News From Pontiac: Pontiac G8 ST priced from low 30,000$ ; Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Concept hits 290hp ; Pontiac G8 GXP Street Concept has 7.4L V8 !

Pontiac has big strategies to take on other car makers. We first start with the Pontiac G8 ST. Which as you can see is an Australian Holden Ute. However, Utes also work in the U.S (remember the El Camino). So this re-badged Pontiac G8 ST should sell well in it rolls to dealers as early as next September. Specially that the price starts at 30,000$. Unlike the G8 sedan which starts with a 3.6L V6 , the ST gets the 6.0L V8 as standard with 361hp and 385lb.-ft. of torque. Which should easily let you hold up your gears and tow a caravan or a motorbike all at the same time, just like any other pick-up truck. However unlike any other truck, this sits low to give a stiff suspension setting, and gives in a sporty cache. Lets see next September if the ST can really break up its rivals.

Next, Pontiac's successful Solstice. Since it was out, Pontiac always show every year a new special edition concept. The Solstice GXP-R was revealed in 2006, and then single-seat Solstice SD-290 Concept, last year. For this year, GM's line of performance parts will be shown on the Solstice in coupe form for the first time when the Solstice GXP Coupe Concept is officially unveiled next week in Las Vegas. This customized Solstice shows off GM Performance Parts' Stage 2 performance kit , intake kit, and cat-back exhaust system that boosts horsepower from 260 to 290. The car also features a sportier suspension system, exterior graphics kit, customized leather-trimmed seats, race-style pedal covers, and an iPod interface. More details and live photos soon to come when it debuts at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show.

Finally, another G8. Though, this isn't any G8. This G8 GXP Street Concept has GM's new LSX454 crate engine. Which is a 7.4L V8! We haven't seen such "big" V8s since the 1960s. This naturally-aspirated fire blower gives out a 'Vette ZR1-matching 638hp and 600lb-ft torque, which gives it the crown of "muscle-car sedans". Other than the monstrous engine, the G8 GXP SC gets stiffer springs and the brake package from the CTS-V as well as 20-inch black chrome wheels. The exterior has been given an aggressive face-lift with a new front fascia with unique upper and lower grilles and a rear fascia that incorporates a diffuser and performance exhaust system. Inside are custom leather seats and a new gauge cluster. More details and plenty of photos are soon to come.

Source : [GMInsideNews.com]