Pontiac Still Mulling G8 GXP Coupe
While it wouldn't be likely to carry an evocative name like Firebird or GTO, new reports indicate that plans for a G8-based Pontiac coupe aren’t yet dead.
With a battle raging within Pontiac between groups concerned with fast-approaching CAFE mandates, and groups wanting to continue the company’s resurgence in the performance car sector, sources are saying that a G8 coupe has slightly less than a fifty-percent chance of making it to production. If the coupe is green-lighted for production it will be based on the Holden Coupe 60 concept (seen above) recently shown at the Melbourne auto show.
A G8 coupe would seem to be a natural extension of the G8 line, slotting in nicely as the performance leader amongst the V-8 powered G8 GXP sedan and new sport truck.
Comments
Garfield134
Another V-8 powered flash in the pan? Oh yeah, run it on E85, that will help the CAFE numbers...
Jeb
It *would* be something of a "green" coup(e) to make it flex-fuel.
Hulkster
Build it and they will come!
hwyhobo
Watching GM is like watching a blind man in the middle of a freeway.
Steve
Then call me blind as well... I love it! There's a market for a car like this! It doesn't have to sell 100,000 cars a year... I'd very seriously consider one.
doug
please, please, please, please!!!!!!
jason
If you build it, they wont come. Everybody begged and begged for the new GTO, and that thing tanked. This car will do the same.
Ducati Minor
hobo, reading your posts is like hearing Michael Moore promote his own brand of dieting and unbiased filmmaking.
Jeb
The GTO tanked because it was a poorly executed conversion for the US market. The raised fuel tank that cut into the trunk space and the Cavalieresque exterior (which really didn't bother me that much, especially with the later years) were big errors, especially the trunk space. If the G8 coupe makes it to production, those mistakes won't be made again.
The Stig
It would make a nice alternative to the Mustang and Genesis coupe, especially if it stays at the G8's sticker price. And if, as Jeb says, the execution is done right this time.
hwyhobo
@Ducati: (1) I do not see the apparent similarity in what would be rather ironic for Michael Moore to do, and in my not understanding this desperate niche-to-niche trashing of GM.
(2) How do you know I am not Michael Moore in disguise? ;)
(3) If you consider wanting fuel efficiency a bias, then yes, I believe it would be a healthy one for GM to pursue as well. Perhaps then they could produce some mainstream vehicles that would kick Toyota's and Honda's posterior. I have no doubt that many if not most Americans would prefer to buy American if the products were equal. Mind you, I live in SF Bay Area, so I do see the market around me. It might be different in Kansas.
chris
Its attractive, and why not, if priced right, could it not be succesful? Pontiac used to make cars that mattered, its about time that old saying meant something again. And its not retro, so it wouldnt clash with Camaro sales.
Mena
More fuel efficient cars are coming from GM (and Ford too) but you'll have to wait for them. The G8 is already done that's why you're hearing about it. Be patient.
mo
i believe that among the mistakes jeb discussed with the GTO is the naming. the recent GTO looked totally different from any previous GTO. they should've called it anything else.
but the G8 is so different. it is a brand new car even in australia, unlike the last GTO which was produced in australia in '98 and we had it in 2004. this is why the car looked so back in time.
i think GM should go with the coupe. it looks great, and seems to have it right this time. put V6 options along with the GXP, for those who wanna save fuel. the only problem remains is the CAFE.
Mena
mo,
I wouldn't be surprised if a direct injection turbo 4 cyl shows up later as the base engine and a DI twin-turbo V6 shows up to replace the V8. That would leave the GXP's V8 as the only V8 motor in that lineup.
mo
yeah i know, but i am talking about the current status. there seem to be no current plans on developing such motors.
i only hear about a small V8 diesel planned for the H2 and other light trucks. there are some cooperation with other makers to make smaller diesels and hybrids but who knows when we are gonna see the results.
the bottom line, CAFE standards suck. i am not an environmentalist and i don't wanna be one.
Kal
That looks really nice. It would sure beat spending $30k on the monstrosity that is the G6 GXP Coupe. That thing is ridiculous with its seventeen hood scoops and "Hammerhead" spoiler.
Oollyoumn
Hope springs eternal for the GM loyalist, unfortunately real successes rarely materialize.
JIm S
Anyone who dislikes this car is completely insane. This would be THE BEST thing to come out of Pontiac in a long time. Great looking, and probably performing car.
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