UGH but the GTO is NOT the same type of car!!!! It may be a bit slower than an '02 F-body but the build quality and materials are FAR better, as are ergonomics, interior room, etc....and should cost about as much as a WS6. The fact that it's a RWD V8 coupe is where the similarities end.

The LS1 is a corporate designed engine. With the exception of Caddy's Northstar line there are no brand-specific engines at GM anymore, and there hasn't been since what, 1980? Same old myths keep getting played out here...

 

I was around for the 1960's. I also hold the Pontiacs from that era in high regard. I never had a 60's GTO (although I recall racing them on the street once or twice in the 70's!). But this idea that their styling was so much more wondrous, their designs so peerless, and their identities so clear, was no more true then than it is today. Each year in the 60's, Pontiacs had a lot of resemblance to each other. They were almost without exception, inefficient and heavy as barges. Function followed form, and while they were great looking, a lot of them did in fact look alike. In fact about the only GTO's that really stood out IMO were the Judges. What made most GTO's special was a stoked, honking V8!

Fast forwarding to today... I think it's entirely appropriate for the new GTO to bear a family resemblance to the wildly popular 97+ Grand Prix. Sales of these modern Prix's skyrocketed in 1997. These cars are modern classics IMHO. They are the epitome of sleek, powerful, attractive, well-proportioned midsize cars. A cult following has ensued in recent years, with thousands of GT and GTP owners enhancing their cars in modern ways to include aftermarket supercharger pulleys, intercoolers, custom PCM's, headers, downpipes, adjustable fuel controllers, and hi-po suspensions... some even putting Mustang GT's to shame on the street and the strip. (The same is true, on a smaller scale, for Grand Am GT owners!) Today's Grand Prix and Grand Am owners are doing a fine job of upholding Pontiac's performance heritage... and GM has given them some fine raw materials to work with!

If the new GTO were human, it would consider it a privilege to resemble the other Pontiacs

 

OK Mr. Harden "..........Camaro...........crossover vehicle........."

Go see Mrs. Harden RIGHT NOW and ask her to get her pinking shears out. Then have her cut your tongue off using said pair of pinking shears..... And when you stop bleeding (not on the carpet, please) go stand in the corner until I tell you to come out!!!!!!!! Don't even THINK about such a terrible thing!!!!!!!!!

(just kidding..........)

You've heard me say it before....I'd rather never bring the Camaro nameplate back unless it was affixed to an automobile that deserves the name. (and for those of you who haven't heard me say it.....V8, Rear Drive, killer performance and handling...and the Camaro look that makes you stop and turn your head to follow it down the street....... at a Chevy price)

As to GTO....I can't speak for Pontiac. I sure understand your point. However, (and again, I'm not speaking for Pontiac or GM) I believe that Mr. Lutz and company realized that something needed to be done as a stop-gap for guys like you and I that want a V8 and rear drive. Using the Monaro was a solution. Knowing what it cost to bring the Monaro up to U. S. Safety and Emissions standards (you wouldn't believe me if I told you!) I believe that there was not a lot of money left to do things that you and I would like to see...such as hood scoops, the tach out on the hood, redline tires, etc.

(and yes, there are more costs to doing those things than most realize....)

Bottom line...take a look at it in Chicago...it may just grow on you.

(on the other hand, maybe not......)

 

Amen to that!

 

Jim ******* (sic) is not the final authority. He only speaks for himself.

 

IT, huh? Darn you and your vagueness I want to know what IT is before Chicago

 

.....wit my ung ut off.......LOL!!!!!

I think you know what I meant... We both know that there are forces within that seem to have a need to re-invent stuff just to be the employee of the month....I'm just keeping both barrels loaded if they screw this up! LOL!!

Quote:

......there was not a lot of money left to do things that you and I would like to see...such as hood scoops, the tach out on the hood, redline tires, etc.

(and yes, there are more costs to doing those things than most realize....)

Bottom line...take a look at it in Chicago...it may just grow on you.

(on the other hand, maybe not......)

Oh don't get me wrong...I think the Monaro is handsome enough.....in a safe, corporate styling kinda way.......it'll do great I'm sure..........just wish it would have been left as a Monaro (sounds like Camaro ) That way, when the LS6, next gen model debuts it could have earned the GTO label......see I ain't so hard?!?

Let me know ASAP when you'l be available in the Windy City....I gotta' schedule too ya' know.....(just kiddin')

Now where'd I put that needle & thread???

 

I notice you're recanting on the "set your hair on fire acceleration" ... must be since you've noticed the side, actually, top rear, effects ...

and Doug ... someday I wish you'd tell us how you really feel

 

....I've been working on "opening up" more. and getting in touch w/ my true feelings....LOL!!!

BTW....you coming to Chicago too? Hope so!

 

I'll decide once RP's dates are posted.

BTW ... did you get the e-mail I sent Friday? I used your "profile" address.

 

....I forwarded it to Doug Aldridge. Thanks!