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Test Drive: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT Sedan

American muscle is back—no, Jason Giambi isn’t having an HGH relapse, but beastly U.S.-made cars are all the rage—fuel efficiency be damned. We took the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT out for a ride recently to see what the buzz is about.

After the jump, check out a photo gallery and read the full review.

PRICE: $31,245

SPECS:
Engine: 361hp, 6.0L V8

MPG: 15 city/24 mpg

RIDE: The sound of the engine alone lets you know that you’re in a powerful machine. Even if you don’t whip this thing crazy, just knowing that you have the ability to overtake just about anybody on the road is a good feeling. Steering wheel is on the heavy side but going 95 feels as quiet and tranquil as going 40.

INTERIOR: Sleek, dark, and minimal, with buttery soft leather seats. This vehicle is designed for people that truly enjoy driving, not for people who need bells and whistles inside their car to distract them. Plus, there’s loads of room in here for passengers and cargo. All that you really need.

AUDIO: It’s Blaupunkt, with a 230-watt amp and sub-woofers. Good enough.

WHIP APPEAL: This thing looks how it rides—like a beast. Shit, it looks like a damn Transformer. Strangely (at least in NYC), there aren’t a lot of G8s on the road (but a million fucking Dodge Chargers), so our Liquid Red number definitely turned the heads of pedestrians and fellow drivers…and po-pos as well. We definitely wouldn’t recommend this color to chronic speeders.

ONE MORE THING: No navigation—not even as an option—is a bummer. I mean, OnStar is cool and all, but we need that visual aid when we’re on unfamiliar terrain.

SUMMARY: It’s an awesome-looking muscle car with lousy fuel efficiency and an unmemorable interior. But regardless—it’s an awesome-looking muscle car.

RATING: 4/5