2009 Pontiac G8 GXP priced at $39,995, ST dead?

Nothing like a little good news offset by some bad news in the same day. On a positive note, Pontiac has announced that it's BMW-like G8 GXP will start out at a very reasonable $39,995.

That price includes a $1700 gas guzzler tax and $685 destination fee in the base automatic equipped sedan. The six speed manual will cost an additional $695, and seriously, who wouldn't opt to row their own?

Fuel economy is of course not stellar, coming in at 13mpg city and 20mpg on the highway. But of course there is a price to pay for all that pavement scorching fun, especially as you repeatedly outrun more expensive and exotic cars in stoplight mayhem. All with three passengers comfortably in tow.

And, now for the bad news. Much to the chagrin of El Camino lovers everywhere, the G8 ST will likely live a short life. There have been several rumors coming out of Detroit, along with hints that GM would kill Pontiac altogether. There has also been speculation that it would indeed live on, but only with around half of it's current lineup.

Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, has stated that the G8 sport trucks lifespan could be short, saying "We would be foolish if we didn't take a second look at whether or not that is the right thing to do."

In a separate article, Docherty goes even further and suggests Pontiac's lineup could be pared down from six vehicles to a single nameplate. According to Docherty, "We are not going to spend tons of money on product development" for Pontiac and that the Pontiac Torrent will be dropped for 2009.

So what will Pontiac be selling? According to Docherty, the G8 is the most likely candidate for GM's performance brand, and that the ideal future for Pontiac would be "very focused, very specialty or niche."

Pontiac G8 ST Concept

Pontiac's G8 will most likely not be used for hauling feed on the old cattle ranch. The concept is more utility with sport, like the El Camino of old. GM was thinking more about hauling ass than anything when designing it's concept G8 ST for SEMA.

the concept has been dolled up with goodies that may make it to the GM Accessories catalog once the G8 ST goes on sale in late 2009. The most visible enhancements are on the outside. The paint is called Liquid Hot, and custom 20-inch wheels handsomely stuff the fenders.

Making the car look more menacing is a reduced ride height, too. Inside, interior tweaks dress up the seats, the steering wheel and the shift knob with red inserts, and GM Accessories is contemplating making the custom interior trim kit and hard tonneau cover on the SEMA car available for purchase.