New Pontiac G8 may be built in U.S. as sales rise

CHICAGO -- The Pontiac G8, which debuts early next year, will be the first vehicle sold in North America that uses General Motors' new rear-wheel-drive architecture."The G8 will meet the growing demand for rear-drive cars," said John Larson, Pontiac general manager.The G8 will be offered only as a sedan and will be priced to compete with the Dodge Charger, also a rear-drive sedan.The Chevrolet Camaro will be the second North American application of the rear-drive architecture. That car goes on sale in early 2009, followed six to 12 months later by the redesigned Chevrolet Impala.The G8 will be assembled in Australia by GM's Holden subsidiary. But it could be built on this continent."It is highly likely that as we move to higher volumes for the global rear-drive architecture, we will begin to produce" in North America, said GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. "Importing from Australia at this point is a transitional phase. It permitted us to get the car quickly and for a minimum of investment."GM estimates that 30,000 G8s will be imported annually.The G8 shares much of its sheet metal with the Holden Commodore. Unique to the G8 are the hood, front fascia, grille and headlights. The fascia and bumpers had to be engineered to meet U.S. specifications.The car eventually will replace the Pontiac Grand Prix, although a timetable for phasing it out was not announced. The G8 is 2.1 inches shorter than the Grand Prix, but its wheelbase is 4.3 inches longer, and the vehicle is 3.2 inches wider.The G8 has a four-wheel independent suspension. Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, stability control and six airbags. Two engines will be offered: a 261-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 and a 362-hp, 6.0-liter V-8. Lutz promises 0-to-60 mph acceleration under 5.5 seconds for the V-8.You may e-mail Rick Kranz at rkranz@crain.com

New Pontiac G8 may be built in U.S. as sales rise

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