This car kills me - V8, torque/HP out the wazoo, 400 HP, Australian built ( better than NA? just a question). However, looks like a cavalier/Grand AM combo with a nice interior. Pretty exclusive (not many where i am). I'd kinda like to have one for what's between my feet and the fender, but the styling is a bit bland. Pontiac did at least add some obnoxios hood scoops in '05 to make it look more aggessive, but I'm sure it's going to take. Opinions, anyone?

This car kills me - V8, torque/HP out the wazoo, 400 HP, Australian built ( better than NA? just a question). However, looks like a cavalier/Grand AM combo with a nice interior. Pretty exclusive (not many where i am). I'd kinda like to have one for what's between my feet and the fender, but the styling is a bit bland. Pontiac did at least add some obnoxios hood scoops in '05 to make it look more aggessive, but I'm sure it's going to take. Opinions, anyone?

Well my opinion is biased but here it is. Build quality is probably the best of GM. I personally prefer the toned down sleeper look, which is why I like my '04. I'm sure they'll sell about what there planning to produce. It seems as if GM is going ahead with the development of a new generation for release in '07. And the exclusivity is nice.....
:cool:

The GTO does look a bit bland for my taste. You can't deny the straight line performance though. If your thinking of buying one you can buy a new one for not too much with all the discounts they are offering on them, and on ebay the used ones are extremely cheap.

I was so excited when it came out, but I went to look at one before I bought my 8...and it looked like a car my grandfather would drive. I tried to like it because of the great performance, but I just couldn't do it.

I love the interior, and after driving it some (crew cars at my work) I had to get a new car. The car ended up an RX-8:-) but the GTO was my inspiration. But like others have said, the exterior styling is too bland for my taste. Makes sense though. The baby boomer generation is getting older now. The car packs a hell of a punch in a not so outrageous package. The blue-haired car of the future:-)

I drove one on the track about 8 times. It was really well done in my opinion. This was the 04 model with 350 hp though. But let me tell you it feels as heavy as it is. That 400 hp beast would be unreal if it were to be put on diet. The goat and the 8 are my 2 favs, within reason of course.

Oh ya..... i loved the interior.

I REALLY like the new GTOs. I was looking at them (along with a 325Ci) before I got my 8. GTO got killed promptly by insurance - $1800/6mos. D'oh. Exterior styling is very much my style - low key and stealthy. :p I think I'm actually glad I ended up with the 8 though because I've noticed that I would never really use the straight line performance as much as I use the sharp handling of the 8. I never race anyone and I just use my cars to try and teach myself racing lines and to play around in twisties. If they'd give the GTO a slightly more aggressive suspension and dropped a few pounds, I think it would become a whole lot harder to resist.

I was one of the many who complained about the GTO's plain jane looks. The Goat is totally the opposite of the RX-8 when it comes to being noticed on the road -- it's so generic as to be nearly invisible.

Until you HEAR one. That LS1 (or LS2, in the'05) V-8 has that unmistakable, "OMG what's THAT?" rumbling exhaust note that is absolutely music to the ears. The 350HP and gobs of torque are addictive, and the car shoves you back into your very comfortable leather seat every time you barely breathe on the throttle. Once I drove one (on a whim, at the GM Auto Show in Motion), I was giddy, and my boyfriend was so impressed he bought one a week later.

The dealers were having a terrible time moving the '04s, and we picked "Sylvia" up for about $8000 off her $33K sticker price. We've had her (Phantom Black '04 6MT) for nearly a month now, and she never fails to make me grin. Comparison? RX-8 is to GTO as Scalpel is to Sledgehammer. Completely different, but both completely a blast to drive.

I REALLY like the new GTOs. I was looking at them (along with a 325Ci) before I got my 8. GTO got killed promptly by insurance - $1800/6mos. D'oh. Exterior styling is very much my style - low key and stealthy. :p I think I'm actually glad I ended up with the 8 though because I've noticed that I would never really use the straight line performance as much as I use the sharp handling of the 8. I never race anyone and I just use my cars to try and teach myself racing lines and to play around in twisties. If they'd give the GTO a slightly more aggressive suspension and dropped a few pounds, I think it would become a whole lot harder to resist.

$1800 for six months.... :eek:
Mine is about a third of that, who was that quote from?

I was so excited when it came out, but I went to look at one before I bought my 8...and it looked like a car my grandfather would drive. I tried to like it because of the great performance, but I just couldn't do it.
Well, that explains my reaction to it. :)

ya my insurance is a third of that as well. the insurance would be a problem indeed.

