Midlife Musclecars: Your Guide To LS-Powered Four-Door Muscle Sedans

MidlifeMuscle

Remember when you didn’t care if a car had back seats or not? And even if it did have one, you didn’t care that it was so small that it was almost like the entrance to Hogwarts— you had to believe it was there to get into it. No matter to you, though, the only people that ever sat in those cupboard slots were mooches anyway and the seats were only there until you ditched them in the pursuit of weight savings. Well, now those moochers are your children and you have to provide them with a place to sit “legally”— at least that’s what we’re told.

Which brings us to something of a conundrum: do you give up the musclecar life for a minivan? Or do you find a creative way to keep an LS-powered, rear-wheel drive GM musclecar in your driveway (after you convince your spouse that the rumble of the V8 will put the kids in the back seat to sleep quicker)?

IMG_3712

We know what we’d choose, and luckily for you, there is a myriad of reasonably priced, economical, V8-powered muscle sedans waiting to whisk you away from Saturday soccer games and back to your suburban dwelling — all the while giving you a reason to not just end it all. Who doesn’t want to be the parent that pulls up to his/her’s child’s school in a four-door sedan loping like a Pro Mod and shaking the earth as it approaches— or is that just us?

No matter your impetus, there are a lot of reasons these days to spring for one of the General’s muscle sedans — be it the ill-fated Pontiac G8 or the Chevrolet SS. While these four-door beauties may be lugging around a bit more girth than you’re used to, they still pack nearly limitless potential— depending on how rowdy you want your daily driver to be — and still have enough room to pull double-duty as a taxi by day and a warrior on the weekend.

By now, we’re sure that we have talked you into starting the search for one of these extolled brutes, but which one should you go with? Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of all the available options as well as the pros and cons to each one.

Pontiac G8

2016-05-04_18-20-56-640x480

Go as wild as you dare with your G8 GT. Daniel Linnett did just that with his huge single turbo’d beast.

Unfortunately, the G8 was only built for two years: 2008 and 2009. And while we have lamented the G8’s departure ever since, this presents the perfect opportunity for anyone hoping to get their hands on one. Right now, G8’s are priced pretty reasonably, especially the GT model. But those prices may increase as they become rarer and more desirable since they are no longer in production. However, there are a couple of models of G8 to choose from and this will dictate how much coin one will set you back.

G8 GT — The Pontiac G8 GT came equipped with a 361-horsepower L76 V8 in 2008 but was down-rated to 355 horsepower in 2009 due to the addition of two more catalytic converters (which means an ’08 would be ideal). It features Active Fuel Management (AFM), allowing the car to deactivate up to four cylinders in light-load conditions, such as cruising on the freeway, and reactivating them when you slam the loud pedal to the floor— which is great if you are looking for a mixture of fuel economy and stump-pulling power.

The heads and intake that sit astride the 6.0-liter L76 block were borrowed from the L92/LS3, which realistically means the L76 is basically a 6.0-liter L92/LS3 with a smaller camshaft.

The GT makes a great platform for several other reasons as well; the heads and intake that sit astride the 6.0-liter L76 block were borrowed from the L92/LS3, which realistically means the L76 is basically a 6.0-liter L92/LS3 with a smaller camshaft. 

As you may be aware, the L92/LS3 head has been shown to flow up to 325 cfm in stock configuration— which is enough to support well north of 600 horsepower without becoming a bottleneck for the engine.

This means the L76 will respond very favorably to any modification you throw its way, especially if it is a camshaft change and AFM delete. The GT unfortunately only came equipped with the 6L80E transmission, which is great, but if you want to row your own cogs you’ll have to step up to the GXP, which costs a bit more for multiple reasons.

In stock form, the GT can hit 60 in 5.3 seconds and blast through the quarter in 13.8 seconds— all while pulling down 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, making it a fantastic candidate for daily driver duty and weekend trips to the track. You can find fair examples for around $15,000.

IMG_9223G8 GXP — The GXP is an overall upgraded version of the GT. Along with interior and exterior upgrades (including a front bumper cover change and a simulated diffuser out back), a 415-horsepower, 6.2-liter LS3 was shoehorned between the fenders of this swan song Pontiac. This allowed the GXP to sprint from naught to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and easily dispatch the quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat at 109.6 mph.

