We just found out we are getting an "ALL NEW" G5.







[/sarcasm]

 

I'm not sure what kind of sign the G5 is...or not.

 

So, are we back to assuming my favorite division might get Oldsmobiled?

 

I hope not, but I just can't seem to shake out any good news.

 

Its interesting that he falls into the camp that believes the Camaro will be an '08 model, meaning it would be available late '07 calender year...

 

What does the GTO ending have anything to do with Pontiac possibly being dissolved?

 

It's not farfetched. GM seems to be currently throwing everything they can to get the car out. I'm suspecting late 2007 as a 2008, but I'd put my money on the start of 2008 as a 2009 in case we get another "Solstice situation" (the fault of GM purchasing and a supplier) where something goes wrong that delays things a few months.


As for Pontiac, they DO have at least 2 plans on the books. The reason it's not visible is because Chevrolet is spearheading this chassis (via Holden). Chevrolet's input is dictating what this chassis is.

Pontiac and Buick have done drawings and by now, probally mock ups. Unlike the chassis work which takes a few years, adapting sheetmetal and creating an interior takes only as long to get to production as it takes to program the machinary that does sheetmetal (tradition stamping machines are now obsolete) and get interior panels outsourced. In short, Chevy can have a coupe and sedan approved, and Pontiac and/or Buick don't need to have anything ready till months afterwards, and they can still reach production at the same time as Chevy.


Regarding GTO, like I said in another thread, it's likely to be a version within a model line up next round, not a separate car. Could be a version of a full size sedan (like the R/T on the Charger) or a version of a coupe (GTO instead of GXP?).

I still don't believe the Firebird name is coming back. But I do believe that both Holden and Pontiac will be marketing the same coupe, which will be far more conservatively styled than the Camaro.

Pontiac Monaro GTO, anyone?

 

AS I like the current GTO, I have NO problem with a Monaro styled GTO. The only real drawback to the car is lack of a couple amenities available (I do love HUD on my GP) and the trunk space (or lack thereof).

 

Make it an AWD, 400 HP V8 convertible and I might end up with a Saab in the garage.

 

As a biased GTO owner, i'm GLAD they didn't make any stripper, cloth seat, 16" wheel, basic radio, no traction control, etc versions of the car. Cheaper versions of the car would have cheapened the whole line, dilluting resale values and also probably hurting insurance via making it more accesible to high risk drivers.

 

They weren't talking about a stripper version, they were talking about the same car but priced lower. the AUS to US dollar exchange rate made them price the GTO higher.

I'd bet if GTO was MSRP'd at mid-$20's like they originally wanted, sales would have been much stronger....and maybe the case for a beyond MY '06 GTO would have been brighter.

 

Mid 20's for a GTO????!!! Too bad a freaking Cobalt SS is almost that much.

TONY

 

In all honesty though...how many 400 HP cars are there at the current GTO's price point. To me a GTO at $32K is a screaming bargin...especially when you consider how expensive Camaro SS's and WS6's are.

In all honestly...I think what hurts the GTO more than anything is the lack of options and content. I have been looking at a GXP or a GTO...and when you think about it...unless RWD is a must, the GTO just does not make sense. You can get a GXP with HUD, Sunroof, NAV, climate control, 18's, TAPShift, ect. for thousands less. Well worth dealing with FWD and being a few tenths slower in the quarter IMO.

All I need is a few opyions I like, and the "400HP(1)" part of my brain would easily overule the "GXP is a value" part of my brain. I think if I could just get NAV and a Sunroof in the GTO for $33-34K I would have a much harder time not buying it. I am willing to pay for options...but it pisses me off when they are not offered.

 

I know what you mean. I like the GTO, but I don't love it. And for the past two years I've been trying to convince myself that I should like the GTO enough to cough up the cash for one. Somehow, I can never reach that threshold. I have too many issues with GTO's packaging compromises.

The (non) trunk is one. I also wish there were a third seatbelt in the back, (GTO's should have that, they're not Camaros)....there sure is enough room for it. That is, once you get back there, which is a huge hassle with that weird, slow, power seat, rear access deal. In the driver's position, you sit high, like in a sedan, yet you feel like you're going to bump your head on the A-pillar, when you get in and out.

GTO, has ALL the compromises inherent in a sporty, little, 2+2, ponycar. Yet you're driving a large 3,800 lbs, 2 door sedan. And to me, it feels like you're driving a large, powerful, 4 door sedan, (in the feel of it's heft and chassis dynamics)...but without the utility of a trunk, rear doors and full back seat.

The 400 hp is extra-nice, but I'd have to only pay mid $20's for a GTO, to put up with the rest.

Just me though...

 

I forgot about the trunk too....

It's funny....the GTO is like the girlfriend you lust...but she does just enough stupid **** you know you would never marry her.