DROVE the GTO at Milford
Registered User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 188
From: Tampa, FL
Originally posted by IMPALA64
Since were talking about the GTO here...I really like the look of this one:
http://69.56.135.118/~hrt433/hsv/images/coupe44.jpg
http://69.56.135.118/~hrt433/hsv/images/coupe416.jpg
Since were talking about the GTO here...I really like the look of this one:
http://69.56.135.118/~hrt433/hsv/images/coupe44.jpg
http://69.56.135.118/~hrt433/hsv/images/coupe416.jpg
Don't think people from the snowy areas will complain about this one being AWD....
....also liked the Commodore SS'es running around the streets, and one hell of a "standard" HSV Clubsport I saw at the shopping centre being raffled away.
Last edited by gab; Nov 19, 2003 at 01:21 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 470
From: Wichita, KS
Great to hear 
I am hoping to save up enough cash to buy one, but insurance could still be a killer, I wonder if it will be better than an F bod though.
Sure would look nice next to my 92, now which color?
BTW: Just how does one get to test drive cars for a living? Talk about a dream job.
I am hoping to save up enough cash to buy one, but insurance could still be a killer, I wonder if it will be better than an F bod though.
Sure would look nice next to my 92, now which color?
BTW: Just how does one get to test drive cars for a living? Talk about a dream job.
Last edited by 92RS shearn; Nov 19, 2003 at 02:47 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
Originally posted by gab
you're not wrong!!! I reread the articles on this coupe4 (AWD version) while on the plane coming back from a 2-week holiday from Oz.
Don't think people from the snowy areas will complain about this one being AWD....
....also liked the Commodore SS'es running around the streets, and one hell of a "standard" HSV Clubsport I saw at the shopping centre being raffled away.
you're not wrong!!! I reread the articles on this coupe4 (AWD version) while on the plane coming back from a 2-week holiday from Oz.
Don't think people from the snowy areas will complain about this one being AWD....
....also liked the Commodore SS'es running around the streets, and one hell of a "standard" HSV Clubsport I saw at the shopping centre being raffled away.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 188
From: Tampa, FL
Originally posted by guionM
Which part of Oz did you go to?
Which part of Oz did you go to?
I then went to Canberra to visit mother-in-law. It seems like there were more newer cars in Perth compared to Canberra. Haven't been back for about 5 years and was very surprised, and it seems like, Holden has upgraded almost all of their offerings.
I even took a fancy to my sister's fairly new Holden Astra hatch - visually appealing small car for running around town. Would have liked to testdrive the commodore V8's but unfortunately my Australian driver's license has expired, and didn't know if I could convince the dealer that I was seriously looking at buying a car.
In all, I couldn't keep my eyes off the HSV's running all around town. There was also a Ford Falcon XR8 being raffled away, nice looking car too!!
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,440
From: five-one-oh/nine-oh-nine
nice! sounds like what i expected to hear. i remember when i first saw the Monaro and we all let out a collective "argH!" when we realized we couldn't get it here. and now its HERE, packing a bigger bunch and all you hear is everyone b1tching about this great car, only because it happens to wear 3 particular letters that these people don't want to see on ANY other car except those in the past, even if its a really good one.
good job GM and Bob Lutz!
good job GM and Bob Lutz!
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,030
From: Frankfort, KY U.S.A.
I agree with you that the GTO looks better in person than in pics. The only problem I have, I think the side rear glass looks abit long or stretched looking on the car, other than that I love the lines of the car. I felt the interior was quite nicely laid out defenintly the best Pontiac dash lay-out I've ever seen. And the leather seats were just awesome.
I can't wait to drive one.
I can't wait to drive one.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Originally posted by slashz28
anyone know if the GTO will make it to canada? i had read a few months ago that it wouldnt, any truth to that?
great review btw
anyone know if the GTO will make it to canada? i had read a few months ago that it wouldnt, any truth to that?
great review btw
Banned
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,954
Re: DROVE the GTO at Milford
Originally posted by 96_Camaro_B4C
Alright, I can't take anymore of these lame GTO bashing threads. Yesterday I had the opportunity to drive a brand new (850 miles) GTO in silver. I'll say this: all you naysayers can whine all you want; it is a kick-*** car.
