[image:1850:c:l=x]
The big news from Pontiac is its return to a rear-wheel-drive platform on the new 2008 G8. In fact, the G8 will be the first GM vehicle to use a new platform developed by the company’s Australian subsidiary, Holden. With styling easily recognizable as a Pontiac, the new high-performance sedan will be available in G8 or G8 GT, the latter getting an impressive 362-horsepower 6.0-liter V8. Pontiac wants to move upscale with the new G8, which features a more stylish exterior and luxurious interior than the Grand Prix that it replaces. The G8 will also come standard with ABS, stability control, traction control and multiple airbags. A six-speed manual transmission will be available on the GT shortly after the car goes on sale early next year. Pontiac will also launch GXP versions of the G6 and Torrent. The G6 GXP will be available in coupe or sedan form, and will upgrade the standard G6 with a performance-tuned suspension, enhanced braking power and a 252-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission. A special G6 GXP Street Edition will add a new front fascia, new fog lights, a revised hood with air scoops, new body side rocker moldings and dual exhaust. A rear spoiler also is part of the GXP package, but is specific to either the coupe or sedan; the coupe model receives a larger, more aggressive “hammerhead” spoiler. The Torrent GXP gets similar styling and performance upgrades, getting 263 horses out of the same V6 engine. The two new GXP models will arrive in showrooms this fall.