I was one of the many who complained about the GTO's plain jane looks. The Goat is totally the opposite of the RX-8 when it comes to being noticed on the road -- it's so generic as to be nearly invisible.

Until you HEAR one. That LS1 (or LS2, in the'05) V-8 has that unmistakable, "OMG what's THAT?" rumbling exhaust note that is absolutely music to the ears. The 350HP and gobs of torque are addictive, and the car shoves you back into your very comfortable leather seat every time you barely breathe on the throttle. Once I drove one (on a whim, at the GM Auto Show in Motion), I was giddy, and my boyfriend was so impressed he bought one a week later.

The dealers were having a terrible time moving the '04s, and we picked "Sylvia" up for about $8000 off her $33K sticker price. We've had her (Phantom Black '04 6MT) for nearly a month now, and she never fails to make me grin. Comparison? RX-8 is to GTO as Scalpel is to Sledgehammer. Completely different, but both completely a blast to drive.

Yes, the sound of it has the effect of unknowing bystanders going WTF? I think a lot of the problem in moving the '04's at first was due in part due to price gouging by some dealers. As little as two months ago I heard of one dealer with two '04's trying to sell them at 40k, I could maybe see trying this when they first arrived, but not in December. The other thing I think hurt was the almost complete lack of advertising. I've had several people make a comment along the lines of "I didn't know they where making the GTO again."
Yes, the RX-8 and the GTO are different approaches to an automobile, but I'd still prefer them over any other cars in the 26-34k price range.....
:D

$1800 for six months.... :eek:
Mine is about a third of that, who was that quote from?

The quote was from State Farm - a major part of the problem is probably the fact that I'm 20. Damn kids and their crappy driving. :p We were going to get a hell of a deal on the car though before insurance came along. After all the rebates, it was looking like we were going to be able to get the car for right around $25,000 or a little less (more than $8000 off), so that would have been a pretty tough deal to pass up.

Heavy, but fun.
The 04 GTO's are an absolute steal. You can get a new one for 22-26k...if not less. Nobody wants the 350 bhp one...as they fail to realize how many mods are available for that particular engine :).

I (along with many others) was priviledged as an attendee of the GTOAA Nationals (event established for the original GTO's) held in Pontiac, MI this past July to be hosted by Pontiac and drive around 15 different (AT's and Manual 6 speeds) GTO's for a whole day on a laid out track at the Pontiac Silverdome similiar to a proving grounds test track. We had to sign a liability waiver and wear a helmet but basically could do anything with the car that we wanted short of wrecking it. Also we were given "hot lap" demonstration rides by instructors from Bob Bonderant's Driving School including "drifting". The experience was nothing short of incredible. For a car of this size and weight it corners like it's on rails. I swear it'll take a 90 degree turn going 50 mph with barely any lean. We did manage to do a 360, going about 70 without feeling like it was going to roll over. Two mechanics under a tent on the tarmac were changing tires as fast as they could as the new Goats were reducing the tires to shards in no time especially doing the "drifting". For performance and handling I would rate them a 9 and 8 respectively, the interior (nice!) a 9, but the exterior only a 5 for looking like everyother jelly bean car on the road. And yes, you can't beat the sound of a big throaty V8 with a tuned exhaust system. The '05 with 50 more hp and a few exterior accents/improvements can only have made them better.

$1800 for six months.... :eek:
Mine is about a third of that, who was that quote from?


mine was less than on the 8, and the premiums on the 8 are cheap. For an 05 GTO btw.

In my eyes and what I've seen and heard about them(which I thought anyway's) is its fast as balls in the straight lines and...................... that's basically it! Car is ugly, too heavy to toss into corners at high speeds and the list of negativity goes on!

and the only way I ever notice that thing on the street is by its bright yellow that every owner seems to get.

I'm not really a fan of the GTO. As others said, the styling is too bland. They could have done so much more.

If I was going to buy an American muscle car like that, I'd probably go for the new Mustang or the new Charger.

Still, performance wise, I'm sure the GTO delivers a really good bang for the buck. Never driven one but the numbers look impressive.

The GTO is not really something you would want to compare to an 8. I would compare it moreso to a Mustang, the upcoming Charger or the 300C. The point of this car is horsepower and bang for the buck. If I was considering a GTO, the Mustang would probably be the only other car I would test drive because there isn't much else that falls into its category. The GTO is just way too heavy and fugly for my tastes though. However, I'm sure the engine makes it fun at stoplights and stuff like that.

Here's the GTO in Holden clothing....IMO the wheels are nicer than the us spec. Also, the interior on the GTO is fantasic looking!!

