You'll recall the G8 isn't the first rear-drive Aussie import to wear a Pontiac badge. For 2004, the wide-track division launched the Holden Monaro-based GTO coupe stateside. Though fortified with a 350-horse Corvette V-8 (later upgraded to the 400-horse LS2), an available six-speed manual transmission, and a smooth, deft chassis, the GTO ultimately proved too restrained for musclecar purists. Sales never came close to targets; GM pulled the plug in 2006.
Judging by its L.A. reception, the G8 has the "too restrained" issues licked. The base car-powered by a DOHC, 256-horse, 3.6-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic-wears the same rippling bodywork as its more potent GT sibling; 18-inch aluminum wheels are standard. Outside, the GT adds quad stainless-steel exhaust tips fed by its standard 6.0-liter, 361-horsepower V-8 (with cylinder deactivation). An optional Sport package tacks on 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires (plus metallic pedals and a leather-wrapped wheel). It's a winning blend of Euro elegance and American flash. The G8 has some Audi, even some M3 in its lines, but it's a refreshingly distinctive design. "Sweet car!" is how most onlookers put it. Their enthusiasm soared when we revealed the price: The well-equipped base G8 starts at $27,595, while the mighty GT lists at just $29,995-making it, Pontiac execs point out, the most powerful automobile available in the U.S. for under 30 grand. More impressive, the G8 GT even undercuts the GTO, which arrived four years ago bearing a $33,000 window sticker.
Dodge's worthy rival, the Hemi-powered, 340-horse Charger R/T, gets minor freshening for 2008. A neater instrument panel houses a newly optional MyGIG infotainment system with hard drive for storing MP3s and photos. Also new is available Sirius Backseat TV offering three live channels (Nickelodeon, Disney, and Cartoon Network). Our test car wore the available Road/Track performance package: additional side airbags, spoilers front and rear, an upgraded suspension with self-leveling shocks, 20-inch performance tires on chrome rims, and -- our favorite -- spectacular heated front buckets with suede inserts. The performance package is highly recommended, transforming the Charger into the sedan it's meant to be -- studlier, more intimidating -- but it adds nearly $4000 to the bottom line. Our test car checked in at a stiff $36,900.
We're spoiled. These days, a V-6 Camry can dust the sprint to 60 mph in just over six seconds. So brawny sport sedans sporting high-output V-8s ought to knock your Nikes off, right? Yes and no. Slam down on the Charger's right pedal and, its Hemi and five-speed automatic teaming in full fury, it'll hit 60 in 5.5 seconds. Feels impressive for such a big car. The G8 GT is quicker, reaching 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, but somehow the Pontiac left us wanting more; it's almost too subdued. Seems Pontiac could've easily wrung more than 361 ponies from a 6.0-liter mill, and the addition of a sixth cog in the gearbox should've contributed to a wider performance gap. Also, we still remember the 400-horse 2005 GTO, which easily sprinted to 60 in under five seconds. Undoubtedly, the new G8 suffers from the constraints of CAFE creep. Stay tuned, though: Pontiac execs hint that, when a six-speed manual becomes optional later this year, a specially tuned V-8 may come with it.
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