[Shotimes] GTO

[Bill Strobel]

What's a GTO supposed to look like?  This one cracks
me up as to why the new GTO is not selling.  It
doesn't look like a GTO.  The GTOs I remember were
based on the LeMans a 6 cyl or small V-8 grocery
getter.  Heck you could get a GTO with "dog dish"
hubcaps, black wall tires, bench seat, and a column
shifter, oh yeah and a 2 speed automatic too.  Another
case of rewriting history thinking that GTOs were all
tape stripes hood scoops etc.  Sure you could get that
but most weren't.  The reason the new GTO is not
selling is because it costs too much.  Not because
it's built in Australia, people are mad because it
wasn't done here, etc etc.  Price is king.  The car
was purposely not done as a retro.  The whole project
stems from an article in either Hot Rod or Car Craft
talking about a rwd car with the LS1 engine being
built in Australia right now.  They also said that is
being built in left hand drive versions for export to
the Middle East then wished GM ie Pontiac export it
here and suggested it be called the GTO.  GM jumped. 
The car is a good car but it is over priced for its
target market.  The 20 somethings like the car but
can't afford the $450 payments for 60 months to get
into it.  They'll buy it used.  The 40-50 somethings
don't like the small size tight quarters.  It is not a
very useful car for everyday transportation.  It is
very cramped the backseat access is bad and the trunk
is small.  If you are shelling out $400 a month for a
car it better be useful.  Most people want a car to
drive.  Those that like cars as toys don't buy in
sufficient quantity.  Bad sales numbers follow.  The
2005 won't sell much better than the 2004.  More
horsepower is good but the price will up and the same
problem will be apparent.  If the car was priced at
$24,000 they would be flying off the lot.  Another
case of a good car not being a sales success.    

=====
Bill Strobel
Independent Towing
Fayetteville NC


		
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