Basically, it is as fast, if not faster, than an LS1-powered C5 Corvette or F-body right from the factory. The GXP was also available with not only the 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, but the TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission as well. However, finding the manual version of the GXP may be hard to come by, as only 1,829 units were sold in America. All GXPs come equipped with the Nurburgring-tuned FE3 suspension and larger, vented Brembo brakes. Recently we’ve seen prices as low as $25,000 for one of these bad boys, but don’t expect that price to last. This car will be a collectors item one day.

No matter which Pontiac you choose, you won’t be disappointed, and neither will the kids.

Cadillac CTS-V

2016-06-24_16-47-06-640x480

Tim Buchanan’s twin-turbo V2 is a show stopper and still has room for a car seat.

Next on our list of midlife musclecars is the veritable CTS-V. This car put Cadillac on the map as a true competitor in the luxury muscle market back in 2004 (which was 12 years ago if you didn’t already feel old enough while reading this). Not only did it feature world-beating performance thanks to its LS powerplant, it was a huge leap forward in the fit and finish of all GM vehicles. This muscle sedan would keep the kids and spouse satisfied with its luxurious innards while you lay the smack down on unsuspecting Mustangs.

cts-v_murderedFirst generation (2004-2007) — The first generation of CTS-V came equipped with a 400-horsepower LS6 borrowed from the C5 Z06 for the first couple of years but was eventually superseded by the LS2 (producing the same amount of power) from ’06-’07. Unlike the G8 GT, the first-gen CTS-V was only available with a T56 six-speed manual, so keep that in mind if you have to split driving time with someone who can’t row their own.

In stock trim, the first-gen Caddy is capable of hitting 60 in 4.6 seconds and running the quarter in 13.1, just about dead even with the G8 GXP. The V received a stronger rear differential and half shafts in 2006 along with the switch to the LS2. While we think both motors are great, the larger displacement and stronger drivetrain of the 2006-plus would have us leaning toward the later-model first-gens.

The four-piston Brembo brakes on the front of the V can bring the car to a standstill from 60 mph in just 110 feet. Not bad for a 3,800-pound luxury car, and the added stopping power should go a long way in convincing your significant other of the car’s intrinsic safety. Bolt-ons alone could have this Caddy running 12s with the potential for much more with relatively few modifications. As of this writing, you can snag a decent example for as low as $12,000.

IMG_3715 (1)Second generation (2008-2015) — In 2008, Cadillac released the second-gen CTS-V — this time based on the Sigma II platform, as opposed to the previous generation’s Sigma I. New for the 2009 model line-up, a 556 horsepower, supercharged LSA made it the most powerful Cadillac in history by a long shot. The switch to a multi-link rear suspension improved the car’s ride, while the addition of Magnetic Ride Control standard saw the V become one of the best handling sport sedans you could get your paws on.

The switch to a multi-link rear suspension improved the car’s ride, while the addition of Magnetic Ride Control standard saw the V become one of the best handling sport sedans you could get your paws on.

However, the change to the new chassis architecture, combined with the substantial increase in interior refinement, increased the V’s curb weight to a healthy 4,250 pounds. In spite of the substantial increase in girth, the second-gen CTS-V is capable of clawing it’s way to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and has been known to crack off 12.0-second quarter-mile times. The V2’s LSA is backed by either a 6L90E six-speed automatic or a TR-6060 six-speed manual. In 2009, the CTS-V even threw down the fastest documented time for a production sedan on factory tires at the Nurburgring with a pass of 7:59.32, not too shabby for a car you can use to grab groceries and chauffeur the kids around town.

In 2011, GM also introduced a wagon and a coupe version of the CTS-V. What better way to show your significant other that you are making responsible vehicle decision than to come home with a wagon? And if it just so happens to be the best way to surprise the hell out of a Corvette too, then so be it. Depending on mileage, you can get your hands on a second-gen CTS-V for as low as $26,000, but will likely pay closer to $30,000 for a prime example.

