Automotive News, Media & Press - GTO good to go or another GM desapointment?

Ok I personaly think GM needs to stop messing up all these cars and calling them something there not like the Impala. They just messed that car up when they brought it back. The new GTO anybody else see a very strong resemblence to a GRAND PRIX? Ya it's an LS1 rear wheel drive pushing 350hp(not sure on the hp) but why is it still slower than your F-bodies with LS1's that have less hp? I don't know maybe it's just me but I can't see shelling out big money for a "Grand Prix" but hey maybe it will work out good I mean look how good Ford did with the new Thunderbird right?(Lol) What do you guys think GTO good bad?

Looks like a Grand Prix, I'm sure if you do a burnout like the commercial GM will void your warranty.

Number one, you are stating an opinion. You are certainly
entitled to it, but bashing a fellow LS1 car is not cool.

Number two, have you driven one on the track to know how fast
or slow it is? It will be a very capable car with the LS1 engine.
Period.

Have a nice day :)

I personally like the car. To me it just needs a hood and dual exhaust on either side, Which I'm sure the aftermarket is working on. I don't know why people hammer the car for looking like a GP. After all the GTO was based off the Le Mans back in the day. That's called brand familliarity. The GTO was never a flashy car, that was for the TA. I love the in your face attitude of my TA and I love the sleeper look of this new GTO. Let everyone think it's a GP, when they get owned they'll change there mind. AS for it beeing slow, remember the average car mags never have the best times. I read an article were they tested a new GTO and they stated the traction control was on and couldn't be turned off. Give the car some time and I think it will evolve into a real beast. Could of been worse, they could've went retro and made it look like a 73. Just my .02$

I think its ridiculous how people will sit here and complain about using the name "GTO" on this vehicle. The early GTOs were just family cars with big engines! They were not considered flashy or sporty by any means.

Just consider it as "a vehicle". What isn't cool about a smooth and understated looking late model 2-door with a 6-speed and 350 hp all-aluminum V8 equipped vehicle with THE best GM interior ever sold in the states? Who really cares about the name, its just a cool package all-around.

The new GTO was not intended to be an f-body replacement. As soon as people realize that, they might be a little more open-minded about it just being another cool LS1 powered vehicle.

Tony

I got my numbers from diffrent mags which were all almost identical I'm not saying the car might not be ok for some people but why spend that much money on something that is not all that great(IMO)to me it's just spending money on a high dollar GP with an LS1 thrown in but I do give them props for the interior it is very nice inside! It's just hard to figure out who they are trying to reach with this car teenage kids won't find it sporty enough and older males with that kind of money would probly buy something else unless your just one of those people who wants to buy the new "thing" or likes the fact that it says GTO

I agree with PendragonZ, CheifBrody, and Nine Ball. drunilla, your statements sound plain ignorant. That's all I have to say because I'm tired of all the people still hurt by the demise of the F-Body. Get over it.

An opinion is not an ignorant statement it's my opinion that it looks like a Grand Prix and even others that like the car have said it does and I feel it's over priced for what they are offering thats all I said in a nut shell but there is no need for personal blows so you like the GTO good for you thats what this thread is for I am seeing what other people think no need to get all upset about it

why is it slower with more horsepower? How bout the 3800lb curb weight. Gearing may be slightly different in the rear end too..im not sure on that. But this car is not a lightweight

Thats very true and thats the stuff I'm talking about if your gonna make a 2 door sports car real wheel drive with that much hp why not make it an all out bang for your buck car? I'm sure they will sell well and givin some time it will have all kinds of mods you could put on it to make it as fast as you want but in the long run if you took the money your gonna spend on a new GTO and the mods and spent the same amout on an F-body the F-body would probly still come out on top and still look a whole lot better(again all this is my opinion)like I said I did not totaly like the car there are some parts I do like alot I just think they could have done more.

Well, if stating that it's a GP that they shoved a LS1 into is an opinion then forgive me.

but why is it still slower than your F-bodies with LS1's that have less hp?

a) weight
b) aerodynamics
c) they don't have less hp :)

It needs a hood mounted tach and a paint job like a tiger... then I'd buy one!!!!!!

I think the GTO is a great alternative to buying an BMW M3 or Vette. THe interior is nice, and it still has a modifiable ls1 engine. Even though it still has the ls1, I think the Fbody's and Camaros are more fun to mod. I really don't think people can truly judge the car until they see it on the streets. It has more of a European appeal than anything. I don't know if they will even come out with convertibles, but I like the fact that the FBODY's and Camaros have Targa tops and Convertibles with a more wide body look. It's a good move for Pontiac with their sales already being in decline.

