[DuaJudges]

Humbler:

I see your point. Like anything, you start with a general rule or idea and then obviously exceptions apply. Using your logic, I could say to you that Pontiac did a good job incorporating a retro design because they utilized the name GTO, have split headlights, and five spoke Ralley II styled wheels. Thus, it is retro and honors the GTO nameplate.

Colors are colors. I think the current car would look good with carousel red, hugger orange, or blazen orange (or whatever Pontiac might choose to call it). Would you tell me that I am hypocritical because I'd like to see black on a new car, don't care for retro versions, then remind me it was offered in 1969? Thus, I can't like the color black without championing a new, retro design?

When I suggest having a Judge option, I have absolutely no desire to see the psycho color schemes and fonts used in 1969 through 1971. My 1970 has eyebrow stripes. That would look terribly silly on a 2006 car. I wouldn't suggest using reflective stripes either.

I would like to see the Judge appear as an option for the same reason I was happy to see the return of the GTO name. A classic name that is meaningful with a modern application. I also intend to own every year Judge and would love a continuation of the theme which is a purely personal reason. A convertible preference is easy to understand. I am also being hypocritical because convertibles were first offered almost 100 years ago, thus I am denying my true "retro" self?

Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. But, no one has a right to condemn others for what they believe. I am always amazed at the amount of energy people place in criticizing the new GTO. Will everyone really be happy when the GTO is gone and they can take satisfaction in knowing "they did their part in eliminating the SOB"? Do all these people also subscribe to the Charger blogs and offer the same harsh opinions? Corvette boards? Don't like it, don't buy it.

Lastly, and in my personal opinion, the new GTO shares more in style with my 1969 car than does a 1964 GTO when compared against a 1971 or, most certainly a 1973. Any protests about that? Should we start a new thread "Why the 1973 and 1974 GTO isn't really a GTO?"

I think what happened is largely due to the GTO not being made for a period of 10 years. Die hard fans want to start with where Pontiac left off (of course, most would not include 1973 or 1974 as true GTO's). Again, in my opinion, Pontiac is probably very, very close to where they would have been had production never ceased. Ironically, people would be cheering the new car as a rededication to pure muscle.

Do I think my opinion is hypocritical or contrary to my new GTO wishlist? Not at all. Take classic themes, modernize them for a new world, and make a great car. I think that is exactly what Pontiac did. There is a whole marketplace available to the GTO; and retro themes simply are irrelevant to many people. When we drive our Judges, we get as many people laughing at them as giving the thumbs up. Pontiac has only failed at capturing a new audience. They didn't fail at trying to rekindle the dying embers of a generation that, quite frankly, would prefer to complain about new cars with little intention of adding them to a collection. My calendar suggests the 60's ended 40 years ago. Of course, people can always buy and old car to satisfy the retro need.

In my opinion, the new GTO is a very good car that is dangerously close to being irresistible (i.e. NEW Judge package, convertible, and NEW wheels with a Hurst theme (I think they already look kind of close)).

If you disagree, cool. You are certainly fee to do so. Seems like a lot of negative thought going in one direction though. By the way, I parked next to a 2005 black GTO today. I was again reminded that it is a great car.