You're right, a quad coupe Camaro is completely unacceptable to me. But please do not pretend that the current GTO, in any way, shape or form, conforms with what GTO's historically were. I think I touched upon that in a previous post.

The current GTO is more of a modern day '63/'64 Riviera (with an available stick and sans the edgy styling), than a historically correct GTO progeny. Think about that. Is that good or bad? I don't know. I happen to like the new GTO, but I know it does not strictly, ( ****, even loosely), follow the GTO formula established from 1964-1973. In fact, it deviates markedly from the parameters established by the original GOAT.

If the next GTO survives because it ends up being an aggressively styled, 5 seater, quad coupe, I'd go so far as to say - that is getting closer to the spirit of the original GTO than the current one does.

And I'd have no problem parking such a GTO next to my 5th gen Z/28.

 

I dunno, I think the current GTO fits what a GTO would be had it carried on till today. Only think it needs IMO is a decent trunk and slightly more aggressive styling.

While history can be manipulated to support you case possibly...the public sees the GTO as a large, RWD, two door coupe. All I am saying is...the current GTO is a screaming value and very nice car...yet it got beat to hell for styling. Make a quad coupe GTO and you will have the same thing. Remember what Charlie wants does not necessarily equaly what everyone else wants. If so, the Contour would still be made (not knocking you, the Contour SVT is a hot little car).

 

How can you say that the current GTO is not in line with what they historically were 64-73? Not trying to be rude, I am curious to see your reasoning on this. I personally think that the GTO is exactly inline with what the spirit of the old GTO's were. I look forward to hearing your reasoning.

 

At the risk of repeating myself......


GTO's were always 5 or 6 passenger cars, not a 2+2.

GTO's were very affordable, the GTO package cost $295.90 over the base Tempest in 1964.

GTO's were available in 3 different body styles most years.

GTO's were not limited production.

GTO's could be ordered with various transmissions, engines, axle ratios. You could buy a 4 speed, tri-power, 3.90 gear street terror or a turnpike cruiser geared, column shift, low compression two bbl, (255hp in 1967).


I like the new GTO, but like I said, I see more connection with a '63/'64 Riv than an old GOAT.

Quick tell me which car I'm talking about:
A slightly pricey, large-ish 2+2 coupe, with fancy interior and big, powerful motor.

 

Currently sounds like the GTO, I know nothing of Riviera's to comment if that is what they were. I concede the 2+2 part, but I guess we'll agree to disagree about how cosely the GTO follows what I see as the spirit of the originals. Peace.

 

Wow!
I didn't think it's possible but - that illustration both sucks and blows at the same time!

 

I don't know what the inflation rate would be.

But a base '67 Camaro coupe (base as in six cylinder), cost $2,466. A base '67 GTO coupe, (with 335 hp, 400 cid V8) cost $2,871.

So what does that work out to in modern terms? A GTO for a Mustang GT price? Less?

 

It would put it on my shopping list as well. And I actually buy new cars

 

If we stay with the Pontiac brand, the Firebird Espirit is what jumps to my mind minus the powerful motor (at least from the factory).

 

The current GTO is everything the old GTO was in spirit and more.

The only semi-legitimate things people could say were missing were the hood scoops, but they are back.

It also would be nice if it were built in the USA, but we keep seeing less and less of that.

Sorry Charlie, but you really are the only person I've seen complain about the new GTO not heving the ability to seat 3 across the back, so I don't think that's a real huge issue to most other people.

 

Oh, I don't know, I think lots of people have lots of issues with the new GTO. That's just one thing that would make it better for me.

 

Obviously, the biggest beef is the "bland styling"... still, as a limited production vehicle.. .it will sell out with no incentives except one short stint.

Sound like it's as successful as it can be to me.

If it becomes a non-limited production car... I think more unique styling will address far more sales issues than trying to turn a muscle car in to a more family oriented vehicle...

We have tons of family sedans... why change one of the few muscle coupes into another?

Just my .02 on the issue.

 

Mark Ruess said this in a recent interview: "The Pontiac GTO right now is filling our niche in the upper end of the Mustang portfolio. But as we go through time, we look at how do we participate? "

Essentially confirming that the GTO IS the Trans Am replacement.

Categorizing a GTO as an F-car replacement, both bends the GTO's historical formula, and creates a dangerous rift in the time/space continuum.

 

My only beef with the current GTO, both in general and as it relates to it's history is:

It's about $3K-$4K too expensive to be the everyman's car it was (or as I've been told it was) and be it today. Now perhaps if it wasn't a limited run model and you could start ditching some premium options like the leather seats the price would come down to or under that magical $30K mark.

 

Exactly, it's the new Firebird Espirit