GMHTP was on hand during the first day of the New York Auto Show this week, where Pontiac unveiled three new performance vehicles. Bob Lutz opened, joined by Pontiac GM Jim Bunnell and, sure to excite the approximately five Pontiac-owning rap fans, artist 50 Cent.
"It was just five short years ago that Pontiac had no rear-wheel drive cars, just one V-8, and enough body cladding to fill an Aztek," Lutz joked. "We used to say 'We build excitement,' and we'd show you a four-cylinder Grand Am. In terms of style and performance, Pontiac simply didn't have the goods. But things have changed."
And onto the stage rolled the hardtop Solstice Coupe, the G8 GXP, and the temporarily named G8 Sport Truck (or the "Curtis" according to Fiddy).
"There you have it… three new rear-wheel-drive performance vehicles from Pontiac," Lutz proudly quipped. "And these are not concepts. They are heading to a Pontiac dealership near you this year."
The Solstice Coupe is identical to the standard Solstice, save for its removable roof, a la Corvette. And that means that the 260-horse GXP-spec mill will be available.
The G8 GXP is the logical performance step forward of the G8 GT, with a 402-horsepower LS3 engine and a six-speed manual trans. Sub-5-second 0-60s should be a breeze with this bad boy.
And there was confirmation that the Holden Ute will now be an American dual-purpose work/play ride, a pleasant surprise for the 2010 model year (and available a bit later than Bob said, in late '09). From the cargo bed forward, it is a G8 GT: 361HP V-8, six-speed auto trans, etc. But the IRS is reinforced for hauling...how cool is that?
Best of all, Pontiac is looking to us, the enthusiasts, to name this true sport utility vehicle. Go to pontiac.com/namethiscar to cast your vote!
I had the opportunity to speak with Jim Bunnell afterward about the G8 GXP, and he was thrilled about the idea of a 400-plus horsepower engine--and even happier about the six-speed manual. "We have good auto transmissions, but I prefer a manual," he opined. "We have seen a great response from early G8 sales, people are really reacting to this car." There is no doubt that the G8 GXP will get an even stronger reaction!