Flybrian

Its pretty bad when you end up date-raping yourself, Satty.

FHP uses B4C Camaros for high-speed interdiciton and interception. Aside from that (and looking hot), they're really useless in other applications. And if a Camaro trooper needs to detain someone, they have to call in a regular cruiser anyway. They do have their use, though, and I suspect of the next Camaro has an impressive B4C package, larger (re: state) agencies will find a need to buy some. As for stealth, they don't need a special car for that. The latest trick I've seen FHP use is on US19 through Pinellas County. They have five or six cruisers sitting out of sight behind a barrier by an onramp. A late-90s Ford Windstar sits off on the shoulder in plain view with the rear hatch open and flashers on while a small trooper wearing dark clothing crouches up in the corner of the cargo hold and shoots cars with his radar/laser. Another trooper is sitting in the second row, probably radioing ahead to the crusiers what the gun-trooper calls out. St. Petersburg Police use officers dressed up as construction workers, city employees, and even homeless vagrants. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office uses unmarked Chargers that really sneak up on you. Largo Police has a PT Cruiser with a huge gumball light on the roof and you swear its a joke, but it nabs people. Clearwater Police has a 2000ish Dodge Dakota Quad Cab with a bedcover that pops up to reveal the hidden lightbar and a Silverado that does that same...and I swear I saw a silver Uplander with blue-and-reds. Its better just not to speed around here!

God in heaven, this... Clicky

My neighbor's cow? Based on that, this guy's opinion means a lot.

Yeah... http://www.myspace.com/friendswithbenefits

P.S. You realize the Taurus was never effectively dicontinued now. There was a 2007 fleet Taurus and now this 2008 one. We will never be able to get rid of it.

The xB is now plebian like everything else out there. Like this... ...they even used old VW wheelcovers.

Man. A G8 GXP. You know how much that would kill? For those of you comparing this to the Charger, may I remind you that the Charger has a hood prop on every trim short of the SRT-8. That says it all about the throughness of thought put into that car. Its a nice car...for a Chrysler. Nothing more. This is it. Pontiac is back and its nothing but a good thing.

This thing owns the Explorer in everything but offroad capabilites, as if anyone with an Explorer goes offroad anyway. Its one great vehicle that was simply too bland and 'just enough' in terms of power. Now, it just has a retarded name.

Unofficial images courtesy of AutoBlog...

Unofficial images courtesy of AutoBlog.

Well, I just ordered my 2008 Ford Five Hundred press kit from eBay. I'm sure it'll mean something one day, like when my children ask what a Ford is and why they don't make them anymore.

And if anyone wants to check out our new feature... ...they'll see it has more trunk space than the Charger R/T (almost as much as the Bonneville!), more interior room in most regards, yet is shorter in length and height and weighs less. Pretty amazing car.

