Pontiac G8 2009
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
2009 PONTIAC G8 The G8 is an all-new offering from Pontiac for model-year 2009. It shares 98% of its parts with the Australian Holden Commodore on which it is based but has a different front end and hood. The G8 is a full-size, rear-wheel-drive vehicle similar in size to the Chrysler 300. GM lists the Nissan Maxima and Dodge Charger as G8 competitors and could have added the new Hyundai Genesis. A V6 powers the base model while a V8 takes care of the drive wheels of the GT. Interior and trunk Access is relatively easy but the rather low roof edge can be a problem. The front seats are very comfortable, with good side support. Both seats have lumbar adjustment. The driving position is very good, and headroom and legroom are generous. Headroom is a bit tight for tall people, especially with the sunroof. The passenger seat does not slide as far back as the driver’s seat. The seat adjuster controls are hard to access when the doors are closed. The backseat is comfortable for two adults, with very good legroom and adequate headroom. The shape of the seat and the transmission tunnel eliminate any semblance of comfort in the middle section. The seatback does not fold but it has a relatively large cargo pass-through. The trunk is relatively long and large, but the two metallic covers that shield the speakers accentuate the lack of height. The trunk lid opening is normal. Convenience and safety features Though the cabin is well finished, we heard some creaks, especially in the dashboard area and particularly during the warm-up period on cold days. Materials are of good quality, and sound dampening is effective. Storage spaces are good. Gauges and controls are well displayed and everything is illuminated at night, though not the glove compartment. The heating system is efficient, but heated mirrors are unavailable, even as an option. The automatic locking system cannot be cancelled. Photo: Pontiac Safety equipment includes six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), two front head restraints, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, and good headlights. There are no real head restraints in the back, just two protuberances on the top of the seatback. Visibility is good, except on a three-quarter-rear angle. The wide roof pillars can limit visibility for some drivers. Engine and transmission The 3.6-litre V6 produces 256 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, for adequate acceleration and pickup. Acceleration is initially a bit slow, and then becomes a bit more vigorous. Thanks to the torque produced at a low, 2100 rpm, the V6 is well adapted to the vehicle. However, this engine has a raucous note that is clearly perceptible in average acceleration and more. People who want more performance can opt for the 6.0-litre V8 that makes 361 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. This engine calls on a cylinder deactivation system to improve fuel economy at highway speed. In the spring of 2009, high-performance fans just may get access to the G8 GXP, powered by a 6.2-litre V8 that develops all of 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission will be standard, with a six-speed manual available as an option. As these lines were written, GM had not yet confirmed the arrival of the GXP. The five-speed automatic transmission generally shifts very smoothly, and it is well geared. In sport mode, gearshifts occur at higher rpm’s. Manual mode is relatively quick. The transmission lets you drive off in second gear, which is always useful with a rear-wheel drive on a slippery surface. On the road Designed for sporty driving, the G8 is outfitted with a four-wheel independent suspension tuned with the necessary firmness for a competent hold on twisting roads. The GT’s suspension is a tad firmer than the base model’s, which means that bumps are even more firmly felt. The base model offers a smooth ride and very agile handling for a vehicle of this size. The power steering in both models is a bit heavy at low speed but stable, precise and relatively quick. It provides little road feel. The four-wheel disc brakes are powerful, with good fade resistance. Hopefully, they will prove long lasting, because they will be very expensive to replace. Inspection In an inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre we saw that the G8 has a sturdy frame and suspension. The windshield washer tank is placed to the front and left of the engine compartment, which is far from ideal for roadside fill-ups. Some but not all of the underside is rust proofed, and several joints are unsealed. The metal fuel lines are not coated. The ball joint is integrated into the front A-arms, which ups the cost of a replacement. The openings in the grille under the front bumper are big enough to allow debris to get through and damage the air-conditioner condenser. Conclusion The people in charge at Pontiac know the G8 won’t be sold in large numbers. That said, the G8 has many fine qualities, and its handling dynamics will prove very suitable to drivers looking for a spacious, rear-drive vehicle. PROS: comfort, smooth transmission, pleasant ride, road holding, roominess, engine choices CONS: no heated mirrors, trunk lacks height, engine (V6) noisy in acceleration, room for four only, front passenger seat does not slide as far back as the driver’s seat, openings under front bumper 2009 PONTIAC G8 Engine: 24-valve, 3.6-litre V6; 32-valve, 6.0-litre V8 Horsepower: 256 hp at 6,300 rpm; 361 hp at 5,300 rpm Torque: 248 lb-ft at 2,100 rpm; 385 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm Transmission: 5-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 291.6 cm Length: 498.1 cm Width: 190 cm Height: 146.6 cm Weight: 1,762 to 1,812 kg Tires: P245/45R18; P245/40R19 Maximum towing capacity: 907 kg Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two curtain airbags Fuel consumption with V6: Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 12.2 L/100 km (23 mpg) Highway: 8 L/100 km (35 mpg) Test result: 11.5 L/100 km (25 mpg) Test temperature: - 18°C to 3°C CO2 emissions: 4,944 kg/20,000 km Fuel tank capacity: 72 litres Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 8.5 seconds 60–100 km/h: 5.7 seconds Competition: Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/160,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km Perforation damage: 6 years/160 000 km Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module). Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $884 Front brake disc: $308 Brake pads: $477 Muffler: $974 (each) Front fender: $474 ($529: right hand side) Price according to trim level: V6: $32,450 V8: $37,450 Main options: Options packages: $1,630 to $5,350. Price as tested: $35,365 Freight and preparation: $1,350 Dealers: Quebec: 76 Canada: 415 © December 2008. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec .