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Until now, Crocodile Dundee, Nicole Kidman and all things Outback (the name of the restaurant and the popular Subarus) would seem to be the best exports to come out of Australia.
Now add to that list Pontiac’s new rear-wheel-drive sedan, the G8.
After years of continental isolation, General Motors is finally starting to leverage the engineering prowess of its overseas subsidiaries. The Saturn Astra and Aura and Chevrolet Malibu are all based on platforms that originated in Europe. Previously, GM mined its Australian connection for the modern version of the Pontiac GTO. Unfortunately, GM rushed that car to production and it suffered from the lack of development time.
There would appear to be no such shortcoming with this latest Ponttiac from down under. The G8 is a shockingly good sedan that might just help GM regain its footing after several tough years.
One of the most surprising aspects of the G8 GT tested here is that it seems to mimic what we’ve come to expect from the Germans, despite its Aussie roots. In fact, anyone looking at BMW’s 5-series, might want to consider saving 10s of thousand of dollars by taking a look at this Pontiac. Yeah, mate, it’s that good.
To start, it’s available with a trio of fantastic engines. Standard is GM’s outstanding 3.6-liter V-6 producing 256 horsepower and mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The GT tested here comes standard with a 362-horsepower 6.0-liter V-8 also with six automatic gears. For those who want even more performance, wait for the upcoming GXP with its 415-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8. It will be available with the six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
G8s start at $29,000 (all prices include destination) with the V-6. GTs start at $32,505, allowing GM to claim it as the most powerful car for under $30,000. GXP begin at 38,360.
The 6.0-liter V-8 in the test car is tuned a bit differently than the V-8s in most American cars. Instead of the strong V-8 rumble, the G8’s exhaust note is more subdued. It’s still an enthralling soundtrack.
Where the G8 really shines is on twisty roads. The fully independent suspension allows for a good ride but still manages to offer athletic cornering moves. The 18-inch wheels wearing 245/50 series rubber maintain excellent grip with the help of standard stability control and traction control.
The steering has more feedback from the road than any GM vehicle in memory. Could it really be this good? It even cruises easily and comfortably on the freeway.
The G8’s goodness continues inside. The austere black interior seems like it would be right at home in a German sports sedan, right down to the Blaupunkt stereo. In fact, that stereo is just the first clue that this isn’t a typical GM interior. Sitting down in most GM vehicles is like slipping on your favorite sweater. There’s an air of familiarity. You instantly know where everything is and it’s easy to get comfortable.
Step inside the G8 and it’s apparent that GM’s Australia unit doesn’t have the same suppliers for things like wiper stalks and heat controls as GM North America uses. It’s not a criticism. But when you go for your test drive, just remember that it’s going to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with all of the controls.
There are a few elements in the interior which feel a little flimsy, such as the lid on the center console bin, but there’s nothing to recommend against it. The seats are relatively stiff — this is a sports sedan, afterall — but still comfortable. Note of full disclosure: My wife thought the seats were too stiff and didn’t like the knob at the base of the seat that changes the seat angle. While it is difficult to reach, it offers more adjustment than other manually operated GM rake adjustments. She also thought the large “B” pillar — the one between the doors — blocked the view when looking for the blindspot. I didn’t think it was a problem, but I did think the “A” pillar — the one between the driver’s door window and the windshield — was excessively wide.
The styling features many long-standing Pontiac cues with tasteful elements such as a small spoiler on the trunklid that give it a sporting look. The basic wedge shape suggests motion and speed.
Well, now all that sounds just grand, eh mate? So is there anything for a bloke to to criticize? Well, at 15 mpg, the city mileage isn’t so great. The V-8 features cylinder deactivation, essentially turning the engine into a 3.0-liter four cylinder under light loads, which helps the G8 achieve 24 mpg on the highway, which is nice, but that city number is an issue.
Five years ago, those mileage figures would hardly cause buyers to think twice about looking at the G8. But right now, many buyers are leaning toward high fuel mileage vehicles instead of thirsty V-8 performance sedans.
This G8 is just outstanding, but it’s day may have passed. Before the recent escalation in gas prices, the G8 would have had those who love big, American-nameplate rear-wheel drive sedans dancing in the streets. Oh, Pontiac should sell quite a few of them. But now a lot of potential G8 buyers might be looking at something that uses a little less fuel.

How it rated (1-5 stars, 5 being best)
performance ****
interior ****
handling *****
styling ****
overall ****

Good: Excellent ride/handling compromise, terrific refinement
Bad: City gas mileage rating out of step with current desire to use less fuel
Bottom line: Five years too late, but GM finally learns to leverage its global engineering power

• Base price: $29,000
• Price as tested: $32,760
• Powertrain: six-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 6.0-liter V-8
• Horsepower: 361
• Curb weight: 3,995 pounds
• MPG: 15 city, 24 highway
• Built: Elizabeth, Australia

This review originally ran in The Flint Journal and at www.mlive.com