Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Rear-wheel drive, full-size sedan, often positioned as a performance-oriented luxury or near-luxury vehicle.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Chevrolet Impala, import rear-wheel drive sedans like BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (in higher trims).
        
     
    
    
        
            Platform Sharing:
        
        
            Based on the GM Zeta platform, shared with Australian Holden models (e.g., Holden Commodore).
        
     
    
        
            Performance Focus:
        
        
            Designed for driving dynamics and performance, particularly with V8 engine options.
        
     
    
        
            Rear Wheel Drive Layout:
        
        
            Distinctive rear-wheel-drive architecture for improved handling and performance characteristics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain Systems:
        
        
            Engine oil, fuel information, battery, air filter(s), refill capacities, lubricant specifications.
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Systems:
        
        
            Braking system overview (implied by driving/maintenance), steering system overview (implied by driving/maintenance).
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Systems:
        
        
            Instrument cluster functions, lights operation, entertainment systems, battery maintenance.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Climate controls, driver controls, locks and security, seating and safety restraints, cleaning.
        
     
    
    
        
            Basic Operations:
        
        
            Starting and stopping the engine, using lights, operating climate control, adjusting seats, engaging locks.
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance Tasks:
        
        
            Checking and topping off engine oil, understanding fuel requirements, checking battery status, replacing air filter(s), accessory installation guidance.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Basic:
        
        
            Instrument cluster warning lights interpretation, basic security system operation.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Related:
        
        
            Proper use of safety restraints, understanding safety defect reporting procedures (U.S. only).
        
     
    
    
        
            Diagnostic Level:
        
        
            Basic operator-level diagnostics and information interpretation.
        
     
    
        
            Repair Level:
        
        
            Not covered (this is an owner's manual, not a service manual).
        
     
    
        
            Specification Detail:
        
        
            Provides essential specifications for fluids, capacities, and basic part identification.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Typically searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.
        
     
    
        
            Printability:
        
        
            Printable, allowing users to create a physical copy.
        
     
    
    
        
            Quality:
        
        
            Digital reproduction of original factory manual, quality depends on source scan/digitization.
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding:
        
        
            N/A (Digital PDF)
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper Type:
        
        
            N/A (Digital PDF)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Base Engine:
        
        
            3.6L V6 (LLT)
        
     
    
        
            Optional Engine 1:
        
        
            6.0L V8 (L76/L98)
        
     
    
        
            Optional Engine 2:
        
        
            6.2L V8 (LS3 - GXP/GXP Sport Package)
        
     
    
    
        
            Base Engine Horsepower:
        
        
            256 hp @ 6300 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Base Engine Torque:
        
        
            248 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Optional Engine 1 Horsepower:
        
        
            361 hp @ 5300 rpm (L76), 361 hp @ 5300 rpm (L98)
        
     
    
        
            Optional Engine 1 Torque:
        
        
            391 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (L76), 391 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (L98)
        
     
    
        
            Optional Engine 2 Horsepower:
        
        
            415 hp @ 6400 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Optional Engine 2 Torque:
        
        
            415 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) for all engines.
        
     
    
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher) recommended for V8 engines, Regular Unleaded (87 octane) acceptable for V6.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Base Transmission:
        
        
            6-speed automatic (6L80) for 3.6L V6.
        
     
    
    
        
            V8 Transmission:
        
        
            6-speed automatic (6L80) for 6.0L V8.
        
     
    
        
            Performance Transmission:
        
        
            6-speed manual (Tremec TR6060) available on certain GXP models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Modes:
        
        
            Driver Shift Control (manual mode for automatic transmissions).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approximately 196.1 inches
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approximately 74.1 inches
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approximately 57.7 inches
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approximately 114.8 inches
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Base:
        
        
            Approximately 3,700 lbs (V6)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight V8:
        
        
            Approximately 3,900 - 4,100 lbs (V8 models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Trunk Volume:
        
        
            Approximately 17.5 cubic feet
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Test:
        
        
            5 Stars (for both driver and front passenger)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Crash Test:
        
        
            5 Stars (for rear passenger)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Crash Test Rating:
        
        
            Good (Top Safety Pick for 2009)
        
     
    
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Standard (StabiliTrak)
        
     
    
        
            Anti Lock Braking System:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Dual front airbags
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Front and rear side-curtain airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Available premium audio systems (e.g., Blaupunkt, Bose on some models), CD player, MP3 compatibility, auxiliary input.
        
     
    
        
            Navigation System:
        
        
            Optional factory navigation system available.
        
     
    
        
            Bluetooth Connectivity:
        
        
            Optional Bluetooth for hands-free calling available.
        
     
    
    
        
            Parking Sensors:
        
        
            Optional rear parking assist.
        
     
    
        
            Headlights:
        
        
            Automatic headlights, fog lights available.
        
     
    
    
        
            Usb Port:
        
        
            May be available as an accessory or on later revisions of infotainment systems.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 7,500 miles or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System.
        
     
    
        
            Tire Rotation Interval:
        
        
            Approximately every 7,500 miles.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Interval:
        
        
            Check fluid level regularly; replacement interval varies (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles depending on driving conditions).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (Dexos or GM specification)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            GM Delco-Clean Extended Life (Purple)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approximately 7.0 quarts (V6), 8.0 quarts (V8)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approximately 12.0 quarts
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Tank Capacity:
        
        
            Approximately 18.5 gallons
        
     
    
    
        
            Common G8 Issues:
        
        
            Potential for rear main seal leaks, minor interior rattles, some electronic module issues, potential catalytic converter issues on higher mileage vehicles.
        
     
    
    
        
            Air Filter Part Number:
        
        
            Varies by engine, e.g., AC Delco A3114C for V6. (Manual provides guidance but not specific part numbers for purchase).
        
     
    
    
        
            Differential Fluid:
        
        
            GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic for rear axle. (Note: GXP with LSD may require specific additive).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Pontiac Legacy:
        
        
            Pontiac was a division of General Motors known for performance-oriented vehicles and its 'Excitement' marketing slogan.
        
     
    
    
        
            G8 Origin:
        
        
            The G8 was an Australian-designed and manufactured vehicle (Holden Commodore VE) rebadged for the North American market.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            2008-2009 (for North America)
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
        
     
    
        
            Discontinuation Reason:
        
        
            Discontinued due to the dissolution of the Pontiac brand by General Motors in 2010.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Automotive Press Reviews:
        
        
            Generally well-received by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and value proposition, despite its short production run.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Rating:
        
        
            Varied over the years, often reflecting owner satisfaction with powertrain and handling, but sometimes lower on predicted reliability.