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.