I don't have those numbers handy, but anectotally, I believe that the GP GXP made up a pretty large percentage of "retail" sales. And I sure see alot of Impala SS's around.

And yes, even heavily torque managed, these V8's may not be ideal in this specific package. BUT....from a marketing point of view, the rumble and cache of a V8, brought some value. And that was the whole reason behind them.

 

Make no mistake it was entirely intended to keep customers from jumping to the lx cars with the hemi. GM saw the large percentage of cars rolling out the doors with hemis and did not want to lose out. They also did not want to lose market share because they did not have a v8 in their large sedan. Since then the climate has changed and the hemi sedans are not so hot.

 

I've read that only 1% of Impalas come with a V8. And the Monte Carlo and Grand Prix were of course canceled.

I can understand the marketing logic, I guess, but the V8 still seemed like a stop-gap to keep the W-bodies somewhat fresh until they can get the replacements out (with a hipo V6) .

 

GP was replaced with the G8, with a V8 option and the Impala was supposed to be replaced with a V8 option car too. MC will be replaced with a V8 option car (Camaro) and the only reason LaX was not is because it moved to Epsilon (with the new Invicta)

 

They did sound right.

It must be regional, as I rarely see a V8 W-car around here. The only one I can specifically remember was a rental, though it's not like I'm on the lookout. On the other hand, about the only W-cars I see around here are rentals. I do see quite a few 300s and Chargers, though, among the BMWs and Priuses.

The G8 seems to be selling well. I think that American cars need RWD to sell here in California. Otherwise, most people just buy a Camry or Accord. The G8's competition is Lexus, Infiniti, BMW.

 

The W-cars are being replaced by Epsilon (G6, Malibu, 'Invicta', new Impala). G8 and Camaro are a different segment all together.

Anyway, compare Camry/Avalon V6 sales to Impala/LaCross V8 and I'm sure it ain't a pretty picture.

 

When I was in Austin for the month of March, I thought I saw a disproportionate amount of Grand Prix GXPs. I haven't really noticed very many V8 Wcars in the greater Houston area.