Pontiac 0-60 & Quarter Mile Times

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GT SLP Firehawk was a limited-edition, high-performance variant of the already capable Pontiac G8 GT. Developed in collaboration with Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SLP), the Firehawk added a dose of supercharged power and aggressive styling to the Australian-built sedan, creating a true muscle car contender.

Under the hood, the Firehawk ditched the standard V6 engine for a 6.0-liter V8 enhanced by a Magnuson TVS2300 supercharger. This forced-induction powerhouse churned out an impressive 500 horsepower and 489 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Firehawk from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, according to Motorweek testing. It could also complete the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds at 124 mph, showcasing its impressive acceleration and top-end performance.

Beyond its straight-line speed, the Firehawk also received a sport suspension package, lowering the car and improving its handling dynamics. It also featured a custom exhaust system that delivered a throaty roar, further enhancing the muscle car experience. Visually, the Firehawk was distinguished by its unique body kit, hood scoops, and special badging, adding to its aggressive appearance.

While the Pontiac G8 GT SLP Firehawk was a short-lived model due to Pontiac's discontinuation, it remains a sought-after collector's car among enthusiasts who appreciate its potent performance, distinctive styling, and limited production numbers. It's a testament to the potential of the G8 platform and a reminder of Pontiac's legacy of building exciting and powerful performance cars.

The 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO 389 Hardtop is widely considered the genesis of the American muscle car era. It was a bold and innovative move by Pontiac, offering a powerful V8 engine in a mid-sized platform, a combination that was previously unheard of. The result was a car that delivered exhilarating performance at an affordable price, capturing the hearts and imaginations of car enthusiasts across the nation.

Under the hood, the Tempest GTO 389 Hardtop boasted a 389 cubic inch V8 engine, which was available in two configurations. The standard version produced 325 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, while the optional Tri-Power setup, featuring three Rochester two-barrel carburetors, bumped the output to 348 horsepower. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the GTO 389 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.6 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds, impressive figures for its time.

The GTO's performance wasn't just about straight-line speed. Its heavy-duty suspension, wide track, and responsive steering provided surprisingly good handling for a muscle car. It wasn't a nimble sports car, but it could hold its own on winding roads and deliver a satisfying driving experience. Its aggressive styling, with its twin hood scoops and stacked headlights, further enhanced its appeal, making it a true icon of the muscle car era. The 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO 389 Hardtop was a revolutionary car that sparked a performance revolution and cemented Pontiac's reputation as a builder of exciting and powerful vehicles.

The 2005 Pontiac GTO was a modern revival of the classic American muscle car, blending powerful performance with a refined and comfortable driving experience. Although based on the Australian Holden Monaro, it proudly wore the Pontiac badge and sought to capture the spirit of its legendary predecessors.

Under the hood, the 2005 GTO housed a 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine, a potent powerplant that produced 400 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This engine, available with either a four-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, propelled the GTO from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with the manual gearbox, according to Motorweek testing. It could also cover the quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds at 108 mph, showcasing its impressive acceleration and top-end performance.

The GTO's performance wasn't just about straight-line speed. It boasted a well-balanced chassis, sharp handling, and responsive steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Its independent suspension and limited-slip differential ensured excellent grip and traction, while its Brembo brakes provided confident stopping power. The GTO's comfortable interior, well-bolstered seats, and modern amenities made it a suitable daily driver as well as a weekend warrior.

While the 2005 Pontiac GTO may not have achieved the iconic status of its 1960s counterparts, it still offered an impressive blend of performance, comfort, and style. It was a car that could satisfy both the need for speed and the desire for a refined driving experience.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP was a high-performance sedan that marked a brief but glorious swansong for the Pontiac brand. It was a true muscle car disguised in a four-door sedan body, offering a thrilling driving experience that was rare in its segment.

Under the hood, the G8 GXP housed a potent 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, borrowed from the Corvette, which produced an impressive 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, propelled the GXP from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest sedans on the market at the time.

The GXP's performance wasn't just about straight-line speed. It also boasted a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires. These enhancements transformed the G8 into a capable and agile handler, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Its responsive steering and well-balanced chassis provided a level of driver engagement that was uncommon in its class.

Inside, the GXP offered a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a host of modern amenities. While it may have lacked some of the luxury features found in its European rivals, the G8 GXP more than compensated with its raw power, impressive handling, and undeniable muscle car character.

The 1993 Pontiac Firebird SLP Firehawk was a rare and coveted performance machine, a collaboration between General Motors and Street Legal Performance (SLP) that took the already sporty Firebird Formula to new heights. With only 201 examples produced, it remains a highly sought-after collector's car among Pontiac enthusiasts.

Under the hood, the Firehawk received significant upgrades from SLP. The stock 5.0-liter V8 engine was enhanced with a cold air intake, free-flowing exhaust, and optimized tuning, boosting its output to 300 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. This increased power, combined with the Firehawk's lightweight composite hood and other performance modifications, resulted in improved acceleration and a more exhilarating driving experience.

Beyond its powertrain upgrades, the Firehawk also featured a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels with Firehawk-specific tires, and distinctive Firehawk graphics. Inside, a numbered plaque adorned the dashboard, commemorating its exclusivity. While not as extreme as some of SLP's later Firehawk offerings, the 1993 model laid the groundwork for a series of increasingly powerful and capable Firebirds that would become legendary among performance enthusiasts.