Sorry G8 GT, You Don’t Get A Stick Shift. But GXP Does!

After the CarDomain editorial team had dinner with Bob Lutz last week, I teased you with the revelation that the G8 GT would be getting an optional 6-speed manual. Guess what: I was totally wrong! In addition to whipping the G8 community into an absolute frenzy and providing massive unintentional link-bait, the mistaken "news" drew a response from Manager of Pontiac Communications Jim Hopson, who confirmed that the manual shift is in fact going the way of the dinosaurs, even in Pontiac’s flagship muscle car. (But, the silver lining: the GXP will get the coveted six-speed). The ones who really lose out are G8 enthusiasts like those at the GM Inside News forum, who are now heartbroken after my fuckup boosted their hopes for a truly cool affordable G8 and are threatening to go buy Subarus. Sorry to mess with your emotions, guys. Bob Lutz must’ve been hella sloshed to throw out a patently false doozie like that one. Oh no, wait—that was me! Check out Pontiac’s damage control after the jump.

Thanks, G8 Nation, for sorting it out!

Subject: Re: 2009 G8 GT / 6 Speed Manual

Sender: Jim Hopson

Recipient: g8@g8nation.com

Date: Today 08:11

Unfortunately, this is not correct. We still intend to offer the six-speed manual transmission as an option on the GXP model released late this year, however we have no current plans to offer the manual tranny on any other G8 model. It’s possible there was some confusion over the GT vs. GXP, but I’m glad you wrote and asked for clarification.

In fact, please feel free to ask any questions you’d like in order to quell the rumors that may pop up on the forums. G8 Nation is one of the premier sites for the G8 on-line and I want you to have the most current information.

Regards,

Jim Hopson
Manager, Pontiac Communication