If you have not driven a G8....do so...now...
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
I agree. The AWD really soaks up the power and adds weight too. I drove an AWD GDI CTS, it felt like a slug compared to my 50 hp less CTS.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 801
From: New York
To be clear, I didn't get much "cornering" time in either car.
At Indy, you left a small parking lot, entered a small portion of the road course (like, 3 turns). In this little bit of track, both cars felt good, but you really didn't have any speed in these turns. Then you drove on access roads until you came back to the road course (the straight-away portion).
They have you wait a bit there, then turn onto the straight and wait some more (until the car ahead cleared the track). It's just like planes waiting in line while taxi-ing and taking off.
When the rep gave you the go ahead, you could floor it. They wanted you to let off at the 3rd cone, which wasn't very far. I held the CTS & the G8 to the wood until the foot bridge. Those at Indy know what I'm talking about.
The CTS just didn't have any oomph. It felt like it was struggling for air. I was shocked and disappointed. I learned later from elieSS that the CTS was an AWD car and that may have been why the car seemed sluggish.
The G8 on the other hand burst out of the gate and that V-8 pulled hard to red-line in every gear (I made the shift to 4th, BTW). The engine screamed and that thing pulled like a freight train. I was really impressed with the engine in the G8.
But I like the interior of the CTS better. That's why I say if they took the G8 motor, put it into a RWD CTS, and add the M6, that would be about perfect.
At Indy, you left a small parking lot, entered a small portion of the road course (like, 3 turns). In this little bit of track, both cars felt good, but you really didn't have any speed in these turns. Then you drove on access roads until you came back to the road course (the straight-away portion).
They have you wait a bit there, then turn onto the straight and wait some more (until the car ahead cleared the track). It's just like planes waiting in line while taxi-ing and taking off.
When the rep gave you the go ahead, you could floor it. They wanted you to let off at the 3rd cone, which wasn't very far. I held the CTS & the G8 to the wood until the foot bridge. Those at Indy know what I'm talking about.
The CTS just didn't have any oomph. It felt like it was struggling for air. I was shocked and disappointed. I learned later from elieSS that the CTS was an AWD car and that may have been why the car seemed sluggish.
The G8 on the other hand burst out of the gate and that V-8 pulled hard to red-line in every gear (I made the shift to 4th, BTW). The engine screamed and that thing pulled like a freight train. I was really impressed with the engine in the G8.
But I like the interior of the CTS better. That's why I say if they took the G8 motor, put it into a RWD CTS, and add the M6, that would be about perfect.
...I actually caused the rep riding with me to do the "panic-grab" for the door/armrest when I went through the turns with both cars...
And the G8 rep asked if I wanted the traction control on or off on that straightaway.
The G8 was definitely quicker -- there's no doubt about that. It was very fun - so I agree with your conclusion about that car. It had much more pull than the CTS, but not as much as I expected...maybe that's why I 'remember' what I do.
My impressions were than both cars felt about the same to me in terms of driving experience. The only fault I could accuse the CTS of was being slower in acceleration.
Because of that, I came away wishing they had the 304-horse CTS instead of the base-engine.
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Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 4,320
From: Memphis
I've sat in the G8 and the A5/A4 and the interior materials and assembly are on two completely different levels. Yes the G8 has a somewhat Germanic feel to its interior but then again my 335i has a very German interior but it's nowhere near as nice as on the A5.
What I'm saying is just because it's german doesn't automatically make it good, and just because it may be a german parts supplier doesn't mean it's the same as any other german parts supplier. Even if it's from the same supplier, suppliers can put out very different quality of parts depending on what's being asked of them and what the part cost is.
Maybe it's the sport suspension or 18" wheels or just a culmination of all of the above but when I had a 328i loaner car it road sooo much smoother than mine. Of course it was still on RFTs.
Last edited by Threxx; Jan 30, 2009 at 01:05 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,698
From: USA
I don't think you can tell that at all. They're not the same bits even if the layout or look is somewhat similar in some areas... I assure you if you put them side by side in real life you'd fine up close they're very different parts.
I've sat in the G8 and the A5/A4 and the interior materials and assembly are on two completely different levels. Yes the G8 has a somewhat Germanic feel to its interior but then again my 335i has a very German interior but it's nowhere near as nice as on the A5.
