Scott Burgess: Auto review

2009 G8 GXP a grand epitaph for Pontiac

Pontiac's best sedan ever makes debut -- just before the venerable brand dies

The five stages of grief are slightly different in Detroit.

Denial: In Detroit, some are amazed a person might loathe Motor City's iron.

Anger: Directed exclusively at management.

Bargaining: Requires union representation.

Depression: With Michigan's delusional highs and apocalyptic lows, it's more like manic depression.

And acceptance: Hey, that's the same all over.

Maybe, that's why it's tough for me to accept that General Motors Corp. has filed for bankruptcy and will let the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP -- and the brand itself -- die.

Oh, how I wish for an epic battle -- the GXP breathing fire through its nostril-like dual hood scoops, holding foreign invaders at bay just long enough for the general and the cavaliers to arrive. Rage, rage against the dimming of the headlights. That would be a good death.

But alas, the postmortem will be a simple historical footnote ending in silent parking lots around the country.

We were just getting to know the G8 when its muscle-bound, 6.2-liter fuel injected V-8 packing brother showed up with GXP embroidered on the seats. It doesn't idle; it rumbles defiantly against a growing world of four-cylinders. The 402 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque under the hood is ready to shred the rear tires at the slightest encouragement.

Its unassuming looks may leave casual onlookers amazed as they watch the GXP's red-dotted tail lamps fade in the distance.

It's a stylish sedan, but not over the top. Instead of exaggerated swooping lines or bubbly fenders, the G8 takes a staid approach to its exterior. The 19-inch sticky summer tires fit snuggly into the wheel wells. The blacked out A-pillars make the glass look like it stretches all the way to the back of the car. The spoiler sticks closely to the rear deck lid. The four chrome tipped exhaust pipes hint at the car's power but don't give away too much. The tightly drawn hood scoops peek out from an otherwise flush hood.

Some cars brag in the parking lot. The G8 GXP doesn't need high-octane gasconade to blow the BMW 335i's doors off. It's got small block bravado and shut-up-and-drive confidence.

GXP backs up the bragging

It's also got an all-independent suspension specially tuned to help it handle all that power like Germany's best sports sedans. During the tuning, developers took the G8 GXP to the famed Nurburgring and completed the course in 8 minutes, 30 seconds, which puts it right between the BMW M5 and the Porsche Boxster S -- not bad company to ride with on the 13-mile track. The 114.8-inch wheelbase also helps level out the ride, while the 63.8-inch rear track gives it surefootedness through big sweepers and tight corners.

The variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering is exact at any speed. The suspension remains taut but not overly stiff. It allows for aggressive turn-ins and easy turn-outs. The 14-inch rotors on the front coupled with four-piston calipers allow for aggressive braking without losing control or quick overheating from bringing a two-ton machine to a full stop.

The six-speed manual transmission in my test vehicle (a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is standard) provides the perfect connection to the engine for the driver. Short throws and a heavy clutch add to the excitement.

The G8 GXP possesses more power and abilities under its sheet metal than anyone needs on America's streets. Zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a quarter mile time in 13 seconds flat. It feeds our gluttony for power and leaves every driver satiated with delight. The G8 is a beast disguised as a sedan, poised to crush cross-town traffic.

Plenty of room to zoom

The interior is equally satisfying. Part cockpit, part sedan, the G8 GXP melds the two into a performance package that can carry all of your friends.

The front bucket seats hold the driver and passenger in place and prevent them from rolling heavily in sharp turns.

There's also nearly as much room in the back (39.4 inches of legroom) as there is in the front (42.2 inches of legroom). The space means it's a true sports sedan with room for five adults.

The two analogue gauges behind the steering wheel and a well-lined dash that makes two semicircles that push all the way into the doors underscore the nicely laid out G8 interior.

While many Pontiacs in the near past have not impressed inside, the G8 nails what a car should be: The driving position is ideal; the lines of sight are excellent; and the noise level inside, good -- though you can't help but hear that big V-8 every time you hit the gas.

There's also a large trunk (17.5 cubic feet). This car can easily carry a foursome's golf bags to the country club in style.

While the G8 GXP includes some luxury features, such as Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation and XM satellite radio, it does not include a navigation system, something many drivers may expect. It does, however, include General Motors Corp.'s OnStar system, which provides a host of features including turn-by-turn directions and 911 calling for emergencies.

Most exciting Pontiac ever

There's a fine line on overloading a vehicle like this with too many high-tech gizmos and not making it feel luxurious enough. The G8 GXP is not merely about luxury, it's about performance. Pontiac doesn't claim to build posh vehicles. It doesn't say it builds fine living. It says it builds excitement.

The G8 GXP is the most exciting car ever to wear a Pontiac badge. Period.

And now it's going to die.

The G8 GXP carries the spirits of Pontiacs past -- the GTO, the Firebird, the Trans Am, and there may even be a little Grand Prix -- only the G8 GXP is better. Oh, there were loads of duds along the way as well, but no one focuses too much on the bad things at the wake. They remember the good times. Pontiac provided plenty.

Even Pontiac says this GXP is "the ultimate expression of Pontiac style and performance."

Indeed, but merely an epitaph, as tough as it is to accept.

sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217