Market Position:
Performance sedan, positioned as a rear-wheel-drive alternative to front-wheel-drive rivals, offering V8 power and sport-oriented handling.
Competitors:
Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35/G37.
Key Features:
Rear-wheel drive platform, powerful V8 engine option, Australian-designed and manufactured (Holden Commodore based), sporty styling.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing systems, lubrication system.
Engine Control:
Engine Control Module (ECM) operation, sensors, actuators, fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control systems.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (6L80/6L80E), manual transmission (MG8), clutch, driveline, transfer case (if applicable).
Chassis Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering column, power steering, wheels, tires, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Brake control systems, hydraulic components, disc brakes, parking brake, ABS, traction control.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, power windows, door locks, wipers, washers, horn, instrument panel, audio/visual systems, cruise control.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, climate control, refrigerant handling.
Safety Restraint:
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), airbags, seat belts, engine immobilizer.
Body Interior Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, glass, mirrors, seats, interior trim, exterior trim.
Multiplex Can Communication:
Network communication, CAN bus system diagnostics.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, brake inspections.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul.
Wiring Schematics:
Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Factory-level, comprehensive (diagnose, service, maintain, repair).
Engine G8:
3.6L V6 (LLT) Direct Injection
Horsepower G8:
256 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque G8:
248 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Engine G8 Gt:
6.0L V8 (L76/LS3)
Horsepower G8 Gt:
361 hp @ 5300 rpm (L76), 415 hp @ 6300 rpm (LS3 in late 2009 models)
Torque G8 Gt:
391 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (L76), 415 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm (LS3)
Fuel System:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for V6, Displacement on Demand (DOD) with Active Fuel Management and MPFI for V8 (L76), AFM and MPFI for V8 (LS3).
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (V6), 91 Octane recommended for V8 (though 87 may be acceptable depending on specific model and conditions).
Standard Transmission G8:
6-speed automatic (6L80/6L80E)
Standard Transmission G8 Gt:
6-speed manual (MG8) or 6-speed automatic (6L80/6L80E)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Manual was standard on some G8 GT configurations, otherwise automatic was standard)
Transmission Features:
Paddle shifters, performance shifting modes, sport mode.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron VI
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for specific part number).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Occupant:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Occupant:
5-Star
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), available Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain side airbags, active head restraints, three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Infotainment System:
Available Blaupunkt audio system with CD player, MP3 capability, auxiliary input, and optional Bose premium sound system.
Navigation:
Optional touch-screen navigation system.
Driver Assistance:
Available parking assist sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM).
Connectivity:
Bluetooth hands-free calling (available on some trims/options).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium spark plugs.
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Typically 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium spark plugs.
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-30, Dexos 1 (if applicable for later GM standards, otherwise consult manual for specific GM spec).
Engine Oil Type V8:
SAE 5W-30, Dexos 1 (if applicable for later GM standards, otherwise consult manual for specific GM spec).
Coolant Type:
GM Super Coolant (Orange) or equivalent meeting GM6277M specification.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Issues:
Water pump leaks (early models), exhaust manifold leaks, power steering pump noise, occasional transmission shifting issues, carbon buildup on V6 direct injection engines.