I got my numbers from diffrent mags which were all almost identical I'm not saying the car might not be ok for some people but why spend that much money on something that is not all that great(IMO)to me it's just spending money on a high dollar GP with an LS1 thrown in but I do give them props for the interior it is very nice inside! It's just hard to figure out who they are trying to reach with this car teenage kids won't find it sporty enough and older males with that kind of money would probly buy something else unless your just one of those people who wants to buy the new "thing" or likes the fact that it says GTO

Drunilla, you really don't have a clue about this vehicle do you?

1. At $33K, its very obvious that it was not intended for teenage kids
2. Many, many more Grand Prix vehicles were sold than F-bodies
3. The majority of the population prefers simple looking styling, especially the 25 and older crowd. Not everyone likes wings and ground effects.
4. If teenage kids think a boring Honda Accord or Civic is sporty, then how can they not think these are "sporty" with 350 hp factory?
5. Older males that can afford this car will buy it because there is NO competition in that class for the same price range. The closest competitor is the BMW M3, and it costs about $10K more.

Think of the GTO as the "mature" daily-drivable V8 powered sport coupe. Its not a Camaro or Firebird, its not designed for "bang for the buck". Its way more refined and will appeal to a much broader audience than the f-body has.

We all like our F-bodies more than Mustangs, but the Mustang still outsold the f-body every year....and it is still being made. In case you haven't noticed, we are the minority, and GM knows it.

Tony

Look fellas, its like this... Most of us remember the GTO as a badass. I, for one was hoping that it would be the answer to the end of the f-body, and a Mustang challenger in the future. Trully, its none of those things, and probably doesn't belong on this board. It is just a fast family car, not a musclecar. It's too bad, in my opinion. Well... I don't think its just my opinion. I agree with drunilla.

I agree with nineball and the others who think GTO=good.

It'd be crazy if some company decided to buy a GTO, slap a ls6 crate motor in it, procharge it, and build it to the hilt for show purposes including sema 04 eh?

That would be sweet!

:secret:

Look fellas, its like this... Most of us remember the GTO as a badass. I, for one was hoping that it would be the answer to the end of the f-body, and a Mustang challenger in the future. Trully, its none of those things, and probably doesn't belong on this board. It is just a fast family car, not a musclecar. It's too bad, in my opinion. Well... I don't think its just my opinion. I agree with drunilla.

LS1tech right? It comes with an LS1 right? You have sections for every car that comes with an LS1 and another for conversions / hybrids right? Yep, I think it probably does belong on this board. :eyes:

You may be right, and you may not about the future of the car, but that's a heck of an opinion to form about a car you have probably never seen and have most definitely never driven. I have a feeling that you will be changing your tune when the '07 redesign comes around - if not before. And if not, I'm not going to enjoy my GTO any less. :drive:

i would like to see an LS6 in it, two hood scopes and a JUDGE badge on it :headbang:

yes...the Judge is exactly what we were thinking.

I sure wouldn't mind having a car that can run 11's and is as comfortable as the GTO is. Give "us" time...the GTO will run 11's, then 10's, etc.

Not too bad if you ask me. IMO, the styling could've been a bit better. That just leaves room for more mods! :devil:

i am undecided about the GTO as it is still to soon for ME to tell. but lets all grow up a little get off drunilla's back. he was just stating an opinion which he is entitled to. you may say that he doesnt know enough about the car to make a statement like that but for some a decision can be made as soon as they see something THEY dont like. if you dont like it dru then cool...and if you do nine then cool too. to each his own.

I don't care what anyone else thinks. I like the new GTO. It is almost exactly what I wanted it to be. I have been writing GM for over 4 years to get them to import a Holden and use it. I'm ecstatic that they finally did so.

I do hope the "Judge" comes soon and is packing enough power to get the Pontiac division some serious stock car street credibility.

Actually I know alot about the car just because every teenager can't afford the car
does not mean their daddies can't. Where I am from kids around here drive C5's BMW's and
cars that they could never afford on there own because daddy bought it for them. Including myself
I have been blessed and my dad owns a car lot and I change cars all the time so there are kids who could get
them if they wanted them and they wouldn't. If it were up to me at $33K I would buy a used 2001 Vette and have
some money left in my pocket. F-bodies are in the minority because the F-bodies were more expensive than the Mustang.
I have owned a Formula,Z28,Cobra,Gt,and an SS and the F-bodies out performed the Fords everytime. The Mustang looks great
and is still a great performance car but you get what you pay for. Drive a Brand new Cobra off the lot (not counting the 03) and go
against an T/A off the lot or SS and the F-body wins.

