I think it would be worthwhile to elaborate on the fact that traction control on this car is useless in the type of weather where it should actually be mandatory... To me that sounds like a deal breaker.
I wonder if any Chrysler (300, Magnum, etc.), BMW or Mercedes owners with traction control out there can comment on this? Rear drive + Canadian winters (except Southern Ontario) = ouch! for the most part but I've been toying with taking the rear drive plunge myself, mainly for the novelty value and the weight distrubution benefits.
Does the t/c inhibit the ability to takeoff on greasy surfaces simply because there's no traction for the t/c to ...you know...control?
Besides all that, I find the G8 a very attractive and unique car. The fact that it goes like schnell at the price they're asking for it + the refinement all make it very interesting.
/Eric