2008 Mercury Sable See the 2008 Ford Taurus See the 2008 Ford Taurus X MERCURY SABLE RETURNS TO SHOWROOMS WITH MORE POWER, STYLE AND SOPHISTICATION Unique designs features inside and out set the 2008 Mercury Sable apart in the marketplace. Modern, refined interior features include unique trim options and two-tone seating surfaces with contrast stitching. Available convenience and entertainment features include DVD navigation, SIRIUS® satellite radio and Ford Sync™. New Sable has 30 percent more power than the outgoing Montego thanks to standard Duratec 35 V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission Standard electronic stability control and available all-wheel drive provide confident ride and handling in all weather conditions. New 2008 Mercury Sable to reach showrooms this summer. CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - Unveiled today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, the new 2008 Mercury Sable offers customers a sophisticated new look inside and out, a significantly quieter cabin, a more plush ride and a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6. “Mercury products are aimed at winning over new customers who value distinct touches, and this new Sable is sure to impress with a more refined interior design and jewel-like details throughout,” says Cisco Codina, Ford’s group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. “Mercury has a great deal of momentum right now, with a fresh lineup including the redesigned Mariner small SUV and popular Milan sedan. The new Sable will help continue this momentum,” Codina adds. Sophisticated style brings the exterior to life Sable’s modern, distinctive look builds on the clean, modern design themes first introduced on the Mercury Mountaineer and that were further refined on the Milan and new Mariner. “Mercury customers tend to have a more unique sense of style,” says Moray Callum, director, Ford Car Design. “They have come to expect a different level of sophistication and refinement in the surface development, paint finishes and details like satin aluminum.” Sable’s clean, integrated front-end design centers on Mercury’s signature satin aluminum waterfall grille flanked by exquisitely detailed, jeweled projector beam headlamps that sweep up over the front fenders. Additional visual highlights at the front of vehicle include new chrome surrounds for the fog lamps and bright, satin aluminum caps on the side mirrors. Sable’s distinctive LED taillamps feature a predominantly white lens with red accent stripes. The new rear fascia has a cutout for the chrome-tips on the dual exhaust system, a visual cue that suggests more power under the hood. A chrome strip on the bottom edge of the deck lid provides a finishing touch. Cool and expressive accents sharpen the interior Complementing the clean exterior, a core attribute of Mercury design is a modern, airy interior. With Sable, this design direction comes to life in two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a more technical appearance, for example, can opt for Cyber Carbon, a deep, high-gloss accent that resembles carbon fiber. Alternatively, two modern wood grain accents – Guitar Maple or San Macassar – are available. Standard cloth seats wear an updated and modern graphic design while the Premier Series offers supple two-tone leather seats detailed with contrast stitching and featuring a new, more modern, perforated pattern. The rectangular shapes of the perforations are placed farther apart for a more progressive, contemporary look. The same pattern is repeated on the door panels. Customers attracted to clean, contemporary Mercury design are also very sophisticated in their technology needs. The 2008 Sable offers the right connection for driver and passenger alike. In addition to a standard auxiliary audio input jack, available convenience features include a voice-activated navigation system, a DVD entertainment system and factory-installed SIRIUS® satellite radio and Ford Sync™, a voice-activated hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system which fully-integrates mobile phones and digital media players. A comfortable, quiet driving experience A completely revised sound package gives the new Sable interior quietness that rivals many luxury cars. Technologies like expandable foam pellets in the A-Pillars and improved sound-deadening material in the doors, headliner and pillars help reduce interior noise levels Sable’s quiet and confident ride is delivered in part by a revised MacPherson-strut front suspension with 10 percent more travel, new dampers and spring rates, and a retuned independent coil-over rear suspension. A new power steering system uses an intelligent electric pump to provide extra steering assist for such tasks as parking, and dials down the assist when it’s not needed, for example, when cruising on the freeway. Sable features an award-winner, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a sharp, six-speed transmission. The Duratec 35 engine makes an estimated 260 horsepower, a nearly 30 percent increase over the outgoing Duratec 30, and 245 pound-feet of torque. The available all-wheel-drive system – similar to the system used on the new Mercury Mariner – features an electronically-controlled center coupling that can distribute exact amounts of torque from front to rear, up to 100 percent to either axle. The 2008 Mercury Sable’s real-world fuel economy, even with the additional power and performance, is expected to be similar to the outgoing Montego model – thanks mainly to advancements in powertrain technology. A clever, safe choice The new Sable is expected to be a segment leader in safety, capable of achieving five stars in all four categories for the U.S. government’s crash tests. AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control system is standard on all Sable models. Additional standard safety features includes dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side air bags for driver and front passenger, and Ford’s Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags for both rows of seats. A new steering wheel design recesses the airbag 15 millimeters farther away from the driver, for an added measure of safety.

