Pontiac on a roll at SEMA
November 7, 2008 by Matt Brogan
Pontiac rolls into the 2008 SEMA Show with a trio of modified concepts. Leading the pack is G8 GXP Street concept with a new LSX454 crate engine shoehorned under its hood, followed by an accessorised G8 ST and a performance-enhanced Solstice GXP coupe.
All of the concepts share enhancements and modifications that contribute as much to styling and presence as they do performance. It is a spirit carried forward from the hit of the 2007 SEMA Show, hip-hop star 50 Cent’s customised G8.
“Pontiacs have always strived to provide unexpected levels of performance, regardless of the model,” said Susan Docherty, Vice President of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. “But these concepts raise the bar even higher, taking style and sportiness to the highest levels.”
While none of the concepts are intended for production, they do feature many components from GM Accessories and GM Performance Parts, as well as other aftermarket components, that are already on the market with some of those even being evaluated for possible production as genuine accessories in the near future.
G8 GXP Street concept
The Pontiac G8 GXP features an LSX454 crate engine from GM Performance Parts combined to form an intimidating street machine. The 7.4-litre package is good for 476kW and 813Nm, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Handling and stopping performance are enhanced with a lowered ride height, stiffer springs and a disc brake package borrowed from the Cadillac CTS-V, as visible through the custom 20-inch aluminum wheels with black chrome finish.
G8 ST concept
The 2010 Pontiac G8 ST blends the performance of the G8 sports sedan with the cargo capabilities of a ute. It is powered by a uniquely configured 6.0-litre small-block V8 offering 269kW and 522 Nm.
It features GM’s Active Fuel Management technology, which allows the engine to switch from eight to four cylinder operation to better enhance fuel economy. The G8 ST also features a six-speed automatic transmission.
The new 2009 Solstice coupe (pictured at top of page) is a sleek, fastback-styled hardtop with a removable roof panel. Offering a 194kW turbocharged 2.0-litre Ecotec engine, the direct injected Solstice GXP coupe at SEMA is equipped with a GM Performance Kit which boosts the available power to 216kW.
The car also wears a GM Performance Parts cat-back exhaust system and race-ready suspension kit. It rolls on polished factory wheels. The exterior is painted Olympic White and features a Hydro Blue racing stripe. Inside, the Solstice features blue accent
stitching on its leather-trimmed seats, racing-style pedal covers and a convenient iPod interface for the audio system.
wonder if it has a solid rear end like the mustang. hope not!
The Solstice is a really nice little car
I wish we got it here.
Its platform buddy the saturn sky is even better
True the solstice looks trendy and cute. It’s sleek stylish look would go off well with the stylish youths who would love to own it.
Have to disagree, as a group of the ‘late youths’ I and most other youths would be embarassed to drive something like the Solstice. Its like a PT Cruiser, which was thought to be cool for the kids, though only 60+ aged bought one.
not with that car their not…!!
I feel Pontiac needs to grow up.
Pontiac is not a brand anymore actually it never was.
As you can see from this report Pontiac which is just a
Chevy oh and Holden.Pontiac should dig itself out of the 1950’s
pushrod O.H.V inefficient engines – hey this is the 21 century Chevy whoops Pontiac
Oh bye the way G.M lost 4.2 billion in the last quarter
(U.S)
The Pontiac Trans-Am was just a Chev Camaro now Pontiac is
just a Holden. Sounds like ya lost you Soul,Pontiac
WTF – The solstice is FUGLY!! it looks like a BMW 5 series crossed with a Porsche 911 and a Aston Martin…. all beautiful cars on their own but not when mixed together.
Mind you Yanks aren’t used to designing cars without a ruler