Well I have only XM now, the two companies have proposed a merger, but it still faces regulartory hurdles. I just want satellite radio, I don't care which company it is. And I only keep my cars for 2-4 years so HID life expectancy is not a worry for me. I just find the light to be safer/superior.

Those regulatory hurdles were passed a few weeks ago. Not that it makes any real difference... the two companies have stated that no XM or Sirius radio will be obsoleted... they'll both continue to be able to receive their broadcasts for years to come.

The lack of a nav option in the G8 is a very valid concern IMO.

Lack of XM is also very strange. I would put money on it that it will be made available for 2009.

HID lights? Not really something you can reasonably assume or expect, IMO, at this price point. Not yet, anyway.

Theres also another version of G8 that is going to be introduced soon, the GXP, and I'm seriously considering it. Apparently its going to be under 40k still, come with a 6.2 liter engine, and most importantly it will not have drive by wire, a feature I can't stand.

It'll have the 6.2L LS3 V8... same motor used in the Vette though detuned to run on regular gas and produce a little over 400hp. Upgraded suspension and braking hardwear.

I'm actually hoping the price will stay around $35k for the GXP... we'll see. That'd be a heck of a bargain if it was.

I guess its just me but I'd rather a company spend the money on a V-8 and RWD platform instead of some gadgets in the car like NAV, fancy stereo etc. Sell me a CAR first, then add the gadgets.

For 28-32k, this car is just a GIANT bargain. Nothing comes close on paper, IMO.

The Charger R/T?

Of course, it is a Chrysler product, with the typical junk interior and hardware.

I find the G8 interior superior, so its a better buy, though the Charger R/T is a performance bargain. The image kills it for me and I'm not enamored with the looks.

Can't wait to drive one!

If you get a chance, write the experience up.....we'll end up splitting the review.

In the meantime, of course, I will drive one if/when I can.

Hmmm, let me know when your gonna get your hands on one and I'll try to do it the same weekend

It will be posted. I've already promised to update the review with a test-drive when the over-protective, nanny dealerships here turn them loose.

Well the DOJ approved the merger, but the FCC also has to approve it as well. There are also some states that are opposed. I can only assume that the lack of nav and XM are because the car was not designed for the American market. It's still a deal breaker for me.

You're right on the performance front, but this car would serve as a tourer and a day to day commuter. I need the best of both worlds. I just don't get why they don't have these as options. It's not 1999, it's 2008!

The sole reason NAV isn't offered factory, is the radio is too low for Federal requirements when it comes to NAV units. And GM would have had to redesigned the entire dash to have a navigation unit meet federal standards.

Even though, you essentially have a navigation unit without a navigation program to run with the G8. It comes with the same 6" lcd screen used in Holden Commodore's for navigation. Since the unit uses the ever so popular SD card for navigation, it will be easy to get a US map card and be good to go! So if you want navigation in your G8, get a SD card.


http://www.sso.siemensvdo.com.au/fil...Navigation.pdf


http://www.southgate.com.au/pr09.htm

I really enjoy your reviews. Much appreciated

Well it's good that you can do that, but how/where would the antenna be mounted? It will never look factory. And again, I don't understand why the oil/battery gauge is in the middle like that. Why is it not located in the instrument panel? That's a terrible waste of space. And I HATE the center mounted window switches! Reminds me of a PT cruiser.

Other than that I really like the car.