2008 Ford Taurus See the 2008 Ford Taurus X See the 2008 Mercury Sable FORD STRENGTHENS CROSSOVER LEADERSHIP WITH INTRODUCTION OF NEW 2008 TAURUS X New Ford Taurus features more than 500 engineering changes, making it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer. 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 delivers an estimated 260 horsepower – an increase of nearly 30 percent from the previous engine. Standard electronic stability control and available all-wheel drive provide confident ride and handling in all weather conditions. Ford Sync™ offers new levels of connection, control, simplicity and personalization for electronic devices such as cell phones and MP3 players Taurus will reach showrooms this summer. CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - The 2008 Ford Taurus features more than 500 improvements that make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer. Highlights include new exterior styling, a new powertrain, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features – including standard electronic stability control – and structural upgrades to further enhance crash protection. “Customers will find the 2008 Taurus delivers more of what they are looking for, including a strong design, high-quality interior, power and performance, must-have features like Ford Sync and a great safety reputation,” said Cisco Codina, Ford’s group vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. The 2008 Taurus features Ford’s 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 that delivers an estimated 260 horsepower – an increase of nearly 30 percent from the previous engine – and 245 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to the same smooth shifting, six-speed automatic transmission as the new Ford Edge. Importantly to customers, even with more power and performance, the 2008 Taurus delivers real-world fuel economy similar to outgoing Five Hundred – thanks to advancements in powertrain technology. New exterior design is more emotional, more Ford The new look of the 2008 Taurus suggests the same proven emotional appeal of the popular Ford Fusion. The new Taurus features the Ford brand’s signature three-bar chrome grille, a sculpted hood with crisp accent lines and a new front fascia chamfered at the outer edges, adding more structure to the design. New taillamps carry a strong, horizontal theme to the rear, while a new rear fascia houses dual chrome-tipped exhausts. Chrome side vents, door handles and mirror caps give the high-line model a more expensive appearance. Ultra-quiet interior and plush ride Interior quietness is often associated with a customer’s perception of overall quality. For 2008 the Taurus team has delivered interior quietness that rivals many luxury cars. The new sound package includes such technologies as expandable foam pellets in the A-pillars to reduce wind noise and the use of an advanced sound-deadening material called Sonosorb™ in the doors, headliner and pillars. Sonosorb increases sound-deadening efficiency by 20 percent while retaining the same thickness as the material it replaces. Engineers also reduced road noise by stiffening the area where the rear package shelf meets the floor pan. Even the new climate control system is 50 percent quieter than before. Taurus’s plush, confident ride is further improved for 2008. Upgrades include revised shock towers that help increase front suspension travel by 10 percent, new dampers and springs in both front and rear, and a revised, retuned rear suspension. One of the most significant changes is how the engine is mounted in the vehicle. The engine was previously mounted to the front subframe. On the 2008 Taurus, the engine and transmission are bolted to the body with hydraulic mounts to reduce vibration. By moving the roughly 600-pound powerpack off the subframe, engineers were able to better tune the suspension and, ultimately, create an even better ride. Maximum convenience and space A large majority of customers shopping in the large car segment place front seat roominess as a key want (86 percent) while many also prioritize cargo capacity (63 percent). Answering these desires, the 2008 Taurus features the most spacious interior of any large sedan, with best-in-class legroom front and rear and 60/40-split fold-flat second-row of seats. With the fold-flat front-passenger seat, items up to nine-feet long can fit inside. Taurus also offers a number of must-have technologies. In addition to a standard auxiliary audio input jack, available convenience features include a voice-activated navigation system, a DVD entertainment system and factory-installed SIRIUS® satellite radio. Ford Sync™ is also available on the new 2008 Ford Taurus. Sync is a voice-activated hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system which fully-integrates mobile phones and digital media players. The Sync in-car communications system was developed in collaboration with Microsoft and will be offered exclusively on 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products in North America beginning this year. Building on safety leadership Research routinely demonstrates that safety features are at the top of customers shopping lists. For example, nearly 70 percent of shoppers are interested in side air bags and 65 percent are interested in electronic stability control. Both are standard on the new 2008 Taurus. With these standard features, the 2008 Ford Taurus is expected to be segment leader in safety, capable of achieving five stars ratings in all four categories for the U.S. government’s crash tests. Ford’s AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control system can predict the vehicle’s intentions using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied where needed to help keep the car tracking safely on its intended path. Additional standard safety equipment includes dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side air bags for driver and front passenger, and Ford’s Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags for both rows. For an added measure of safety, a new steering wheel design recesses the air bag 15 millimeters farther away from the driver.

