G8 GXP performance

[CosmicVagabond]

Can anyone give me some insight into performance differences between bonny gxp and the G8 GXP?

[J Wikoff]

G8 has 2 more gears, 2 more cylinders, 140 more hp, RWD. It goes faster, turns sharper, and stops shorter.

[nos4blood70]

Basically, in every possible measurable way, the G8 is better.

[CMNTMXR57]

Quite a bit.

Comparing a FWD platform to a RWD platform. Comparing a 4.6L Northstar V8 turning the front wheels through an automatic transaxle to a 6.2 LS3 V8, with a choice of auto or manual trans, running through the rear wheels. The G8 has excellent chassis dynamics, front Brembo brakes, etc... Also the car is larger in interior volume than a Bonneville. Especially the rear seat area. The G8 was made by GM's subsidiary, Holden of Australia. Some of this you may know, so just tell me to shut up if you know.

You're looking at a Bonneville GXP that would run mid to low 14's in the quarter mile, to a G8 GXP that runs it in low 13's to high 12's. The other thing, is the G8, being an LS motor, has an enormous aftermarket supporting it. So making it even faster is very easy. Our Bonneville GXP's, well, there isn't much out there other than DIY stuff and bastardizing other Bonneville and FWD STS parts to fit.

But the previous two pretty much hit the nail on the head.

[J Wikoff]

G8 does NOT have HUD, glove box light, autodim mirror, heated outside mirror, memory seats, auto leveling, washer fluid level sensor, reading lights, map lights unless you have a sunroof, and probably other stuff.

[nos4blood70]

A lot of weird things were not installed in G8s....

[CMNTMXR57]

Open to debate, but one of the reasons why was cost and the FX translation between AUD and USD. The last year or so it's been hovering in the $0.90 - $0.93 range. Meaning, even $1 AUD = $0.90 - $0.93 USD. Put into real numbers a $37k G8 GXP (which is what most were hovering at in USD when new), is the equivalent of $39,900 AUD. That's nearly $40k or nearly a $3k markup just due to FX translation.

So lets start adding on all those extra options to the car in AUD as that's where it's made. HUD, Heated steering wheel, digitial HVAC (what us GTO owners wanted as it was available on the Monaro), Navi, lane departure warning systems, autodim mirrors (as innocuous as this option would seem), start pushing the AUD price well above the $40k mark. Lets say $43k all in. $43,000 AUD converted to USD = $39,912. Or $40k USD before TTL. Most people were barking that the car at $37k was too much. No way were people going to pay nearly $3k more for options that while nice, aren't necessary for the most part. Instead GM picked what most wanted. Heated seats was one. Sunroof another, etc...

Again, that's not the whole reason why, but certainly plays a role. This is also a factor in them (GM) shuttering Holden. GMH was losing money to build them because of labor, then losing money on every car they were exporting out of Australia, and their own market was saturated, so they were reliant on international export.

Another thing to keep in mind, Holden doesn't just export to North America. They export to Europe and the Middle East. I seem to recall the AUD to Euro was 1:.60. Meaning, every $1 AUD was worth $0.60 in Euros... Yea, you're not having a good time having to lose millions on simple FX translations.

[CosmicVagabond]

Sounds like a G8 could be a more than worthy successor to my fading Bonny GXP.

[yourgrandma]

Would be nice to see a return to individual option selections. I'd like to be able to order a base model camaro with no carpet or radio but the big brembos, fo example.

[crash93ssei]

A V6 G8 is about on the same level performance wise as a Bonneville GXP, a G8 GT or GXP would flat out blow the doors of a Bonneville GXP in every way.

Personally I would have a hard time going with a Bonneville GXP over even a base G8 V6 yet alone a GT or GXP.

[00Beast]

I'd say a N* GXP could pull a little on the V6 G8, probably at the top end. 15 more HP, similar TQ IIRC. My GT will decimate the N* GXP, and forget about a G8 GXP. That keeps up with all the other modern muscle. If you can afford it, the G8 GXP is a pretty amazing machine. Otherwise, a GT is about $10k cheaper, and no slouch either. I love mine.

[CMNTMXR57]

Yes, it is MORE than a worthy successor to the Bonneville GXP.

Personally I would have a hard time going with a Bonneville GXP over even a base G8 V6 yet alone a GT or GXP.

Agreed, however, both are at significantly different price points right now. An average used Bonneville GXP is going to be ~$10k +/- some dependant on mileage and condition. Most V6 G8's are going to be high teens to low 20's, GT's low to mid 20's, and of course GXP's are high $20's to low to mid $30's. So a $32k used G8 GXP is 3.2x that of a Bonneville GXP. Or another way to put it... You could buy three nicer Bonneville GXP's to 1 G8 GXP.

So if you're on a budget...

[00Beast]

You can find a decent G8 V6 for under $15k. I paid just over 19k for my GT...

[CMNTMXR57]

Yours was higher mileage though. $15k isn't far away from $18k which is "high teens".

[CMNTMXR57]

And someone just bid another $100 on the PSM one posted in the lounge. It's now up to $27,600. Far from the reserve I bet.

[SSEiMan01]

And someone just bid another $100 on the PSM one posted in the lounge. It's now up to $27,600. Far from the reserve I bet.

Does that someone also have a Goat and an STS-V?

[00Beast]

[1tinindian]

G8 has 2 more gears, 2 more cylinders, 140 more hp, RWD. It goes faster, turns sharper, and stops shorter.

G8s are V-10s?

[CMNTMXR57]

And someone just bid another $100 on the PSM one posted in the lounge. It's now up to $27,600. Far from the reserve I bet.

Does that someone also have a Goat and an STS-V?

Are you kidding me... My luck would have it that his reserve would $25,599 and I'd actually win the *dang* thing then have to explain it to the Wife! If that were to happen, I might be moving in with one of you guys.

[J Wikoff]

G8 has 2 more gears, 2 more cylinders, 140 more hp, RWD. It goes faster, turns sharper, and stops shorter.

G8s are V-10s?

Oh right. Brain fart...