The official replacement for the Pontiac Grand Prix has been announced as the brand new, rear wheel drive 2008 Pontiac G8. This full-size, 4-door, performance oriented sedan comes as the base model G8 with a V6 engine and the supercharged G8 GT with a V8. This solid performer is reminiscent of the Pontiac's that used to excite and inspire-and at under $30,000, both models are priced well below similarly equipped sedans on the market today.

The G8 debuted at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show and has been scheduled to hit the streets sometime during the first quarter of 2008. The G8 has clean lines and a strong shouldered appearance, accented by a dual port chrome grille with black inserts, dual polished stainless steel exhaust tips, dual hood scoops, tinted glass and low profile rear spoiler. The base model G8 will be powered by a 261 horsepower V6 mated to a 5 speed manually interactive automatic transmission with overdrive. The highly anticipated G8 GT will have a 365 horsepower 6.0 liter V8 that is almost identical to the engine found in the base model Corvette. A six speed manual or six speed manually interactive automatic transmission will be available for the GT. The V8 mated to the automatic transmission will come with active fuel management, which shuts down 4 cylinders when the power is not necessary in order to save fuel and reduce emissions.

The handling and performance of both models is enhanced by an independent multi link rear suspension, rack and pinion steering, rear stabilizer bar, and 4 wheel disc brakes. Standard features found on the G8 and the G8 GT are plentiful, with highlights including a 7 speaker AM/FM/CD/Satellite Blaupunkt Sound System with speed sensitive volume and steering wheel mounted audio controls; tilt/telescopic steering wheel, remote start, power adjustable front bucket seats, air conditioning, Onstar Telematics System, cruise control and a tire pressure monitor.

The global rear wheel drive chassis architecture upon which the G8 is based is very similar to the previous generation of the BMW 5 Series and is Pontiac's first rear wheel drive sedan since the 1960's Bonneville. Although $30,000 is not an amount most would consider being minor, it is almost impossible to find another new 5 passenger V8 sedan on the market that gets about 24 mpg on the highway, has a trunk large enough for several suitcases, includes such a long and pleasing standard features list and promises such a composed yet exhilarating ride.