last year of the G.T.O?

[05gtoautoX]

I heard somewhere that 2006 was the last year of G.T.Os has anyone else heard anything about it? I haven't heard of there being any plans to build a 2007.

[Sarge]

Who knows...it is all about economics and politics....GM has XXX amount of funds and the various project managers must fight for those funds...then recommendations are made and it goes to the bean counters and marketing sooth sayers to predict which models will yield the highest profits.....I doubt it looks to good for the Goats though IMHO...hey just makes ours worth more if they stop:) I'm a selfish bastard...I dont care....

[seppburgh]

The big news in the motor journals is the expected return of the Camaro in 08 or 09. That would leave Pontiac with Soltice and nothing else if the GTO is pulled. But, then again, Pontiac or Buick could be be headed for Olds city in the next year or two. I heard this morning the 'R' word in a G6 spot on the radio. If Ponitac is putting rebates already on a one year old model line, that says something as to where the whole line is heading.

My advice, save the nickles, rob the 401K, heck with the ROTH IRA, get your GTO NOW!:burnout:

[snaggeltooth]

Maybe that Pontiac is pulling the GTO to put attention on gen 5 Firebird > ISt it suposed to be on the same frame???

[ctbeiser]

The concept Camaro drew a lot of attention. I went to the NAIAS in Detroit and I spent about 20 min waiting to get a close look at the car. It was worth it. I read somewhere that Pontiac was suppose to come out with a 2007 GTO with updated front fasica. From the sounds of it, it is not going to be welcomed due the fact it looks similar to a 1964 Bonneville.

:dunno:

[White98WS6]

As I mentioned in another thread...the last I heard was that the GTO was getting redesigned in 07 or 08 (more likely 08 I think). It will be American built and is suppose to share the same platform as the new age Camaro (if it comes out). Zeta platform I believe...right?

[BlackCTS-V]

Last year for the GTO!!! Just talked to our GM reps!!!

[snaggeltooth]

that is sad if its true . I think maybe acouple more years the GTO could have had the look we wanted. Maybe its just a retooling. LONG LIVE THE GTO>>>>>

[pont3]

The GTO aint dead.

[Sarge]

Mine sure as hell aint:)
Hey I waited 30 years for em to come back...and dayum if they didnt come back with a beast....I love these Holden/GTO's....frickin great car man...

[snaggeltooth]

on newagegto.com they are saying that there will be no 07 as a production gap. But our beloved GTO should be back for 08:yup:

[Daddy-O]

Found this on another board:

************************************************** ********


MARKETING/PROMOTION - TO: ALL PONTIAC DEALERS AND GENERAL MANAGERS




Subject:
GTO Announcement

Message #:
PGM20060173


2/20/06

Due to changes in US regulatory standards, the current generation of the GTO will cease production at the end of the 2006 model year. The end of the current generation GTO will occur much sooner than we at Pontiac would like, however the necessary redesign to meet U.S regulatory standards would be cost prohibitive.

Since its re-introduction in 2003, the GTO has helped Pontiac solidify its performance reputation by dominating both on and off the track and has brought many new customers into your dealerships, with up to 50% of its buyers coming from outside GM. This current generation of GTO – as the most powerful GTO ever made and priced at only $31,990 - is simply the best performance value in the market today. While no announcement will be made at this time regarding a replacement product, we are strongly committed to performance and feel that there will always be a special need at Pontiac for an expressive, V-8 powered, rear wheel drive vehicle and we are continuing to explore those options for the future. As a statement of our continued commitment to performance, we are very excited to be introducing the 260 HP Solstice GXP turbo later this year to match up with the current 300 HP Grand Prix GXP V-8, and have more GXP variants in the works.

Please be advised that the last consensus period for the 2006 GTO will be the March cycle. The final dealer order submission is currently planned for April 6, 2006. Final build-out production will occur sometime in June.

As consumers become aware that this current generation of the legendary GTO will no longer be available, we expect increased demand. To that end, please review your inventory needs through the balance of the calendar year as there will be no 2007 model. Pontiac will continue to support GTO through the entire 2006 calendar year with marketing efforts and incentive tactics. And our very successful racing programs are set to continue, where Pontiac performance has continued to surprise – and beat – our import competitors.

Although we are closing this current chapter on the legendary GTO, Pontiac keeps getting healthier overall. As you know, Pontiac is realizing solid sales growth as a result of our new products and marketing efforts, with double-digit retail sales increases in recent months as our new products have begun to take hold. As we further introduce the G6 Convertible this spring and the recently announced G5 Coupe later this fall, we fully expect continued growth in a very competitive market. I know you share my great enthusiasm for Pontiac's potential.

