The Demo Site

1988 Pontiac Fiero GT that time forgot

So you're a Pontiac diehard, but you don't need the space of the G8 GT GXP and the Solstice GXP is just a bit too "me too." So what's a Big Chief enthusiast to do? Well, if you've got $35,000 kicking around in your automotive slush fund, how about a brand-new, never-titled 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT? The mid-engined, V6 Fiero that General Motors should have been building the whole time, but only got around to developing just before they sent they took the plastic-bodied model out back? Yes, that GT.

Evidently thinking ahead, some enterprising chap found a fire-engine red example and promptly mothballed it. Quite likely the only "brand new" Fiero on the planet (GT or otherwise), this time warp rear-driver has just 221 miles on it, and is still on MSO. Heck, we're willing to be that the cassette player has never even seen a copy of White Snake's Greatest Hits!

If you're interested, the optimistically-priced but irreplacable Fiero can be found at Hinton Chevrolet-Buick in Lynden, Washington. Thanks for the tip, Farris!

One of the best parts about SEMA is getting to see the manufacturers build cars they might not otherwise. Take this G8 GXP Street Concept, for example. Sure, the 415-horsepower 6.2L V8 in the standard G8 GXP is plenty good enough, but why not stuff the new LSX454 crate engine from GM Performance Parts underneath the hood? The 7.4L V8 is good for a ZR1-matching 638 horsepower and 600 lb-ft torque, allowing this G8 to unashamedly call itself a true muscle car. Other features include stiffer springs and the brake package from the CTS-V as well as 20-inch black chrome wheels. The exterior has been given an aggressive makeover with a new front fascia with unique upper and lower grilles and a rear fascia that incorporates a diffuser and performance exhaust system. Inside are custom leather seats and a new gauge cluster. More details and plenty of photos are soon to come when we hit the show floor next week. Thanks for the tip, Jonathon!

Pricing for the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP has leaked out and your budget E39 M5 fantasies can be fulfilled for the princely sum of $39,995. That price includes the $1,700 gas-guzzler charge and the $685 destination fee on the base automatic-equipped model. The six-speed manual will set you back an additional $695 (just do it) and the sunroof can be yours for another $900. As expected, fuel economy is far from stellar at 13 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway, but judging by Jonathan's review, the additional fuel costs are well worth the pavement-punishing fun you'll have in the most powerful production Pontiac to date. Pontiac's brief press release is posted after the break.

G8 GT: Quiet cruiser
As I mentioned in my First Impressions of the G8 GT, this car is a true American sports sedan. After a mix of city and freeway driving, the G8 proved itself to be not only a great family car but terrific fun for a car guy like me.

Yes, for the enthusiasts out there, you can convince your significant other that the G8 will be a safe and reliable family hauler, knowing full well that during alone time behind the wheel, you'll have the performance you crave.

I've mentioned a few times now how quiet the G8 can be, both around town and highway driving. I think I was expecting this car to be "louder", but not in a bad way. The G8 GT has a 6-liter V8 with 361 horsepower. At idle, you barely hear it. I drove this car a lot but took a moment to just sit in it while the engine was running. The sound was barely perceptible. The only thing tipping you off was the subtle shake to the car as the big V8 loped along at a mere 500rpm.

The only quibble I have is the G8's interior was so serene that I noticed a slight driveline hum. Splitting hairs? Probably. Annoying? Not at all. But again, I'm a nut. And it may not be common across the model line.

G8 GT: Powerful sports sedan
So great, the G8 is quiet. You don't need to worry about any outside intrusions spoiling your favorite satellite radio station. But what about the car's performance?

It goes without saying the 6-liter is powerful, but it's muscle is truly realized with the stump-pulling 385 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic has no problem putting the power down as you are being pushed back in your seat.

If you're like me, you're hankering for a six-speed manual. Patience will reward you once the G8 GXP goes on sale in 2009. Enthusiasts will also be thrilled with the GXP's 6.2-liter V8 and 400-plus horsepower.

