch) front and 1,608 mm (63.3-inch) rear tracks. The front suspension features a multi-link, MacPherson strut design that incorporates a direct-acting stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension uses a four-link independent design, with progressive-rate coil springs over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar.

The front suspension uses a hydraulically damped bushing on the forward end of the tension link for improved ride isolation. The lateral link feature a rubber spherical joint that enhances lateral stiffness. Camber, caster and toe are fully adjustable.

With the rear suspension, a high degree of lateral stiffness is achieved with the use of two lateral ball joints per side. A rubber-damped suspension frame further isolates the body structure from noise, vibration and road harshness.

The G8 sedan and GT models use the same FE2 suspension setup, balancing crisp responsiveness with a compliant ride that is suitable for everyday driving.

The steering rack is mounted forward of the front axle centerline - with dual lower links and individual ball joints at the outer ends - which enhances the balanced feel of the car while also contributing to a more direct steering feel. All G8 models have a 11.4 metre (37.4-foot) turning circle.

Brake systems

A four-wheel disc brake system includes standard anti-lock and all-speed traction control features and is partnered with standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system. Both the base and GT models feature vented front and rear disc rotors, with twin-piston alloy callipers in front; the rear brakes feature alloy callipers with single-piston actuation. The brakes are approximately one-inch larger on the higher-performance GT model.

Safety

Safety was one of the foremost goals in the design of the G8's architecture. It combines a sturdy, crash-absorbing body structure and state-of-the-art passenger protection technology. Examples of these elements include:

# # #

For media enquiries contact:
General Motors of Canada
Product Communications
Tony LaRocca
905-644-1804
tony.larocca@gm.com

 



SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:

Pontiac G8 and G8 GT

Body style / driveline:

5-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive sedan

Construction:

Unitized body frame, 1- and 2-sided galvanized steel

EPA vehicle class:

Midsize sedan

Manufacturing location:

Adelaide, Australia

Key competitors:

Nissan Maxima, Dodge Charger

Engines

 

3.6L V-6 (LY7)

6.0L V-8 (L76)

Application:

G8

G8 GT

Type:

3.6L V-6

6.0L V-8

Displacement (cc / cu in):

3564 / 217

5967 / 364

Bore & stroke (mm / in):

94 x 85.6 /
3.70 x 3.37

101.3 x 92 /
3.99 x 3.62

Block material:

Cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners

Cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners

Cylinder head material:

Aluminum

Aluminum

Valvetrain:

Dual overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing

Valve-in-head; 2 valves per cylinder; roller lifters; Active Fuel Management

Ignition system:

Electronic individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control and extended-life platinum-tipped spark plugs

High-energy distributorless ignition; solid state direct-fire ignition w/ coil near plug and integrated ignition

Fuel delivery:

Returnless, multi-port fuel injection

Returnless, multi-port fuel injection

Compression ratio:

10.2:1

10.4:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

256 / 190 @ 6300*

361 / 268 @ 5300*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

248 / 336 @ 2100*

385 / 520 @ 4400*

Recommended fuel:

Regular unleaded

Regular unleaded

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6900

6000

Emissions controls:

Evaporative system, single close-coupled catalytic converter, equal-length exhaust, single underfloor catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation, intake and exhaust cam phasers, electronic throttle control

Evaporative system, close-coupled catalytic converters, positive crankcase ventilation, electronic throttle control

Estimated fuel consumption:

    

Mi/imp.gal (city / hwy / combined)

 23 / 35 / 27 20 / 34 / 24

L/100km (city / hwy / combined)

 12.2 / 8.0 / 10.3 14.4 / 8.4 / 11.7

Transmissions

 

Hydra-Matic 5L40

Hydra-Matic 6L80

TR6060

Type:

5-spd automatic

6-speed automatic

6-speed manual

Gear ratios (:1):

      

First:

3.42

4.03

3.01

Second:

2.21

2.36

2.07

Third:

1.60

1.53

1.43

Fourth:

1.00

1.15

1.00

Fifth:

0.75

0.85

0.84

Sixth:

-

0.67

0.57

Reverse:

3.02

3.06

3.28

Final drive ratio:

2.92

2.92

3.27

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

Multi-link MacPherson strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe

Rear:

Four-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe

Steering type:

Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:

46-53 mm per revolution

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

2.8

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (m / ft):

11.4 / 37.4

Brakes

Type:

