What Is a Pontiac G8? | Australia’s Last Muscle Sedan

The Pontiac G8 is a full-size, rear-wheel-drive four-door sedan built by Holden in Australia and sold in the U.S. for only the 2008 and 2009 model years.

For the full breakdown, see our best 09 Pontiac G8 guide.

Introduced as Pontiac's final model before General Motors shuttered the brand in 2009, the G8 revived the division's muscle-car attitude as a practical four-door. It replaced the aging Bonneville and Grand Prix by shipping the Holden Commodore chassis across the Pacific, then stuffing it with a choice of V6 or American V8 power. The result was a rear-wheel-drive sedan that drove like a proper sports car but held four adults in real comfort.

The G8 was sold only in the United States and Canada. Production started in December 2007 and ended in June 2009. Three trims were offered–Base, GT, and GXP–with the GXP arriving exclusively for the 2009 model year and the only way to get a six-speed manual transmission.

Pontiac G8 Trim Levels and Specs

The Base model came with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 256 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The GT swapped in a 6.0-liter LS2 V8 rated at 361 horsepower and up to 386 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic. The GXP topped the line with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 generating 402 horsepower and 418 lb-ft, available with either the six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual–the only G8 with a clutch pedal.

All trims are rear-wheel drive. The GT's V8 used cylinder-deactivation technology to improve highway fuel economy to 24 mpg, while combined EPA mileage was roughly 20 mpg for the V6 and 19 mpg for the V8s.

How Fast Is a Pontiac G8 GT?

The GT sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 110 mph. Top speed was claimed at 175 mph. With the optional GXP manual, performance improved further–the LS3 engine and lighter driveline made the GXP the quickest G8 by a small margin, though official factory 0-60 times were not published.

That kind of acceleration came from a curb weight of roughly 3,900 pounds and a wheelbase of 114.8 inches. The chassis, shared with the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, used the GM Zeta platform. The G8 GT and GXP also included a sport suspension, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, metallic pedals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Pontiac G8 Prices and What to Expect Used

Original MSRP in 2008 started at about $28,000 for the Base V6, $34,000 for the GT, and $38,000 for the 2009 GXP. As of 2026, used prices for a well-maintained G8 range from roughly $10,000 to $15,000 for a 2008 model and $12,000 to $23,000 for a 2009. The GXP commands a premium–clean manual examples often sell near the top of that range. The average G8 in decent condition lands around $14,000 to $16,000 regardless of year.

If you're shopping seriously, our tested roundup of the best 2009 Pontiac G8 deals can help you spot the right trim and condition for your budget.