Vehicle: 2009 Pontiac G8 GT with 1SD Package
Price as tested: CDN$41830

Performance: There are 3 powertrains currently available in the G8. The 256hp 3.6 liter VVT that shares with the exceptional Cadillac CTS. On the uplevel GT and GXP, however, both use GM’s tried-and-true pushrod V8 to push the heavy sheetmetal around. On our GT tester, its the 6.0 liter 16-valve V8 that has 361 horses and 385 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. The highest trim level, GTP, uses a 6.2 liter with 402hp and 400 lb/ft of torque. With 361 horses underneath the hood, power has never been an issue. In fact, there are aplentry thoroughout the rev range. As with most pushrod engines, it is not a rev-happy engine as they tend to run out of breath above 6 grand. However, its the low and mid-range that are most impressive with this 6.0 liter V8. There are tons of low-end grunt with 385 lb/ft of torque at just 4400rpm. Consider our tester is weighting in at 4000 lb, the level of acceleration and responsiveness are impressive. Mated to this motor is GM’s Hydramatic 6-speed manumatic gearbox. The shifts are smooth and coordinate, as with all GM automatic. With its overdrive 6th gear highway cruising ratio, its only revving at 1500rpm @ 90 km/h which is truly impressive. Another area worthy of praise is the gear ratios for 1st to 3rd gears, which provide awesome acceleration. Just an instant throttle input and G8 takes off without any drama. The throttle response is quick with the usual GM over-sensitive tip-in kind of affair. The manumatic also works exceptionally well. With G8’s performance prowess, its encouragement of a manumatic mode can have desired effect on squeezing the best performing and economy altogether. Speaking of economy, unfortunately, our test average of 16 liters per 100km is the biggest shortfall of this pushrod V8.

Handling: G8 is basically a rebadged Holden Commodore sold down under. Commdore has always been based on the now-deficit Opel Omega platform. Omega was available as a Cadillac Catera about 8 years ago on our shore. The latest Commdore is basically using the modified and upgraded version of that proven Catera platform.

Since this platform is a good foundation to start with a sports sedan, its solid and sound without any kinds of groans and rattles. Its stiff enough to handle G8’s huge horsepower output. We managed to push G8 aggressively while still couldn’t detect any kinds of chassis flex.

The steering has decent feedback and responsiveness, with enough precision to dub G8 a sports sedan. Both the suspension and springs are nicely calibrated to provide sharp handling through turns. We are surprise G8 is quite capable through the track despite of its cumbersome size and weight. All wrap up in a dynamic package which doesn’t sacifice any ride comfort. The ride is firm without feeling harsh. Push through the course, there are quite amount of body rolls. However, the suspension is composed enough to settle itself after those rolls. GM’s stabiliztrak doesn’t kick-in unnecessarily for G8’s sporting intentions. It allows for a bit of an oversteer before it steps in. On the other hand, it got safe understeer when pushed into a corner before oversteer occurs. Its kind of safe setting that all modern cars come with for easier control.

Brakes: I usually complaint GM’s dead pedal feel during this time. No so with the G8. G8’s large 4-wheel discs is good enough to haul this heavy beast to a haul in an efficent fashion. The pedal feel and modulation are solid enough after a couple of hard stops. ABS only steps in when its needed.

Interior: When it comes to cargo space, G8 is a hit-and-miss affairs. The high liftover and high sills have created a narrow opening for the trunk. Not to mention the lack of 60/40 fold-down rear seats. It only comes with a center portion of a fold-down rear seat. The whole scanario is like a larger ski pass through. GM claims its for chassis stiffness for not offering full rear seats fold down. I called it corner cutting.

The rest of the interior is spacious and comfortable. The automatic climate control is efficient, while air-conditioning is powerful enough for our 30+ degrees weather. The leather seats provide decent support while cornering. However, there are couple of drawbacks. With the orange backlighting in the instrumentation for information like tire pressure, gear indicator and trip computer; it tends to blur out during sunlight even with sunglasses on. The same goes for the stereo backlighting. It has got to be one of the stupidest design handbrake ever! The release switch is on the top of the level. Its stiff to release with this poor ergonomic design. Another pet peeve is the location of central door locks, power mirror and window switches. It placed altogether in a little area besides the stupid handbrake. Driver has to reach far right to operate the power window. Just when adjusting the window and mirrors, its easily mistaken as the door lock switch. Last but not least, its the cheesy plastic on the center console and dashboard. With GM’s usual great effort of using high-quality plastic in CTS and Malibu alike, I expect more from this G8.

There are plenty of head and legrooms at the back of G8. It is the kind of limo-like space we expect from a full-size sedan.

Conclusion: Despite of my criticisms, G8 is the best Pontiac sedan GM has ever made. There are lots to like in the G8. Plenty of power, decent handling and lots of interior space. With 361hp sold at 41 grand, its also bang-for-the-buck. If you find 361 hp is just not enough, 402 hp with 6-speed manual certainly would meet your match. That’s if you can bear its fuel economy.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Pontiac G8
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4/5