GM has targeted the 2010 model year for the introduction of a sporty new sedan. GM is considering a V-8-powered, mid-sized rwd sedan based on its rwd global vehicle architecture. GM insiders say the vehicle would be "one notch up" from the Grand Prix in terms of performance, content and price. One possible name is G8.

Pontiac may get 2010 Grand Prix replacement

General Motors Corp. engineers in Australia have been testing prototypes of a new rear-wheel-drive sedan that's being jointly developed with GM subsidiary Holden. Versions of the sedan are expected to be sold by Buick and Chevrolet. Pontiac also has been planning to market its own variant -- sort of a four-door companion to the next-generation GTO -- that would replace the current Grand Prix. The Pontiac version likely would be badged G8.
The first of the new models will go into production in mid-2009 in the U.S., in time for model year 2010. Of course, Holden will have its own editions as well, to replace the big Commodore and Statesman sedans.

-- Paul Lienert

General Motors is expected to expand Pontiac's U.S. product line with a rebadged rear-drive Australian sedan.

The Holden Commodore SS will be called the Pontiac G8 and priced around $25,000, according to the Herald Sun in Melbourne, Australia.

While GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz did not confirm the plan, he told the newspaper, "It's such a logical thing to do. The volume range is 30,000 to 50,000. It depends on how we price it." He refused to say when shipments might begin.

Lutz said details would be revealed next month.

"We have yet to make an official announcement," Lutz said. "Much more will be revealed at the Chicago show."

This will be GM's second try at selling a rebadged Holden model as a Pontiac in the United States. The Holden Monaro was marketed as the Pontiac GTO for the 2004 to 2006 model years. Sales did not live up to expectations.