<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by steve kepecs:
I think it's safe to say that the majority of new GTO owners bought (or leased or stole,borrowed, ect.)their cars for the performance and muscle they offer. G.M. could have called it the Tempest and it would still have gotten good sales. The fact that it is called the GTO is moot. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I disagree Steve. Of course this is just my view but here's what I consider such an obvious timeline that it was fate for the new Pontiac GTO to be re-born from the re-born Monaro -
Timeline=
1964 - Tempest/LeMans gets GTO option.
60's - GTO becomes a popular almost mythical legend in America and abroad mainly because of its affordability and the fact that it has some of the best available GM engines.
1968 - The Australian Monaro is created based on the GTO model (and with some resemblance thanks to the Pontiac/Chevelle template).
70's - Monaro becomes a legend in Australia and abroad.
1974 - Mis-management and changing public needs/wants causes the GTO to be discontinued.
1979 - Mis-management and changing public needs/wants causes the Monaro to be discontinued.
2002 - Holden revives the Monaro by putting the best available GM engine in a 2+2 RWD coupe.
2004 - GTO is revived using the Monaro template.
What other available 2+2 RWD coupe could carry the history? Create an entirely new (but yet retro looking) platform? That's certainly not keeping with GTO tradition.
To be like the original, GM "re-badged" an existing RWD 2+2 coupe and stuck its best V8 in it. Had GM re-badged a Monaro as anything other than a GTO it would have been disrespectful to the traditions of the Monaro and the GTO. This is also why Holden makes the "HSV GTO" equipped with the LS2 for Australian consumers.
This is the heart of the dispute between new GTO supporters and bashers on this forum: The bashers don't want it called a "Pontiac GTO". Somehow it is "unworthy" in their opinion. Nevertheless, I have yet to read one valid reason why it is unworthy.
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