2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

In the mid-2000s, GM product boss Bob Lutz wanted to infuse Pontiac with rear-wheel-drive excitement — and the solution was found Down Under. Holden, Australia’s GM subsidiary, was famous for dropping the General’s powerful powertrains into impressively engineered performance cars. So just after Pontiac’s first Aussie import — the 2004–06 GTO — hit our shores, the 2008–09 G8 GT sport sedan hit a home run.

Based on Holden’s Commodore, the rear-drive G8 GT wore classic long-hood, short-deck styling with aggressively flared fenders, a rear spoiler, and Pontiac’s signature hood scoops. And it was blessed with powerful disc brakes and a highly capable, fully independent suspension that made the most of its Corvette-based V8.

But Pontiac wasn’t done: in 2009, it marked the end of G8 production with a low-production, high-performance variant called the G8 GXP. Equipped with a 6.2L LS3 V8, the GXP sent 415 horsepower to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, helping it blast to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds. And a firmer suspension, larger Brembo brakes, and unique wheels and tires improved handling and braking over the already impressive G8 GT.