Okay, when I first heard that GM was going to re-badge a Holden with Pontiac and GTO emblems, I about farted a brick! I have always loved the GTO'* [1964-1974, special edition for Delorean'* Birthday in 1979 (very rare and not considered a true GTO)]. Then I saw the picture and was somewhat disappointed in the styling. In fact, many GTO fans were upset at the lack of GTO givens, such as a spoiler, hood scoops, hood-mounted tach, etc. Now I see that Speedguy has posted the Motortrend article in the V8 Focus thread, and it features a picture of a GTO WITH hood scoops. I had emailed Pontiac (along with millions of other GTO enthusiast no doubt) about our disappointment, and they may have actually done something about it. Look at the picture or go to the thread on the Focus:



This makes me truely happy, as I would love to get one of these eventually.

It does look nicer.. but still kinda reminds me of a GP ( no offense ) I want a GTO too and I know it can outperforme a GP anyday... but I also notice they have their trademark of having that slit down the middle with their emblem. ( that got famous from their GA GP line )

Hmmmm...now I iz confused??? what IS it going to look like :?:

Here is the original release shot:


based on the Holden Monaro (below):


Is this the final look ??


or the Grand Prix style you displayed??? oh...Man........I like the original release shot the best, with maybe some bad *** scooping on the hood...

Actually the "beak" became a trademark with the 1968-1969 GTO'* when they first used the Endura front end. In 1973 they put the GTO beak on the Grand Am (it was actually designed for the '73 GTO, but last minute decision was made to put it on the all new GA). Unless I am not following what you mean by "slit". Are you referring to the beak or the hood?

In any event, the new GTO does look a bit like a GP except it is longer and RWD!

You got me on that. That is why I put a "?" in the subject line. I am just as confused as you. The second picture you displayed is actually a Holden GTO (not a "Pontiac"--even though they are the same car--both made in the same plant in Australia). It is one of two HSV Holden models produced based on the Monaro: the GTO and the GTS--the latter being the baddest Holden with 450 hp. Too bad our GTO won't be based on that one!

The beak... and I didn't know it was carried over from GTO .. thanx for the tidbit.

Here is the 1968 GTO:



and here is the 1969 GTO (Royal Bobcat):



and a 1969 Judge:



and a 1973 GTO (so you can compare the "beak" with the first Grand Am):



and finally a 1973 Grand AM (same body as '73 GTO--different nose):

I'm not caring too much about how the new GTO will look, I just wanna get my hands on that ENGINE!!!!

That'* not the beak I was refering to.. same area.. but after when they had it sticking out.

As for All..
The engine... I"m still sketpical about ( no one seems to know if they have fixed the head gasket problem ). However.. the tranny is what interest me even more. A rear wheel drive tranny... hmmmm..... thinking what I"m thinking ???

When it wasn't so pronounced it was in 1964 (also a GTO), but tempest had one, sort of, in 1963. This is when Pontiac started to separate the grills. As for the newer look, I believe the Sunbird and GA started it back up.

The powerplant MAY be a 350 hp 5.7 (350 for the old gear heads like me). This is a great engine for "stock" equipment. If it is mated to a 6 speed...hold me back homer! It would be even sweeter in a Bonneville platform a-la-sleeper!