Four-wheel disc w/ ABS; ventilated front and rear rotors; twin-piston front callipers; single piston alloy rear callipers

Rotor diameter x thickness, front (mm / in):

Base: 298 x 30 / 11.73 x 1.18
GT: 321 x 30 / 12.64 x 1.18

Rotor diameter x thickness, rear (mm / in):

Base: 302 x 22 / 11.89 x 0.86
GT: 324 x 22 / 12.76 x 0.86

Wheels/Tires

 

Base

GT

Wheel size and type:

18 x 8-inch painted aluminum

18 x 8-inch painted aluminum (std.);
19 x 8-inch painted aluminum (opt)

Tires:

P245/45R18

P245/45R18 summer (opt.);
P245/45R18 all-season (std.);
P245/40R19 (opt.)

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (mm / in):

2915 / 114.8

Overall length (mm / in):

4982 / 196.1

Overall width (mm / in):

1899 / 74.8

Overall height (mm / in):

1465 / 57.7

Track (mm / in):

front: 1592 / 62.7
rear: 1608 / 63.3

Curb weight (kg / lb):

Base: 1762 / 3885
GT: 1812 / 3995

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):

2 / 3

Headroom (mm / in):

front: 989 / 38.7
rear: 965 / 38.0

Legroom (mm / in):

front: 1071 / 42.2
rear: 1001 / 39.4

Shoulder room (mm / in):

front: 1501 / 59.1
rear: 1500 / 59.1

Hip room (mm / in):

front: 1439 / 56.7
rear: 1472 / 58.0

Capacities

EPA interior volume (L / cu ft):

3528 / 124.5

Cargo volume (L / cu ft):

496 / 17.5

Trailer towing maximum (kg / lb):

907 / 2000

Fuel tank (L / imp.gal):

72.6 / 16.0

*Pending SAE certification.

STANDARD AND OPTIONAL FEATURES

EXTERIOR FEATURES

Base

GT

Fog lights

S

S

Glass - tinted

S

S

Mirrors - manual folding, power remote control

S

S

Spoiler - rear, deck-lid, low profile

S

S

Sunroof - power, sliding glass with express-open feature; deletes front row dome light (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD on Base and 1SC and 1SD on GT)

O

O

Tires - P245/45R18 V-rated all-season with compact spare

S

-

Tires - P245/45R18 V-rated all-season with inflator and sealant

-

S

Tires - P245/40R19 W-rated summer performance (installation of 4 snow tires recommended for winter driving conditions; included with the Sports Package in Preferred Equipment Group 1SD)

-

O

Wheels - 18" split-spoke silver-painted aluminum

S

-

Wheels - 18" 5-spoke machine-faced aluminum with silver- painted inserts

-

S

Wheels - 19" machine-faced aluminum (included with the Sports Package in Preferred Equipment Group 1SD)

-

O

Windshield wipers - speed-sensitive variable-delay (intermittent)

S

S

Sports Package - includes 19" machine-faced aluminum wheels, P245/40R19 performance summer tires, sport metallic pedals and perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel; installation of 4 snow tires recommended for winter driving conditions (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SD)

-

O

INTERIOR FEATURES

Base

GT

Air conditioning - manual

S

-

Air conditioning - automatic, dual-zone (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, 1SC and 1SD on Base)

O

S

Auxiliary power outlets - two, one in centre console and one on instrument panel

S

S

Cargo convenience net

S

S

Console - front floor with dual cupholders and auxiliary power outlet

S

S

Cruise control - steering wheel-mounted, electronic with resume, coast and decelerate/accelerate features

S

S

Defogger - electric rear-window

S

S

Floor mats - front and rear, carpeted

S

S

Instrumentation - analogue cluster (includes speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel gauge)

S

S

Instrumentation - Driver Information Centre (includes GM Oil Life Monitoring System, average speed, distance and time to go, fuel consumption monitor, overspeed and underspeed warnings and help menu)

S

S

Instrumentation - tire pressure monitoring system

S

S

Lights - courtesy with delayed entry/exit, front and rear dome and trunk

S

S

Mirror - rear-view with compass and OnStar buttons

S

S

Pedals - sport metallic (included with the Sports Package in Preferred Equipment Group 1SD)

-

O

Retained accessory power

S

S

Steering column - tilt and telescopic adjustable

S

S

Steering wheel - with sound system, cruise and DIC controls

S

S

Steering wheel - leather-wrapped with illuminated sound system, cruise and Driver Information Centre controls; includes leather-wrapped shifter (included with the Premium Package in Preferred Equipment Group 1SC and 1SD on Base)