- Irish :cool:

The GTO definitely would not handle as well as the 8, but it sure as hell handles well enough for the majority of car enthusiasts out there. I have driven a mustangs at a few Solo I events and there is no arguing that most people think they are fat beasts which handle like garbage and are only good for straight lines. However, we stuck a set of R compound tires on the thing and it more than held its own around the corners and was a blast to drive, it made a remarkable difference. Considering that most people with 8 don't use 8/10's of the handling capabilities of this car, even less than that for people who never visit the track, I really don't buy the argument that the GTO doesn't handle well enough.

To each their own and all that junk, but it just seems a little silly to knock the handling of a car whose limits people would rarely exceed.

That said, I agree they are fat pigs, and I would still rather an 8.

Interior shot....fantastic!!

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=43073&stc=1

- Irish :cool:

It does look good eh? I like the red faced gauages, I would like them more if the were yellow faced! The red carpetting or alacantara is sharp too. I wish more car manufactures would rap the dash and wheel in that stuff, it's classy and racey

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=7149

Love the engine, don't like the car.

^^^Booo....only goes to 6500!!^^^

- Irish :cool:

It does look good eh? I like the red faced gauages, I would like them more if the were yellow faced!

I really like the matching gauges on the GTO, but I would imagine that yellow would get to be hard on the eyes after a while. I'll stick to looking for my black GTO w/ red gauges as a second car when I'm done with college and have a decent job squared away :cool:

I'm not really a fan of the GTO. As others said, the styling is too bland. They could have done so much more.

If I was going to buy an American muscle car like that, I'd probably go for the new Mustang or the new Charger.

Still, performance wise, I'm sure the GTO delivers a really good bang for the buck. Never driven one but the numbers look impressive.

:p it's actually an Australian muscle car dressed up in north american clothing.

They are a dime a dozen over here, but they sound awsome. And because cars here (excepting 4WD's) tend to be a bit smaller than what you find in NA streets, it looks very brutish and hulking.

There is also a sportier verson on sale here. http://www.hsv.com.au/cars/vz/main.asp?link=main/gto.html

I too considered the GTO before getting my 8 (actually the final four were RX8, 05 Mustang GT, GTO, and G35)

I sat in a GTO at the Orlando Auto Show and it was VERY comfortable. Also, it's the only 2 door sports car that has more room in the back seats than the RX8. I sat back there and my jaw hit the floor...it's VERY comfortable in the rear!!!

My issues, like so many have said, is the dang car comes in at 3700lbs...WOW!!!

I told myself, "I can always mod it and make it handle better but the dang weight was my biggest problem. Sure the looks are just OK (A fat Cavalier it looked like) but that GREAT Chevy V8 has no equal in the V8 or V6 world.

This is what I suggest Chevy does...save some money with the 07 and put the LS1 back in there at 350HP....BUT, cut it's weight down to 3400 pounds PLEASE, and make it's looks match it's engine. Finally...lower the price to compete with the Mustang and I'll bet you that the owner of the GTO would be having pony for dinner.

If at 3700+ lbs the car is getting 17/29....loseing 300+ lbs would probably push those numbers to 20/32 or something (per the rule that for ever 100 pounds lost you gain 1mpg)

So, a 350HP V8 2+2 @ $25,000 making 18/28mpg and looks as good as it sounds...

...build it...AND MANY WILL COME!!!

Note: Oh yeah, make it handle better than the Mustang...make it handle RX8ish...

This is what I suggest Chevy does...save some money with the 07 and put the LS1 back in there at 350HP....BUT, cut it's weight down to 3400 pounds PLEASE, and make it's looks match it's engine. Finally...lower the price to compete with the Mustang and I'll bet you that the owner of the GTO would be having pony for dinner.

Would be a great return for the Camaro/Firebird
:)

Thanks for all the input - glad to see I'm in good company on the likes/dislikes. The 8 IMO is a much better looking vehicle, but I'd certainly look the other way if one pulled up next to me at a light. It's amazing to me the car gets that type of mileage given the weight and the power generated. With gas prices in the US projected to go well upwards of $2/gallon this summer, my 230 mile range on my 8 (combo city/highway) might make me begin entertaining other options.

Yeah...I understand that, it's going to be painful paying much higher than the $2.05 I'm paying now....OUCH!

My range in the city for my 8 is 250...so I can't complain too much, while I wish it was more like 300.