2008 Taurus X See the 2008 Ford Taurus See the 2008 Mercury Sable FORD STRENGTHENS CROSSOVER LEADERSHIP WITH INTRODUCTION OF NEW 2008 TAURUS X 2008 Ford Taurus X is a full-size crossover with three rows of seating and Ford Edge-inspired exterior styling. Must-have features include one-touch, flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate. 44 percent better acceleration than the outgoing Freestyle, thanks to new 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed-automatic transmission. Standard electronic stability control and available all-wheel drive provide confident ride and handling in all weather conditions. Ford Sync™ offers new levels of connection, control, simplicity and personalization for electronic devices such as cell phones and MP3 players. New Taurus X will reach showrooms late this summer. CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - Unveiled today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, the 2008 Ford Taurus X is a full-size crossover that offers three rows of seating, a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission and a long list of standard safety equipment – including side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control. Innovative convenience features on the Taurus X include one-touch, flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate. The 2008 Taurus X will reach dealer showrooms in late summer 2007. “The three-row Taurus X is a key element in our broad crossover lineup and is a great complement to the popular, two-row Ford Edge,” says Cisco Codina, Ford’s group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. “Like Edge, the new Taurus X delivers confident design, good power and handling, and plenty of standard safety equipment. With Taurus X, customers get a roomy, interior that is flexible, functional and comfortable – in all three rows.” Bold, new look inspired by the Ford Edge The exterior design of the Taurus X picks up design cues from the Ford Edge, including the step-up headlamps and distinctive Ford three-bar chrome grille. The Taurus X also features a restyled hood, newly shaped front fenders and fascia along with headlamps and fog lamps mounted in new chrome surrounds. Taurus X sports a new rear fascia, Fusion-inspired taillamps, chrome dual exhaust tips and an available reverse sensing system. A new roof rack up top features a tougher, more rugged design. Also available for the first time on Taurus X is an Eddie Bauer branded series. Ford's relationship with Eddie Bauer over the last two decades has proven to be very popular with customers with a nearly 40 percent take rate of the series on both the Ford Explorer and Expedition. The Eddie Bauer series includes a unique two-tone paint scheme, standard 18-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels, wiper activated headlamps and an Eddie Bauer badge. Innovations improve an already versatile interior The 2008 Taurus X delivers the interior space and convenience features that customers shopping for a three-row crossovers are known to prioritize. Two new features set Taurus X apart: one-touch, flip-and-fold second row seats that provide easy access to the third row and an available power rear liftgate. Controls for the power liftgate are located on the center console, rear cargo area and on the key fob. With the Taurus X, the interior is as large and comfortable as it is flexible. It is available in 5- and 7-passenger configurations and offers exceptional visibility and space for all passengers because of the stadium style seating that places the third row higher than the second row. It can haul cargo as well. With the second and third row folded flat, Taurus X offers 85.2 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the first row. Fold the front passenger seat flat and Taurus X can accommodate items up to nine feet long. Must-have features include an available voice activated DVD-based navigation system and SIRIUS satellite radio. For entertainment, rear seat passengers can enjoy an available DVD player with a large, eight-inch screen and a clearer, brighter picture. Taurus X is also one of 12 new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products to offer Ford Sync™ – a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, this Ford-exclusive system fully integrates mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle. New powertrain transforms Taurus X At the heart of the 2008 Taurus X is Ford’s 3.5-liter Duratec 35 V-6 engine. It delivers an estimated 260 horsepower – an increase of nearly 30 percent over the previous engine. To manage the additional power and deliver sharper performance, the continuously variable transmission has been replaced with a six-speed-automatic gearbox that was developed in tandem with the Duratec 35. Even with the increase in power and torque, the 2008 Taurus X is expected to post real-world fuel economy numbers similar to the 2007 Freestyle, thanks to a more efficient powertrain and technologies like a fuel-saving electric power steering system. Final numbers, measured under the new-for-2008 EPA standards, will be released closer the vehicle’s on-sale date. Taurus X’s available intelligent all-wheel-drive system, new for 2008, is less complex than the system it replaces and similar to the Ford Edge AWD system. It incorporates an active, on-demand electro-mechanical center coupler to allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear, up to 100 percent to either axle. This system can also anticipate wheel slip before it happens. Under heavy acceleration, for example, the system will proactively allocate torque to the rear wheels before the front wheels begin to slip. Taurus X features a long list of standard safety features Taurus X is expected to earn five star ratings in all four categories of government crash tests, giving it leadership in passive safety. In terms of active safety, every 2008 Taurus X has standard anti-lock brakes and AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control, a feature nearly 70 percent of car shoppers are interested in according to Ford customer research. The AdvanceTrac system can predict the vehicle’s path using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, the system reduces engine torque and applies braking where needed to keep the car tracking safely on its intended path. The 2008 Taurus X features standard dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side air bags for driver and front passenger and Ford’s Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags for all three rows. The advance side air curtains feature “roll-fold” technology to enhance protection during an extended crash event. New reinforcements in the foot well area provide for better crash protection, while side impact protection is improved with pressurized crash sensors in the doors and redesigned interior door panels. The rise of the crossover segment Crossovers are part of the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the United States, outpacing even the remarkable growth SUVs achieved in the 1990s. CUVs surpassed traditional SUV sales for the first time last year, and they are on the way to 3 million sales annually by the decade’s end. Two distinct consumer trends have helped fuel the explosive growth of the CUV segment: car buyers seeking more spacious and flexible interiors along with the security of all-wheel drive, and traditional SUV buyers seeking more maneuverable and fuel-efficient vehicles that still make an active lifestyle possible. The three-row Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. To further underscore Ford’s commitment to leadership, the two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover – based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle – which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.

