>Went out east for the Detroit Auto Show yesterday. Checked out the new Pontiac GTO. In real life
>I'm even less impressed than by the photos from various sites (very Asian looking). They had a
>yellow one, with black leather interior and yellow panel inserts (optional). Comes with M-6 or
>A-4, and LS-1 motor. MSRP about 34k, due this fall. When seen, it looks like a GranAm or
> GranPrix. NOT IMPRESSIVE! Hope they build last year's Solaro instead (it wasn't shown).
>
>On the other hand, the new Mustang looks like a '67 fastback that's updated....actually looked
>sharp for a Ford. Chrysler's Crossfire looked like the Mercedes SLK 320 (only as a coupe), and
> was also sharp.

 

Welcome to the board, newbie. I agree with some of your post, I like the Mustang concept too. The rest though, I beg to differ. I was at the Detroit show today (will post a report later). I liked the GTO - a lot. The Crossfire is missing an important component - A TRUNK.

 

I dont know, i kind of like the new goat.... i like the earlier concept drawings a little better.

 

Solaro? No idea WTF that is. A lot of people don't like the GTO, but most people do. For anyone even remotely thinking about one, I suggest you act quick to secure one. Otherwise, just sit back and watch it sell out in 04 for the simple fact that it's top notch quality plus new and exciting to those it's marketed at, then same thing in 05 thanks to styling and drivetrain updates. Beyond that there will either be another successful year on the current style, or a completely new design, probably the latter. I'm not crazy head-over-heels in love with it either but it's a winning formula and will sell lke hotcakes even at mid 30s
GT

 

I think the New GTO looks great, it definalty is No WS6!! It is 95% Monaro. What the car needs is a hood like this :
http://www.pfyc.com/store/graphics/new/gp1002.jpg
For those who don't like the styling don't worry, this GTO will only be around until about 2006 when the new Amarican made one comes out.

 

I don't know about that particular hood, but that would definetly be an improvement. I really hope the American GTO is alot better.

 

I beg to differ. A lot of people on this message board don't like the GTO, but most people do.

Me being one of them

 

Interesting hood. If a hood like that was optional, or on the LS6 version, I wouldn't object.

Kizz is right. GTO is going to be one of those cars where you either like it or don't, and it will do well with the fast but low keyed crowd (which I'm a member of). It's not going to appeal to everyone, but does it even need to?

As far as the more agressive looks crowd, and last but not least, the it doesn't look like a 64 Pontiac group, it will take more time and work to win most over to the new GTO (some people simply will never be won, so there's no need in even trying).

 

i think hes talking about the australian car that the GTO is based on (its basically the same except for the american LS1 and some of the styling cues) im not sure if thats what it was called but the car im talking about honestly does look a bit less grand am-ish then the GTO. still tho the GTO is on my stepdads wishlist (with the M6 of course) and i think its a pretty nice ride.

 

OK in my opinion that hood is a Double Whammy! for the following reasons:

1) I am a strong believer in having *functional* hood scoops. In order to have a scoop far back enough to remind us of the original GTO's, it will have to be non-functional because the horizontal LS1 intake won't be able to connect to the scoops so far back.

2) Look at the holes on that thing! classic "in one ear and out the other". the air just flies right through? Totally useless look, but amusing nonetheless.

 

LOL!!!

1)The hood scoops can be made to be functional. Look at what SLP did to the 98-2002 SS. It goes into the hoodscoop and comes back around to the front of the engine. I know.

2)The hoodscoops at the front are cold air inducted, and the ones at the back are heat extactors to draw the heat away from the engine.

 

A lot of people that were looking at the GTO at the auto show didn't seem all that interested. The people at the Mustang section seemed a lot more enthusiastic. Me and all of my friends were just looking at the new GTO, like "Wow, it looks even more dull than it did in the internet pictures."

 

Pentatonic - I disagree. I was just at the show yesterday, and the GTO appeared well-received and liked from what I could tell. As far as comparing to the Mustang, it's apples to oranges... the concept Mustang is all-new and is bound to create a buzz, and the current Mustang sells to a very wide audience. The GTO is just now beginning to reach widespread marketplace awareness.

 

I too was at the show yesterday, and the general opinion I gathered from the crowd around me was more on the negative side..."That's no GTO." The "it looks like" went to the Monte Carlo from the people I overheard. I guess the older, mid-late 90s MCs resemble it in profile some.

Personally, I like the car and believe it to be worthy of the name, as I've proclaimed in countless threads before. I don't consider it a bust by any stretch. I also think the newness/novelty factor will push it along with good sales for a couple years even with styling that is not overwhelming (and it sounds like help might be on the way as soon as next year for that).

The only thing I really can add, is that I noticed the new Pontiac front bumper didn't have the best lines as far as matching up with the rest of the car (the corners were a bit askew). I assume that part is going to be assembled in Australian once it's in production, but just interesting/funny that the car immediately loses fit & finish as soon as a Pontiac badge is attached.

 

I dont think that just because its a GTO it means that of course its going to have a smaller croud then the Mustang... They are two different classes of cars, and sure the mustang is new, but the GTO is new too... also if GM gave the GTO a more exciting agressive look Im sure it would have gotten a huge crowd.