The first in what is expected to be a long line of rear-drive passenger cars based on GM’s global Zeta architecture—future iterations include the Chevrolet Camaro, Impala and the Chinese-only Buick Royaum—the Pontiac G8 began life as the Holden Commodore SS-V. According to GM product development czar Bob Lutz, the G8 “would not have seen the light of day in the United States without the changes we have made in global product development.” Slated to go on sale in early 2008 after the vehicles arrive from their manufacturing point in Australia, the G8 will feature a base 3.6-liter V6 engine with 261 horses or an optional 6.0-liter V8 with 362 horsepower. Sales will be limited to approximately 30,000 units annually until the Zeta platform begins production in North America when the Chevrolet Camaro and Impala are launched in 2009.—KMK