Oh, GOD these are AWESOME! :rotflmao:

Now Please continue in the following threads... Platform Information Press Release and Specifications Image Gallery

GM@Chicago Pontiac G8 Image Gallery 2008 Pontiac G8 Press Release & Specifications 2008 Pontiac G8 Platform Press Release

Since this is the 'G8 Teaser' thread, this will be closed as soon as full information is allowed to be release at approx 12:01AM. You may continue the discussion in one of the three new G8 press release. specs, and image gallery threads. Be sure to vote in the Image Gallery thread as well. Thanks!

GM@Chicago Pontiac G8 Press Release | Specs | Competitive Comparo 2008 Pontiac G8 Image Gallery 2008 Pontiac G8 Platform Press Release ALL-NEW G8 ACCELERATES NEW ERA OF REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE PERFORMANCE AT PONTIAC CHICAGO – Confirming its commitment to style and performance, Pontiac introduced a show car version of an all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in dealerships early next year. “With the balance of rear-wheel drive and the availability of V-8 power, the G8 represents another step in Pontiac ’s commitment to its performance DNA,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “Added to the Solstice and the recently announced additions of the G6 and Torrent to the GXP series, the G8 demonstrates that Pontiac has never been more serious about the business of performance – and we expect this vehicle to be very competitive in the segment, even against cars that cost far more.” The G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary. G8 GT Show Car Details The G8 show car unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show is representative of the production GT model, including use of the 362-horsepower (270 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine and optional six-speed manual transmission. The show car also features some unique items not found on the production model, including: Twenty-inch “shadow chrome” wheels and performance tires Ride height lowered approximately half-inch High-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers Custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash Exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey Concept of “modernized” Pontiac badge, to gauge public opinion. Production Model Details The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including: Four-wheel independent suspension Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control Electronic stability control 18-inch aluminum wheels (19-inch wheels available with sport package) Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows OnStar XM Satellite Radio Power-adjustable front seats Fog lamps Chrome exhaust tips Rear lip spoiler A sport package will be available for both models and adds features such as specific wheels – including 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT – a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals. Design The G8 has a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues, such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance. The design accents the car’s performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires and enhancing the sporting stance. Distinctive elements include hood scoops and front fender vents, as well as projector-beam headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, jewel-like taillamps also are mounted in housings and feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements. G8 models have red taillamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets, while G8 GT models feature clear taillamp lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips. All models have an antenna mounted at the rear of the roof. Powertrain The base G8 model receives a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 261 horsepower (194 kW). It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The G8 GT is powered by a uniquely configured 6.0L small-block V-8, rated at 362 horsepower (270 kW) and 391 lb.-ft. of torque (530 Nm). A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard and features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management system, which enhances fuel economy by alternating between eight- and four-cylinder power. An optional six-speed manual transmission will be available soon after launch. A limited-slip rear differential is standard with GT models. Suspension System A 114.8-inch (2915 mm) wheelbase, wide front ( 62.7 inches / 1592 mm) and rear ( 63.3 inches / 1608 mm) tracks, and a fully adjustable, four-wheel independent suspension system combine to give the G8 a confident, sharp driving experience. The four-wheel independent suspension system employs a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link coil-over-shock design in the rear. Tuning is specific between the base and GT models, but both models use a direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension. This system delivers increased lateral stiffness for enhanced handling. The front suspension features fully adjustable caster, camber and toe; the rear suspension has fully adjustable camber and toe, which enables more precise, tailored suspension tuning. Brake System A four-wheel disc brake system includes standard anti-lock and traction control features and is partnered with a standard electronic stability control system. Both the base and GT models feature vented front and rear disc rotors, with twin-piston alloy calipers in front; the rear brakes feature alloy calipers with single-piston actuation. The brakes are approximately one-inch larger on the higher-performance GT model. Interior Designed to meld form and function with world-class fit and finish, the G8’s interior delivers both comfort and convenience, packaged in a level of sophistication not often found in its price range. A driver-oriented instrument cluster positions the gauges for easy, direct line of sight; an electronic driver information center is located between the large, round tachometer and speedometer. Attention to detail includes jewel-like instruments, selective use of satin and chrome trim and rich-feeling, grained textures throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp, white light on the primary instruments and Pontiac ’s signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the instrument panel cluster. The seats offer firm support to hold occupants in place during aggressive cornering; all seats were designed to deliver excellent comfort during long drives. Cloth seating surfaces are standard, with heated leather seating available. G8 GT models will also offer an optional two-tone cloth or leather combination that pairs black with either red or blue inserts and color-matched instrument faces on certain exterior color combinations. Preliminary Specifications Competitive Comparison

