2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Pontiac has long been GM’s performance division, constantly upgrading even its most mundane offerings. But a rear-wheel drive sport sedan as impressive as the G8 presents a different problem. How do you improve on a car that is so dynamic to begin with? Well, Pontiac’s answer is the new G8 GXP, and that was enough for us to grab a helmet and go.

And go we did, straight to Savannah, Georgia’s Roebling Road Raceway where we immediately got busy checking out this hot-rod G8’s performance potential. 

The GXP’s Corvette-derived 6.2 liter LS3 V-8 produces a stout 415 horsepower, a 15 percent bump from the G8 GT, and 415 pound-feet of torque.  It drives the rear wheels through a standard 6-speed automatic or our cars’ Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox.

In normal driving, the GXP can be a well-mannered beast.  Clutch engagement is progressive, while the shifter operates smoothly with shorter-than-expected throws. 

A low exhaust rumble gives some hint of its under hood secret, but the GXP doesn’t project a bad-boy attitude, just a quiet confidence.

At the drag-strip, a cold track hampered our search for traction, allowing a best 0-60 run of 5 seconds flat. Factory estimates are a believable few ticks faster.  The quarter-mile still passed quickly in 13.2 seconds at 112 miles-per-hour.

Devoid of Pontiac’s once overdone body cladding and boy racer add-ons, The GXP’s look is subtle but still aggressive and distinctive, with two hood scoops and a dual-port grille topping the GXP’s unique front fascia. Profile lines are sleek and uncluttered, with tightly flared wheel arches accentuating the wide track, short-overhang stance.

At the rear, a low lip spoiler adorns the trunk and dual chrome exhaust tips exit on either side of the lower air diffuser.

The GXP is based on the Commodore from GM’s Australian Holden division. The rear-drive platform is also shared with the Chevy Camaro. So, the G8 chassis arrives track-capable right out of the box.

The GXP builds on that foundation with unique FE3 tuning to its multi-link suspension and 19-inch wheels wearing grippy 245/40-series tires.

In fast curves, The GXP shows a nimbleness that defies its 4,050-pound curb weight with quick, responsive steering and smooth side-to-side transitions.  Power delivery is right now, and there’s plenty there for throttle-steering, tire-spinning fun in every corner with StabiliTrak turned off, of course.

Many so-called sport sedans fall flat when pushed near their limits, but this Aussie import held its own, keeping us entertained from the first lap all the way to the checkered flag.

And the GXP stops as well as it goes, thanks to Brembo brakes with larger rotors and beefy alloy calipers all around.  Braking distances from 60 averaged a short 117 feet.  Only at higher speeds did we notice a distinctive shudder whenever the ABS went active.

Inside, the G8’s black cabin is well-appointed with tasteful chrome and satin trim, but the look and location of some controls may be unfamiliar to Pontiac owners. One quirk of the G8’s right-hand-drive Australian roots is placement of the window and mirror switches on the center console.

Holden interiors are among GM’s best with overall excellent fit and finish. Only a bit too much hard plastic, and the oddly-contoured steering wheel rim, gave us something to gripe about.

A Blaupunkt XM/CD stereo shares a video display with the dual-zone climate control system.  All buttons are clearly marked and easy to use.

The GXP is upgraded with standard alloy sport pedals and logo embroidery on the bolstered sport seats. 

Passive safety features include six standard airbags, with side bags for the front and head curtain bags for both rows.

Easy-to-read analog tach and speedometer flank a digital driver information center.  Primary illumination is a crisp white, accented by Pontiac’s signature red glow.

Just for giggles, we did a mileage loop and got a respectable 22.6 miles-per-gallon. That’s nearly on par with the stock G8 GT. And, best of all, you can enjoy the Firehawk’s performance using regular grade gas.

Making the GXP your own will set you back $39,995 including gas guzzler tax.  Equipped with the only two available options, the manual gearbox and a sunroof, our car stickers at $41,590.  That’s at least 10 grand less than any rival European V8 sport sedan.

The G8 GXP is a world class sport sedan by any definition, with genuine track credentials, refined road manners and its own unique sense of style.

While the G8’s future at a downsized Pontiac brand is unsure, it makes sense to keep such a distinctive product for the ideal Buick-Pontiac-GMC showroom. So, we can hope that the GXP will not be the swan song for Pontiac’s performance powerhouse.