Correction: Pontiac G8 GT will NOT have an optional 6-speed stick

[wonderbot]

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/), Etc. (http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/), GM (http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/), Pontiac (http://www.autoblog.com/category/pontiac/)
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/37_pontiacg8_garage450.jpg

Last week, we linked (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/lutz-09-pontiac-g8-gt-gets-optional-tremec-6-speed-stick/) to a CarDomain (http://blog.cardomain.com/blog/2008/06/bob-lutz-on-ent.html#more) piece about a lunch that gang had with GM's Bob Lutz. One of their topics of conversation with the product czar was manual transmissions, and it was reported that the '09 Pontiac G8 GT (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/) would be offered with an optional Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. This was certainly welcome news, both to us and readers. Unfortunately, it turns out that this information was, in fact, too good to be true. Pontiac's Jim Hopson dropped us a note this morning to clarify. In it, he writes, "We currently have no plans to offer the Tremec on any other G8 model (including the GT mentioned in the article), although it might be an option we could consider in the future." That's a bummer, and there you have it: The only way you'll be able to get a manual in the Pontiac G8 is if you pony up for the über-caliente GXP performance variant when it arrives later this year.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/)
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/00_pontiacg8_garage_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/770264/)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/01_pontiacg8_garage_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/770251/)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/02_pontiacg8_garage_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/770239/)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/03_pontiacg8_garage_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/770245/)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/04_pontiacg8_garage_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/770255/)

[Source: Pontiac]
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[Gagt518]

:no:

[sunrunner_pei]

Typical GM. :boo:

[Gravey]

:cry:

[GregFarz78]

that sucks they'll be lucky to sell a few thousand of the GXP models with the price of gas right now

[GregFarz78]

that sucks they'll be lucky to sell a few thousand of the GXP models with the price of gas right now

[TA^Guy]

But to be honest atleast they offer the manual in the performance model. Think about it. Most cars on the road are automatic, even if they offer a manual transmission about 80% of them are automatic. So for the non-performance V6 powered G8 it makes plenty of sense not to offer a performance transaxle. And for those that want a V8 and the performance shifting it makes them anti up the extra dough for the top of the line model.

[Matt95GT]

But to be honest atleast they offer the manual in the performance model. Think about it. Most cars on the road are automatic, even if they offer a manual transmission about 80% of them are automatic. So for the non-performance V6 powered G8 it makes plenty of sense not to offer a performance transaxle. And for those that want a V8 and the performance shifting it makes them anti up the extra dough for the top of the line model.

I agree with you there, as I think performance-oriented engine + manual go hand in hand, but the question is how much more expensive will the GXP be over the GT V8. Knowing GM, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a 5-10K premium just for that package. A manual G8 is actually one of the few new GM products I'd seriously consider, but not if they continue their old "lack of affordable manual performance" habits.

[sunrunner_pei]

Is the GT not a 'performance' model? ;)

[Big Joe]

Is the GT not a 'performance' model? ;)

Well I'll say this, it was extremely easy to break the tires loose and get sideways in a turn. :D

[matts]

Is the GT not a 'performance' model? ;)

right now it is.

but when the GXP comes out it'll be middle of the road


the current grand prix GT is a quick car (used to be performance, top-end model), but it's not a performance car when compared to the GXP. same difference:)

[sunrunner_pei]

It may not be top-of-the-line, but it is still a performance car in my eyes. And as such, it should be configured accordingly.

[Silversmok3]

But to be honest atleast they offer the manual in the performance model. Think about it. Most cars on the road are automatic, even if they offer a manual transmission about 80% of them are automatic. So for the non-performance V6 powered G8 it makes plenty of sense not to offer a performance transaxle. And for those that want a V8 and the performance shifting it makes them anti up the extra dough for the top of the line model.


Moment of truth guys:
The bad news is that us enthusiast drivers are NOT the majority.Truth is if they offered a manual on the GT only a slim fraction would actually buy it, and to boot, that's a slim fraction that would probably pony up the $$ for the GXP's go fast goodies anyways .

GM has to make money, and I for one would be just fine with a 361 HP, RWD auto G8 GT .Ill take mine in Jet black , please :D.