GM@Chicago Pontiac G8 Platform Information 2008 Pontiac G8 Press Release & Specifications 2008 Pontiac G8 Image Gallery NEW GLOBAL REAR-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE IS THE FOUNDATION FOR THE ALL-NEW PONTIAC G8 CHICAGO – The 2008 Pontiac G8 performance sedan is built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture. With the input of Pontiac and GM North America, the G8 was developed in Australia, under the direction of Holden’s engineering department. Taking advantage of GM’s global centers of engineering expertise, a series of vehicle architectures are being developed that can be easily adapted to the unique vehicle requirements of various regions. For example, global truck architectures are being developed in North America while midsize vehicle architectures are created in Europe . “The rear-wheel drive engineering team has put together a simply spectacular car that captures the essence of Pontiac,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “We believe that the Pontiac G8 will rival competitors costing far more.” The Holden-engineered global rear-wheel drive architecture was designed to deliver world-class levels of strength and refinement, along with crisp driving dynamics, while serving as the foundation for vehicles sold in a wide variety of climates and road conditions around the world – from the desert-like desolation of Australia ’s Outback to the frost-heaved highways of North America ’s cold regions. “We set out to lift the bar on what could be achieved with quality and refinement,” said Tony Hyde, Holden executive director of engineering. “We have gone over this car time and time again to reduce gaps and margins, ensuring that every fit is crisp and tight.” For North American customers, the result is a tautly-designed rear-wheel-drive performance sedan that is ideally suited for Pontiac customers. “We spent many hours refining the chassis to create that unique blend of steering precision, vehicle balance and handling that we believe driving enthusiasts will love,” said Doug Houlihan, G8 chief engineer. Global, Balanced Architecture The new global rear-wheel-drive architecture used for the G8 was designed to accommodate production for both left-hand drive and right-hand drive markets around the world. To ensure durability for the vast array of driving conditions and climates, the new architecture was designed with a robust, protected electrical system, superior climate control system and noise/vibration-isolating suspension systems. Among the new architecture’s design attributes is a layout that promotes a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance ratio, thanks to design features that include a steering rack mounted ahead of the front axle, engines mounted low and rearward in the front chassis cradle and a rear-mounted battery. Stiff Structure GM’s new rear-drive architecture has an exceptionally strong unitized chassis/body structure, including advanced-strength steel used in more than 80 percent of its construction. This strong foundation enables several factors than benefit the G8’s driving experience, including smoother, more solid ride characteristics and more precise suspension tuning, as the stiffer structure allows engineers to tune the suspension without having to account for chassis flex. The stiff structure also enhances safety, as it helps absorb crash energy through a multiple load path strategy that includes optimized front-end and rear-end deformation zones. (See safety section below.) Chassis and Suspension A unique, four-wheel independent suspension system is integrated with the G8’s structure, and is the result of eight years of development. It uses the strength of the body structure to enhance the driving experience through optimized steering, handling and driving control. The G8 rides on a long, 114.8-inch (2,915 mm) wheelbase, with the wheels set wide on 62.7-inch (1,592 mm) front and 63.3-inch (1,608 mm) rear tracks. The front suspension features a multi-link, strut-type design that incorporates a direct-acting stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension uses a four-link independent design, with coil springs over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar. The front suspension uses a hydraulically damped bushing on the forward end of the tension link for improved ride isolation. The lateral link feature a rubber spherical