The Pontiac G8 was introduced for the 2008 model year as an imported performance sports sedan manufactured by Holden in Elizabeth, South Australia. Built on General Motors' global rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform, the G8 featured a rigid chassis and a fully independent four-wheel suspension setup. The car was offered exclusively in a four-door sedan body style. The base G8 came equipped with a 3.6-liter DOHC High Feature V6 engine producing 256 horsepower, coupled with a five-speed 5L40-E automatic transmission. The performance-oriented G8 GT featured a 6.0-liter L76 V8 engine delivering 361 horsepower with Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation, paired with a six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission. In 2009, the ultimate G8 GXP trim was introduced, powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine developing 415 horsepower and offering a choice between a six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, alongside upgraded Brembo front brakes and an aggressive FE3 suspension tuning. The model was primarily sold in the United States and Canada until GM discontinued the Pontiac brand.