Yea i heard here in Texas from some inside sources that the gas is about to go to 2.30 very soon.... :(

I used to be obsessed with the 8 and planned on buying one, and then I drove a GTO. The car is spectacular, people compare it to the M5 in terms of acceleration and refinement. And as far as the styling, I just don't understand it. I'll admit that I wasn't completely overwhelmed when I saw it in pictures, but then I saw it in person and totally changed my mind. I think it is a nice understated, clean car in '04 form, while still looking mildly aggressive. In '05, the hood scoops and split dual exhaust look awesome, I plan on buying one in midnight blue metallic, you guys should all try and check one out in this color in person or just an '05 in general.

My dad also bought a cosmos purple '04 GTO about 2 months ago, I thought purple would look awful too, but it looks SOOOOOOO nice. It's a real dark color that is just classy looking, there's also less than 200 purple 6-speed GTO's ever made so it's gonna be quite the collectors item down the road (or he's hoping at least). The car rides great, handles better than you would think, and goes like stink. I think the biggest fun factor for me is the sound, it sounds better than LS1 corvettes... I promise. (driven them)

The interior is also pretty amazing, as in the red picture above, the purple car has dark purple seats, purple suede, and purple gauges. These color-interiors are just plain impressive.

So just my thoughts on the car, I've also driven 2 rx8's and still love that car, the Goat just happens to fit for me better, that's all.

As a side note, I don't get why people worry so much about gas prices. I need to get around in my car to make a living and live a normal life, so I don't worry ONE BIT about where gas prices are. You can call me out of touch with what's going on, but in my eyes, it doesn't matter. I can't tell you the last time I even looked at or remembered what gas prices were at. It's nothing to worry over, there's enough things in life that you actually have control over that matter more.

I think :)

Right after I dynoed my car the other day, a new 05 GTO with the LS2 came on in and got a dyno.

Manual tranny.

It dynoed 320hp. Keeping in mdin that my 2002 Camaro SS with the LS1 dynoed 325 stock.

The shifter is tall, its huge. The gauges are so-so. The car is so-so styled. Know what? I used to proudly wear Chevy/Pontiac/GM hats. But hey... I think they've let me down and dropped the ball.

I proudly got in my 175hp Rx-8, and zoom-zoom'd off.

You know, I was just wondering why I don't see GTO's around me. They don't sell them in Canada WTF pontiac!!

That makes me a sad panda bear

I just saw the GTO at the kc car show last saturday. It has a nice interior and is obviously quite fast but the shifter was really sloppy and its just plain bland looking. Clutch was really stiff, it would wear me out in stop and go traffic. The mustang GT has about an equally nice interior and is about as fast and better looking for less money. Even the slapped on hood scoop can't save the GTO in the styling department. Its still a great idea and I hope they do a good job when they restyle it so it doesn't look like a cavalier.

I agree with that the GTO looks ALOT better in person that it does in pictures...heck, sometimes our RX8 looks better in person then pictures also (my base 6spd is what I mean).

Oh, and about fuel economy I agree...not to worry too much, but it's natural to dislike price hikes...especially when we drive a thirsty beauty...lol

About the 05 Mustang GT Vs GTO I have to say (from experiencing it first hand) the following:

Interior

GTO hands down...HANDS DOWN, it's much more comfortable, elegant, smooth, and the rear seats actually fit adults without causeing neck problems (05 GT & G35c have this issue) and the rear knee room is the best I've seen in any 2+2

Engine

GTO once again because while I like the Ford 4.6L the GTO's engine makes more power and is more fuel efficent at the same time while being 200lbs fatter.

Looks

I'd give the 05 Mustang GT the edge here because it too looks better in person, especially in black. The 04 GTO is just a fat Cavalier it seems...

Handling

Stang wins again...not by much, but wins either way.

Price & bang for the buck

Stang wins again, I think the GTO was a little over priced (as I've stated). Bring it down to $25,000

Again...sorry, I've stated this many times...my biggest problem with the GTO is it's weight and not so great handling. If they bring it down to the 3400 level and make it handle better...GM would have a HUGE seller on their hands because that V8 sound is just so sweeeeetttttt.

You know, I was just wondering why I don't see GTO's around me. They don't sell them in Canada WTF pontiac!!

That makes me a sad panda bear

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe that they don't meet part of the bumper standards in Canada...Although I'm sure the lack of capacity to build them was also taken into account, and that probably was another factor. I'd like to think when its redesigned for '07 they'll be selling up there as well.

The difference between the GTO and the new GT mustang are in modability. The mustangs built on a knife edge...any amount of significant power adding and BOOM...even one of the sema GT stang's spun a rod bearing in the parking lot...pretty sad.

