I was eager to check them both out in person and see for myself.

The G8 looks cool, but it hasn't been lost on me that it rides on a lower than stock suspension, has larger and more agressive wheels, tires and brakes than stock, has a fancier interior and non-factory paint - in short, it's a concept.

The CTS on the other hand is the real deal. Stock wheels. Stock ride height. Stock trim.

I wanted to take all of those things into account and just focus on the actual designs.

I pick CTS.

 

+1.

 

I like the back and sides of the CTS better than the G8, but I still can't warm up to the grille. On the other hand the hood scoops and Alteezas on the G8 are too gimmicky and make it look like it's trying too hard.

But overall I'd say the G8's design seems more mature and more cohesive, so I'll give it the edge.

 

I didn't much care for the CTS grill either. It's just alittle too much for me. But when I imagined the CTS getting the same treatment as the G8 concept: ie., lowered ride ht, 20" wheels, mesh grill, less chrome - I could imagine it being far more compelling than the G8.

 

To me, this question is irrelevent. Both cars are designed to attract different people. Chances are somebody that is interested in the all-new CTS, may not cross chop the G8.

Plus, as you said, one is a show car. The other is 100% production. Hard to compare the two.

 

They're both better than the Dodge Charger.

 

so is the current impala.

 

I could have sworn I saw a picture of the CTS whels that also showed the tire size. I believe it was wearing 19" wheels instead of the 18" production wheels. Not a big difference, but somewhat significant. I wonder if anything else was "optimized" for the NAIAS show car?

Here: (255/40 ZR19)
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-...-cts-1/127186/

To answer the original question, I think the CTS hits its target market better then the G8.

 

Well the CTS is priced higher, but I don't think there's anything radically different about these two cars that would segregate the market as cleanly as you say. Bottom line is that they are both RWD sport sedans that are almost identical in size.

But one could say the same thing about any other two similar GM cars that sold through different dealers. It's the nature of the beast.

 

I am going to say G8 vs CTS.

 

I like the look of the CTS better.

But I like the size(larger) the price(cheaper) and the engine(more powerful) of the G8 better.

So, I think I'd be more likely to go G8. But they are both very compelling vehicles.

 

CTS.

The G8 looks like somehting offered by the off shore competition in the mid-'90s.

 

Personally Im not blown away by either... But I think the CTS will do a lot more for Cadillac then the G8 will do for Pontiac.

The CTS has the same almost over the top bling factor that Escalade does... And while I have mixed feelings about that I definetly think its distinctly American and allows Cadillac to stand out next to the Europeans and Japanese.

The G8 on the other hand looks pretty much like every other Pontiac I can remember and while the performance may be there, I dont know if thats enough to radically reform Pontiacs image.

 

Id say G8. Only thing I would change on it is black out that bottom divider. 50/50 362hp for 27k? It looks good and performs. 4 dr so its somewhat practical. I just hope the 400hp version is offered. I hope we get the back up cam too. I think this car is going to be great for Pontiac. Solstice is cool but it has no trunk or my uncle would have bought one. I think this car will be the start of an image change.



I think I cant get into the new CTS look. The previous looked more sporty to me as this one looks more bulky. Im glad Im in the minority though, because I want GM to do well.

 

Wow. Tough call.
I'm fired up about both cars, even though I'm buying neither.

But given the question at hand, I think the G8 while being fantastically executed is a triple, and the CTS is a home run.