phipark

Sweet ride.

fast-tl

When I drove a Camaro, GM had a loaner policy, even for Chevrolet, so I had a loaner anytime the car required an overnight visitm which was rare. The service was almost always top-notch, though the car didn't require many trips to the dealer. As for the handling of the GTO, I need those saying it's a pig to provide comparative numbers.
From one review:
___________
With a list price of around $33 grand, some folks think, "That's a lot of money for a Pontiac." Their mindset tends to be that the new Goat is a replacement for the Trans Am (which in a way, it is) and until they actually see the car, figure that it has mediocre interior materials, some cheesy design elements and a solid rear axle (as opposed to a more sophisticated independent rear end). The reality is that the '04 GTO is well built, boasts excellent fit-and-finish, has a world-class powertrain along with an Indy rear end and comes loaded with the exception of a sunroof and a navigation system. In fact, the only option is the six-speed manual transmission (at $695), though we would like to see Pontiac offer those other two features mentioned above. If you want to shop around for other true four-seaters that can run with this Pontiac, you'll be visiting BMW and Mercedes-Benz showrooms and be looking at $50,000-plus window stickers.
___________

From Motortrend.com:
___________
Surprise #6: The GTO apparently has Cool Whip in its suspension. Forget that punishing big-numbers ride we've come to expect from American performance coupes--the GTO is too well-mannered to deliver constant, seat-pounding reminders of its sport-coupe intentions. Maximum handling grip--0.80 g--doesn't set any performance standards, but the GTO's real-world useability does. Several of our test drivers commented that they had driven few other coupes so poised, so well-balanced, so confidence-inspiring when you're in full-hustle mode. In that respect, the GTO will lose locker-room debates based on spec-chart bravado. But it shines where it counts: in the driver's seat.
________

fast-tl

http://www.pontiac.com/grandprix/per...next_popup.jsp

This is the link I was looking for. Comparing slalom speed, road course times and 1/4 mile times, I'd say the Goat is FAR froma pig in the handling dept.

congrats on the purchase; I too am deciding between GTO, Stang, 300C, TL and G35C.

Rock Dog

Hell, it's a hot car Ash. The styling could have a bit more oomph. But some of the posted body kits look sweet. I drove my friend's, father's car. The original 350 HP V8, and it was a killer ride. It's not a Euro sport as far as handling goes, but it's very good just the same. I'm dying to take a 6.0 equipped for a ride.

I agree with your comments on the fit and finish, and I think the interior is probably the best Pontiac has done in decades.

The real fun part, like you said, is that there are lot of things you can do to this car and the LS2.


Congrats!!!



I'm trying to get a hold of a Charger SRT8 to take a test drive in. The R/T and Daytona interiors are pretty cool with leather and suede. A DVD entertainment system that comes out of the center console for the rear passengers. Bluetooth phone hookup, Navi (although it really limits the destination options if the car starts rolling. I know it's not really safe in the long run. But the Navi in the Acura's is fantastic. Touch screen and being able to do it anytime you want)

Although heavier than the GOaT, it too will have many after market mods available to squeeze the hidden ponies out. 425 HP and 420TQ is nothing to sneeze at. As well as the 4 piston Brembos all around.

Johnny Rad

GM disc price is currently quoted at $30K, but I wonder if it's really lower than that?

Time For Sleeep

Sweet car man. That kitted holden looks SWEET as hell.

I've always loved the GTO. The black on black is SLICK.

VTEC11

Not bad at all for 30k. Looks good.

Canon1D

I have to say that thing looks VERY VERY nice....get that kit!

Congrats on your purchase.

virtualbong

Nice Goat man!

My excoworker has an 04 and he absolutely loves it. to Pontiac on redesigning the GTO.

My excoworker has already done some audio mods. I strongly suggest getting a double din head unit with Nav/DVD, ie. Pioneer's DVD/Nav System. It looks great in the car. He also is installing the Loud Mouth catback...it should sound even meaner!

Keep us updated on your mods.

CLpower

it's all about the dealer, there are as many shitty pontiac dealers as there are acura ones

CLpower

go drive one and tell me the thing doesn't handle like a pig out of the box

fsttyms1

congrats! that car is hot!

ShopTalker

You need a head and cam package or a procharger!

500+ whp

fast-tl

I don't know how to post pics but I've driven both the '04 and '05 , at speed, at GM's Auto Show in Motion http://www.autoshowinmotion.com, and maybe you've not seen the meats on that car, but I had no problem getting around the handling course. Again I point you to the stats independently verified that I linked to before.

Chopsie

Damn Ash!!! Fucking sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Thats what I am looking at next also. Either the Red or Blue (not midnight) for me.. and you got the 6 MT

Congrats man !!!

DarkSithCL

iTrader: (1)

sweet ride!!!!

hp > *

pimpinTL02

how fast do the manuals go? 60 and 1/4 mile time?

Ashburner

I have seen 0-60 in 4.5 stock and 1/4 in 12.9 stock.

CLpower

I've driven one as well, haven't attended the GM event yet, but many people I know have. Most are people that autocross and they all came to the same conclusion as I did.

Of course, it handles better thne your TL, so maybe that's what you were basing it on

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

Nice whip man, I'm not crazy about the body style of the gto, but that's because they quit making my firebird to make the GTO. I had a 2000 bird, but the 5.7 Liter is the same trans am motor, so I still love the GTO's, just wish they didn't look so much like a grand prix/ grand am hybrid. But that all goes away when you see the rear tires spin, and hear the v8 growl

quantmonkey

I clicked on a google ad on the bottom of this page and here's what I got:

Selected Style: GTO
MSRP: $34,295.00
Pontiac Employee Discount Price: (approx.) $30,979.03 †(Details)

^^Not bad for 400 hp, rwd, leather interior.

fast-tl

Well, I think anyone that does AutoX will say that ANY car sucks right out of the box, so that's an expected answer, especially in respect to a 4-seat GT car. However, I again point to the quotes by professional magazines and the independent testing performed FOR Pontiac, rather than anecdotal tales from my buddies. I'd say if you wait til fall, the leftover '05s will go for a song. Certainly less than 30k which is a screaming bargain for the performance and content.

quantmonkey

How do they get such a crappy 0 to 60 time for 400 hp car?

FastAcura

The new GTO looks like a very nice ride.

pimpinTL02

i was thinkg the same thing.. but im guessing its because they tested the auto...

Manual is a different story...

fast-tl

Oddly, the auto is quicker than the manual, to 60. The brochure lists 4.7 stick, 4.6 autom adn the brochure is proud of this fact. The testing methods may be more conservative (no dropping the clutch, smoky brunout styel acceleration runs, for instance.)

BTW, more pics of the new ride, please! More review of how you like it!

Doom878

I hear it's just plain difficult to launch the manual vs the auto. I'd buy a 4A since I drive mad rush hour.

Many many props for this car!

bigman

Auto GTO is faster off the line to 60 and in the 1/4. From a roll the manual is a lil faster. The auto with a high stall converter is ridamndiculous off the line and from a roll.

zamo

very nice car.

Problem is, very few know what kind of car is it; it sucks when they think its a cavalier as Car & Driver commented.

Anyways, congratulations; such a beast