[ctbeiser]

I heard last night on the news that GM is dropping the line due to slow sales. It's a sad day for muscle car enthusiasts.....

:thumbdn:

[JEB]

This is the last year for the GTO. Sorry Guys. Go to this site.
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060221/REG/60221009/1003&refsect=

[ss~zoso~ss]

dont feel too bad, they arent going to make the camaro or firebird either, IT ONLY MEANS YOUR GTO'S ARE NOW GOING TO HOLD THEIR VALUE LIKE A MOFO

[Tinton]

I doubt that GM will completely discontinue the GTO, they're probably going to build a new one on the same platform as the Camaro, instead of making a new Firebird. The GTO will probably be slightly larger and more luxury (nice interiors), while the Camaro will be smaller and more brute-force for your buck.

[Sarge]

Yeah...the chatter around is a GTO for 08 on the same platform as the Camaro....oh well....we shall see....

[seppburgh]

This is the last year for the GTO. Sorry Guys. Go to this site.
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060221/REG/60221009/1003&refsect=

OK folks, take it from one who never had the right timing to get a new Trans Am, get moving now while there is still a little time to order one up.

The Trans Am end was a boom time, dealers getting $$$$ over sticker as folks "had to have". Expect the same on for the GTO.

Its last call, Elvis is head'en for da door!:Ohno:

[thelug]

sucks to see it go but maybe ours will be worth 50 million by 2010 haha wishful thinking!

[VeeTec]

I just saw that today. What a shame!

[Gardner0871]

The Camaro concept is based on the Zeta platform, which was to be shared with the redesigned GTO. The GTO was a strong runner, but lacked styling. (Yeah, I know I'll get hate mail for that sentence.) After looking at the Camaro concept, answer this: with each using the same powertrain, which would you choose: a GTO, or a Camaro/Firebird?

My bet is that after the overwhelmingly postive reception of the Camaro concept, the brass is putting the Goat down and will bring back a Firebird in its place.

Think about it - GM is NOT going to watch Ford run away with the pony car market. Build the Camaro, and a Firebird, and they will sell every one they can squeeze out the door.

Lord knows GM needs something other than another SUV Bloatmobile to put in the showrooms.

[Hotrod]

One of my new clients works for a local dealership and I spoke with him yesterday. He also stated that they have been told that the GTO is done for good. He also said that they have been told that the new Camaro is a definate, but that they are toying with prices and he says right now they are talking about releasing it in the $40,000 range!

[Doric]

There's some great information about the Camaro concept over at 5thgen.org. A good bit of discussion as well - regarding the Camaro and other muscle cars that may or may not be a part of GM's future.

The general consensus seems to be that the GTO or the Firebird may be making an appearance based on the platform (and undoubtedly the success) of the the Camaro should it see production.

Of course, it's all conjecture and rumor at this point. One of the blog posts that Lutz made in the last couple of weeks says that the Firebird isn't an option, citing the bad press surrounding GM's penchant for 'badge engineering' across multiple brands.

I agree with that sentiment.

Regardless, I have my GTO. If I get a hankerin', I'll add an LS2 GTO to the stable in the future.

[snaggeltooth]

If the Camaro is going to be in the $40k range....my Trans Am is looking better and better..

[Wayah-bird]

GM changes their mind every few months. The GTO is dead, so if you want one, don't wait too long. The Firebird will NOT be brought back, just the possibility of the Camaro, which, according to most car magazines (C & D, Motor Trend, etc) still is not a done deal. That's the scoop for now but wait a few months to see if they change their minds again. I'm sure GM is watching the Mustang sales slow down too. They won't build anything if the trend continues at Ford. GT sales are good but that's not enough. If you want to see something incredible, look at the 'completed' for sale 2005 Mustangs on ebay. Maybe 5-10% of the total cars listed were sold. Not much demand. The people that wanted Mustangs have bought them already. The market is drying up, just like in years past. GM sees it.

[Doric]

I'm sure GM is watching the Mustang sales slow down too. They won't build anything if the trend continues at Ford.
Well, to me, a retro design is doomed from the start anyhow. Where do you go from there? How do you evolve a retro design? Do you proceed through the generations again? Will we see an updated Mustang II for 2010?

