Before the Pontiac brand was officially abandoned in late 2009, it underwent something of a performance revolution leading up to its demise. Following in the footsteps of the 2004 Pontiac GTO, which itself was a rebadged Holden Monaro, GM executives decided to take the Australian-market Holden Commodore and rebrand it as the Pontiac G8 for the American market. While the full-size sedan was offered in a few trim levels, the high-performance G8 GXP certainly took the cake, and today, we’re checking out a like-new 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP that’s currently posted for auction.
Listed for auction on Cars & Bids, the G8 GXP has just 6,300 miles on the odometer, and appears to be in fantastic condition. Although the seller notes that the passenger’s side rear wheel has some curb rash, a clean CarFax report demonstrates that this high-performance sedan has remained accident-free since it rolled off the assembly line.
One of the most notable highlights of the GXP are its trim-exclusive performance goodies. More specifically, the venerable 6.2L V8 LS3, rated at 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, can be found nestled under the hood, while output is routed to the rear wheels via the Tremec six-speed manual transmission.
Other desirable features include 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, a limited-slip differential, Brembo front brake calipers, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Blaupunkt audio system.
The seller notes that some service has been performed in the last few years, including an engine oil and filter replacement, replaced and balanced tires, and replacement of the front and rear brake pads, rear brake rotors and tire pressure monitoring sensors.
It’s worth noting that the only modifications are tinted windows.
So, what do you think, dear reader? Would a time capsule like this be worth the investment? Or is this 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP better off as a clean sheet for an all-in build? Vote in the poll below, and fire off your thoughts in the comments section!
Comments
I never understood why these didn’t sell better. IMO, if Pontiac (GM) would have made the Pontiac division all about cars like this, the Grand Prix, Grand Am, Firebird, Bonneville (sporty one) and Sunbird/Sunfire, they would have survived. Instead they began pushing the Montana van, Aztek CUV, Vibe and so on. There was zero reason for that when Chevy already had the same basic vehicles. Pontiac needed to stay more sporty and should have concentrated on sedans and performance.
The G8 didn’t have enough time to become a thing, especially as the GFC was blowing up at literally the same time the car was introduced. The 6.2L was introduced March 2008 and Lehman Brothers went bankrupt in September 2008, but the pullback had already begun in 2007.
This easily looked like and rivaled the BMWs of the day. Unfortunately, Pontiac was shutdown shortly thereafter. I think production for the U.S. market only lasted about a year and a half, and again, had terrible timing.
The G8 and then Chevy SS were never fully supported by gm just like the Camaro now. They were pricey. Could have been a Charger rival.
I just happen to own a 2009 GXP with little over 9,000 miles. IMO I think they used too much plastic inside. This car is faster than my 2004 Corvette. Drive it only on sunny days when I am not driving my ’67 GTO.
Kodiak Guy: The issue I have had with Pontiac for many years was just how much dark gray and black plastic they used inside. Way more than Buick, Olds and even Chevy. That was one of the reasons why I never got a Pontiac and normally drove Buick’s.
GMs current team may be good w/technology (Cruise/Brightdrop) but lacks marketing skill and imagination.
Camaro is a low mover unlike Charger w/great trims, special editions & Easter Eggs. A Camaro Pontiac Trams AM or Firebird w/additional horse power and unique front fascia and logo would have been great. A luxe discontented CT4 or 5 called GTO would sell like bonkers.
GM gas a lot of history to mine instead of being a Hyandai (not Honda or Mazda) rival.
I want this car what do I need to do
and a manual. this will fetch a pretty penny
My 2004 Pontiac GTO lives on!
I bought the 06 GTO, drove it to 55,000 miles and sold it, great car loved it. no problems, just had to move on.
I bought my GXP in July of 2009. It’s #1659 of the 1829 G8 GXPs built This car was one year only and Pontiac closed at the end of the year.There will never be any more. Mine has never even been in the rain. It is in perfect like new condition with 12,000 miles on it. Hagerty says it’s one of the top 10 cars to buy for investment. I have done some bolt on modifications. It could be returned to stock very easily. It is 700+ HP and runs the 1/4 mile in the 10 to 11 second range with Hoosier drag radials on. Believe me, I didn’t buy this car for the interior! All of the money for this car is under fhe hood and in the platform.
Nick, where do you find the # of the build? I have the Certificate of Origin, but do not see any # similar to your build #.
I have a friend that bought a used GXP. We met at a car show, Imagine that! We are in Wichita Kansas. He had a contact that has all of in build info. My car was built on April 3rd. It’s #61 of 81 built in Panther Black Metallic with black abd red seats and sunroof. I will contact you again after I get the info together for you. Feel free to call me at 316-300-7875.
GM killed Pontiac instead of Buick because they sell a LOT of Buicks in China!
The Emperor in the 1930s had a BIG Buick and used to be chauffeured around Bejing in it.
So Buicks r looked at as a presteigious vehicle in China, Millions of potential sales!!
Call 4148394292
I’ve wanted one of these G8’s since the 1st time I saw one on the road! This is a sharp looking car! The manual transmission is a bonus too. Maybe one day I’ll get one. I’ve always owned Pontiacs and they all were good cars for me. I still have my 93 Grand Prix I bought new. It’s retired now but was a great car. Never understood why GM quit making them.