The G8 GT's transmission, like many of today's slush-boxes, has a manual function, allowing you to shift up or down with a push or pull on the center console lever. No flappy-paddle gear boxes here. But because it's an automatic at heart, your still relying on hydraulic fluids and computers to make the gear changes for you. For enthusiasts it is, of course, lacking a little. Manual shifts take too long to complete and can be abrupt at times. But given the option, I'll take a manumatic transmission over a standard automatic any time. I drove in manual-mode most of the time, with the upside being able to hold a gear and listen to the unmistakable sound of a big American V8.

We can't get around talking about gas mileage though. The G8 GT is thirsty, getting an EPA estimated 15 miles per gallon in the city and 24 highway. I averaged close to 17mpg with a mix of highway and city driving. Admittedly, my highway driving was pretty mellow, with city driving being more aggressive. I figured I did pretty well. But be prepared to be hit in your wallet keeping this car filled up.

Family hauler
The interior of the G8 is quite roomy, with my 6-foot frame having no problem getting comfortable behind the wheel. Kids will have plenty of room in the back seat to spread out and get comfortable for long trips. Adults should find leg and head room acceptable as well. Separate air vents at the rear of the center console will help keep said kids or adults cool or warm, depending on the time of the year.

The leather seats, particular for those in front, are supportive and firm. I appreciated the aggressive side bolsters holding me in place during sport-minded driving.

And of course the car's CD-player and XM satellite radio will help on extended trips as well.

For the performance-minded family guy
This car is not your grandparents Pontiac. It is definitely geared toward performance enthusiasts who also need to move family and friends. This is a true four-door sport sedan that can compete with any other on the market. For a well-optioned G8 GT, you're looking at a little over $30,000. Pretty good, considering any European counterpart will be thousands more.

And it's an American car we can get excited about. I haven't been bashful in my support lately of the American car makers, evident in my posts about the Cadillac CTS Coupe and SRX crossover.

The G8 may not be breaking any new ground in styling as I've discussed in those previous articles, but it is breaking ground for GM as a quality vehicle, further dispensing with the myth that GM can't produce exciting cars.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

There's nothing like actual seat time to form the best opinions you can about a car. It's fun to talk to your friends, especially those that know, about the cars you love. But there's no substitute for driving a car and forming your own attitudes about it. Plus, you're in a better position to win the arguments you invariably get in to about your favorites.

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to take the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR for a brief drive and had a blast doing it. An outstanding, high performance compact sedan that can be economical as well.

Well, I'm lucky yet again as I've taken delivery of a Pontiac G8 GT, courtesy of General Motors, for an extended, one-week test drive.

GM did the right thing with the G8 by outsourcing to their excellent Holden division in Australia. Which means they've introduced a proper sports sedan to the American market.

Let's take a moment and list a few requirements of a good American sports sedan. Rear-wheel drive? Check. Rock-solid platform? Check. Big, rumbling V8? Check. Modern day six-speed automatic? Check. To the American performance car buyer, anything else is really just eye candy.

With just a few miles under my belt, my initial impressions of the G8 is this is a rock solid car. There is no indication that it came from a mixed past of General Motors successes or miscues, whichever descriptor you prefer. The car corners flat and at 6 or 7/10s, shows no sign of losing its composure. The car is in a word, balanced.

The G8 GT has a 6.0 liter V8 with 361 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The V8 makes all the right sounds with a terrific growl under a heavy right foot but is very quiet at idle and highway speeds.

I look forward to wringing this car out over the next few days and getting a more complete picture of its strengths and weaknesses. I'll fill you in with the details as I go along.

Does anyone have an opinion about the G8? Maybe you've been shopping around and are considering it. Or maybe you disagree with me. I would love to hear from you. Leave your comments below and we can talk about what I think is an excellent American sports sedan.