First of all, it looks MUCH better in person than it does in pictures. The front fenders/hood area have a rather muscular shape that just doesn't come out in pictures. The way it sits low on the wheels (unlike the 4x4 looking LS1 F-cars) is just awesome.
The exhaust note is quite nice. Seems quiet (but that's because my LT1 car is too loud for anything over 10 miles), but has a really sweet note. Just about perfect for this type of car. But the amazing thing is the overall quietness, smoothness, and refined feeling of the whole powertrain. Think 3 series with a line 6 (325, 330, whatever). The LS1 in this car is a totally different animal than, say, the LS1/LS6 in the Vette. The car was drum tight, with minimal noise even at 100 mph. Gen IIIs are smooth running engines, and the structural oil pan and block design keep broadcast noise levels down quite a bit. That quality is exaggerated even more in the GTOs particular body structure.
I did a couple of zero to 90/100 blasts on the E/W straightaway, and the car is just sweet. Definitely pulls a little harder up top than my LT1 (duh), similar to an LS1 F-car (duh), not as strong as the 500 lb lighter LS1 Vette (no ****, Sherlock). But the refinement factor makes it feel a lot different. The tach just climbs smoothly, and you get pushed back in your seat, but you are not surrounded by loud noises. The refinement difference over the F-cars (even the 98+ models) is night and day. Seriously.
Like I mentioned, think 3 series, almost. The seats are AWESOME, and you sit higher above the dash than in the F cars or Vette, so you don't get the driving a torpedo feeling. Still very sporty, just not @ss on the pavement low.
On the ride and handling loop, the differences from the F-body are more pronounced. That track has dips and potholes, rr tracks, and all sorts of realworld road surfaces. The GTO handled them all with grace that is >>> F car. Bumps that would set the rear end dancing in the F-body barely make a sound in the GTO. Just a nice, controlled "thump thump thump" over the bumps. Not much body roll, and no tire squeal (though I certainly wasn't trying to spin a brand new verification car off the road).
The interior is excellent, too. You've all read that in the magazines, though I think some of the "sets a new standard for GM" stuff is a stretch. Not because the GTO is bad, but because some newer GM interiors are actually quite nice in switch feel, etc. IMO, the new GTO interior LOOKS really nice. The radio seems to work well and sound good, with good tactile feel and a nice big display. The HVAC controls didn't really impress in feel; I prefer a solid feeling **** to turn, with markings on the surround. The GTO has those ***** that are rings around a still center, with the markings on the fixed center. Works fine, but not my cup of tea. Gauges and seats were sweet, as you've read. Best thing about the interior is how elegant (though subtle) and perfectly fitting for the car it is.
The trunk is a little small, but certainly not "useless". The only other drawback I noticed was a tendency for the shifter to hang up occasionally. Like I said, though, the car had 800 miles on it (much of which were run on the FTP emissions test cycle for data collection), and I think this will improve as it breaks in. IMO, the shifter was a little TOO smooth (I prefer a solid feel, like the stock F car shifter, but without the F-cars long throws). The Vette has the best implementation of the T56 that I've come across in terms of shift feel. But, a small nit in a dang near perfect car.
Oh yeah, brakes. I didn't do any heavy/panic braking (I didn't want to make the guy with me sick), but they felt strong, and the pedal feel was pretty good.
So, there you have it, from my point of view. Everyone bitching about the GTO, especially from a dragstrip standpoint: go drive one, then immediately drive an F-car, then go drive a 330is or maybe a G35 coupe and see exactly what the GTO is all about. It is much more than a car built to run 1/4 mile times, and to judge it against an LS1 Z28 or T/A based solely on that criteria is INSANE and foolish. The fact that any F-car could be optioned up to cost as much as this car is amazing. AND I'M NOT BASHING THE F-CAR; I love mine. I'm just saying they are different animals, and improvement is a good thing most of the time. The new GTO is a helluva car. It would actually make a much nicer car to drive daily than a Vette (and certainly more than an F-bod). Well done, I say.
