I'd like everyone to read this 3x per day for the next 7 days.

 

How about a little trivia.

In the early 70s Pontiac was desparately trying to find a way to reinvent the GTO. Skyrocketing insurence and a change in public taste in cars moving towards more luxury (as opposed to the perception that emissions and fuel economy killing sales) had all but killed GTO's sales (keep in mind, car lines back then had to be locked in a couple of years prior, and a vehicle typically took 5 years to develop, meaning '73 GTO planning took place in 71).

Pontiac came up with a all new direction for the GTO. It would continue on the LeMans line, but would be a separate model. It would have a 455SD (originally engineered for the GTO, but instead used on the Trans Am), a unique front end, lovered side windows, body colored rear bumpers, and (shockingly) would be a 4 door sedan. It would have debuted with the new G-bodies in 1973, and would have emphasized handling as much as or more than straight line acceleration.

Before introduction, Pontiac had a new general manager who was against all out performance for the brand, especially the GTO (can't remember the guy's name, but I can look it up later). He effectively killed this GTO, leaving the '73 GTO nothing more than a tape job on a '73 LeMans. The car that would have been this killer GTO sedan was extended to include a coupe, lost the 455SD, and came out under the name Grand Am!

If it wasn't for an anti-performance general manager, the 1973 Pontiac GTO would have been reborn a high performance, hot handling, mid sized sports... SEDAN!!!

(The '74 was an attempt to get GTO back to it's roots, but that didn't last a year, and was overshadowed by Trans Am's dramatically growing sales).


I think this is the evolution of the large Zeta sedans that were shelved a year ago.


This WOULD make the case for a Firebird easier.

 

Interesting story Guy, you have some great backroom info. However, I stand by my comment. If they want to do a quad coupe sports sedan, I believe they should come up with a new name. Tempest or Grand Prix for the sedan, GTO for a pillarless coupe and vert. If GM is serious about making Pontiac a BMW competitor, then they should have this Zeta platform comparable to the 3 series. Just my .02 cents.

 

I'd be fine with them calling this a GTO, and I'd buy one...

http://www.netcarshow.com/pontiac/19...llpaper_01.jpg

http://www.netcarshow.com/pontiac/19...llpaper_02.jpg

 

Old news about the GrandAm nothing new. You will find that info in any good book about Pontiacs. 4 door GTO? NEVER!!

 

How about a GTO version of a sedan comparable to Dodge Charger SRT-4, but with an LS7 and a manual?

No, as far as I know it's not what's planned, just wanted to probe some ideas.

 

That'd float much better than a quad coupe (RX8 style) imho.

As long as it had looks and perf to back it up, I'd def look into it.

I'm asking GM for a 3 series fighter in the form of a rwd 4 door, maybe this' would be it...?

 

Just curious, why is a sedan more acceptable than a quad coupe?

 

As long as it was a 2 door coupe. Sorry I can't get past a 4 door GTO no matter what you say. Even the Ferrari GTO was a 2 door, so was the Mitsubishi GTO.

 

Again, I think that the GTO name plate should not be attached to anything with 4 doors (suicide or otherwise). I would have no problem (like it truly matters, but since this is a debate, what the hell )with the GTO being a 2 door, RWD version of either an all new RWD Grand Prix or if the GP name is tied to Oshawa, how about the Tempest? Both names have good historical significane for Pontiac, and unlike the LeMans never "graced" the side of a Korean made FWD sub compact. For that matter, I would welcome back the Le Mans as I think it was a good name plate, fitting in with Pontiac's "excitement" division image.

I understand that I may be in the minority when it comes to wishing to keep these nameplate's at least somewhat close to their historical forebearers, but it really steams me up that Dodge made the Charger a 4 door. And although I like the graphics of the SuperBee package, it is about as far from the original intent and execution of the first SuperBee's as you can get (short of putting it on a FWD import)

 

Well, I've heard that GM (Pontiac) is watching developements with the Charger with great interest. Especially the part where Dodge tried to peg it as 'the 4 door with coupe styling' .

Let's count all the Charger performance models.
Charger R/T.
Charger R/T with the Road and Track pkg (I know kinda goofy..the R/T with the RT pkg ).
Charger Daytona. (in various designer colors)
Charger SRT-8.
Charger SRT-8 Super Bee.

How many Ponchos can you come up with from one basic G8?

A max effort G8 sedan called GTO is not without the realm of possibilities.

 

Ooh, like a GTO option package? Where do I sign?

 

Why not offer a GTO COUPE based on the G8? That right there is your Challenger/M3 fighter. Then they could have a max effort Grand Prix GXP Sedan and still keep the GTO closer to its heritage (though I do wish they would make a 5 seat coupe out of it).

 

Hey, in my ideal world I'd like to see the GTO be a direct competitor to the Challenger, that is, a 5 pass., two door.

But I'm thinking...and maybe I'm wrong...but I'm thinking, Pontiac won't get more than one Zeta.

And I'm gonna tell you something James, and I know you're going to think I'm full of it...but since you're a cool guy, I know I can tell you what I think. When I saw those Super Bee decals on that yellow Charger, I felt a tinge of excitement. Yeah, I know they're just chessy vinyl decals, but some weird thing clicked when I saw them.

If all we get from Pontiac is just ONE killer Zeta, that just also happens to be a sedan...getting one in full GTO regalia, would give me that same tinge.

And I'd bet it would outsell the current GTO. Hell, if it delivered the goods - performance wise - and had really expressive styling, I'd bet it would outsell the '04, '05 AND '06 GTO, combined.

You might say, screw it....if it doesn't have two doors, just wait for the next one. The problem is, Pontiac might not be around for that.

 

LOL Charlie! I have to admit, even I ,who really doesn't like the Charger, got a little excited about the Super Bee (but only bee-cause it was one of my favorite Mopar's from the day )

I personally think it is the best looking SRT-8 out there at this time. In fact, and I know this is doing a 180 from what I have previously said, but I could see myself owning a Super Bee (as long as it wasn't yellow). Fortunately, there is this little matter of the Camaro and the Challenger keeping me from having to swallow my general distate for the Charger and pony up for one

PS-will be in Mattoon on Feb 7th, will pm you my number so that we can hook up for the Auto show. Look forward to meeting you guys and catching a cold one.-James