Exclusive! Pontiac G8 revived in Australia

North America's loss is about to become Australia's gain. As Pontiac prepares to shut its doors in the USA, and with it the Commodore export program, it has emerged that the Commodore-based Pontiac G8 will be sold in Australia from late this year.

Holden exported approximately 41,000 Commodores as Pontiac G8 sedans between November 2007 and February 2009. A ute version of the Pontiac G8 was due to follow later this year but it was axed along with the rest of the Pontiac brand.

A top secret Holden dealer bulletin obtained by the Carsales Network has revealed that the Pontiac G8 will be sold locally in November and December, with production due to start on November 2.

The move has been designed to clear parts stock that was destined for the now axed Pontiac export program.

There will be sedan, ute and wagon versions in three colours -- black, red and 'voodoo' blue. This means the local Pontiac G8 will be sold in two guises not available in the US (where it was a sedan only), making the ute and wagon particularly rare.

Even though all cars will be based on the Holden Commodore SS V and wear SS V badging they are expected to become collector's items as they will mark an important milestone (and memory) in Holden history: when it last exported cars to the world's biggest car market.

Significantly, the limited edition models will not wear Pontiac badges, but they will get all the other Pontiac parts. The parts include the Pontiac G8 bonnet, front bumper and grille. On sedan models, the lower 'lip' boot spoiler will replace the SS V's high-mount spoiler.

It is unclear how many of each will be made, but dealer contacts have suggested it will be close to 1500 in total, or about 500 of each body style.

Prices of each limited edition model will be $1000 more than a regular SS V. The Holden bulletin outlined to dealers the following:

Pontiac G8 SS-V ute manual $47,490
Pontiac G8 SS-V sedan manual $55,290
Pontiac G8 SS-V wagon manual $57,290

Automatics are likely to be available although they were not mentioned on the price list.

Holden has not confirmed the special model, but spokeswoman Kate Lonsdale said: "We are working with Holden dealers on an exciting new SSV special edition and we will be announcing details shortly."

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