| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | Pontiac |
| Model | G8 GXP |
| Style | GXP 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl 6A) |
| Base MSRP | $37,610 |
| Options on test vehicle | Sunroof ($900); 6-speed manual transmission ($695) |
| As-tested MSRP | $40,983 (estimated) |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive, clutch-type limited-slip differential |
| Engine type | V8 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 6,162 cc (376 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum alloy |
| Valvetrain | Pushrod-activated overhead valves, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 10.7:1 |
| Redline (rpm) | 6,600 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 415 @ 6,000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 415 @ 4,400 |
| Transmission type | 6-speed manual |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I = 3.01; II = 2.07; III = 1.43; IV = 1.00; V = 0.84; VI = 0.57; Final Drive = 3.70 |
| Suspension, front | Independent, MacPherson strut, split lower arm with dual ball joints, coil springs and stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent, multilink, coil springs and stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Variable-ratio power steering |
| Tire brand | Bridgestone |
| Tire model | Potenza RE050a |
| Tire type | Summer performance |
| Tire size, front | 245/40R19 94W |
| Tire size, rear | 245/40R19 94W |
| Wheel size | 19-by-8 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Forged aluminum alloy |
| Brakes, front | 14-inch ventilated rotors, 4-piston fixed calipers |
| Brakes, rear | 12.8-inch ventilated rotors, single-piston sliding calipers |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 3.5 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 5.2 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 7.4 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 13.4 @ 105.9 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 4.9 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 28 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 110 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 63.6 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.84 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 50.3 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 81.3 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 66.3 |
| Acceleration comments | Unfortunately, the most effective launch is the ugliest and most abusive, with lots of axle hop from a lowish 2,500 rpm. Higher rpm with smoother tire spin felt better, but was slower. The clutch took some getting used to, with low effort and a high engagement point. Also it feels as if there is a damper in it, slowing and smoothing aggressive shifts. The shifter is slick and accurate, however. Also, why no painted redline on the tach -- especially as this slow-reacting tachometer often is 500 rpm behind? |
| Braking rating | Excellent |
| Braking comments | Very solid, fade-free braking performance. Moderate pedal effort, but so-so feedback. Still, this is a very good overall setup. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: There's a noticeable "tipping point" where the GXP can go from benign understeer into a very slight oversteer attitude. Good balance here and a slideways drift is a piece of cake. Slalom: Unfortunately, that slight oversteer tendency we liked on the skid pad is more pronounced in the slalom, and it builds up as the cones pass. Entering with any kind of quick pace resulted in a pendulumlike, increasingly tail-happy run. The best run was earned by entering slowly and finishing strong, feeding throttle to keep the rear planted. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 1,121 |
| Temperature (°F) | 61.6 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 6.0 |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 14 city/20 highway (mfr. estimate) |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 15.4 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 19.2 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 4,050 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 4,010 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 52/48 |
| Length (in.) | 196.1 |
| Width (in.) | 74.8 |
| Height (in.) | 57.7 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 114.8 |
| Track, front (in.) | 62.7 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 63.3 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 37.4 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.2 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 39.4 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.0 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38.0 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 59.1 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 59.1 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 17.5 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years/100,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 6 years/100,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years/100,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Not available |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Direct tire-pressure monitoring with position indicators and pressure display |
| Emergency assistance system | Subscription service with 12-month free trial period |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not tested |
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