[Wayah-bird]

Exactly, I was thinking that very thing when I first laid eyes on the new Mustang design. I figured 2-3 years of "everyone has to have one" to now what? Camaro will be the same way but even worse if the price tag is too high. At least Mustang GT's are still in the $30,000 range. Getting close to $40,000 is just too much as that would almost be approaching the Corvette neighborhood. How many sales could there be? Well I wish GM the best. I want them to succeed so bad but they need something high performance in the $20-$30,000 range so that everyday folks might be able to own one someday. The turbo Solstice coming out soon is a step in the right direction. Maybe Chevy can re-badge it from Pontiac and come out with something similar, maybe squeeze a small V8 in there to be different?:dunno:

[Doric]

Well, the Solstice/Sky is supposed to have a turbocharged variant very soon. Power-to-weight will be remarkably similar to the LS1 twins.

[Hotrod]

Yeah but from what I've seen the Pontiac is already over-priced and if they release a turbo/supercharged version it'll just be that much higher. $26,000-$28,000 for a little 4 cylinder? Not hardly!! I do think they look cool but throw in extra power and the price jumps up to what...$32,000-$35,000?

Oh and I drive a Saturn now so trust me when I say "They are pieces of SHIT!" so I wouldn't buy that Sky regardless of what motor is put in it. The resell value on Saturn are a joke too. I put $2,000 down on my 2004 Ion and I pay 0% percent interest and I'm upside-down in it! I'm getting away from this and into a truck ASAP!

Let's just hope that they get it right and give us the Camaro and a re-tooled GTO. I gotta say the HP on the GTO's sound awesome but the appearance is just a joke. And I know A LOT of people who say the same thing about it.

[Doric]

Yeah but from what I've seen the Pontiac is already over-priced and if they release a turbo/supercharged version it'll just be that much higher. $26,000-$28,000 for a little 4 cylinder? Not hardly!! I do think they look cool but throw in extra power and the price jumps up to what...$32,000-$35,000?
I highly doubt that. MSRP for the Solstice is under $20K. OK - it's $19,995 or something close. So $20K. :rolleyes: Anyway, I have heard that adding options drives the price up a bit, but I haven't seen anything to say that you couldn't get a loaded one for $25K or thereabouts.

But a 260hp roadster with options at $30-$33K isn't out of line at all. In fact, some might call it a bargain if it can retain or improve on its current handling ability.

Oh and I drive a Saturn now so trust me when I say "They are pieces of SHIT!" so I wouldn't buy that Sky regardless of what motor is put in it. The resell value on Saturn are a joke too. I put $2,000 down on my 2004 Ion and I pay 0% percent interest and I'm upside-down in it! I'm getting away from this and into a truck ASAP!
Sorry you've had a bad experience. From what I've seen with the Sky concept at the Denver Auto Show last year, it's a marked improvement. It's not made by Rubbermaid, for example, and the interior is far above what you'd expect from Saturn or GM for that matter. Of course, that was the concept, and you can never tell what's going to happen when the car actually hits the showroom floor.

Let's just hope that they get it right and give us the Camaro and a re-tooled GTO. I gotta say the HP on the GTO's sound awesome but the appearance is just a joke. And I know A LOT of people who say the same thing about it.
What you think, and what "a LOT of people" think, is entirely subjective.

[Wayah-bird]

I only wish I could grab a GTO before they disappear. I have a feeling most of the negative comments are by folks that wish they could have one too. With the GTO being discontinued so quick it becomes an instant classic. How can any true GM fan scoff at a 400 HP beast? The body may not be a classic but it is easily overcome by the ultimate in performance. I hope everyone at LS1.com can appreciate the times we live in. We could easily be headed to another 70's era with the environmentalists screaming for alternative this and that. Let's hope not but history does seem to repeat. I'll keep my LS1 forever until the lucky day comes that I can get a GTO or Corvette, if available anymore. Scary!:sulk:

[snaggeltooth]

I agree we could be liveing in good times , as far as getting muscle. The LS1 was as fast ,or faster , than most classic muscle. I just hope GM makes it happen .

[Hotrod]

"I highly doubt that. MSRP for the Solstice is under $20K. OK - it's $19,995 or something close. So $20K. :rolleyes: Anyway, I have heard that adding options drives the price up a bit, but I haven't seen anything to say that you couldn't get a loaded one for $25K or thereabouts."

The only way you get it for $19,999 is without ABS, without power windows, without power door locks, without keyless entry, without a radio, without speakers, without air conditioning, without actual rims (you get those cheap looking hubcaps). All of the above mentioned items are "options" which drives up the price. On gmbuypower it shows the extra cost for each of these itmes because they are not standard. So if your cool without any of the above mentioned itmes then yes you can get it for $19,000 but around my neck of the woods they are selling at the dealerships for $26,000-$28,000 depending on options.