Sorry guys gotta stick my 2 cents in. With most folks Ive disscused the GTO with,our problems not the car itself. The problem is that GM is using an old design for the Monaro made by Holden and calling it a Pontiac. If Pontiac or GM just imported the car as is a Holden. In my opion there wouldnt be this big stink over a basically uninspiring design. Call a Holden a Holden. It isnt a Pontiac and never will be. Look up Holdens website the 04 Monaro isnt as boring as a GTO not by a longshot.

WOT thanks alot thats all this thread was for I don't like it and I was just looking
for others opinions if they like it great more power to them I just gave the reasons I did not like it but
I also said there were some things I did like about it. In a nut shell I just think they could have made it look
a little better and done something to get a better 1/4mile time. And I still think $33k is to much
for the car. Spend $12k on an F-body and use the rest of the money left over on mods what do you get?
GTO killer

WOT thanks alot thats all this thread was for I don't like it and I was just looking
for others opinions if they like it great more power to them I just gave the reasons I did not like it but
I also said there were some things I did like about it. In a nut shell I just think they could have made it look
a little better and done something to get a better 1/4mile time. And I still think $33k is to much
for the car. Spend $12k on an F-body and use the rest of the money left over on mods what do you get?
GTO killer

I don't know how old you are, but I'm assuming you're pretty young so I can see how $33K would be a lot. For me however, it's a drop in the bucket. I think it's priced quite fairly. Luxury, comfort, power, etc...

I could easily buy a 5.0 Mustang and drop $20K and run 8's. What does that prove? Nothing.

I'm 20 actually and yes $33K is a bunch of money to me I'm glad it's a drop in a bucket for you but
why get the GTO when you could get an 01 Vette? Looks better and is fasater. I don't think the GTO is very luxurious
IMO but the inside is nice and running 8's would prove alot isn't that the goal of every racer to get the top
performance out of there car and achieve the best 1/4mile possible? If you have a GTO that you dropped $33k on but
my F-body that looks better and can kill you on the track for less money how is that not a good thing? I don't know
those are just my personal goals and seeing as I am on a budget that makes it hard to I just think if $33k was so easy for me
to spend I could think of alot more to do with my money than drop it on a GTO but to each his own

Quarter mile isn't everything. The majority of people who buy cars aren't concerned with all out speed, and I'm betting that a lot of the GTO's that are bought will go to those people.

drunilla, expand your horizons a little and try to understand that the GTO is NOT an f-body replacemnt, or a Corvette competitor. The cars are all intended for different types of buyers. I guy out shopping specifically for a GTO will not be shopping for a Corvette. Some people actually require four seats and a trunk. Tell me one other V8 rwd 2-door in the $30-35K price range that competes with the GTO, in the same category of car. There isn't one!

I don't understand why you keep trying to compare the f-body, corvette, and GTO, when all they share is the same engine. You might as well be comparing the H2 Hummer and the HD2500 Sierra to them as well, because of similar engines.

The f-body targeted the 25-35 year old performance enthusiast. Excellent power and handling for the buck, not so good build quality or fit/finish.

The Corvette targets the 40-50 year old who always wanted a Corvette but couldn't afford one until now. They like to show golf clubs, men wearing suits, etc... in their ads and comercials. This is supposed to be the guys wanting the "elite performance vehicle" by GM.

The GTO is targeted for the urban 30-40 year range professional male, who requires four full-size seating (company car?), and requires the practicality of a vehicle on a daily basis, yet wants a little power under the hood. Until now, that meant you only had the M3. Its not targeted for the drag-racing, beer chugging, loud exhaust, loud music crowd, but some of us will get our hands on one ;)

Until you can accept that every buyer has a different purpose, you will not understand the reasons behind the GTO.

Faster isn't better to everyone. If that were the case all of us would just buy the fastest car we could afford and not care what they look like. It might be important to you however, and there is no problem with that.

Tony

Tony you make good points I never looked at that way in terms of
seating in what not for the every day guy who wants that little bit of power and
having the car be practical at the same time. I guess only being 20 I'm just to young now to care
about or worry about that stuff for me it's all about the need for speed
I still think they should have styled it a bit better

[QUOTE]sunsetz28
Staging Lane



Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Chula Vista, CA
I agree with PendragonZ, CheifBrody, and Nine Ball. drunilla, your statements sound plain ignorant. That's all I have to say because I'm tired of all the people still hurt by the demise of the F-Body. Get over it.

__________________
I dont have any problem with the GTO. because as long as GM makes cars with LS1's parts will eventualy get cheaper. But as far as Getting over the Demise of the F-body, im having a hard time with that my self. I love F bodies always have and always will. and I will probably never get over it, But thats just me. But....to each his own.

I think the GTO will sell everyone of the 18000 units. I don't think the GTO is marketed towards the absolute "performance entusiasts". It is targated towards someone that wants a relatively roomy sporty sedan that will compete with the other mid size sports cars. I look at the GTO as a refined F-Body. The GTO is not very appealing to me but I can see the things that would make it appealing to a more older concensus. The GTO in no means was created to replace the F-Body.

Wes

I guess this goes to show you, opinions are like a$* H.Les, everyone has one. Nobody is right or wrong. We all came to this web site because we love our cars and want to share it with the world. Nobody should be hammered for there opinion but keep an open mind to each other. I think some people take personal offense to some of the coments. I personally don't like things when they get popular. I like to be part of the minority. I like to have something that is rare that few can appreciate, that most just dont understand. That's fine, I've come to except that. Just remember, we all came to this site to enjoy our niche in life, not put each other down.

P.S. It's supposed to snow here soon. Now that sucks.

Nine Ball - that has to be the best explanation I've seen of the contrasts between the 3 cars. Mind if I link here when some of the other sites get hostile?

drunilla, expand your horizons a little and try to understand that the GTO is NOT an f-body replacemnt, or a Corvette competitor. The cars are all intended for different types of buyers. I guy out shopping specifically for a GTO will not be shopping for a Corvette. Some people actually require four seats and a trunk. Tell me one other V8 rwd 2-door in the $30-35K price range that competes with the GTO, in the same category of car. There isn't one!

I don't understand why you keep trying to compare the f-body, corvette, and GTO, when all they share is the same engine. You might as well be comparing the H2 Hummer and the HD2500 Sierra to them as well, because of similar engines.

The f-body targeted the 25-35 year old performance enthusiast. Excellent power and handling for the buck, not so good build quality or fit/finish.

The Corvette targets the 40-50 year old who always wanted a Corvette but couldn't afford one until now. They like to show golf clubs, men wearing suits, etc... in their ads and comercials. This is supposed to be the guys wanting the "elite performance vehicle" by GM.

The GTO is targeted for the urban 30-40 year range professional male, who requires four full-size seating (company car?), and requires the practicality of a vehicle on a daily basis, yet wants a little power under the hood. Until now, that meant you only had the M3. Its not targeted for the drag-racing, beer chugging, loud exhaust, loud music crowd, but some of us will get our hands on one ;)

Until you can accept that every buyer has a different purpose, you will not understand the reasons behind the GTO.

Faster isn't better to everyone. If that were the case all of us would just buy the fastest car we could afford and not care what they look like. It might be important to you however, and there is no problem with that.

Tony

Judge for yourself :)

rschumacherfan: absolutely. Honestly, I'm tired of seeing guys rag on the GTO for not being an f-body replacement. Until you see one in person and drive one, I'd just recommend waiting to form an opinion. The body of the GTO is larger than an F-body, and you won't notice that until you see one in person. In the photos, it kind of looks small (like an f-body), but its not. The interior is HUGE also. I like the seats and the rear seat has plenty of room for passengers.

I just got done reading MT's road test. They got a 5.3 sec. 0-60 and 13.62 sec. in the quarter. They also said Pontiac will be releasing a "more compelling" GTO. Nine Ball and others are correct, GM didn't intend the GTO to be an F-body replacement; however, the "more compelling" GTO will replace my F-Body.

[QUOTE]sunsetz28
Staging Lane



Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Chula Vista, CA
I agree with PendragonZ, CheifBrody, and Nine Ball. drunilla, your statements sound plain ignorant. That's all I have to say because I'm tired of all the people still hurt by the demise of the F-Body. Get over it.

__________________
I dont have any problem with the GTO. because as long as GM makes cars with LS1's parts will eventualy get cheaper. But as far as Getting over the Demise of the F-body, im having a hard time with that my self. I love F bodies always have and always will. and I will probably never get over it, But thats just me. But....to each his own.
I'm not trying to bash anyone. I just get a little annoyed because this has been going on for so long and the car isn't even out yet. I'm still upset at the demise of the F-Body. No on likes change, but it happens. And we all have to deal with it. I just have the hope that they'll bring back, at the least, the Camaro.:)