Daddy taught me how to drive like the big boys

I’ll admit I’m somewhat of a girlie-girl.

I take two hours to get ready, I have about 400 pairs of shoes, and my nails are flawlessly painted bright red.

Most guys, when they glance over and see me sitting next to them at a red light, checking my makeup in the rearview mirror of some high-performance sports car, usually give me that "Don’t hurt yourself, sweetie" smile.

Which just makes it that much better when the light turns green and I leave them choking on my exhaust.

See, what all those silly little boys don’t realize is that my Daddy taught me how to drive like the big boys. I love driving fast cars – it’s in my blood.

This week I tested the 2009 Pontiac G8 sport sedan, and you better believe I left more than a few boys with their heads spinning (although, to be accurate, I didn’t break the law or drive irresponsibly; I just let the car accelerate to its heart’s content up to the legal speed limit when it was absolutely safe to do so).

The G8 is Pontiac’s sexy five-passenger performance sedan that first debuted in 2008. It’s larger than the midsize G6, seats five adults comfortably, and replaced the Grand Prix in the Pontiac lineup.

It’s hot, fast, and oh-so-fun – and with prices starting at $28,190, it won’t leave your pocketbook gasping for air.

For 2008, two versions were introduced – a base V-6 model and the sportier, V-8 powered GT.

Now, for 2009, a new high-performance GXP model has been added to the lineup.

Powered by a 6.2-liter engine that cranks out a whopping 402 horsepower, this bad boy can do zero-to-60 in about 4.7 seconds, and that’s sure to turn some heads.

Also new for 2009, all models now come with XM satellite radio (with a three-month free trial) and Bluetooth connectivity standard. Four new exterior colors are also available.

The 2009 G8 retains the characteristic aggressive, sporty stance and angular front fascia that made it such an eye-catching car. Polished stainless steel exhaust tips, side fender vents, and a low-profile rear lip spoiler enhance the vehicle’s performance look.

But it doesn’t just look like a sport sedan, it handles like one, too.

The Australia-built, rear-wheel drive G8 is equipped with four-wheel independent sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS and traction control, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control for tight, precise handling and responsive braking.

The inside isn’t too shabby, either.

Standard interior features include air conditioning, cruise control, four-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, power windows/door locks/side mirrors, trip computer, lighted visor mirrors (so you can check your makeup at red lights), and a Blaupunkt audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player, auxiliary audio input jack, five-inch multi-function display, and seven speakers.

Automatic headlamps, daytime running lamps, fog lamps, and tinted glass are also standard on all models.

The G8 offers a long list of standard safety features, such as passenger-sensing seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, head-curtain side air bags for both seating rows, ride-down steering column and breakaway pedal system, tire-pressure monitoring system, battery run-down protection, remote vehicle lock/unlock and trunk release, remote engine start, and a theft-deterrent alarm system.

In addition, all new GM vehicles are equipped with OnStar, which offers features such as automatic crash response, vehicle diagnostics, emergency and security services, and available turn-by-turn navigation.

The base G8 sedan, which starts at $28,190 (plus $685 freight), is driven by a 256-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6, and offers impressive power for an entry-level model.

This engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control, which offers the driver different shifting options, including a performance-oriented sport mode and full manual control.

Other standard features include cloth sport seats, steering-wheel-mounted controls, cargo convenience net, dual exhaust, 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, and dual sport hood scoops.

The midlevel GT starts at $31,555 and is powered by a 361-horsepower 6.0-liter V-8 engine paired with a technologically advanced six-speed 6L80 Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

Standard features on GT models include a limited-slip differential, dual-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded 230-watt Blaupunkt audio system with six-disc CD changer, 6.5-inch-diagonal multi-function LCD display and 11 speakers, including amplifier and subwoofer.

A front power tilt/slide sunroof is available on both models for an additional $900.

The outstanding 6.2-liter engine, paired with the Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission, powers GXP models. A six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission is also available.

Features exclusive to GXP models include premium Brembro brakes, enhanced steering and suspension, 19-inch polished-aluminum wheels, unique body design elements, heated two-tone leather sport seats, GXP embroidered graphics, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and shifter knob, sport metallic accelerator and brake pedals, and summer-only black-wall performance tires.

Prices for GXP models have not yet been announced, but will likely be somewhere in the $35,000-$40,000 range.

EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway for the base G8 sedan and 15 city/25 highway for the GT. Estimates for GXP models have not yet been released.

I tested a G8 sedan in sport red metallic with no additional options for a total package price of $28,875 including freight.

The entry-level G8 sedan, though it has the smallest engine of the three models, still provided me with enough power to have some serious fun out on the road, so I can only imagine what the experience would be like in the GXP.

Oh, and girls, the next time some guy gives you that "aww, isn’t she cute in that big powerful car" look, just flash him your most dazzling smile, bat those long pretty eyelashes, and leave him sitting at the light.

The automotive columns of Jennifer R. Williams appear regularly in the Star-Telegram. Contact her at autoscribejennifer@yahoo.com.