Things may seem calm at Pontiac for now, but they won't stay that way for long.

Pontiac has a hot new car on the way, and it should arrive in the next couple of months.

We're talking about the all-new Pontiac G8, a high-performance luxury sport sedan that has a base engine as strong as some optional ones for other cars: a 3.6-liter, 256-horsepower V-8. It will come in two versions, a base and GT model that has a larger 6.0-liter V-8. Prices will start at $27,595 for the base model and $29,995 for the GT model.

Based on a sedan from General Motors' Holden line from Australia, the G-8 has a sharp look that might remind some of the BMW 5 Series. But you'll probably see that dual-port front end and those dual hood scoops and you'll know it can't be anything but a Pontiac.

Standard features include StabiliTrak traction and stability control, full power accessories, six air bags and OnStar.

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 around $15,400 to about $19,000 for the 2008 G5 Coupe and 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.

Though the G5 is clearly based on the Cobalt, it still has some distinctive features that help set it apart including its own taillight and grille designs, and a new alloy wheel all its own.

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.