O

S

Trunk - release, power remote

S

S

Windows - power with driver and front-passenger express- down and rear-passenger window lock-out features

S

S

Comfort and Sound Package - includes automatic dual-zone air conditioning, Blaupunkt in-dash 6-disc CD changer with MP3 playback compatible and 6.5" LCD multi-function display and 11-speaker 230-watt amplified sound system and subwoofers

O

S

Premium Package - includes reclining heated front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces, power 6-way driver and front-passenger seat adjusters, rear centre armrest, leather- wrapped shifter and front seatback pocket netting; includes leather-wrapped steering wheel on G8

O

O

SEATS

Base

GT

Cloth reclining front bucket seats

S

S

Reclining heated front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces (included with the Premium Package in Preferred Equipment Group 1SC and 1SD on Base and with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, 1SC and 1SD on GT)

O

O

Power 4-way driver and front-passenger adjuster with 2- way manual fore and aft adjuster

S

S

Power 6-way driver and front-passenger seat adjusters (included with the Premium Package in Preferred Equipment Group 1SC and 1SD on Base and with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, 1SC and 1SD on GT)

O

O

Seatbacks - rear with trunk pass-through

S

S

ENTERTAINMENT

Base

GT

All G8 sound systems include an electronically tuned Blaupunkt AM/FM stereo with seek, scan, equalizer, speed-compensated volume control, auxiliary audio input jack and TheftLock

S

S

AM/FM stereo with CD player and 5.0" LCD multi- function display and available help menu

S

-

AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, MP3 playback compatible and 6.5" LCD multi-function display and available help menu (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, 1SC and 1SD on Base)

O

S

XM Satellite Radio (includes three trial months beyond which service fees apply; available in 10 Canadian provinces and 48 contiguous United States)

S

S

Speaker system - 7-speaker Blaupunkt sound system

S

-

Speaker system - 11-speaker Blaupunkt 230-watt amplified sound system and subwoofers (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB, 1SC and 1SD on Base)

O

S

MECHANICAL

Base

GT

Battery - trunk-mounted with run-down protection

S

S

Brakes - power, 4-wheel disc

S

-

Brakes - power, 4-wheel disc with larger front and rear rotors

-

S

Brakes - 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution

S

S

Differential - limited slip rear

-

S

Drive - rear-wheel

S

S

Engine - 3.6L DOHC V6 VVT with SFI

S

-

Engine - 6.0L V8 with SFI and Active Fuel Management

-

S

Engine - block heater

S

S

Exhaust system - aluminized stainless steel

S

S

Exhaust system - dual outlets with chrome tips

S

-

Exhaust system - quad outlets with chrome tips

-

S

Steering - power, speed-sensitive, variable-ratio rack-and- pinion

S

S

Suspension - 4-wheel independent, performance

S

S

Transmission - 5-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control and Sport mode

S

-

Transmission - 6-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control and Sport mode

-

S

Vehicle starter system - remote

S

S

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Base

GT

Air bags - dual-stage, driver and front-passenger, frontal with Passenger Sensing System

S

S

Air bags - front-to-rear, side-impact head curtain

S

S

Air bags - driver and front-passenger, side-impact seat- mounted

S

S

Brake/transmission shift interlock

S

S

Door locks - rear door, child-security

S

S

Door locks - power, programmable with lock-out protection

S

S

Headlights - Daytime Running Lights with automatic light control

S

S

Keyless entry system - remote with Panic feature

S

S

OnStar In-Vehicle Communications and Assistance Service - includes 1 year of the Safe & Sound Plan

S

S

Safety restraints - LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top Tethers for CHildren), rear seats

S

S

StabiliTrak - electronic stability control system

S

S

Theft-deterrent system - electronic immobilizer

S

S

Traction control - electronic, full-function, all-speed

S

S

Warranty - 3 year / 60,000 km, complete base warranty coverage (Whichever comes first, to correct any defects in materials or workmanship occurring during the warranty period. Regular maintenance is not included. Other restrictions, exclusions and limitations apply. See your dealer for complete details of the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty.)

S

S

Warranty - 5 year / 160,000 km, powertrain component warranty with $0 deductible (Whichever comes first. Conditions and limitations apply. See your dealer for details.)

S

S

S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment.

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