Sorry you've had a bad experience. From what I've seen with the Sky concept at the Denver Auto Show last year, it's a marked improvement. It's not made by Rubbermaid, for example, and the interior is far above what you'd expect from Saturn or GM for that matter. Of course, that was the concept, and you can never tell what's going to happen when the car actually hits the showroom floor.

I've heard the same thing about the new Sky, however on Saturn website they had a press release stating that the automatic transmission version is going to be released at $28,995 and that's for a base model (just meaning it won't have the nice leather that is shown in all the pictures nor will it have the fancy rims like is shown in the pictures). So add in those 2 things (if you even wanted it) and the price climbs. Now that might change, who knows? My point is that based on their reputation, resell value of prior cars, and the fact that they are liable to be over-priced for what your getting, I'd rather have a Nissan 350Z if I'm in the market for a 2-seater. I'm looking at getting the most for the buck. The Sky looks good too, but line that Z up to the Sky and it's no contest. Even though some people don't care about HP...that's something I always look into.

What you think, and what "a LOT of people" think, is entirely subjective.

Sorry, I was referring to my own family and friends, and the guys I race with. No offense to any GTO owners.

[Doric]

Sorry, I was referring to my own family and friends, and the guys I race with. No offense to any GTO owners.
No need to apologize. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I'm not so Goat-blind as to believe that it's for everyone.

Cheers.

[Baaa]

Yeah...the chatter around is a GTO for 08 on the same platform as the Camaro....oh well....we shall see....
Thats exactly correct!

[04goatinmass]

dammit ive been saving up for one ever since they came back out...there are a few 2005's in my area but they all say base model..what do i look for i want the best model out there?

[Doric]

dammit ive been saving up for one ever since they came back out...there are a few 2005's in my area but they all say base model..what do i look for i want the best model out there?
There is only one model. In fact, the only option is the transmission.

I take that back. For '05, you could get optional 18" wheels, and some dealers offered the Sport Appearance Package.

[04goatinmass]

There is only one model. In fact, the only option is the transmission.

I take that back. For '05, you could get optional 18" wheels, and some dealers offered the Sport Appearance Package.

hey ty i was under the impression there were different models...whats the best color for them...man i need to get the money up quick i want one badly

[Doric]

That's completely up to you; I'm really partial to the Quicksilver (obviously) and the new Brazen Orange Metallic for '06.

[slakin]

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/03/pontiac-gto-back-on/ :notworthy:

[q1234567890]

I only wish I could grab a GTO before they disappear. I have a feeling most of the negative comments are by folks that wish they could have one too. With the GTO being discontinued so quick it becomes an instant classic. How can any true GM fan scoff at a 400 HP beast? The body may not be a classic but it is easily overcome by the ultimate in performance. I hope everyone at LS1.com can appreciate the times we live in. We could easily be headed to another 70's era with the environmentalists screaming for alternative this and that. Let's hope not but history does seem to repeat. I'll keep my LS1 forever until the lucky day comes that I can get a GTO or Corvette, if available anymore. Scary!:sulk:

The Ls1 was the best motor evey built for a stock car the motor is the only motor the can handle 200-250 horsepower increase over stock power with stock internals and the LS1 was the best Gas milage v8 every made with over 300 horsepower I have seen guy try to blow these motors up and I have yet seen one come apart think about it have you every seen PIctures of a LS1 breaking except maybe from old age with like 100k and 15 lbs of boost I am glade i have the last LS1 probly to be ever made again. Ls2 are nice but will never be has good has the original.

[Doric]

I seem to recall a grip of people saying that same thing about the LT1 when the LS1 was released. :D

[q1234567890]

yea your probly right i am to young to rember that but i do rember that there was a lot of new tecnoligy changes that took place at the same time has the motor. and maybe that will happen again maybe we will be surprised by a whole new way of thinking. you never know

[ctbeiser]

One of my new clients works for a local dealership and I spoke with him yesterday. He also stated that they have been told that the GTO is done for good. He also said that they have been told that the new Camaro is a definate, but that they are toying with prices and he says right now they are talking about releasing it in the $40,000 range!

I am pretty sure the new Camaro is going to be in the mid 20's, comparable to the Mustang. From what I heard, the high retail price also contributed to the axe of the GTO. I know they will not do that again. I have a source at GM who is working on the Camaro and he says Bob Lutz himself said the car has to be in hte mid to upper 20's. Only time will tell....