Alright, I can't take anymore of these lame GTO bashing threads. Yesterday I had the opportunity to drive a brand new (850 miles) GTO in silver. I'll say this: all you naysayers can whine all you want; it is a kick-*** car.
First of all, it looks MUCH better in person than it does in pictures. The front fenders/hood area have a rather muscular shape that just doesn't come out in pictures. The way it sits low on the wheels (unlike the 4x4 looking LS1 F-cars) is just awesome.
The exhaust note is quite nice. Seems quiet (but that's because my LT1 car is too loud for anything over 10 miles), but has a really sweet note. Just about perfect for this type of car. But the amazing thing is the overall quietness, smoothness, and refined feeling of the whole powertrain. Think 3 series with a line 6 (325, 330, whatever). The LS1 in this car is a totally different animal than, say, the LS1/LS6 in the Vette. The car was drum tight, with minimal noise even at 100 mph. Gen IIIs are smooth running engines, and the structural oil pan and block design keep broadcast noise levels down quite a bit. That quality is exaggerated even more in the GTOs particular body structure.
I did a couple of zero to 90/100 blasts on the E/W straightaway, and the car is just sweet. Definitely pulls a little harder up top than my LT1 (duh), similar to an LS1 F-car (duh), not as strong as the 500 lb lighter LS1 Vette (no ****, Sherlock). But the refinement factor makes it feel a lot different. The tach just climbs smoothly, and you get pushed back in your seat, but you are not surrounded by loud noises. The refinement difference over the F-cars (even the 98+ models) is night and day. Seriously.
Like I mentioned, think 3 series, almost. The seats are AWESOME, and you sit higher above the dash than in the F cars or Vette, so you don't get the driving a torpedo feeling. Still very sporty, just not @ss on the pavement low.
On the ride and handling loop, the differences from the F-body are more pronounced. That track has dips and potholes, rr tracks, and all sorts of realworld road surfaces. The GTO handled them all with grace that is >>> F car. Bumps that would set the rear end dancing in the F-body barely make a sound in the GTO. Just a nice, controlled "thump thump thump" over the bumps. Not much body roll, and no tire squeal (though I certainly wasn't trying to spin a brand new verification car off the road).
The interior is excellent, too. You've all read that in the magazines, though I think some of the "sets a new standard for GM" stuff is a stretch. Not because the GTO is bad, but because some newer GM interiors are actually quite nice in switch feel, etc. IMO, the new GTO interior LOOKS really nice. The radio seems to work well and sound good, with good tactile feel and a nice big display. The HVAC controls didn't really impress in feel; I prefer a solid feeling **** to turn, with markings on the surround. The GTO has those ***** that are rings around a still center, with the markings on the fixed center. Works fine, but not my cup of tea. Gauges and seats were sweet, as you've read. Best thing about the interior is how elegant (though subtle) and perfectly fitting for the car it is.
The trunk is a little small, but certainly not "useless". The only other drawback I noticed was a tendency for the shifter to hang up occasionally. Like I said, though, the car had 800 miles on it (much of which were run on the FTP emissions test cycle for data collection), and I think this will improve as it breaks in. IMO, the shifter was a little TOO smooth (I prefer a solid feel, like the stock F car shifter, but without the F-cars long throws). The Vette has the best implementation of the T56 that I've come across in terms of shift feel. But, a small nit in a dang near perfect car.
Oh yeah, brakes. I didn't do any heavy/panic braking (I didn't want to make the guy with me sick), but they felt strong, and the pedal feel was pretty good.
So, there you have it, from my point of view. Everyone bitching about the GTO, especially from a dragstrip standpoint: go drive one, then immediately drive an F-car, then go drive a 330is or maybe a G35 coupe and see exactly what the GTO is all about. It is much more than a car built to run 1/4 mile times, and to judge it against an LS1 Z28 or T/A based solely on that criteria is INSANE and foolish. The fact that any F-car could be optioned up to cost as much as this car is amazing. AND I'M NOT BASHING THE F-CAR; I love mine. I'm just saying they are different animals, and improvement is a good thing most of the time. The new GTO is a helluva car. It would actually make a much nicer car to drive daily than a Vette (and certainly more than an F-bod).
