G8 Test Drive

[danf1000]

Got a chance to take one out for a spin. Observations:

Smooth ride and firm on-center steering feel. Shock valving is sport and control oriented. With the roads straight around here, it can really hide itself, but the car just don't bob like 4100 lbs. The power comes on strongly with minimal noise. Six speeds just work all too well on these engines, be it pounder or slush.

transmission lets you down about 1/2 second or more on throttle transitions. My first and easiest gripe. I like lots of anti-roll, but the stock setting is controlled and appropriate for a sedan. And, power comes on strongly with too little noise. MPG shock is plastered all over the passenger rear window.

salesman had no idea how to sell it. no idea of what the car is about. Congratulations to those who closed the deal.

Side note, are these cars responding to converters with stall as dramatically as the gen III?? Camming and stall are my guess at a first pick to serious upgrade.

[Summerwolf]

I got to take one out for a drive today as well. It was equipped with some nice looking 19 inch rims, flowmaster mufflers and a K&N looking cold air intake. Some conversion package at the dealer....they said it brought the motor up to "400 hp". It was a very smooth car to drive and felt very nice, I'm sold on the chassis....the engine and tranny was quite disappointing though. It felt like it wanted to go, and it felt like it was quick...but then it was just the tranny engaging second super fast like. It was a nice car though. I'm sold on the chassis and the styling of the car, and maybe once the GXP comes out the power will be there. Right now though, I couldn't justify adding a G8 GT to the stable for what they're costing.