2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

Monster · **2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-16-2008, 09:18 AM

Rebadged Holden Ute. This Pontiac sports truck makes more sense than those massive SUV which the Americans buy by the truck load. This ute/sports truck have proper car handling, way more efficient than a big SUV, as well as being less of a danger to other drivers on the road.

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Quote:

Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

The 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck blurs the line between cars and trucks and is creating an all-new segment in the North American car market. This dramatically different vehicle blends the sporty handling of a performance coupe with the cargo capabilities of a light truck.

Based on the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan, the newest member of the G8 family has a longer wheelbase and a cargo bed suitable for either work or recreation. The Pontiac G8 sport truck significantly stretches Pontiac's commitment to style and performance and is expected to arrive in dealers' showrooms in late 2009.

"Pontiac has never shied away from offering segment-defining vehicles, going back to the original GTO," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "There's simply nothing else like the Pontiac G8 sport truck on the road today, and we definitely believe that there are customers who will be excited by its distinctive design, performance and cargo capabilities."

Consumer named
Another unique aspect of this new vehicle is the fact that it will be named by a consumer. Consumers can visit - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and submit their name ideas. "As an important part of the G8 family, we know that 'sport truck' doesn't fully describe the vehicle's ability to blur the lines between sports car and truck," said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. "Because its fans will surely be as unique as the vehicle itself, we're giving them a voice in selecting a name that reflects its appeal." The winning entry will be announced April 15, 2008.

Design

The Pontiac G8 sport truck maintains the same sporty exterior design as its namesake sedan. Flared fenders wrap around the 18-inch wheels and give it a wide, confident stance. The roofline has a coupe-like profile that reflects the vehicle's performance pedigree.

The doors, roof and exterior panels aft of the B-pillars are unique from the G8 sedan. One-piece outer body panels give the vehicle a sleek appearance. Wrap-around taillamps and fully concealed tailgate hinges add to the sculpted look. A color-coordinated, soft tonneau cover conceals and protects items in the cargo bed from the weather.

Performance

The sport truck draws its strength from the same powerful 6.0L V-8 engine used in the G8 GT. It puts out 361 horsepower (270 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. (522 Nm) of torque. The combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management technology provides both car-like fuel economy and an unexpected 0-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

While these performance numbers are respectable by sports car standards, the Pontiac G8 sport truck offers flexibility unlike that of a sports car. A 73.9-inch (1878 mm) cargo bed has 42.7 cubic feet (1208 L) of cargo space and a durable composite bed liner. It also can carry a payload of more than 1,074 pounds (488 kg) and tow a 3,500-pound (1,600 kg) trailer.

Structure

The Pontiac G8 sport truck is based on the same rear-wheel-drive architecture as the G8 performance sedan. However, the sport truck's body structure was reinforced in key areas to support its cargo and towing duties. More than 60 new components were added to strengthen the structure. Compared to the sedan, the 118.5-inch (3,009 mm) wheelbase is approximately four inches longer and the overall length is six inches longer.

Suspension and wheels

A four-wheel independent suspension with electronic stability control delivers confident handling, whether loaded with weekend home-improvement supplies or towing a pair of personal watercraft to the lake.

The steering box is located ahead of the front axle line for a quick, direct feel. The sport truck's front stabilizer bar is one mm larger than the sedan, and the rear suspension has been enhanced to support payloads without adversely affecting handling.

The Pontiac G8 sport truck rides on 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with a P245/45R18 summer performance tire. All-season tires are available. An optional Sports Package includes 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with P245/40R19 summer performance tires.

Brakes and steering

The sport truck shares the G8 GT's four-wheel disc brake system, featuring 12.64-inch front and 12.76-inch rear rotors. Front rotor thickness is 1.0 inch, while the rear rotors are 0.87-inch thick. Twin-piston, front alloy calipers and vented rotors and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented rotors are standard, as is ABS.

Comfort and convenience

Given its heritage, it's not surprising that the Pontiac G8 sport truck offers many of the same creature comforts as the G8 GT, such as:

Air conditioning with electronic dual-zone climate control
Cruise control
Driver Information Center
Bluetooth connectivity
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel with DIC and radio controls
Power windows/locks/mirrors
Remote keyless entry and remote start
Theft-deterrent alarm system
Fully-bolstered, four-way adjustable cloth seats are standard. Heated, six-way leather seats are available. They can be customized with two-tone, black-and-red inserts and a coordinating gauge cluster.

Behind the seats is a surprisingly large interior cargo area with more than 8.5 cubic feet (245 liters) of storage space. There are two covered storage compartments beneath the load floor and a pair of cargo nets.

Sound system

The Pontiac G8 sport truck's 230-watt Blaupunkt AM/FM/six-disc CD changer has an MP3 input and five speakers. The 6.5-inch audio display controls both the sound and climate control systems.

Safety and security

A full list of safety features are standard, including:

StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system
Tire pressure monitoring system
Dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system
Head-curtain side air bags
Side thorax air bags
Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
Safety belt pretensioners
OnStar

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vroom_vroom · **Re: 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-16-2008, 09:31 AM

Rather have the Holden HSV Maloo R8

SS

Merc1 · **Re: 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-16-2008, 01:46 PM

No thanks, lets have the G8 coupe.

M

bum-man · **Re: 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-16-2008, 02:10 PM

Just when GM seems to be almost back on track with some of their new car releases they pull this? It'll be discontinued in 3 years tops.

Monster · **Re: 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-17-2008, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bum-man

Just when GM seems to be almost back on track with some of their new car releases they pull this? It'll be discontinued in 3 years tops.

Maybe they will stop the car's export to the US, but here in Australia, they are popular genuine work vehicles for tradesman who doesn't need a bulky 4WD. I reckon these cars are the real SUV, they fulfils the sports and the utility part of the SUV better than those big 4WDs.They have sedan like performance and handling, and a big loading bay at the back for work gear or toys (eg dirt bikes, which is taken into the design consideration), the car can handle betwen 500 to 600kg of stuff at the back.

Merc1 · **Re: 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-17-2008, 04:11 AM

All America needs is the Coupe concept based on this and that Denali XT, also based on this chassis. This truck thing would be a huge flop. Not to mention that its really, really ugly.

M

Monster · **Re: 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-17-2008, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc1

All America needs is the Coupe concept based on this and that Denali XT, also based on this chassis. This truck thing would be a huge flop. Not to mention that its really, really ugly.

M

o welll I guess it is just down to cultural differences.

Merc1 · **Re: 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-17-2008, 04:43 AM

Yep of course. GM will sort it out though they're really beginning to see the light.

M

BarneyBoy · **Re: 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-17-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monster

I reckon these cars are the real SUV, they fulfils the sports and the utility part of the SUV better than those big 4WDs.They have sedan like performance and handling, and a big loading bay at the back for work gear or toys (eg dirt bikes, which is taken into the design consideration), the car can handle betwen 500 to 600kg of stuff at the back.

You mean they might actually put the 'Sport' back into SUV?

Once the Yanks realise how damn FAST they go, they may realise what we see in them. (and they don't fall over too much - although presumably safety isn't very high on their list of wishes, I guess)

NarutoRamen · **Re: 2009 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck -** 03-17-2008, 05:33 PM

Ha ha ha...The El Dorado is back, LOL. Nice litle ute. I wouldn't mind having that to haul sh!t around in.