Choosing a CTS-V to help usher you into middle age is a wise decision and has been known to help delay a midlife crisis. Bonus: the ‘Vette in the next lane won’t know what’s coming until it’s too late.

Chevrolet SS

IMG_3693

Introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model, the Chevrolet SS is the Americanized version of the Holden Commodore. The SS took the place of the G8 GT after its untimely demise back in 2009. Since then, Chevrolet has been having a hard time moving them off the lot and, last we heard, 2017 will be the final year of production. It’s sad to say but the availability of four-door muscle sedans available from the factory is declining rapidly. However, the General’s loss may be your gain. Rolando Garcia, a local reader of ours, acquired an SS several weekends ago at a deeply discounted price due to the cars unfortunate unpopularity.

And while the car might not be incredibly well received by the general public, we can confirm that it is one of the finest examples of a rear-wheel drive sport sedan that GM has ever manufactured.

IMG_3699

The SS comes standard with a 415-horsepower, 6.2-liter LS3 and is backed by a 6L90 six-speed automatic or TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission. Much like many of the muscle sedans we’ve mentioned here, the SS scoots to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds on its way to a 12.9-second quarter-mile time. Unlike like the others (besides the second-gens CTS-V), however, the SS comes equipped with the Magnetic Ride Control and large, vented Brembo brakes standard. The Magnetic Ride Control lets it pull up to .93 g’s in the skid pad and makes it feel much more nimble than the 3,931-pound curb weight would have you think. Gas mileage is not quite as good as some of the others at 14 mpg city, 21 mpg highway— this is mostly due to its lack of AFM.

Much like the G8, the SS has been produced in fairly limited numbers and with production ending on the entire model line soon, we would not be surprised to see the popularity of these cars soar in the coming years. MSRP from Chevrolet starts out at $46,575 although, with the deep discounts Chevrolet has been offering to move them off the lot, you could get into one 15 to 20 percent less than sticker. While it might be nice to drive a brand-new car off the lot, you can find used examples that are only a couple of years old with less than 30,000 miles for around $35,000. 

IMG_3708 (1)

Which Should You Choose?

Your decision will ultimately come down to just a few factors: budget, mileage and possibly fuel economy— after all, it will most likely be serving daily duties. While we couldn’t possibly begin to tell you which one suits your needs best, we are very partial to the Pontiac G8 GT or, if you can afford it, the GXP. Both offer stunning performance at bargain-basement pricing. Not only would you be bringing home a piece of automotive history, since Pontiac is no more, you are starting with a platform that has a vast amount of potential. Whether you want to just enjoy it in stock form, or you want to slap a big cam and nitrous on it, the G8 has everything you need to tote your family around and still have some fun blowing the doors off of Mopars on the weekend.

No matter what “midlife musclecar” you decide to go with, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. How do we know this? Because it’s not a minivan. We can all agree that a van is the worst form of automotive punishment imaginable. But, if you don’t want to have 400 horses at your beck and call, you can always buy an Odyssey. We’re fairly certain that nine cupholders and the optional entertainment package can console you after the cool parents roll away from the school in billowing clouds of smoke.

About the author

Chase Christensen

Chase Christensen hails from Salt Lake City, and grew up around high-performance GM vehicles. He took possession of his very first F-body— an ’86 Trans Am— at the age of 13 and has been wrenching ever since.
Read My Articles

Late Model LS Power in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from LSX Magazine, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
LSX Magazine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

LSX Magazine - The Late Model GM Magazine for Camaro

lsxmag

We'll send you the most interesting LSX Magazine articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

LSX Magazine - The Late Model GM Magazine for Camaro

LSX Magazine NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

LSX Magazine - The Late Model GM Magazine for Camaro

lsxmag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine
dragzine
Drag Racing
enginelabs
Engine Tech

LSX Magazine - The Late Model GM Magazine for Camaro

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • enginelabs Engine Tech

LSX Magazine - The Late Model GM Magazine for Camaro

lsxmag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

LSX Magazine - The Late Model GM Magazine for Camaro

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading