First OFFICIAL pictures of 2004 GTO

formula79 · 06-20-2002, 09:15 AM

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[This message has been edited by formula79 (edited June 22, 2002).]

Darth Xed · 06-20-2002, 09:18 AM

Wow... I mean, it looks good... but it looked good the first time I saw it, too... as the 1997 Grand Prix GTP Coupe...

I gotta say I am kind of underwhelmed.

mtw 97z · 06-20-2002, 09:29 AM

That is one bland automobile.

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97 Z28 M6 Black
Moroso CAI, 1LE elbow, airfoil, TB bypass, 160 thermo, HPP+, LT4 KM, AC Delco Rapidfire plugs, Taylor Spiro-Pro wires, B&M Ripper, 1LE tranny mount, polyurethane front swaybar bushings, Borla catback WFO, BMR STB, red badging and custom red interior, chrome 17x9.5" ZR1s, Firehawk SZ50s, synthetic fluids throughout

99SilverSS · 06-20-2002, 09:53 AM

How can thay call it a GTO w/o atleast a hood scoop. I mean Pontiac has the RAM AIR package on Grand Am GT's and the GTO their new flagship gets nothing. The GTO invented RAM AIR for Pontiac, and they have already forgot. W/o RAM AIR this car looks too much like a Grand Prix. How hard is it to fab up a new fiberglass hood for this car? I hope this pic is just preliminary and not the real thing.

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Chewbacca · 06-20-2002, 11:31 AM

I've driven nothing but General Motors products since I was 16 (three Camaros, one full size Blazer, one Sunfire, one GTP). The whole Camaro thing has bothered me a great deal. In spite of this I would never have thought I would react as many others have by stating they will take their business elsewhere. Recent changes at GM had given me hope that performance and styling were not dead at the company. In fact I could never have imagined that I would even consider another make ....until now.

These freakin' guys just don't get it! I mean the car looks like a Grand Am! If this is their idea of a GTO then please, PLEASE let the Camaro and Firebird rest in peace. This is ridiculous.

I suppose if I was somewhat better off financially and in the market for a four door then I would have the upcoming CTSi to consider. Unfortunately I'm neither. **sigh** How much does that new Cobra list for?

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formula79 · 06-20-2002, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chewbacca:
I've driven nothing but General Motors products since I was 16 (three Camaros, one full size Blazer, one Sunfire, one GTP). The whole Camaro thing has bothered me a great deal. In spite of this I would never have thought I would react as many others have by stating they will take their business elsewhere. Recent changes at GM had given me hope that performance and styling were not dead at the company. In fact I could never have imagined that I would even consider another make ....until now.

These freakin' guys just don't get it! I mean the car looks like a Grand Am! If this is their idea of a GTO then please, PLEASE let the Camaro and Firebird rest in peace. This is ridiculous.

I suppose if I was somewhat better off financially and in the market for a four door then I would have the upcoming CTSi to consider. Unfortunately I'm neither. **sigh** How much does that new Cobra list for?

man what do you expect? Drum Brakes all around. The car is a moderfn interpetation of a classic...not retro.

CLEAN · 06-20-2002, 12:31 PM

Well, I guess I'm gonna have to offer the counterpoint in that I actually like the style. Don't get me wrong, I'm suprised that there isn't more of an evolutionary aspect to what is becoming a dated Pontiac look on the front end, but compared to the A(ss)tek, and the Vibe for that matter, I think this is better looking than their more recent attempts. Remember, this is only a stop gap car, a few yrs at the most. I wouldn't be suprised if the next gen GTO wasn't in development already, much like the 2nd gen Fbodies were when the 67's came out.

One point of note, I'm in my early 30's and kind of getting away from the overly aggressive cars marketed to the younger members of my demographic, so maybe this car is being targeted at an older crowd (I don't mean old, just not 18-25 yr olds). I mean I much prefer my Formulas' CLEAN look to that of the T/A's bulky, tacked on look (although that Ram Air hood would look SWEEET on my car), so maybe they're designing this thing to appeal to a "safer" target buyer. By that I mean, maybe we prefer a bit blander style, and don't respond as favorably to bold new styling. I know I'm sounding like an old fart here, but this is coming from someone who likes the simplistic design elegance of the Jaguars, Acuras, and of course, the Formula.

Thoughts?

Chris 96 WS6 · 06-20-2002, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CLEAN:
One point of note, I'm in my early 30's and kind of getting away from the overly aggressive cars marketed to the younger members of my demographic, so maybe this car is being targeted at an older crowd (I don't mean old, just not 18-25 yr olds). I mean I much prefer my Formulas' CLEAN look to that of the T/A's bulky, tacked on look (although that Ram Air hood would look SWEEET on my car), so maybe they're designing this thing to appeal to a "safer" target buyer. By that I mean, maybe we prefer a bit blander style, and don't respond as favorably to bold new styling. I know I'm sounding like an old fart here, but this is coming from someone who likes the simplistic design elegance of the Jaguars, Acuras, and of course, the Formula.

Thoughts?

Considering the target price of the GTO, it would be stupid to make it overly aggressive looking so the very people who could afford one don't like how it looks.

IZ28 · 06-20-2002, 01:35 PM

They've gotta be joking. What are they thinking?? That thing is a GTO?! What does the look of that car have to do with a GTO?? Lets take the look of the Grand Am/Prix and all the others and call it a GTO. That looks like a musclecar alright, LOL. Some1 send them !!TED!!'s concepts fast. Where's the real restyling of this thing they said was gonna happen?? With all the other things always being said about this car not being a GTO or how it shouldn't be, the looks of it are really gonna add to that. They better start redesigning that thing quick and use some sense this time.

[This message has been edited by IZ28 (edited June 20, 2002).]

Z284ever · 06-20-2002, 02:06 PM

Considering they got this thing "fast tracked"....using an existing car and literally got done in no time...I think more about it looks good than bad.

Maybe for the next one, I'd like to see more GTO styling cues. But I'd rather have it looking relatively plain than go all out with a bunch of fake scoops, vents, cladding, etc.

And for those hoping for a hood mounted tach......

Although it looked neat...engine vibratios usually made them unreadable.

TA76 · 06-20-2002, 02:10 PM

IF SLP or ASC was smart, one of them would jump on this and offer a "Judge" upgrade (much like the WS6 and SS) with an aggressive retro style rear spoiler & hood. What do you guys think about that?

[This message has been edited by TA76 (edited June 20, 2002).]

Z28Wilson · 06-20-2002, 02:24 PM

They're gonna sell 20,000 of those things either way. I understand a more conservative approach as this car will be marketed to the more affluent buyer...but it really disappoints me how I honestly don't think I'll be able to tell the difference between that and a Grand Prix, which I see hundreds of every day. Especially if it's coming right at me. It's really time to tweak the Pontiac themed front end...it looked fresh, 10 years ago.

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Z284ever · 06-20-2002, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Z28Wilson:
...but it really disappoints me how I honestly don't think I'll be able to tell the difference between that and a Grand Prix, which I see hundreds of every day.

Hey Mark,

You'll be able to tell when you notice tire smoke coming from the rear wheels.

Aeromaks · 06-20-2002, 02:33 PM

Wowee, I love it.

A Little bland, but damn, what a sleeper!

I love this car. And I am 19, so there!

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Chewbacca · 06-20-2002, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by formula79:
man what do you expect? Drum Brakes all around. The car is a moderfn interpetation of a classic...not retro.

I expected an aggressively styled automobile worthy of the name. I did not expect nor did I want a modern "interpretation" of the original. I am NOT old school but I was hoping for something better than this same old grocery getter/rental fleet appearance.

I understand that styling is extremely subjective but sheesh, this is the best that they can offer? It will be interesting to see if GM is raked over the coals for this one.