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

2010 Camaro equipment list revealed

The much anticipated 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is only a few months from making it's showroom debut across America, and now we are getting the standard and optional equipment content that will be available for all five models of the car.



Customers wanting to order a Camaro can choose from LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS and 2SS models, and standard and optional equipment varies greatly between each package. The base model LS comes equipped with OnStar, 18-inch rims, and a 300-hp V6 engine, and the only optional item is floor mats. The 1LT package includes optional 19-inch rims, a Boston Acoustics sound system and a sunroof. The 2LT gets standard 19s, the sound system, leather seats, ambient lighting and Bluetooth and USB connections.



If you want your Camaro to include a 422-hp V8, you'll need to step up to the SS. The 1SS package includes standard 20-inch rims, four-piston Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential and engine and transmission cooler. Options include polished aluminum wheels, a sunroof, and the upgraded sound system.



The 2SS model adds all the standard features of the 1SS package and the 2LT package plus options including dual rally strips, a sunroof, and the Inferno Orange Accent interior. All trims except for the LS model have the option of adding the RS package, which gets you 20-inch rims, HID lamps, a spoiler (for the LT model), a Midnight Silver paint finish, darkened tail lights, and body colored molding.



Sales of the new Camaro may still be a few months away, but you'll be able to order one from a local dealer beginning October 13th.



[Source: Camaro5]



LS

Standard Equipment

- 3.6L SIDI V6 engine

- Dual exhaust

- 18-inch steel wheels

- Onstar Safe & Sound

- XM radio

- Stabilitrak

- 6 air bags: front, side and curtain

- 6-speaker base audio system



Optional Equipment

- Floor mats



1LT

Standard Equipment

(includes or replaces LS equipment)

- 18-inch aluminum Wheels

- Fog lights

- Driver Information Center

- Power Driver Seat



Optional Equipment

- Floor mats

- 19-inch aluminum wheels

- Power Sunroof

- Boston Acoustics 245watt 9-speaker premium audio

- Convenience & Connections Package

- RS Package



2LT

Standard Equipment

(includes or replaces 1LT equipment)

- 19 inch aluminum wheels

- Leather heated seats

- Ambient lighting

- Boston acoustics 245watt 9-speaker premium audio

- Auxiliary gauges (center console)

- Auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors

- Bluetooth and USB connections

- Remote start (Automatic transmission only)

- Leather steering wheel with controls

- Rear parking assist (late availability)

- Head-up display (late availability)



Optional Equipment

- Floor mats

- 19-inch polished aluminum wheels

- Inferno Orange Accent interior

- Power sunroof

- Dual vinyl Rally Stripes in White or Cyber Gray

- RS Package



1SS

Standard Equipment

- 6.2L V8 engine

- 20 inch Aluminum wheels

- Brembo brakes including 4-piston calipers on all 4 wheels

- Engine oil cooler

- Transmission oil cooler

- Limited slip differential

- SS Gauge cluster

- SS spoiler

- SS grille badge

- Leather steering wheel and shift knob

- Power driver's seat



Optional Equipment

- Floor mats

- 20-inch polished aluminum wheels

- Power sunroof

- Boston acoustics 245watt 9-speaker premium audio

- Convenience & Connections Package

- RS Package



2SS

Standard Equipment

(includes or replaces 1SS equipment)

- Leather heated seats

- Ambient lighting

- Boston acoustics 245watt 9-speaker premium audio

- Auxiliary gauges (center console)

- Auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors

- Bluetooth and USB connections

- Remote start (Automatic transmission only)

- Leather steering wheel with controls

- Rear parking assist (late availability)

- Head-up display (late availability)



Optional Equipment

- Floor mats

- 19-inch polished aluminum wheels

- Inferno Orange Accent interior

- Power sunroof

- Dual vinyl Rally Stripes in White or Cyber Gray

- RS Package



All trim levels include all the features of the level below them.



RS Package Available to be added to Either SS or LT trim levels

- HID Lamps

- Spoiler on LT Model

- 20 inch 5 spoke wheel

=Midnight silver paint finish

=Optional polished finish

- RS unique tail lamps (darkened lenses)

- Body Colored roof Ditch molding

- Special RS Badging

2010 Chevrolet Camaro V-6- Not your typical rental car

There's no question that when it comes to Ford's venerable Mustang, the V-6 is the bread winner of the family. While most enthusiasts scoff at the notion of such a thing, it is necessary for the pony car's survival. The rental car companies have to have them, as well as a largely female demographic. So it's no surprise that the new Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro are also being offered with a 6.

With the Camaro, however, Chevy is going a slightly different route. The "base" DOHC, 24 valve 3.6L V-6 that if offers is one sourced from the Cadillac GTS, and it's a runner. Although final output hasn't been determined yet, Chevy admits that it's going to pump out at least 300 horsepower and should deliver economy ratings of 18/26.

The other good news is that not one, but two six speeds will be offered with the V-6: an Aisin manual and a HydroMatic automatic with wheel-mounted manual shift buttons (the V-8 manual will be a Tremec unit). All base Camaros will be equipped with an FE2 suspension package, though chief engineer Doug Houlihan says Chevy is "considering" adding, as an option, the uprated FE3 suspension that will be standard on V-8 cars.

Base tires are 245/55R18 M+S BFGoodrich Traction T/As on 18-in. alloys; optional rubber will include 19- and 20-in. Pirellis (the latter available in summer or snow versions) plus an available 21-in. wheel-and-tire upgrade (summer only). Brakes are single-piston calipers all around, with cast-iron rotors (12.1 in.) up front and aluminum discs (12.4 in.) in back. (All Camaro V-8s will sport bigger, four-piston Brembo binders and a larger master cylinder for improved brake feel.)

An optional RS package will include the 20-in. rims plus HID headlamps, a rear spoiler, and door-sill trim, among other upgrades.

Chevy has been recording 6.1 second 0-60 times, but their goal is to get it down to 5.9 seconds. Top speed is an electronically limited 155 mph.

Base price will be set in the low to mid 20K range.

While Chevy has a lot of ground to make up for the Camaro to be successful and long lasting, it appears to be doing the right thing. For once, even hardcore enthusiasts won't be able to scoff at a base model. And maybe even some of them will be getting their doors blown off by one.