Performance Review: Pontiac G8 GXP 6.2 V8 - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Pontiac G8 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Pontiac G8 GXP 6.2 V8 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 and the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT.This particular Pontiac G8 has a 6162cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The G8 shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the G8's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1825 kgs (4023 lbs) this makes the Pontiac G8 GXP 6.2 V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Pontiac G8 shares the same bhp with the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo 992 (380 bhp)

In terms of power the 6162cc 16V V8 engine produces 402 bhp (299 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo 992 (380 bhp) or the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged Auto (395 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 402 lb-ft (545.0 Nm) @ 4400 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (418 lb-ft) or the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 (406 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Pontiac G8 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne 4.8 V8 Turbo S (244.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Pontiac G8.

The Pontiac G8 has a Power to weight ratio of 220.2 bhp per ton and 220.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 G8 competing with the 2013 Porsche Cayenne 4.8 V8 Turbo S (244.6 bhp per ton) or the 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S 4.8 V8 (244.6 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Pontiac G8 generating around 220.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1992 TVR Chimaera 4.0 (245.2 lb-ft per ton) or the 2003 Jaguar XJ R 4.2 V8 Supercharged (245.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.9 secs, this made the Pontiac G8 GXP 6.2 V8 as fast as the 2022 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo ALL4 (4.70 secs) the 2020 KIA Stinger GT2 3.3 V6 Turbo (4.70 secs) the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo (4.70 secs) the or the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo AWD (4.70 secs). This Pontiac G8 GXP 6.2 V8 is also faster than the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo (4.80 secs) the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (4.80 secs) the 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.7 V12 Turbo (4.80 secs) the and the 2017 Maserati GranCabrio Sport 4.7 V8 (4.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the G8 and the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS 2.0 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Pontiac G8 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.49 secs @ 101.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS 2.0 Turbo (13.43 secs), the 1999 Audi A6 S6 4.2 Quattro (13.44 secs), and the 2008 Mercedes SLK Class 350 Auto (13.45 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2008 version of the Pontiac G8 GXP 6.2 V8 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 G8 equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2008 Pontiac G8 GXP 6.2 V8 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2008 G8 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Pontiac

Car Comparison