Pontiac G8 to live on as Chevrolet Caprice

**6 Shooter** · 07-12-09, 11:56 AM

Importing the Australian-market Holden Commodore to America as the Pontiac G8 was arguably one of the smarter moves GM’s management made with regard to the Pontiac brand. But with the demise of the division at hand, Americans are once again without a large rear-wheel-drive sedan from The General. Or maybe not. If Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has his way, the G8 will become the new Chevrolet Caprice.

GM previously stated it would not rebadge the G8 as a Chevy, but rumors about its revival surfaced just over a month ago. A renewed role for Lutz at the company means he will likely push for the car to saved. “Lutz will take over,” GM Chief Financial Officer Ray Young told BusinessWeek. “If he concludes that there is a role [for the G8] to play, we’ll listen.”

But don’t take Young’s word for it. Mr. Lutz himself confirms the G8 will live on. “We decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet,” Lutz told Automobile. “It is kind of too good to waste.”

It’s unclear how quickly the new Caprice might come to market. Essentially, the G8 would only require new badges and a different grille. Of course, even designing a new grille takes time. It could be months before the new Caprice goes shows up in showrooms.

As for its overall appearance, we suspect it will look similar to the Lumina sold in Middle East markets (pictured). However, GM cannot use the exact same fascia because it is not designed to conform to U.S. safety regulations.

Article

**Remo** · 07-12-09, 01:52 PM

Dwayne.
If this works out it will be an outstanding car. Always loved the G8 but the Caprice body is very nice as well. Thanks for the info.
Remo

**jrose7004** · 07-12-09, 04:35 PM

I figured that it would become a Buick!

**KANE** · 07-12-09, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by jrose7004

I figured that it would become a Buick!

I was thinking Grand National...

**njlouc** · 07-12-09, 09:21 PM

DUH!!
Why dont they just leave it as a G8 and call it a chevy?? No biggie if the grille looks (somewhat

) like a Pontiac.
A few cheap badge changes would not be difficult then later they can change things more. Believe me they've done dumber things
I am sure that the customers would understand and would welcome the car as a genuine performance machine. BTW it would be an instant collectible as a Chev/Pont.

**jrose7004** · 07-12-09, 09:50 PM

It would have made a nice Cadillac sport model too!

**killain** · 07-13-09, 07:03 AM

The GM company would do themselves a big favor if the produced a 'Police Special' model. Back in 1995 just about every police department I know of or have seen used Chevy Caprice as thei standard patrol car, solid car and great police interceptor package. never understood why they discontinued the model ?

**6 Shooter** · 07-13-09, 08:12 AM

Back in Black? Pontiac G8 Could Live on as Chevy-Badged Cop Car

Posted April 29 2009
by Scott_Evans

It was recently reported that the death of the Pontiac brand could cost Australia's Holden as much as $1 billion a year due to lost G8 sales, but the Aussies may have a backup plan in the form of Commordore/G8 police cars.

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

**jrose7004** · 07-13-09, 08:20 AM

Coming to a rear view mirror near you!

**JohnZ** · 07-18-09, 12:44 PM

Not gonna happen - Lutz confirmed yesterday that there's no business case for it.

**njlouc** · 07-18-09, 12:54 PM

So sad. This is further confirming what I always suspected. (IMHO) The new GM seems to have its marching orders from the environmentalists to keep the car lines green.

**KANE** · 07-18-09, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by JohnZ

Not gonna happen - Lutz confirmed yesterday that there's no business case for it.

So sad.

Well, I guess that is what happens when you make a deal with the devil. For as long as the unions and the government are in charge, health care costs stay high, and the government creates business strategy- I'd say there isn't much business case for any performance cars, let alone the G8.

**6 Shooter** · 07-20-09, 10:29 AM

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...nto-chevy.html

Well - It sounds like really might be done this time!

L8TR - D

**jrose7004** · 07-20-09, 10:39 AM

If the everyone was saying GM's troubles were because they were building cars no one wanted to buy should wait a few years. I think no one will want to buy all of the green vehicles they're going to make.

**JohnZ** · 07-21-09, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by jrose7004

I think no one will want to buy all of the green vehicles they're going to make.

They don't have any choice as a manufacturer, and neither will you as a customer. The federal mandate for each manufacturer to meet a 35.5 mpg CAFE law by 2016 means that cars have to get 42 mpg, and 29 mpg for trucks. Some voters asked for "change", and now we're all going to get it, like it or not.

Know what a 42-mpg car looks like? Think Chevy Aveo, not Pontiac G8.