What I'm saying is just because it's german doesn't automatically make it good, and just because it may be a german parts supplier doesn't mean it's the same as any other german parts supplier. Even if it's from the same supplier, suppliers can put out very different quality of parts depending on what's being asked of them and what the part cost is.
I've sat in the G8 and the A5/A4 and the interior materials and assembly are on two completely different levels. Yes the G8 has a somewhat Germanic feel to its interior but then again my 335i has a very German interior but it's nowhere near as nice as on the A5.
What I'm saying is just because it's german doesn't automatically make it good, and just because it may be a german parts supplier doesn't mean it's the same as any other german parts supplier. Even if it's from the same supplier, suppliers can put out very different quality of parts depending on what's being asked of them and what the part cost is.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,698
From: USA
The issue with the G8 is the X-pipe design and the tune. The X-pipe is restrictive and the car has a ton of mufflers to make the AFM drone go away. The tune on the car is also set up for fuel economy...and has a crap ton of TQ management.
The guys doing Long tubes and a tune are picking up as much as 40HP at the wheels on these cars..which is huge for just those two mods.
The guys doing Long tubes and a tune are picking up as much as 40HP at the wheels on these cars..which is huge for just those two mods.
I was at Indy. That's where I drove the two.
...I actually caused the rep riding with me to do the "panic-grab" for the door/armrest when I went through the turns with both cars... And the G8 rep asked if I wanted the traction control on or off on that straightaway.
The G8 was definitely quicker -- there's no doubt about that. It was very fun - so I agree with your conclusion about that car. It had much more pull than the CTS, but not as much as I expected...maybe that's why I 'remember' what I do. My impressions were than both cars felt about the same to me in terms of driving experience. The only fault I could accuse the CTS of was being slower in acceleration.
Because of that, I came away wishing they had the 304-horse CTS instead of the base-engine.
...I actually caused the rep riding with me to do the "panic-grab" for the door/armrest when I went through the turns with both cars...
And the G8 rep asked if I wanted the traction control on or off on that straightaway.The G8 was definitely quicker -- there's no doubt about that. It was very fun - so I agree with your conclusion about that car. It had much more pull than the CTS, but not as much as I expected...maybe that's why I 'remember' what I do.
My impressions were than both cars felt about the same to me in terms of driving experience. The only fault I could accuse the CTS of was being slower in acceleration.Because of that, I came away wishing they had the 304-horse CTS instead of the base-engine.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,154
From: All around
Why not offer the same transmission that the Camaro gets with that motor too???
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,712
From: Ontario
I test drove a 2008 RWD CTS with the DI V6 before I bought the G8, and it was a great car except a little too underpowered. It felt about the same quickness as my 2004 CTS which had 40 fewer ponies. But the interior was light-years ahead of the G8's and was almost enough on its own to make me want to buy one (I actually find the G8's interior a little on the cheap side). The CTS's chassis also felt a little more refined and planted than the G8s, but it's a minor difference and the G8 is by no means a slouch. Of course the Caddy was also $7000 more than the G8.
Overall the G8 really is one of the best deals in the automotive world right now. About the only car I'd realistically replace it with would be a 2-year-old 2009 CTS-V (so that I could afford it by that time).
Overall the G8 really is one of the best deals in the automotive world right now. About the only car I'd realistically replace it with would be a 2-year-old 2009 CTS-V (so that I could afford it by that time).
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
I test drove a 2008 RWD CTS with the DI V6 before I bought the G8, and it was a great car except a little too underpowered. It felt about the same quickness as my 2004 CTS which had 40 fewer ponies. But the interior was light-years ahead of the G8's and was almost enough on its own to make me want to buy one (I actually find the G8's interior a little on the cheap side). The CTS's chassis also felt a little more refined and planted than the G8s, but it's a minor difference and the G8 is by no means a slouch. Of course the Caddy was also $7000 more than the G8.
Overall the G8 really is one of the best deals in the automotive world right now. About the only car I'd realistically replace it with would be a 2-year-old 2009 CTS-V (so that I could afford it by that time).
