snizzle

so what do you think was Pontiac's mistake with the GTO? why are they pulling the plug?

bland styling? no V6 (although I applaud this decision)? too expensive?

RENESIS_NEENJA

I think styling has a lot to do with it (btw I would love to see a pic of this SAP that makes the car look so much better) I think since there is no cheaper V6 version for all the soccer moms that sales may have been hurt, but I agree with you snizzle I'm glad they didn't offer such an option, and I certainly don't think it's too expensive though, 30k for 400 horses!? thats an excellent deal!!

rx8wannahave

Well...

It's a quality product, comfortable...sweet engine and pretty good handling considering it's weight but it was a product past it's prime. Remember it has been around for a while in Australia.

I don't care for a V6 either and because of the looks of the car it wouldn't have helped. I think it was overpriced, and had poor style. But, it wasn't that the GTO was butt ugly as much as it didn't look like a GTO. The unfamiliar GTO look hurt it the most I think.

Don't get me wrong, It didn't have to be retro (heck I prefer it not to be)...but a fat Cavalier will never pass for a GTO.

If it was up to me I would have:

Cut the price to: $25-32K based on options
Make it more aggressive looking with the vertical 2 round lights a MUST.
Cut some of the fat (at most 3500 pounds...no more than that)
Offer two V8 options (5.3L 320HP & LS2 400HP)
Keep the SUPER comfy seats and great space in the back (really good 2+2)

There is more to it that that^, but giving up on the GTO completely make me sad…lol.

rx8wannahave

Note: LIke Renesis Neenja said, the 400HP version was not overpriced honestly...but it's looks did it in the most.

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

I think naming it 'GTO' actually backfired for GM... this 'new' GTO has NOTHING related to its older namesakes, so shoppers are confused as to how to consider this car. They should've just sold it as Pontiac Monaro, which has an established name already in Australia, and be done with it...

snizzle

Well, obviously they rushed the car to the market to fill the void left by the Camaro/Firebird. That was the whole reasoning behind using the Monaro in the first place. I remember participating in a survey some time ago which showed a few different bodykits for the then current model year '04 because they were realizing very fast that it wasn't aggressive enough for the nameplate GTO. I guess that's why they've got the appearance package now. Hmmm.... maybe it was never intended to be a long term deal.

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

^probably yea, since that body chassis for the Monaro is getting old as well (99 is the first year for that chassis i think?)

Steiner

I thought Pontiac's plan from the beginning was to atleast squeeze a "Judge" version out of the GTO before they retired the name plate again. Wonder what happened.

wiggum

SAP = Sport Appearance Package??

Don't know if I have seen one... how do they look?

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

apparently the front fascia extension makes the car 'look amazing'

rx8wannahave

What a shame....dang GM....

bascho

It sold quite well during the employee discount for everyone in June '05.....in fact it sold so well they had to make it exempt from the incentive a month later. I think I remember the press saying GTO sales were up 110% during that short period they were offered with the discount.

bascho

From what I've heard, the current GTO design is finished after 2006. GM is still undecided about building the Camaro and that will ultimately decide the GTO's fate. I think both vehicles are planned for production using variations of the Zeta platform which is going to define all GM sedans in the next few years. GM is giving up on FWD for mid and large sedans and going back to RWD. The Zeta is the RWD platform they are going to use for several nameplates. How many nameplates is the part that is undecided.....at least as far as public knowledge is concerned. If the Camaro is reborn, then Pontiac will definitely go ahead with the redesign of the GTO.

snizzle

The appearance package does make the car look more aggressive. I like it even if it does look a little forced.

how about this appearance pkg?

UFGator12

That looks really good! I really like that color. Wow!

Mugatu

iTrader: (1)

that appearance package will never happen. that was a one-of-a-kind kit and is not in production.

Steiner

I'd hit it. That looks like the "Judge" version I saw previewed in a magazine a few years back.

snizzle

snizzle

This is what the GTO should have looked like.... i'd buy it instantly.

rx8gurl

this is a concept edition of the GTO. Bob luts said it will look more like this than the one that is currently out, when it makes its comeback in a few years

playdoh43

its supposed to look more like the Camaro than then the current GTO

born2drive

I personally would not buy a Pontiac. I owned one a couple years ago and it was a piece of ****. I also have owned Ford's and Chevy's and they were also POS's. I am import all the way now.

snizzle

Oh good, so your experiences with domestic cars will certainly guide us all. To think I was so close to buying GM.

RENESIS_NEENJA

well I can't speak for anyone else, but I own a pontiac now as well and it is the biggest piece of **** I have ever owned. I take very good care of my cars but it seems that at around 85k they just go to hell.. electrical problems, I've always had terrible brakes, engine problems, ect... I could go on forever about all the problems I've had, but I'll spare the details, and because of that I've said I'll never buy another pontiac. but I think the GTO is different since it's based on another platform, (the monaro) and wouldn't be prone to pontiacs crapiness...

cman321

actually a big part of the reason the GM is doing so poorly is general commentary like this which is an ignorant, baseless loathing of all their products.

Have you driven a GTO. It is one refined and solid piece of work and a great value for the quality and perfomance. Sure its has bland styling but so does a BMW 3 coupe.