Here’s how the new car intros work. They give a presentation, then invite the press up on to the stage to ask questions and look at the car. At that point it’s usually possible to sit inside the new car. After the intro, the car is moved to a revolving raised platform or is moved to the floor but cordoned off. One of the reasons for this is they don’t want competitors getting a close look at the new interior.

Well, after I reported my first impressions of the new Pontiac G8, I noticed comments that the switchgear looked cheap. I hadn’t had this impression, but since I spent a limited amount of time in the driver’s seat in the midst of a crowd of people, maybe I’d missed something. Also, a commenter on this blog asked if the rear headrests are adjustable.

So I wanted to sit in the car a second time. Problem was, the press show was over (preparation for the public show was well underway) and the Pontiac G8 was on one of the revolving raised platforms. Well, while performing my Ph.D. fieldwork inside GM I was often told, “It’s easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission.” So onto the platform I went.

It was helpful to have a few minutes to examine the interior at leisure. The appearance isn’t upscale aside from the stitched material. Instead, it’s sporty and businesslike, like BMWs used to be. For example, the door pulls are upholstered but not thickly padded. I’m fine with that. And the feel of the various switches is actually very good. None of them felt cheap to me–and this time I turned or pushed them all.

Holden did place the power window switches on the console once again. The power mirror switch is with them. From the photos it was hard to tell if they’d be easy to reach. They are. Unlike in some GM products (H3, Solstice) it isn’t necessary to uncomfortably contort one’s shoulder and wrist to reach the power windows. Like the major radio controls, they’re maybe a bit undersized, but they feel slick enough, not like bargain basement switches.

I was about to get out of the car when a security guard asked who I was and what I was up to. I explained that I operated this website and was gathering additional information about the new Pontiac G8 for my interested members. He said I still had to get off the platform.

So I did, on the way examining the rear headrests and confirming that they’re fixed in place.

Off the platform, I asked the security guard about his impression of the Pontiac G8. He didn’t care for it, too derivative of a BMW up front and a Nissan in back. Also, he’s a truck guy.

He had a more positive reaction to TrueDelta’s reliability research. We may have another new panel member.