Pontiac

Our resident critical artist Lee Quinones is in awe of the Pontiac GXP.

If Pontiac was to go out with a bang on the eve of their demise from the GM landscape, then the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP was the golden child that was just a tad too late. The minute I sat in this thing, it demanded it be driven, and drive it I did. It read to me as in, “I’m taking you out for a spin, Human!”

The interior was crazy comfortable and firm. The leather seats were set to make you feel planted for all the torque in store right in front of you with tasteful and young design on their backs and headrest. The leather steering wheel was formed semi elliptical style for a firm grip by the hand. The six speed shifter was short for quick throws between the cogs and had a vintage Hurst shifter feel to it. Blaupunkt stereo system was endless in sound and quality. The knobs were fairly easy to see and grab at while even shifting the manual transmission. LOL.

The real stereo surround sound didn’t miss a beat though was the exhaust note exiting out of the dual stainless tipped tips out back. It was pure Muscle car music to the keen ear. Just a little wide on the go pedal announced your presence and maybe no horn needed to make heed.

AC system was north pole cold to the max. The Brembo brakes and the sport suspension hip bones on all fours were stern enough to bring the blitz of the 6.2 L to a screech with out looking like a geek. Even a bad driver would look good in a whoa situation.

This 6.2L Sequential fuel injected mill gave any one driving it bragging rights as it could rev rather crisp and steady, yet not fast to reach the red line like a solid cammed motor. Strangely enough, there was no red line indicator on the tach or rev limiter installed. Was this a green light to go red? Fast? It was FAST as in Fast Achieving Street Tyranny.

The limited slip differential with its unknown gear ratio ( Because car companies dare not to tell those numbers anymore) planted the rubber well and gave the 19″ wheels the old school wide track feel that made the Pontiacs of yore so world famous. Last but not least was the body shell, or lack of it. The dual hood nostrils were cool but the rest needed some CPR in muscle car appeal. Give it some curves while keeping it boxy as well via a good two door design platform and you’ve got a GTO meets GXP meets Firebird meets Super Duty winner all the way to the podium.

Much respects to the Poncho tribe as you have made quite some noise from 1964 till now. Rest in Peace till you are resurrected again. Hire me as the visual consultant and we will rule the streets and hearts once again baby.

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