joint that enhances lateral stiffness. Camber, caster and toe are fully adjustable. With the rear suspension, a high degree of lateral stiffness is achieved with the use of two lateral ball joints per side. A rubber-damped suspension frame further isolates the body structure from noise, vibration and road harshness. Steering and Braking The steering rack is mounted forward of the front axle centerline – with dual lower links and individual ball joints at the outer ends – which enhances the balanced feel of the car while also contributing to a more direct steering feel. Steering rates are tuned specifically for the V-6-powered base and V-8-powered GT models. Matching the vehicle’s handling and steering agility is a carefully tailored brake system that uses four-wheel discs sized to match each model’s performance. The higher-performance capability of the V-8-powered GT, for example, has larger brakes than the V-6 base model. The brakes are integrated with a standard electronic stability control system. The basic brake design for all models includes twin-piston front alloy calipers and vented disc rotors, and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented disc rotors. ABS is standard. Safety Safety was one of the foremost goals in the design of the G8’s architecture. It combines a sturdy, crash-absorbing body structure and state-of-the-art passenger protection technology. Examples of these elements include: Efficient, energy-absorbing front structure and a strong occupant safety cage Six standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags, thorax air bags for front-seat passengers and roof rail-mounted head curtain air bags for both seating rows Multiple air bag sensors: two electronic front sensors and two side-impact sensors, all connected to a sensing diagnostic module Front safety belts with load limiters and dual pretensioners Ride-down steering column and breakaway pedal system Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. An electronic stability control system is standard on all models, as is full-function traction control. These features bolster driver control during certain driving conditions, which can help avoid a crash. Safety development included tests that represented occupants ranging in size from a six-month-old baby to a 95 th percentile adult male. Sixty-one physical vehicle safety tests were performed with the variety of test dummies, which helped optimize the structure’s front and rear crush zones. Validation GM’s global rear-wheel-drive architecture underwent some of the longest and most stringent testing and validation procedures undertaken by General Motors, which helped ensure its strength, safety and reliability in markets around the world. These procedures included: More than 2.1 million miles (3.4 million km) of equivalent road evaluation Approximately 5,000 hours of virtual safety tests Seventy-nine physical safety tests Approximately 41,000 hours of electrical system tests Approximately 11,000 subsystem validation tests and activities Additional Details The G8’s new rear-drive architecture also incorporates a host of design and technology details that bolster comfort, convenience and quality. They include: A new electrical system that supports OnStar and XM Satellite Radio A rear-mounted battery that offers increased protection from the elements and improves vehicle weight distribution A contemporary “down and forward” instrument panel design that enhances outward visibility and provides a roomier, airy cabin environment An all-new climate control system with multiple heating/cooling ducts, up to 20 fan speeds in the base configuration, and infinite speed settings in the optional dual zone climate system A new family of premium radio systems with available color screen display A unique four-bar deck lid hinge design reduces trunk space intrusion for increased cargo capacity.

Don't worry. Sixty8 will be along shortly to post a pic of an Integra stuck in a tree...

Dates set for 2008 auto show The Detroit News Mark your calendar: Organizers have set the dates for the 2008 North American International Auto show at Cobo Center. Media preview days will be held Jan. 13-15. The preview for industry members is scheduled for Jan 16-17. The auto show's annual black-tie Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 18. After that, the general public may tour the show from Jan. 19- 27.