Well done, I say.
When a GTO takes longer to stop than a Camry SE, that's a problem.
It all comes down to the fact that the final spec GTO has far smaller rotors than the F4 - despite being alot heavier. If the GTO can't match the braking performance of the late great F4, the car is major step backwards. So much for Pontiac as a BMW competitor.
There's my comment.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,165
From: Sterling Heights, MI
Re: Re: DROVE the GTO at Milford
Originally posted by redzed
Alot of words. No mention about the dismal brakes.
Alot of words. No mention about the dismal brakes.
Oh yeah, cue the cricket sound. Now if it isn't one thing about the GTO it's another. You've been 
so many times on so many of your points about GTO...so now it's the brakes. Errr ok. You don't like the styling, period. Why not just get to the real meat of your dislike for it and leave it at that. It is so much less embarrassing for you.And that's just MY $0.02.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
Re: Re: DROVE the GTO at Milford
Originally posted by redzed
Alot of words. No mention about the dismal brakes.
Alot of words. No mention about the dismal brakes.
Originally posted by 96_Camaro_B4C
...Oh yeah, brakes. I didn't do any heavy/panic braking (I didn't want to make the guy with me sick), but they felt strong, and the pedal feel was pretty good...
...Oh yeah, brakes. I didn't do any heavy/panic braking (I didn't want to make the guy with me sick), but they felt strong, and the pedal feel was pretty good...
Originally posted by Z28Wilson
A lot of words huh? Lemme point out something. If I can be so blunt, you are one of the biggest blow-holes on this board when it comes to a lot of words but saying nothing.
A lot of words huh? Lemme point out something. If I can be so blunt, you are one of the biggest blow-holes on this board when it comes to a lot of words but saying nothing.
A nice write-up by 96_Camaro_B4C btw. Makes me almost want to buy a Pontiac.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 599
From: Inland Empire, CA
Re: Re: DROVE the GTO at Milford
Originally posted by redzed
Alot of words. No mention about the dismal brakes.
When a GTO takes longer to stop than a Camry SE, that's a problem. It all comes down to the fact that the final spec GTO has far smaller rotors than the F4 - despite being alot heavier.
If the GTO can't match the braking performance of the late great F4, the car is major step backwards. So much for Pontiac as a BMW competitor. There's my comment.
Alot of words. No mention about the dismal brakes.
When a GTO takes longer to stop than a Camry SE, that's a problem.
It all comes down to the fact that the final spec GTO has far smaller rotors than the F4 - despite being alot heavier. If the GTO can't match the braking performance of the late great F4, the car is major step backwards. So much for Pontiac as a BMW competitor.
There's my comment.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,504
From: Ohio
Re: Re: Re: DROVE the GTO at Milford
Originally posted by Z28Wilson
A lot of words huh? Lemme point out something. If I can be so blunt, you are one of the biggest blow-holes on this board when it comes to a lot of words but saying nothing. How many times have I asked you what makes the Malibu a more boring/worse car than the oh-so-exciting Camry? Oh yeah, cue the cricket sound. Now if it isn't one thing about the GTO it's another. You've been so many times on so many of your points about GTO...so now it's the brakes. Errr ok. You don't like the styling, period. Why not just get to the real meat of your dislike for it and leave it at that. It is so much less embarrassing for you.
And that's just MY $0.02.
A lot of words huh? Lemme point out something. If I can be so blunt, you are one of the biggest blow-holes on this board when it comes to a lot of words but saying nothing. How many times have I asked you what makes the Malibu a more boring/worse car than the oh-so-exciting Camry?
Oh yeah, cue the cricket sound. Now if it isn't one thing about the GTO it's another. You've been so many times on so many of your points about GTO...so now it's the brakes. Errr ok. You don't like the styling, period. Why not just get to the real meat of your dislike for it and leave it at that. It is so much less embarrassing for you.And that's just MY $0.02.