Corvette transplant for flagship G8

Holden will supply two new export models to complement the Pontiac G8 range in the US, it was announced today.

The long rumoured G8 GXP model, fitted with the C6 Corvette's LS3 engine, will begin shipping to the Americas later this year and the VE Ute with the requisite G8 look will follow suit, late in 2009.

"The GXP delivers the sophisticated yet exciting driving experience that enthusiasts expect in a car costing far more than the GXP," commented Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC's General Manager.

At 300kW, the 6.2-litre LS3 engine fitted to the G8 GXP will fall about 21kW short of the Corvette's muscle, with the same engine, but the power is up there with the last of the Monaro-based GTOs and the torque peaks at 546Nm. Pontiac will offer consumers the G8 GXP with the choice of either six-speed manual or six-speed auto variants.

Wheels fitted to the G8 GXP will be the same HSV-designed units which were specified for the original G8 concept car. 

Both the high-performance GXP and the G8-based Ute will go on display at the New York International Auto Show this Wednesday March 19, (Thursday morning, AEST).

Initially, the G8 ute will be promoted as the G8 'Sport Truck', but Pontiac is running a competition to rename the new model more appropriately. The winning entry is to be announced April 15 2008 and the public can submit suggestions via the website: www.pontiac.com/namethiscar

"The word 'Ute' doesn't mean anything to Americans," said John Lindsay, Holden's National Manager - Media Relations, explaining the reason for the competition. 'Sport Truck' also doesn't work because it implies the Ute would be a heavy-hauler, rather than a sports car with extra load capacity.

Lindsay also said that the introduction of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US had paved the way for the Ute to reach America. Prior to the introduction of the FTA, commercial vehicles imported into the US were subject to a 25 per cent tariff, but that no longer applied in the case of the Ute.

In fact, with the FTA in place, none of Holden's exports to the US -- including the G8 GXP -- are subject to a tariff.

Holden will, as hinted in some online forums, spec the G8 Ute to the same level as the G8 GT sedan -- meaning the pick-up model will feature the 6.0-litre V8 driving through a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine, as for the G8 GT, will also permit Active Fuel Management, a device by which multiple cylinders are disabled for leaner running when power is not required. With the LS3 engine fitted, the Ute-derived G8 will make a definite statement that it's a sports model, not a truck.

Standard convenience, comfort and safety items specified for the G8 ute will include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, remote start, stability control, dual front airbags and side-impact airbags.

Whilst the G8 GXP will be the hero car for the model range, the G8 Sport Truck has some potential to add volume to Holden's Zeta platform exports -- provided North American shoppers take to it.

"The addition of the new G8s to our export program further enhances GM Holden’s position as the centre of global rear wheel drive expertise in the GM organisation and reinforces that the cars we are building are truly world class," said Mark Reuss, GM Holden’s new Chairman and Managing Director.

"The design, engineering and performance of the G8 sedan is already drawing praise from US media and Pontiac fans alike and we’re confident that the sport truck and the GXP sedan will be as warmly received.

"This is another example of how at GM Holden we are expanding our export opportunities and operating globally."

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