Edmunds Test Drive: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Evaluated on its own merits, the Australian-made 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP is a dream come true for driving enthusiasts who need four doors. Rear-wheel drive? Check. Corvette-derived LS3 V8 power and a sport-tuned suspension? Oh, you betcha. Snick-snick manual transmission? Check the $695 option box, and it's yours. As for the rest of the family, the G8 GXP has one of the most accommodating backseats this side of a Maybach -- and at around $40,000, it's far easier on the wallet than many of its performance peers.