First Pontiac G8 Prototypes Roll Off the Line

At this year's Chicago Auto Show, Pontiac (alsosport package)
maker of top of the line Pontiac catalytic converter) -Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal
confirming its commitment to style and performance -air bags for front passengers, with automatic
introduced a show car version of the all-new,passenger sensing system
rear-wheel drive performance, the G8 GT.Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows
The G8 is the first North American application of GM'sOnStar
new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed byXM Satellite Radio
Holden, GM's Australian subsidiary.Power-adjustable front seats
The G8 show car gave everyone a peek of the highlyFog lamps
anticipated production GT model, including use of theChrome exhaust tips
362-horsepower (270 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine andRear lip spoiler
optional six-speed manual transmission. The show carA sport package will also be available for both models
also features some unique items not found on theand adds features such as specific wheels - including
production model, including twenty-inch "shadow19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT
chrome" wheels and performance tires, ride height- a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob,
lowered approximately half-inch, high-performanceleather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.
brake rotors with painted brake calipers, customProduction of the Pontiac G8 is scheduled to
interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash,commence at the Holden plant in late 2007, bringing the
exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey, and theproduction line to a maximum capacity rate of 620
concept of "modernized" Pontiac badge.cars per day.
Last week, the first prototype of the Pontiac G8 rolledThe G8 will be the first car sold in the U.S. based on
off General Motors' Australia unit, GM Holden -- aheadthe Australia-developed new Zeta global GM
of a full production start later in the year. Thearchitecture. This means that Holden's Elizabeth plant is
rear-wheel-drive performance sedan is headed for theexporting to every continent in the world, with the
United States in early 2008.exception of Antarctica.
Production model detailsAbout GM Holden Ltd
The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8GM Holden Ltd or Holden is an Australian automaker
and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standardbased in Melbourne, Victoria, originally independent but
performance, convenience and safety features,now a subsidiary of General Motors (GM). The
including:automotive marque is one of GM's "alpha" brands,
Four-wheel independent suspensiontaking charge of vehicle operations for General Motors
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction controlin Australasia, and have partial ownership of GM
Electronic stability controlDaewoo in South Korea.
18-inch aluminum wheels (19-inch wheels available with