[Shotimes] OT: another one (musclecar) bites the dust

[Donald Mallinson]

Dave,

There was a short time the last few months where the new GTO seemed to 
be healthy, and the new Austrailian version was going to be brought over 
(after initially GM America saying it would be too expensive).  Guess 
the bean counters won out.

I almost bought one, but they were too small inside for my Plus sized 
body.  :)  Still I am sorry to see the car go away....again.

Don

Dave Kegel wrote:

>That's too bad.  I'm one of the view (obviously, by the sales) that
>really like the car.  About the only thing I don't like about it is the
>small trunk.  If I was in the market for a two door sedan, I'd probably
>get a GTO over a Mustang.
>
>Dave
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
>[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Donald Mallinson
>Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 11:42 AM
>To: SHOtimes; 'v8sho'
>Subject: [Shotimes] OT: another one (musclecar) bites the dust
>
>
>Just announced, the new GTO is dead. From Hemmings:
>
>So long, GTO
>
>The latest GTO is a true muscle machine but, alas, it never caught fire 
>with buyers. But if you've been waiting to buy, you had better sign up 
>before September. After that, the GTO will be history.
>photo courtesy Pontiac
>
>Pontiac has told its dealers that its GTO will no longer be available 
>after September 2006.
>GM will produce between 10,000 and 12,000 more GTOs before dropping the 
>nameplate, sources said. Production of the Australian-built sport coupe 
>will end in June because of expenses related to reconfiguring the car to
>
>meet 2007 air bag standards. GM spokesman Jim Hopson confirmed this and 
>said GM is considering a replacement.
>In 2005, despite the addition of a thundering 400hp 6-liter LS2 V-8, an 
>available snorkeled hood and dual chrome exhaust tips, Pontiac sold just
>
>11,590 GTOs, in contrast to 13,569 in 2004a 14.6 percent year-to-year 
>decline. Pontiac officials had predicted the division would sell 18,000 
>GTOs annually.
>The GTOs suggested retail price starts at $31,990, including shipping. 
>A source said, The 2005 and 2006 models were pretty well sold out, and 
>sales were especially strong in areas of GM weakness, like Southern 
>California. Its a shame it has to gofor now.
>The GTO has been called the original muscle car. Whether it truly was 
>will be argued until the end of time. The original GTO died after the 
>1974 model year.
>- By George Mattar _______________________________________________
>Shotimes mailing list
>Shotimes@autox.team.net http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo/shotimes
>_______________________________________________
>Shotimes mailing list
>Shotimes@autox.team.net
>http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo/shotimes
>
>
>.