TriShield

Info straight from G8Board.

GXP model confirmed for 2009.

The GXP has specific leather (special seats or stitching), 19" wheels, performance suspension tune, 3.27 or 3.70 rear gears depending on transmission choice, and it's the only model to offer a manual. The engine is not confirmed yet.

New colors for 2009

Sport Red
Stryker Blue
Maverick Silver
Karma Metallic

Carry over colors

White Hot
Magnetic Grey
Liquid Red
Panther Black

Dropped colors (now unique to 2008s)

Stealth Blue
Ignition Orange

All three G8 models will gain XM and Bluetooth as options.

2009 G8 production begins the first Monday in March. GXP details will become public sometime this summer.

TriShield

It sounds like the GXP will be mechanically the same as this car Holden sells.

http://www.hsv.com.au/Cars/ESeries/c...lubsportr8.asp

Don't count the cosmetics though.

Blackbirdws6

iTrader: (7)

nice. Works out to 411hp if they keep it the same. Wonder how much more they will charge for it. Can't to test drive a G8

ChipC

I think the GXP is more likely to have the LS3 than the LS2 that the Clubsport has.

Chip

WECIV

I would imagine an LS3 as well...that will be a very evil car.

W

98NATA

kind of suprised theyll be dropping orange

Billiumss

iTrader: (11)

That is such BS that you can only get a manual tranny in the top of the line model. You would think GM would offer a manual in the GT models to help boost the CAFE numbers.

The wife and I were looking forward to the G8 GT Manual...

Way to go GM....

johnh

iTrader: (1)

The problem, the manual doesn't really sell well. It sells well to enthusiasts, but most people don't want to have to bother with shifting....

I, of course, hate that they are dropping orange....an Orange G8 GXP sounded so good.

LS3 seems to be the engine, from the numerous sources I've heard.

98_Formula

iTrader: (15)

weird i thougth I had seen / heard the 6spd was going to an option for all 09 gt models, not just the gxp... i wonder how much the price tag is going to be affected going from teh gt to the "gxp"

ChipC

Everything that we have heard said the hangup with the manual had been over the low mpg numbers. Apparently, the AFM/DOD did not/will not work well with the manual. The least damage to CAFE would be putting it on the lower volume top end model especially if it gets a gas guzzler tax (possibility).

Chip

TriShield

I'm almost positive it's because of the cylinder deactivation. This car can't be made nor will it sell in large enough numbers to have a big effect on GM's CAFE number.

This does bode well for the GXP engine though, it's likely going to be the LS3 which HSV will adopt this year.

WECIV

Why not have a on off switch for DOD like they do on the traction control?

W

98NATA

yea i just really wanted a stick gt, i know the gxp will be more than i wanna pay

Billiumss

iTrader: (11)

If thats the case then the GXP will be a very limited run, probably 1-2 years max. In this economy, people won't spend $35,000+ to get a manual tranny G8, they'll go elsewhere, maybe even "settle" for a 2010 Camaro 6 speed.

It just erks me that I won't be able to buy a G8 GT 6 speed.

damon_Z

Great news there. Orange is so played-out.

ChipC

I don't know. I think it would sell OK (5K units per year; remember the GP GXP made a case on this volume with unique brakes, suspension, front fascia, rear fascia, front fenders, and rocker panel moldings (engine was shared with other W-bodies)). Combine with the A6 GXP it should do OK. If it stays in the 35K - 37K range, it will probably be a decent deal. The HSV model includes upgrades to wheels, tires, brakes, and engine. The different body panels may or may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they will set it apart.

Chip

WECIV

This is ridiculous...

W

ringram

Actually the Auto has better fuel economy!
Check the Oz economy stats. Final drive on the auto is lower.

Morpheus

iTrader: (7)

According to the vehicle locator system on GM dealerworld, the GXP will have the LS3.

hc8719

I don't know, I see a lot of R/T Chargers and 300 C's, and those only come in automatic and they sell for $30,000 just fine