writer: Thomas A. DeMauro
illustrator: Kevin Morgan
UPDATE! Sources say the new GTO is a 2009 model and will be available in late 2008. Keep glued to the website for the latest info!
Deja vu 1974--gas prices are high and the GTO is once again cancelled for the following year. Buick-Pontiac-GMC General Manager John Larson broke the news to dealers in a video clip on Tuesday, February 21, 2006. He says the cancellation of the GTO is due to '07 airbag standards that cannot be met with the current car. We're sure it didn't hurt that the GTO sold only 15,728 units in 2004 and just 11,069 in 2005, while it was scheduled for production of 18,000 for those two years. The possible peripheral reasons are many--some cite a snubbing by the GTO faithful, others say it was too expensive, and still more lament the body styling. While we all can be Monday morning quarterbacks, the fact remains that Pontiac once again will be without a rear-drive V-8 performance car by 2007. But for how long? Just over a week after the cancellation notice, we seemingly got an answer.
General Motors Vice President for Global Product Development Bob Lutz stated during the Geneva motor show that a new GTO would arrive based on the new Camaro's and Holden Commodore's Zeta platform in late 2008, as reported by AutoWeek.
HPP contacted Jim Hopson, Pontiac GMC Manager of Communications for confirmation. On March 6, 2006, Jim stated, "Nothing has been confirmed yet. There is nothing on the production schedule, but Bob Lutz's comments are very intriguing, and we have been working toward this. However, we have nothing to announce at this point."
Possibly, all will be confirmed by the time you read this magazine. Our questions, which remain unanswered at this time, are as follows:
- Will the GTO be released at the same time as the Camaro?
- Hopson shared that one of the problems GM was facing bringing the Camaro and GTO to market was the cost of its proposed platform Zeta. "It was too expensive in its original configuration to keep the retail price point where it needed to be, so the program was put on hold." We heard rumors of a possible Zeta-Lite based on design changes to Zeta that would provide cost reductions. Will the new GTO, Camaro, and Commodore be built on this Zeta-Lite platform?
- Will the GTO be built in the United States, or Australia alongside the Commodore sedan?
- Which engine(s) will power the GTO, and how will its power rating compare with the Camaro?
- And what of a rumored Firebird rebirth?
Check the various enthusiast and auto-related news Web sites, and it's claimed the Camaro is on its way, and a Firebird won't be far behind. At Geneva, however, Lutz reportedly said no to reviving the Firebird. Are the Web sites getting accurate Deep Throat inside information, or is it simply wishful thinking directed toward the hope of a self-fulfilling prophecy? Time will tell.
Whatever the case, the current GTO is a great-performing car even if it hasn't sold well. When production ends, the performance division of GM will be lacking a model with a V-8 torturing the rear tires for two years. Currently, Ford can't build Mustangs fast enough, Dodge has the Charger and the Magnum on the road, and its Challenger concept is driving everyone crazy, much like the Camaro. As you can see, from a performance standpoint, Pontiac can ill afford not to field a competitive model should all these retro-performers continue to grow in popularity.
Despite Lutz's current comments on the likelihood of a new Firebird, aficionados of the model who have held out hope for a resurrection since the F-body's demise in 2002 see the Camaro as a great opportunity do reintroduce the legendary ponycar.
HPP reader Kevin Morgan has provided us with his take on a modern-day Trans Am should GM decide to change its corporate mind, and Kevin's illustration has been popular fodder for hobbyists. "I honestly never dreamed that these drawings would create such a stir." Kevin told us, regarding the Internet buzz over his series of drawings on www.transamcountry.com. "I drew them because of my love for the Trans Am and love of drawing. I just wish we could get our Firebirds and Trans Ams back!" Perhaps if we yell loud enough, GM will oblige, or will the Pontiac-buying masses be satisfied instead with an all-new GTO? What are your thoughts?