Future Pontiac G8 = Holden Commodore SS

[]<ing]

How has this not been posted yet? Per autoweek:

Holden Commodore SS set to become Pontiac G8
By RICK KRANZ | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS

AutoWeek | Published 01/12/07, 9:13 am et

General Motors is expected to expand Pontiac's U.S. product line with a rebadged rear-drive Australian sedan.

The Holden Commodore SS will be called the Pontiac G8 and priced around $25,000, according to the Herald Sun in Melbourne, Australia.

While GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz did not confirm the plan, he told the newspaper, "It's such a logical thing to do. The volume range is 30,000 to 50,000. It depends on how we price it." He refused to say when shipments might begin.

Lutz said details would be revealed next month.

"We have yet to make an official announcement," Lutz said. "Much more will be revealed at the Chicago show."

This will be GM's second try at selling a rebadged Holden model as a Pontiac in the United States. The Holden Monaro was marketed as the Pontiac GTO for the 2004 to 2006 model years. Sales did not live up to expectations.

G8 Summit
Rear-drive Pontiac Grand Prix replacement spied in Australia

By BOB GRITZINGER

AutoWeek | Published 01/16/07, 9:42 am et

General Motors will draw on its Australian Holden division for a new rear-wheel-drive sedan to replace the Pontiac Grand Prix. The Holden Commodore SS will be rebadged as the 2008 Pontiac G8 when it arrives in the U.S. late this year or early next year, according to published reports.

GM vice chairman Bob Lutz spilled the beans on plans for the car at the Detroit auto show and promised that more details will be forthcoming at the Chicago show in February.

“It’s such a logical thing to do,” Lutz said. “The volume range is 30,000 to 50,000. It depends on how we price it.” Reports indicate pricing will be around $25,000.

The latest Pontiac will draw on the Holden Commodore that went on sale in Australia in August 2006. The right-hand-drive model must be re-engineered for left-hand drive for the U.S. Spy shots reveal that work is well under way, along with new sheetmetal, to distinguish it from its Aussie cousin.

G8 will come with a choice of V6 or V8 engines, including a 6.0-liter 362-hp, 390-lb-ft V8 coupled to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

GM previously sold a rebadged Holden Monaro as the Pontiac GTO in the United States, and despite the car’s strong appeal to enthusiasts, sales of the 2004 to 2006 models did not meet expectations.

The Commodore SS is a BEAUTIFUL and well engineered car. The V8 versions of the upcoming G8 should be a player in the LS* arena.

[NHRAMAN]

Nice...but Still 4 Doors..

[Captainofiron]

Yea I read that article, pretty nice looking, way better than the previous Grand Am.

Not to fond of the dash though

[]<ing]

Originally Posted by NHRAMAN

Nice...but Still 4 Doors..

For those of us that NEED four doors, it's a good thing.

Overall, there are very few performance oriented, 4 door, rwd, man trans options.

Do you dislike the CTS-V, M5, RS6, etc, because they "still have 4 doors?"

[LS1Formulation]

It would be replacing the Bonneville, not the Grand Am/G6

[NHRAMAN]

Originally Posted by ]<ing

For those of us that NEED four doors, it's a good thing.

Overall, there are very few performance oriented, 4 door, rwd, man trans options.

Do you dislike the CTS-V, M5, RS6, etc, because they "still have 4 doors?"

Not into 4 doors....if you need 4..get a suv.. 4 doors are 2 too many in a car. ............. was my opinion..don't need any "EYES".

[y2k_ta]

I'd like to see a tudor version as well.......but according to the automotive upper management, there's no market for tudors any more.

[OctaneZ28]

G8 replaces the Grand Prix, which has been 4-door only since 2003.

[Captainofiron]

Originally Posted by OctaneZ28

G8 replaces the Grand Prix, which has been 4-door only since 2003.

I remember 4 door grand prix all the way back to late 80s If I remember correctly.
1990 Grand Prix 4 door

[Formula350]

G8 Replaces the Grand Prix AND Bonnie.

And it's not been posted because we knew about it?

Its a shame it's not the SS-V

[Boehlke]

Originally Posted by Captainofiron

I remember 4 door grand prix all the way back to late 80s If I remember correctly.
1990 Grand Prix 4 door

I think he means it ONLY came with 4 doors since 03, as in you couldn't buy a 2 door anymore.

[Cool_Hand_Luke]

I think it will be a great car for my wife. It will probably be between that and a TBSS.

[OctaneZ28]

Originally Posted by Formula350

G8 Replaces the Grand Prix AND Bonnie.

And it's not been posted because we knew about it?

Its a shame it's not the SS-V

I guess you could say it does replace Grand Prix and Bonneville, even though Bonneville has been out of production for 2 years already.

Methinks the top model Grand Prix will be an equivalent to the SS-V.

[ExTurbo]

def a sexy car...just hope they dont screw with it too much...its beautiful as it sits and with an L92 in it should have some serious potential...especially as a grocery getter

[Captainofiron]

Originally Posted by Boehlke

I think he means it ONLY came with 4 doors since 03, as in you couldn't buy a 2 door anymore.

Ah I see


I could totally see Pontiac doing another GTP, I mean why not just make the SS-v package and rebadge it GTP

[OKcruising]

ABC showed the new G8, they got a link of the video over on GMI.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2832510
After just seeing the front and having a good idea on how it'll play out, bye bye to my lexus.

[QuickT/A]

After seeing the front end I can't wait to see it at the auto show, but definatley a wife's car for me. I want the TBSS.

[Fraser@SpeedInc]

Wow.... just wow, can't wait to see it in person at Chicago auto show.

[Formula350]

Hmm interesting... It has the hood scoops like the old G8 did.

[JBsZ06]