MT's first test 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Your bargain priced BMW M5 has almost arrived, and Motor Trend has just taken it out for a first drive. It's amazing that anyone and everyone that has had a chance to drive the GXP compares the $40K car to the previous generation $70K M5, but the proof is in the pudding.



By now, you know the G8 is based on GM global rear-drive-chassis architecture born and bred in Australia. The base V-6 and 361-horse V-8 GT versions are currently on sale and playing to solid reviews. The GXP is the only version you can get with a six speed stick, currently. The G8 wasn't designed or built in Detroit, but it's a true Pontiac, and variations on this theme are sold as Holdens, Daewoos, Opels, Vauxhalls-even Buicks in China and Chevys in the Middle East.



Under the hood is the latest version of the venerable Chevy small block, the LS3. Measuring out at 4.2 liters, it grunts out 415 horsepower and as much torque. Only the ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-v's supercharged version put out more power from the factory right now. The GXP even runs on regular gas, but it will carry a gas guzzler tax with it.



With all the added power additional upgrades are a no brainer. Increased stopping power comes from Brembo brake calipers, clamping 14.0-inch rotors front and 12.8-inchers aft. The already competent GT suspension is tuned for the GXP. the biggest change is larger front and rear anti-roll bars. The shocks are stiffer, and the rear balljoints are revised. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, as is summer-rated performance rubber (all season tires are also available). Calibration of the power rack-and-pinion steering is unchanged.



Styling updates are minor. The front and rear fascias are GXP-specific. Overall the car has a stronger, more muscular look, without giving it away as anything too special in those stoplight races.



Inside you'll find bolstered seats that hold you in place for the ride. Rubber trimmed pedals and a thickly padded steering wheels wrap up the interior mods.



The GXP is slightly bigger and heavier than the previous generation M5, but beats it in performance. The previous-gen M5 ran 0-to-60 in 4.5 seconds; the manual trans G8 GXPs match that. The Bimmer grips to 0.84 g on the skidpad, the Pontiacs stick to 0.88-0.90 g. The BMW stops from 60-0 in 116 feet, the Pontiacs from 111-117.



Overall, the G8 GXP represents a great value, and a nice car all around. It is by no means a world beater, but where else will be find it's level of luxury and performance for the price?



2009 PONTIAC G8 GXP

Base price $39,900 (est)

Price as tested $41,500 (6M, est), $40,800 (6A, est)

Vehicle layout Front-engine, RWD 5-pass, 4-door sedan

Engine 6.2L/415-hp*/415-lb-ft* OHV 16-valve V-8

Transmission 6-speed manual

Curb weight (f/r dist) 3969 lb (52/48%)

Wheelbase 114.8 in

Length x width x height 196.1 x 74.8 x 57.7 in

0-60 mph 4.5 sec

Quarter mile 13.0 sec @ 109.6 mph

Braking, 60-0 mph 117 ft

Lateral acceleration 0.90 g (avg)

MT Figure Eight 26.4 sec @ 0.70 g (avg)

EPA city/hwy fuel econ Not yet rated

On sale in U.S. February 2009

*SAE certified

2008 Mercedes Brabus Bullit Black Arrow

Just how fast is too fast? Most humans barely ever experience 150 mph in a car, let alone 200 mph. Can anyone really tell the difference between 195 mph and 200 mph? Once you experience speed in this elite range, it can be hard to tell the difference.



"It's not so much the actual experience that counts, but the imagination of what it might be like to do 200, 210, or 220 mph," says a grinning Ulrich Gauffrés, the head honcho of Brabus's R&D department. "With the long axle ratio, the Mercedes Brabus Bullit Black Arrow could theoretically exceed 230 mph. But because of the extreme mix of power, torque, and load, we pull the plug at 350 kph [217 mph]. Incidentally, all our customers so far have opted for the more explosive but ultimately less dramatic shorter final-drive ratio."



Four of these uber sedans have been built to date, none have exceeded 196 mph as of yet. That's fast by any one's standards except for maybe the firm that builds them, Brabus, who has a long history of building fast Mercs. Plant your foot on the gas pedal and general mayhem ensues. Tires spin uncontrollably, the rear tries to take over the front. But when your punishing the rear axle with 974 lb ft of torque, that can be expected. As a matter of fact, the bad Brabus has to be chip restricted to 811 lb ft to somewhat protect the rest of the drivetrain.



Masochists can opt for the total package by opting for the matte black finish for an extra $6200.



Powering this freight train is a 6.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 that musters 720 hp at 5100 rpm and serves up 811 lb-ft of torque from 2100 rpm. Compared with the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter unit that it's based on (the one that powers Mercedes-Benz's S600, CL600, and SL600 models), the uprated engine features a longer-stroke crankshaft, bigger-bore cylinders, special pistons and connecting rods, high-performance camshafts, and a free-flow exhaust that's brutal enough to crack an egg from a mile away.



The transmission is a five speed automatic, which is reasonable since it's recommended that you keep both hands on the wheel to prevent being embarrassed. Traction and stability control help, too, as do the 285/30YR-19 rear Yokohamas, which are a little fatter than the 265/30YR-19 footwear on the front wheels. Other chassis upgrades include beefier antiroll bars, a wider track, high-performance brakes, and a specially prepared ten-way-adjustable spring and damper setup. Extra money buys carbon-ceramic brake discs, but the standard setup is better-suited for everyday use. Combining twelve-pot fixed calipers and 15.0-inch rotors in the front with six-piston calipers and 14.2-inch discs in the back, the Bullit decelerates with vigor.



the 4079-pound Bullit will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, according to Brabus. After 10.5 seconds, the Bullit reaches 124 mph. Give it fourteen more seconds, and it will thunder past 186 mph, still gaining momentum. While lesser cars like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG or the BMW M5 start to run out of steam at 155 mph, the monster from Brabus keeps charging ahead. To save stress and fuel, fifth gear is summoned relatively early, but there is still so much oomph on tap that this maximum Merc doesn't run into an invisible wall until an indicated 202 mph, which is all the relatively short 2.65:1 axle permits.



Unfortunately, no Bullits will be officially sold in the U.S. For those who are so inclined, the asking price will be around $587,000 and up. But if you're a millionaire looking for an outrageously fun toy, this car's for you.