The year was 2010, Spain won the world cup, the WHO declared the H1N1 pandemic’s termination and GM was losing more money than the government could bail them out of. GM was returning the lowest sales since 1983 and predicted to be bankrupt in roughly 6 months. On October 31st Pontiac was let go. Pontiac was not necessarily known for exceptional exotic vehicles, or reliable off-roaders, but I’m sure they took the hearts of many petrol heads and many hearts were broken on this woeful day. I know I was sad to hear of the demise of the great Chief Pontiac.
None the less, in 2008 Pontiac revealed a hard-core version of their G8 sedan, the G8 GXP. Essentially, an American counterpart to the Australian Holden HSV GTS. But, it was too late. The timing for this vehicle could not have been worse. I am writing to reveal why this vehicle is exceptional and how it should deserve more recognition.
WHO DOESN’T LOVE A V8?
The 2009 GXP was dubbed the most powerful production Pontiac ever made: boasting a 415 bhp, 6.2 L LS3, V8 Corvette engine. This beast of an engine delivered power to the rear wheels allowing for the GXP to easily achieve a 4.7 second 0-60 time, despite weighing 3800 lb or 1727 kg. But don’t think this American muscle was simply fit for driving in a straight line. Interestingly, they developed the suspension and handling at James May’s most favorited race track, the Nürburgring. The result: an American muscle car that can confidently tackle a corner at speed. And fitted with 4 piston Brembo calipers, can confidently stop as well. All this power and performance didn’t have to break the bank either, costing roughly 40 K (USD). At the time this was approximately 20 K cheaper than your comparable M or AMG. The styling is obviously subjective, maybe more so than average, but I genuinely like how they took the basic Pontiac image and made it aggressive.
I think the GXP represents Pontiac’s last gasping breath in an attempt to demonstrate their potential. And their potential is truly revealed in this exceptional vehicle, unfortunately, GM had no choice, but to say farewell to Chief Pontiac.
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