This summer will be a time of anticipation for Pontiac.

It is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first wave of the Pontiac G8, a full-size, rear-wheel drive four-door sedan with a definite predilection for high performance.

Based on global rear-wheel drive architecture developed by Holden, GM's Australian subsidiary, the G8 nevertheless looks like nothing else but a Pontiac with the trademark dual port grille, fog lamps and big performance tires moved out to the corners of the car.

The fenders have blisters that take shape over the tires, and around back you'll see taillights that feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements. Hood scoops and front fender vents complete the picture.

The G8, which be available in two models -- G8 and G8 GT -- will have either a 3.6 liter, 261 horsepower V-6 or a 362 horsepower, 6.0 liter V-8 with Active Fuel Management, which shuts down four cylinders when not in use for strong acceleration or other times.

Standard features include four-wheel independent suspension, electronic stability control, 18-inch aluminum wheels, OnStar, fog lamps, rear lip spoiler and chrome exhaust tips.

Meanwhile, Pontiac's got plenty to draw the bargain-hunting crowds this season.

	The 2007 Pontiac G5. Click photo for larger image.

The General Motors division just unveiled the 2007 Pontiac G5 Coupe and G5 GT Coupe, the first new compact cars for GM's performance division since the Sunfire was dropped a few years ago.

Prices start at $14,995 for the G5 Coupe and $17,795 for the G5 GT Coupe. The 2.2-liter "Ecotec" four (rated at 25 mpg city/34 highway) and the 2.4-liter, 173-horsepower V-6 are the two engines of choice for this car.

At first glance, you'll take one look and think Chevy Cobalt. That's entirely appropriate since the Pontiac G5 is built on the same platform and style-wise is almost identical to the Cobalt.

Pontiac probably would not like to admit it, but this is "badge engineering," pure and simple. That's the practice of taking one car and simply making it part of another lineup.

Under most circumstances, I dislike badge engineering because it dilutes the individuality of the vehicle and stifles creativity. But this is one time when you'll want to overlook it because the car has a lot to offer.

The G5 is blessed with a long list of goodies, including an aero spoiler, full power equipment and a standard five-speed Getrag manual transmission. If you have to use badge engineering, there's no better choice than the Cobalt, which has won acclaim for its performance, safety, reliability and fun-to-drive quotient.

Meanwhile, Pontiac is still touting its beautiful G6 coupe and convertible. The G6 has a two-piece clamshell-style retractable hardtop that was developed by convertible engineering specialist Karmann. It takes about 30 seconds to change.

What's coming in 2008

The Pontiac Vibe is due for replacement soon, and some say 2008 could be the year, so you may want to watch for that.