GTO convertible being studied.
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From: Ohio
GTO convertible being studied.
from The Car Connection:
GTO is Early Hit, Convertible Under Study
Power-packed as it is, Pontiac's new GTO 2+2 coupe is beginning to resonate in the performance set as a "gotta-have" set of wheels - so says GTO product development manager David Poniatowski, who drove a GTO on a 51-hour cross-country run that "showed us this is a terrific performer that is also comfortable on the highway." In an interview, Poniatowski disclosed that a U.S. convertible edition is being considered for the Australian-built GTO, though he acknowledges "the Aussies are not open-car fans because of the hot sunny weather down under." But a ragtop would keep the GTO competitive with the Ford Mustang and new Chrysler Crossfire convertibles, no doubt.
A tweaked 5.7-liter Chevrolet Corvette V-8 engine delivers 350 horsepower, compared to 302 for the Holden Monaro edition built since 2001 in Australia. The engine is built in St. Catherine's, Ontario, but the GTO is "federalized" only for the U.S. market, says Poniatowski. A test of the GTO, with its standard four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, confirms its zero-to-60 capability of less than 6.0 seconds. And, unlike its predecessors, the defunct Trans Am and Firebird, the rear-wheel-drive coupe has more creature-comfort features, he points out - features like the wrap-around leather seats that stay driver-friendly on long treks, 17-inch "performance" tires, and colored dashboard lighting to match exterior tones.
Only 15,000 to 16,000 GTOs will be built this year for the U.S. at the Holden plant in Adelaide, which added a third shift to handle the new speedster. "They're maxed out over there," says Poniatowski, "but they're really excited about exporting an Aussie original to the States." Priced at $32,495 for the automatic-transmission version, including a $700 destination charge, the GTO offers an optional 6-speed Tremec manual shifter for $695. Traction control is standard - a must for northern U.S. winters, says Poniatowski, who expects a 50-50 split on ATs and stick-shift sales. -Mac Gordon
GTO is Early Hit, Convertible Under Study
Power-packed as it is, Pontiac's new GTO 2+2 coupe is beginning to resonate in the performance set as a "gotta-have" set of wheels - so says GTO product development manager David Poniatowski, who drove a GTO on a 51-hour cross-country run that "showed us this is a terrific performer that is also comfortable on the highway." In an interview, Poniatowski disclosed that a U.S. convertible edition is being considered for the Australian-built GTO, though he acknowledges "the Aussies are not open-car fans because of the hot sunny weather down under." But a ragtop would keep the GTO competitive with the Ford Mustang and new Chrysler Crossfire convertibles, no doubt.
A tweaked 5.7-liter Chevrolet Corvette V-8 engine delivers 350 horsepower, compared to 302 for the Holden Monaro edition built since 2001 in Australia. The engine is built in St. Catherine's, Ontario, but the GTO is "federalized" only for the U.S. market, says Poniatowski. A test of the GTO, with its standard four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, confirms its zero-to-60 capability of less than 6.0 seconds. And, unlike its predecessors, the defunct Trans Am and Firebird, the rear-wheel-drive coupe has more creature-comfort features, he points out - features like the wrap-around leather seats that stay driver-friendly on long treks, 17-inch "performance" tires, and colored dashboard lighting to match exterior tones.
Only 15,000 to 16,000 GTOs will be built this year for the U.S. at the Holden plant in Adelaide, which added a third shift to handle the new speedster. "They're maxed out over there," says Poniatowski, "but they're really excited about exporting an Aussie original to the States." Priced at $32,495 for the automatic-transmission version, including a $700 destination charge, the GTO offers an optional 6-speed Tremec manual shifter for $695. Traction control is standard - a must for northern U.S. winters, says Poniatowski, who expects a 50-50 split on ATs and stick-shift sales. -Mac Gordon
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Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Ohio
Originally posted by guionM
I'd say it's [u]ALOT more than just being studied.
The next Monaro will in fact have a convertible version. [/B]
I'd say it's [u]ALOT more than just being studied.
The next Monaro will in fact have a convertible version. [/B]
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 609
From: Cornelius, NC
Was there an original rag top GTO?
I think the idea of a drop-top on a GTO is dumb...just my $0.0000000000000000002
EDIT: Okay, so there was a ragtop GTO, I have been enlightened. And I take back the GTO looking dumb as a ragtop, the old ones look awsome! Not sure about the new ones though
I think the idea of a drop-top on a GTO is dumb...just my $0.0000000000000000002
EDIT: Okay, so there was a ragtop GTO, I have been enlightened. And I take back the GTO looking dumb as a ragtop, the old ones look awsome! Not sure about the new ones though
Last edited by Indelibility; Apr 1, 2004 at 09:52 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 848
From: Melb, Aust
"the Aussies are not open-car fans because of the hot sunny weather down under."
They need to fix the gas tank/truck space issue first. Its already tiny already.. with a convert there would be no trunk space..
And the convertible GTO would probably come out only on Zeta, as I don't see Holden developing the old V platform any further.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,121
From: Houston
Originally posted by Indelibility
Yes I am...I now jack about old cars.
<--this smilie pi$$es me off.
Yes I am...I now jack about old cars.
<--this smilie pi$$es me off.
Trust me this fits the Bill of the new GTO.
