What is it? After disappointing response to it’s reincarnated--but short-lived--GTO, Pontiac is trying again with another rear-wheel-drive car from GM’s Australian Holden subsidiary. Unlike the V8-only GTO coupe, the midsize G8 will be a four-door sedan available with either six- or eight-cylinder power. Base models will get a 261-hp, 3.6-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission; the higher-performance G8 GT will come with a 362-hp, 6.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic. Both automatic transmissions will have a manual shift mode, and a six-speed manual will also be available. All models will have four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control, and front-side and head protection air bags.
What is new or notable: Pontiac says the Chicago show car is representative of the production G8 GT, but that the paint color, 20-inch wheels, half-inch lowered suspension, and some custom trim will not make it to showrooms.
