I've been in a big debate with myself over this new GTO. Cuz I was thinking of maybe getting one.

It has an LS1....great.
Est. 340HP...not too shabby.
Single Exhaust.....not good
It looks like a modified Grand Prix....don't you think?
I dunno... maybe it will look better in person.

What is your overall opinion pros & cons???

 

Consider that it really has no competition in the U.S. market (mid-size V-8 rear-drive coupe). I really like it alot. Of course, I prefer more sedate, mature styling. Don't go for the wings/spoilers/scoops crap. Looks to be a great car and supposed to be better quality materials/assembly than anything else GM sells here. As far as looking like a Grand Prix... well, it is a Pontiac, so it should have the family resemblance. I like everything about it except the wheels (look like a big asterisk) and, possibly, the price. BTW, it will have dual exhaust.

 

I think the Car is great, think M3 with an LS1, I'd like a Ram Air hood, But that can be added, maybe they will have an option for one like they do on the Grand Ams.

It might not have the single exhust since the car being showed are still called concept GTOs

Over all the car looks great, The only thing that looks like the Grand Prix on it is the front bumper cover, the back looks nothing like a Grand Prix.

 

I think the Car is great, think M3 with an LS1, I'd like a Ram Air hood, But that can be added, maybe they will have an option for one like they do on the Grand Ams.

It might not have the single exhust since the car being showed are still called concept GTOs

Over all the car looks great, The only thing that looks like the Grand Prix on it is the front bumper cover, the back looks nothing like a Grand Prix.

 

1. It has an LS1, but it has a different cam than the one in Camaro & Corvette, aimed for more torque.

2. That horsepower figure is conservative. Even if it wasn't, it's still a bit beyond "not too shabby" I'd say.

3. GTO does NOT have single exhaust! It has a true dual exhaust system with twin pipes exiting on the same side. Camaro Z28s have single exhausts. Camaro SSs have single exhausts. Trans Ams, Ws6s & Formulas have single exhausts. GTOs are DUALS!

4. For better or worse, all GM divisional cars will look similar. Pontiac's for the most part have always looked like other Pontiacs of each year.

As for pros & cons:
PROS:
*Exceptional quality & fit & finish. It tends to make Mustangs & our own Camaros interiors seem designed by Fisher Price.
* Exceptional handling & road holding. Unlike the current Cobra, it isn't a suspension system developed as an afterthought.
* Performance. Though it doesn't have Cobra's 400 rwhp (yet), it should still outrun the previous Cobra, and should at least match LS1 F-bodies in acceleration. It WILL outrun the f-bodies in top speed according to Pontiac's own press release ("at least 160 mph"!)

CONS:
*IRS is not light in weight. It weighs 30-50 pounds less than a Cobra, but it's still a bit over 3600 pounds. (By comparason, those tiny M3s weigh about 3400 lbs).
*It's going to be a low keyed, modern design. If you like retro, you feel the need to have a car that attracts undue unwanted attention (especially if you tend to drive fast often ) it probally won't appeal to you.
*Finally, from my personal opinion, it has way too much junk on it. The Monaro's I checked out have stuff you'd expect on a Cadillac, from electric seats (motors actually move the seat up when you tilt them to get into the rear seat) to a whole host of other electronic gimicks. These things most of us would willingly do without.

Just the same, I'm also very very seriously considering one.

For the record, the 2005 will have 400hp, and 2006 will have a different body, and from the very start, you'll be able to get HSV developed equptment, so it will have a long list of "aftermarket" stuff even before it hit's the showrooms!

 

Id make love to the new GTO.

btw, Guion too bad you couldnt add the HSV 427

 

I love the new GTO. I would say go for it.

 

Not a fan of it, but it is V8 RWD. I'm waiting to see the 06 car.

 

Well, since GM canada won't be selling any, I guess my opinion is irrelevant.
However, I think it's a great car. The only complaint I have about it is the styling is too plain. I have seen the car in person at the detroit auto show, and it just looked so boring.

 

Cons:
-Looks very dull in person.
-Front end is basically a Grand Prix.
-It isn't any faster than an LS1 Camaro or Firebird.
-Out-the-door price will likely be $35,000 +

Pros:
-You still have other options.
-The GTO isn't the only American V8 RWD car being produced now.
-Pay a visit to your local Ford SVT dealer.
-The 03 Mustang Cobra is putting out 390 + Hp.
-...Or get a used F-body.
-Many well-maintaned F-bodies are selling for very reasonable prices.
-Or if you want brand new, you can get an 03 Cobra for under $35,000.

 

Then again the new GTO is for those with "grown up" tastes. Let's face it you aren't going to find the GTO's level of comfort, fit and finish, and quality in the Cobra or most anything else American made. With the LS1 and 6 speed transmission available for the same price as the more "barbaric" 2002 WS6 it's going to be an excellent tradeoff for many folks.

 

my advice is... go out and test drive the car , see it in person, , feel the seats the instrumentation/switches, roominess etc..., and do the same with the mustang ,or whatever else is on your short list...

that way you can decide for yourself.

i think you will like it ...

 

Pros:

LS1 drivetrain with improved torque

Cons:

Dated, aero-blob styling
Cheaply developed, cheaply designed, cheaply built
To be replaced in 2006
Poor Australian quality record
Gas guzzler!

Overall, I would touch the GTO. We know the new model will arrive in the 2006 model year. If you're considering this car as a long term buy, its going to get really old, really quickly.

My attitude towards the GTO might change if GMAC offers a heavily subsidized lease. From where I'm standing, the potential unreliabilty of the Australian content and the probability of horrendous resale value makes buying too risky.

 

Your right about the new GTo coming out in 2006, but other than that you have not done your homework

 

1. It looks like a aero-blob to me. To be fair, its a 1999 coupe version of a 1997 sedan.

2. The Monaro was cheaply developed because the Australian market is relatively small. With the small intended volumes, the design couldn't be substantially differentiated from the Commordore. Compared to the 3-series coupe - BMW's most lucrative model when it comes to the profit/volume equation - the Monaro/GTO is a really cheap car. Not cheap to buy in the United States, though.

3. Australia has a tremendously poor quality record when it comes to automobiles. Remember the Mercury Capri. That car was 3-years late to market - plenty of development time - and it still had problems.

4. GM has already admitted that the GTO will be a "gas guzzler." The last GM passenger car that qualified for that dubious distinction was the Cadillac Allante. Remember, this is at a time when gas prices look like they might hit $3.00/gallon.

In the end though, the arrival of a new 2006 model is reason enough not to buy. Unless you're the type of person who collects cars like postage stamps, the 2004 GTO is shaping up to be a lousy car to own.