guionM, with all due respect, how do you propose that it is "much cheaper than Cobra"? I know of a few that have been bought recently for less than sticker, because the well-to-do buyer was able to pay cash for it. Getting a Cobra for $33k or even a touch less is possible if you find the right situation.

Also, I have not yet seen a sticker for the new GTO. As you yourself often state, let's wait and see what actually comes out. It may be $32k, it may be $35k on the sticker, who knows? And if any dealer gouging does occur... that doesn't HELP it stay below the Cobra either. We know for a FACT that you can get a Cobra for UNDER $35k delivered, and we know how they look and run.

Not flaming, just pointing out a potential crack in your otherwise excellent post - with which I mostly agree on your position too. "much less" I would question, "on-par" I'll agree with at this point. (Again, it amazes me how often the Cobra is used as a metering stick nowadays. I'da never thunkit 18 months ago. )

Note to everybody - as a little extra insight, let's not leave the Mach 1 completely out of this picture either. At $27k, here's a car that will hold it's own if not take the GTO in straight lines, will not be hugely disgraced in the curves, and will offer at least as much in the attention/desireability/collectability arenas. There are innumerable vintage Mach 1's on the sale sheets and auction blocks today going in the $30-$40K range - and these were direct GTO competitors (at least in the '69-'73 m/y's). We know that not every GTO is going to go into soccer-mom duty... many WILL be bought by enthusiasts who "recall the name", and they may just as well recall the Mach 1 as the GTO. Loyalty will aslo be a key player in those purchases IMO. It just depends on what the buyer wants the car for.

Anyhow, I'm just saying don't forget about other cars in this charade. I also wouldn't turn my back on the V8 Monte or Chevelle in the next few years either. I have no clue where they will fall price-wise, but GM could very well erode GTO sales with well-executed Montys or Chevelles - as these cars have fierce followers too. Recall the "What does SS mean to you" thread... CHEVELLE wins hands down... in a Camaro forum!

 

Cobra Coupes list for just under $34,000, so that puts them smack where GTO's pricing will be.

It's not entirely fair to say that simply because someone worked out something with the dealer, that a Cobra is automatically cheaper than another car. GTO will most probally go for about the same as a Cobra at list price. Any other price, up or down, is up to the dealer, not the manufacturer.

Another thing being missed here is that when the new Cobra comes out, GTO would have been on the market for 6 months to a year, so it's safe to say Cobra will have dealer mark-ups that will make GTOs look like they're on sale, just as GTOs will likely have this fall. There's only going to be a few months, if any, overlap between the current Mustang & the new GTO.

You brought up an interesting point with the Mach 1 Mustang. Maybe it is closer to what the GTO is compared to the Cobra.

 

after 98 the SS has been done at Chevy....you only got an SLP modified car if you ordered the special exhuast, ect.

 

The GTO will be underrated...look for it to dyno at 360-370 HP with the traditional LS1 Flat tourque curve. No solid rear Mach I with a 310hp DOHC V8 is gonna perform on it's level. Also of note the GTO's interior is so good it's like comparing a BMW to a Cavalier. The Mach I is fairly priced at $27,000, but the gTO is ibn a class above it and well worth the $34,000. Me and myg/f are already planning on an 06 GTO...I think that one will be the show stoppa!

 

Thanks for re-saying just about everything I pointed out earlier...
Glad to know it's worth $34K to you.
PS - race every Mach 1 you come up against in the curves... don't go light to light... trust me on this one.

Agreed... that's why I was asking about the "much cheaper than Cobra" comment? It doesn't fit in well with the rest of your case.

I know a ringer deal by a cash-barron doesn't make the world a new set of rules - most certainly not. I was just trying to state that the sticker price is flexible - both ways too. Dealer gouging has, and will continue, to be a player in these types of cars when demand is high and supplies are low - we may as well expect that. But my comment was made in the context of a "much cheaper Cobra" defense, in which I just don't see the Cobra and GTO being more than a grand or two apart. We're talking 3-6% price difference, not like 20% or something.

Anyhow, it's all good, and I totally understand your point - it was well made in the context of the message. I was just picking a nit with the price thing. And again, I'm actually with you in defense of the Monaro/GTO project as you described it in that post. I think our taste in hood treatments varies a tad, but everything else I think we have on the same page!