Car and Driver: GTO

[fuel4soul]

I subscrive to C&D and I got my new magazine with the new GTO cover story.. . This disappointed me. The GTO does NOT compete well with it's class. I thought Pontiac was doing a great job with their styling and set off from the bland foreigners, but THIS? I like the new GTO, don't get me wrong, but they could have done SO much better. I mean, I know it needs to live up to it's name and be fast. It could atleast of have had a out of ordinary look but still have Pontiac characteristics and look similiar to the Mazda RX-8 or a more sportier look to it.. It's also tied for the worst MPG in it's class. Seems your getting a Grand Prix with a big motor for much much more $$...Just my two cents

[Reynoma]

Fuel4soul,I agree that the net "goat" could have been much more; but, as the C&D story explained, they had a small window (17 months) to bring the car to market and keep the price down (although I think $33K is alot for the car). I give Pontiac credit for trying to compete. For that price, would I choose the GTO over a 350z? I dunno - I'd have to drive both.

[TopObject]

The article also said that GM is only going to produce the GTO for 3 years at 18,000 units a year. Isn't that odd?As for the styling, I think it is ho-hum at best. Still, props to GM for keeping the rear drive muscle car alive.

[fuel4soul]

I'd take it over the 350z too, but you can have the Mazda RX-8 cheaper. Why do they call it the "goat"?

[philndz]

FYI: The new GTO is basically the Australian Holden (GM) Monero which is a souped up version of the boring British cop car (trust me, i lived in the UK, the Vauxhall (GM) Omega which was marketed in the states as the Cadillac Catera "the caddy that zigs" the last thing that caddy could do was ZIG!here are some pics to ponderVauxhall OMEGA: Caddy Catera: Holden Monero: and here is the holden commodore wagon....i like this one!

[michaelgt]

I have not seen the C&D article, but I do not think that $33900 is bad for a car that has 350 hp. Also, for gas mileage, the 6spd gets 17/29, and the auto gets 16/21. However, I thought that they would have had a better 0-60 then 5.3 sec. When you go compare to other vehicles that sticker at $34k, I would love to drive the GTO. I wonder how hard it would be to install two car seats in the back?

[philndz]

quote:I have not seen the C&D article, but I do not think that $33900 is bad for a car that has 350 hp. Also, for gas mileage, the 6spd gets 17/29, and the auto gets 16/21. However, I thought that they would have had a better 0-60 then 5.3 sec. When you go compare to other vehicles that sticker at $34k, I would love to drive the GTO. I wonder how hard it would be to install two car seats in the back?I think it will do wonders for pontiac....it doesnt have to be the BEST in class to be a success. just having a car with nice lines and no plasic batmobile lines will improve the common perception of pontiac.

[redlava]

quote:I thought Pontiac was doing a great job with their styling and set off from the bland foreigners, but THIS? I like the new GTO, don't get me wrong, but they could have done SO much better. I mean, I know it needs to live up to it's name and be fast. It could atleast of have had a out of ordinary look but still have Pontiac characteristics and look similiar to the Mazda RX-8 or a more sportier look to it.. It's also tied for the worst MPG in it's class. Seems your getting a Grand Prix with a big motor for much much more $$...I like the new GTO. But you have to remember that the original GTO was just a regular sedan with a huge motor. And that is just what the new one is too. Nothing is cooler than pulling up to an innocent looking car and then having it blow your doors off. I think Pontiac made the correct choice in bringing the Monaro to the states because it does make a statement in style for Pontiac. It is clear that Pontiac is trying to get away from the plastic cladding "monster" that it was becoming with introducing a sleek and smooth automobile.IMO carmakers have to introduce a unique looking car to grab attention from the 25 other cars that are grabbing for the same nitch. What made the original GTO standout, gullwing doors, flashing lights, no, cramming a huge engine into a car your grandpa would drive.I am not sure what is in it's class, but look at it compared to a Mercury Marauder, a Chrysler 300M, or even a G35. And as for the fuel economy, it is a Corvette V8 put into a 3800 pound car. If you are expecting high 20's and 30's you might want to reconsider your thoughts.Good Job Pontiac if I had 33 grand burning a hole in my pocket, I know what would be sitting in my garage right next to my Vibe.