[RAIVJUDGE]

I drove the new GTO and really think it is a great car. At the time I was looking to buy one they were getting full list. The car drove nicely, had a quiet ride and interior, great dash layout and great performance. I just could not shell out that kind of money for a car that looked too much like a Grand Am on steroids.

They did try to market the car to BMW 3 series coupe buyers and I believe it is right on par with one. It just did not have the distinctive character ( I am not talking retro ) or upscale design that is required to take those cars on. The GTO nameplate which conjures up visions of wheel spinning muscle cars does not fit the refined car that the new GTO is. Remember the GTO nameplate was absent since 1974, a vast majority of the people that GM was marketing the car to did not know the history of the GTO. You can buy a new 328i BMW for around $38,500 and as low as 34,000 stripped. So when you look at it why would the target market buy a GTO ( which to the target market the name GTO is relatively meaningless) when you can in the buyers mind get the image and prestige of saying you own a BMW.

The people that I know at dealerships all say the same thing great all around car that is short on distinctive styling. It is a tough car to sell.

I drive a Grand Prix GXP as a daily driver and find that it has a more distinctive look then the GTO.

GM would been better off spending the money spent on the GTO on an upscale G-10 car as others suggested above. If they want to build a GTO make it a showroom traffic generator like Dodge did with the Viper and sell 10,000 a year. Get the people in the door and close them on your bread and butter models like the G series, Grand Prix, Vibe, Solstice and Torrent models.

Just my opinion, I am sure someone will try to tear me up.

Oh and to answer the original question of this post, if the styling of the car matches the price and the performance and interior stay on par with the current car, yes I will buy one.