Pontiac G8 RIP
Edmunds Inside Line (TTAC takes the racing line) reports that Pontiac has decided to let the critically-acclaimed Pontiac G8 die on the vine. “According to sources,” Edmunds reveals, in the style to which automotive journalists have become accustomed. “Pontiac will not get a version of the next rear-drive platform that underpins the Australian Holden Commodore.” Still, you’ve got to give Eddy credit for sarcastic snark. “This move is indicative of a fundamental switch in direction for Pontiac, the General Motors division that just a few years ago was envisioned by Bob Lutz to be the American BMW. The deaths of the Solstice and the eventual discontinuation of the next-generation G8 will leave Pontiac with zero rear-wheel-drive vehicles.” So, one wonders, how does GM sum-up this “new direction?” Dead brand walking? Nope. “Inside Line says: You’ve still got plenty of time to pick up your very own G8 — the high-horsepower GXP and the quasi-pickup-truck ST versions are still to be introduced. But you don’t have forever. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit” Nor, of course, will your G8’s residuals be very healthy. Just sayin’.
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The Caprice seems to be a rebadged Holden WM Statesman, an LWB version of the Holden VE Commodore the G8 is based on. But it looks quite nice. Vaguely Audiesque in its appearance.
Except for the scoops, it is the car I want to buy - if only the would bring the wagon. Finally a solid product (yes, rough edges: scoops, center gauges) but with the piss poor marketing execution expected from GM.
Many people have been saying "Right car, wrong time." in regards to the G8. I'm thinking, "Right car, wrong brand." The G8 is really an attractive car, and from everything I've read it's pretty competitive in its market. The Pontiac name is its biggest hurdle. While wanting to make Pontiac an "American BMW" is a good idea in theory, there is no way this could possibly happen. Pontiac is not a luxury brand. Honestly, Pontiac doesn't have one ounce of the brand strength BMW has. Car guys would cross-shop the G8 to the 5-series, brand snobs wouldn't. It's a shame, too. The G8 is destined to be a footnote in the Pontiac history book - probably near the last page.
This move absolutely makes sense to me. I rented one of these recently and it was by far the closest American car I have driven in handling and road feel to my BMW 530i. Good brakes, excellent dynamics, decent engine (V6) and nice interior. God forbid Pontiac putting anything in the way of their inevitable demise.