Yes—only the higher-performance GT and GXP variants use GM's LS-family V8 engines (LS2 in the GT and LS3 in the GXP). The base G8 uses a non-LS 3.6-liter V6.
Engine options in the Pontiac G8
The G8 lineup consisted of a base V6 and two V8 variants, with the LS engines powering the top two. Here are the details.
- Base G8: 3.6-liter V6 engine (non-LS).
- G8 GT: 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine, producing about 361 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque.
- G8 GXP: 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, producing about 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
GM’s LS engines are a hallmark of the company’s performance lineage and were shared with other GM products of the era, such as the Corvette and Camaro.
How to verify your G8's engine
To confirm which engine your G8 has, check these indicators:
- Engine stamping: Look for LS2 or LS3 designations on the V8 blocks; base V6 will not have an LS designation.
- VIN decoding: The engine type can be inferred from the vehicle's VIN or engine code.
- Emissions or engine label: The under-hood label lists the engine family.
Knowing the exact engine helps with maintenance, parts compatibility, and potential upgrades, thanks to the popularity and availability of LS-family components.
Summary
The Pontiac G8 does offer LS-family engines, but only in its GT and GXP trims. The GT uses the 6.0-liter LS2 V8, while the GXP uses the 6.2-liter LS3 V8. The base model uses a non-LS 3.6-liter V6, so the presence of an LS engine depends on the trim you choose.