[Matt95GT]

Moment of truth guys:
The bad news is that us enthusiast drivers are NOT the majority.Truth is if they offered a manual on the GT only a slim fraction would actually buy it, and to boot, that's a slim fraction that would probably pony up the $$ for the GXP's go fast goodies anyways .

GM has to make money, and I for one would be just fine with a 361 HP, RWD auto G8 GT .Ill take mine in Jet black , please :D.

:no:

I'm not so sure about that. Give me the most basic V8 + manual, and I can work from there. I don't want the GXP... can easily build up LSx engines with aftermarket parts, so I don't want to pay the premium for minor options, different wheels, and badges.

It wouldn't surprise me if the GXP hits $40K... and if so, I'd rather spend my money on a performance-oriented import pocket-rocket.

[Silversmok3]

:no:

I'm not so sure about that. Give me the most basic V8 + manual, and I can work from there. I don't want the GXP... can easily build up LSx engines with aftermarket parts, so I don't want to pay the premium for minor options, different wheels, and badges.

It wouldn't surprise me if the GXP hits $40K... and if so, I'd rather spend my money on a performance-oriented import pocket-rocket.

Ahh, but thats my point. There aren't enough buyers like you and I to make it profitable to equip the G8 GT as we prefer. The average joe who buys a G8 GT won't know an LSx motor from a hole in the wall.

[Matt95GT]

Ahh, but thats my point. There aren't enough buyers like you and I to make it profitable to equip the G8 GT as we prefer. The average joe who buys a G8 GT won't know an LSx motor from a hole in the wall.

I'm still not so sure... in the muscle car era, it was all about getting the biggest engine for the least money. Nobody cared about amenities that inflated the price.

And there's still no reason they shouldn't offer manual on the GT V8. If they offer manual on the GT and GXP, but the GXP sales are poor, it is cause the GXP is too expensive. I don't like this "forced to buy the most expensive trim to get manual" non-sense.

[GregFarz78]

I'm with matt no one is going to pay upwards of 40k for a pontiac just to get manual trans, make it optional in the GT model too. Thats what pisses me off about GM sometimes they force you to spend top dollar to get the options you want. Look at honda, toyota, nissan every model from their low end to the top end has a manual transmission option doesnt matter if its a small 4 cylinder or a powerful v8 its offered for those that like manual.

[Silversmok3]

Actually Nissan is on the same BS. The newest 09 Maxima is CVT only,no more 6 speed.It comes down to some flunky in marketing who doesnt know a gearshift from an oil pan.Sad thing is for one of us enthusiasts,theres ten clueless customers who dont care about a manual trans.I agree its BS,but at least they offer a manual at all instead of a CVT/autostick poser trans.

[GregFarz78]

Hmm I didn't know they axed the 6 spd in the maxima thats kinda stupid b/c it comes optional for every other car in their lineup even the lowly versa but to be fair the maxima is not exactly a performance car either like the G8 GT

[Matt95GT]

As for the Japanese imports... I can see lacking the manual in a few of their no-frills cars. In addition to the Maxima, IIRC the Camry lacks a manual too. But in general they have several other offerings... you aren't forced to purchase the $10K option package on the 350Z to get the manual trans. You can get it on the base trim.

On the other hand, Honda/Acura started pulling this crap too... gotta get the Type-S for $38K if you want the manual on the TL, although it's more yuppie-luxury car than sports car.

What does GM have in manual? Cobalt/G5, G8 GXP, Vette? No middle grade? Some of us potential customers aren't in high school/college anymore, nor have we reached "mid life crisis, need sports car" age yet.

[Silversmok3]

On the other hand, Honda/Acura started pulling this crap too... gotta get the Type-S for $38K if you want the manual on the TL, although it's more yuppie-luxury car than sports car.

What does GM have in manual? Cobalt/G5, G8 GXP, Vette? No middle grade? Some of us potential customers aren't in high school/college anymore, nor have we reached "mid life crisis, need sports car" age yet.

Its what I call the 'BMW syndrome'. Since BMW ( and some other German brands) options their cars where if you want something besides a steel frame and a cloth seat you have to buy a $10,000 option package, other companies are doing it too. Wanna sunroof? Then you'll be buying the 'Convenience Package' which has needless BS and the sunroof you want.

I suppose we should be glad GM is even selling a manual at all with the G8. They coulda just said no or stuck some 5-or s speed autostick deal and called it a day.