To expensive to make the changes for only one model year or so. The testing is the easy part. But the changes would be comprehensive. That would include sensors in the front passenger seat for occupant detection and classification for children as well as desiging the front bags to be less aggressive to small occupants. Not cost affective for 1 year.

Federal regs like this for head and side impact helped kill the f bodies.

 

Yep.

Also keep in mind GM has already moved GTO's model year designation once already. Start of the GTO model year production was moved from September-October timeframe to June-July this year. If GM wanted to start the 2007 GTO production date January 1st next year, there's nothing to it.

It would be very easy for Holden to bump up GTO production a bit if Monaro is no longer being made, and a good prrtion of the production line is making Zeta VE cars.

Trust me on this one. There is a case being made for the GTO continuing for the 2007 model year.

This is Holden's baby, and the decision to continue it is a marketing decision by GM-NA.

I think the engineer in question is basing his position on the airbag issue, and not considering the manuvering going on for Pontiac to keep a RWD car in their lineup. As far as other crash standards, there is no issue.

Is this the fellow who has the thing against Holdens?

As was mentioned, GM isn't likely to make the investment on a car on it's last 12 months. If GM were to decide to invest the money, then GTO would be around till the next one comes out.

The split the difference idea is continuing the GTO for 2007 till they can't be produced anymore.

This is what GM was chewing through at last word. I'm sure we'll hear something within a few months.

At the moment, any rumor beyond 2010 is ridiculous. The 2008 GTO was cancelled just 8 months ago. Bet on 2009 or 2010 at the latest unless something bad happens.

I'm some sources don't go to product planning meetings. Others do.