It's actually "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday" The brand that won on Sunday would sell better on Monday or, so the thinking was. Also race proven parts would make their way to production car.

Oops, Good call.

i didnt see any articles regarding the powerplant options for this car but im also blind so if anyones gotta link or some info that would be super:-P

yes, but way back in the day they only had one car and varying gas mpg wasn't thought about too much

The G8 V6 will be priced at 28k, GT V8 at 30.
Malibu 4cyl starts at 20k for the LS, 1LT starts at 21k, 2LT starts at 22k, LTZ with 252hp and 6spd automatic standard starts at 26k. Loaded, Malibu tops out at around 28k with every option.
Malibu will get a 6spd automatic for the 4cyl when production ramps up, but for now it will be equiped with a 4spd auto.
No manual planned.

RWD Impala will come out one year after Camaro.

Can't decide between Malibu LTZ or Cadillac CTS.

Two very different cars, and two are totaly gunna be different.

CTS's level of refinement and quality will trump the Malibu's, even if the Malibu's is pretty good. Better handling and RWD gets you a sportier feel on the road then the Malibu, which has been tuned to ride like a family car should.
Both the LTZ and Base CTS are equiped with the same V6, only the CTS's makes more power, but both carry the 6spd auto which is cool.
The Malibu doesnt have features like navi or dual zone auto climate controls, but does come with some interesting features.

Worse case, if you cant decide, the G8 would split the middle. G8 has the CTS's handling, but lower price. CTS starts at 32k, but you cant find one unless you order one, for under 36k. G8 wont get navi, and I belive that not even XM is an option which has upset several people who expect it in a car like that, even if the Commodore has it in Oz.
GM has yet to get the handle down on importing vehicles and the options they should have.

Malibu would be a hell of a buy, and probably give you tons of years of service and it looks STUNNING in real life, but if you want something more with sporty handling and more room Id go G8. If you wanted all that, and luxury thats tops int he world, the CTS is a heck of a ride. If you go CTS, keep an eye on them options...car gets price fast.
Loaded CTS AWD with the FE3 suspension 6spd manual with performanace W rated Mich Pilot Sport 2's can top out at near 50k.

As much as I love the CTS (all the commercials make me drool even more) I need the front wheel drive practicality of the malibu. The Awd CTS is pricey but I can see these domestic sedans start to put GM back on the map.

cts isnt bad at all i never had a prob w/ mine because of rwd ... btw it handles amazing its design suspention was influenced by the nuremberg track (Motor Trend sias that)