Overall the G8 really is one of the best deals in the automotive world right now. About the only car I'd realistically replace it with would be a 2-year-old 2009 CTS-V (so that I could afford it by that time).
I think that you summed it up perfectly.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,398
From: Fairfax Station, VA. Formally Long Island :(
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,398
From: Fairfax Station, VA. Formally Long Island :(
And yes, from a handling point of view, the G8 GT winds hands down. I could even feel that from a brief test drive and then hopping back in my GTO. Regardless, I don't think many people will be buying this 4-door, 4000 lbs car for its handling, but it doesn't hurt any. I still prefer my GTO although tha may change with the G8 GXP.
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,224
From: CNY
I test drove a 2008 RWD CTS with the DI V6 before I bought the G8, and it was a great car except a little too underpowered. It felt about the same quickness as my 2004 CTS which had 40 fewer ponies. But the interior was light-years ahead of the G8's and was almost enough on its own to make me want to buy one (I actually find the G8's interior a little on the cheap side). The CTS's chassis also felt a little more refined and planted than the G8s, but it's a minor difference and the G8 is by no means a slouch. Of course the Caddy was also $7000 more than the G8.
Overall the G8 really is one of the best deals in the automotive world right now. About the only car I'd realistically replace it with would be a 2-year-old 2009 CTS-V (so that I could afford it by that time).
Overall the G8 really is one of the best deals in the automotive world right now. About the only car I'd realistically replace it with would be a 2-year-old 2009 CTS-V (so that I could afford it by that time).
However, I just sat in a brand new CTS-V at the car show yesterday. Was not impressed with the seats. They were very hard and very tight. Maybe I'm just getting too old, but I didn't like those seats. And what's up with the steering wheel in the CTS? It's not leather wrapped. It has a...fabric on it or something. It may have been suede, but it didn't feel like it. Maybe a microfiber? Whatever it was, I didn't like it.
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Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 4,320
From: Memphis
You're the same guy who used to argue with me that his Pontiac Grand Prix's interior used great materials and was well made.
Look... I understand there are differences of opinions and all and I respect that, but I have a hard time believing your opinion isn't the product of bias when you say some of the things you say.
You will never hear me telling anyone that my 3 series' interior is something to get excited over, and I can't wait to sit in the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse when it comes out... the interior looks fantastic. I'm not saying this because I'm pro-german and anti-American, I'm honestly just calling it like I see it. Maybe you're doing the same, but it just doesn't seem that way.
Exactly how I felt.
However, I just sat in a brand new CTS-V at the car show yesterday. Was not impressed with the seats. They were very hard and very tight. Maybe I'm just getting too old, but I didn't like those seats. And what's up with the steering wheel in the CTS? It's not leather wrapped. It has a...fabric on it or something. It may have been suede, but it didn't feel like it. Maybe a microfiber? Whatever it was, I didn't like it.
However, I just sat in a brand new CTS-V at the car show yesterday. Was not impressed with the seats. They were very hard and very tight. Maybe I'm just getting too old, but I didn't like those seats. And what's up with the steering wheel in the CTS? It's not leather wrapped. It has a...fabric on it or something. It may have been suede, but it didn't feel like it. Maybe a microfiber? Whatever it was, I didn't like it.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 380
From: Gretna (Omaha), NE
Welcome to the club! Red was my first choice but I went with Black due to availability at the time.
I absoluty LOVE this car... seriously, I'm very passionate about it and have promoted it every chance I get.
my only bitch about it is the paint quality... it picks up rock chips like a bitch! i've heard GM is looking into this and I hope they do.
Other than that... Everyone should drive one! it's an awesome car!
I absoluty LOVE this car... seriously, I'm very passionate about it and have promoted it every chance I get.
my only bitch about it is the paint quality... it picks up rock chips like a bitch! i've heard GM is looking into this and I hope they do.
Other than that... Everyone should drive one! it's an awesome car!
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 538
We're extremely satisfied with ours as well. While we're not a German fans, even after being a previous owner, the G8 sure does go toe to toe extremely well at a great price point. No it isn't the most luxurious cabin in the world, but it's far from shameful, matter of fact it's quite nice, again at the price point there's not much that touches the entire package.
Braking performance on this car is awesome.
Braking performance on this car is awesome.