:Ohno:

[q1234567890]

Well I hope so but I hope its not a nother rattle trap like the fbody i hope the interios is nice like the GTO. EVen tho i still liked my 01 TA.

[Baaa]

I am pretty sure the new Camaro is going to be in the mid 20's, comparable to the Mustang. From what I heard, the high retail price also contributed to the axe of the GTO. I know they will not do that again. I have a source at GM who is working on the Camaro and he says Bob Lutz himself said the car has to be in hte mid to upper 20's. Only time will tell....

:Ohno:
You get what you pay for. The GTO was never meant to be a high seller in the first place. Production numbers were scheduled for less than 15,000 units per year. They made more el-cheapo Mustangs in the first year then all 3 years the GTO will be produced. Hell, there are more C6 Vettes out there right now. It was meant to be what it is. A luxury level Sports Sedan. Not a market grabber. They never did tons of advertising or commercials about them. They also dont sit on the lots very long at least around here.
With the Camaro, I will be willing to bet they go after Fords share of the mid level sportier market. I would also be willing the bet the 08 GTO will be a lower production luxury level sports sedan just like the current models are.

[carbuff]

It was no secret in '04 that the holden GTO was only going to have a 3 year run.....18,000 per year for 3 years was Lutz's statement.
The Monorao platform will not meet 07 seatbelt/airbag requirements, again this was no secret.
GTO Discontinued due to lack luster sales is just plain bull.....

[Starrbuck]

I heard imports were actually limited to 18,000 in '04, 15,000 in '05, and 12,000 in '06, due to trade agreements. They sold most of those so I think that part was a success. I guess they would have enjoyed running out in the middle of the year and having to tell people to wait until next year. ;)

[snaggeltooth]

You know guys. i still dont think the car was marketed right.Like I was telling Sarge it didnt act like a GTO. It acted more like a baby Bonniville. Maybe would hve went over better if it had been sold as one. It is a very good car and is priced about right. But to hight to get to most people that should be buying it. It looks and acts more like a BMW that a f-body older brother. IMO

[Doric]

It looks and acts more like a BMW that a f-body older brother. IMO
...Which is a major part of what makes it such a kickass car. :D

[HAWKNYU]

Just heard today(statement from Bob Lutz)...the GTO is coming back!...in 2008, most likely with the Camaro as its platform twin. Both being built of the Austailian built Zeta platform coming up. They hope to be priced lower than the GTO was, hopefully similar to the Mustangs pricing.

[snaggeltooth]

true doric. I just wish the car had not been advertised to such a small crowd. Something about the 2-door coupe is a hard sell to higher priced cars.

[PONYKLR]

From "The Buzz" column in GMHTP...."The new '08 GTO will get the new LS3 6.2L motor, reputed to offer between 430 to 450hp. The '08 GTO will be based on the new GMX 282 platform and will also offer the tamer L76 6.0L and 6L80E 6-spd. auto trans."

Lookin' like MORE fun coming....:nana:

[carbuff]

You know guys. i still dont think the car was marketed right.Like I was telling Sarge it didnt act like a GTO. It acted more like a baby Bonniville. Maybe would hve went over better if it had been sold as one. It is a very good car and is priced about right. But to hight to get to most people that should be buying it. It looks and acts more like a BMW that a f-body older brother. IMO

I think our cars would have been more successful is they would have been marketed as
VENTURA 2+2's
or just plain
PONTIAC 2+2

[snaggeltooth]

We know Pontiac can make good looking cars. The Solstice and the G6 coupe are very nice cars. The G6 coupe looks alot like the new Eclipse. I think if Pontiac would have had more impute into the sheet metal it might have done better, and I think that it is where we are going with the New GTO.

[sootymethod]

Hey....I could care less about the GTO b/c I have been a T/A guy.Although the way they have handeled the whole GTO concept is crap...as long as the TA is dead then my baby with 6000 miles goes up in demand and makes me happy. WS6:notworthy:

[q1234567890]

I have own 2 ta's and let me tell you the gto is so much better when it come to haveing a car that the interor is accually bolted and not gm cliped and the car it self fills stronger when it come to how its built just wish it was lighter

[Hotrod]

Have they released any pics of what the 08 GTO is gonna look like? Is it gonna look like the current GTO (grocery getter Grand Am with a big motor), or are they going to completely redesign the looks to a more aggressive look?