The 04 GTO on the other hand can handle quite a bit of power adding. There are some fella's running 12's with superchargers on the forums without any major issues like the Z or GT guys see.

Yup...I said once...and I'll say it again, that Chevy LS V8 is the best dang V8 in the world, I think at least.

1995 Monte Carlo resembles the GTO to me...and it's the car my grandfather drove and then my dad did...that's probably what I can't get over. It's not so much the back or front...but the sides.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/484000-484999/484152_25.jpg

HottRx8Girl...have you seen one in person? It aint too bad...but that Monte Carlo comparison was insulting...lol

It's more of a FAT Cavalier or newer Grand Prix than a Monte Carlo...

Yeah looking back I see how it doesn't really look like it - I've seen it in person - I wanted one before I got my 8, and in person it looked worse to me than in the pictures I saw. I was just bored and tired, heh ;)

HottRx8Girl...have you seen one in person? It aint too bad...but that Monte Carlo comparison was insulting...lol

It's more of a FAT Cavalier or newer Grand Prix than a Monte Carlo...
So basically... it's ugly whatever way you want to go about it.

It's hardly ugly, its just average looking.

No no no... it's not a Cavalier or a Grand Prix or a Monte Carlo!
It's a Volvo C70 Coupe:
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=43218

I ran into a GTO the other night and we just happened to be lined up at a light. I entertained him. A lot of people who don't know what the 8 is expect it to be a lot faster then it is. We took off and all I can see is you could hear the torque in that thing. It was fun I guess.

In OZ our Monaros (Your GTOs) have been modified by HSV (Holden Special Vehicles), they look far more aggressive, have much better hardware (brakes etc and have 6litre engines) . I driven the HSV versions and they are so much more focussed than the standard 260kW 5.7 litre cars. BUT...I broke off the shift knob when changing, the thing rattled AND DRANK PREMIUM UNLEADED VERY GREEDILY AVERAGING 23LITRES/100KMS.
Check them out at

http://www.hsv.com.au

Some of them cost almost $100 000 AUD..... I rather have a Lotus Exige for that sort of money! 91000RPM

9100RPM,

The state-side GTO has the same engines as the Monaros. Last year it was the 5.7 Litre LS1(350HP)... This year they both have the 6 litre LS2 with 400 HP.

So basically... it's ugly whatever way you want to go about it.

I would not call them ugly really. I think the last Cavalier (while being a VERY CHEAP built car) looked pretty nice in 2 door form.

The GTO is not ugly but it aint no RX8 either...heck, even the new Mustang looks better and the new Mustang is not an RX8 either.

They just look avg (as stated already)...not very exciting but the Holden does look MUCH better than the GTO. I can't wait till the 07 GTO comes out...the new GTO should be very nice.

I suggest GM makes it with vertical lights as the old GTO's of the past. Two lights (modernized) vertical, maybe something similar (slightly) to the G35, would really look nice!

I should go back to my drawing book at get past chapeter one(LOL)...mabye I could draw what I mean...

I think that Volvo looks better than the GTO, but personally I can't stand any Pontiacs...something about the fronts.

Hey all,

This is a link to some pictures of a new 2005 Midnight Blue Metallic GTO, the color I was talking about in my post above. I think it's the best color for this car, but it's just me.

Ooops... forgot the link...

http://ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18250




Just take that white dealer sticker off the back and we're good to go!

9100RPM,

The state-side GTO has the same engines as the Monaros. Last year it was the 5.7 Litre LS1(350HP)... This year they both have the 6 litre LS2 with 400 HP.

Sorry old chap but you are mistaken. :confused: The GTO has the LSII, the OZ Monaro is still the 5.7litre 260KW engine. The HSVs have now adopted the LSII (6.0lire).
Check out this website.

www.holden.com.au and www.hsv.com.au

We will eventually get the 6litre across the range but not yet. 9100RPM

I'm either really, really confused 9100 or you said the same thing I said. In '04... the GTO had the LS1. In '05, the GTO has the LS2 (6 litre).

Wait I think I get what you're saying.... so only the HSV has the 6 litre? Ya I thought the Monaro and the HSV were the same thing... so they still have the 5.7 on the base monaro, is that correct?

Originally I thought you were saying we didn't get the LS2 here, and that's what I was responding to. Sorry for the confusion!

I like the GTO. If I had not gotten the RX8 the 05' GTO definitely would have been a consideration. I would have gotten some rims though. Also down the line probably strapped on the Vortech SC. Heard that would be around 550 hp.

I just wish the U.S could have the holden ute :D

I'm either really, really confused 9100 or you said the same thing I said. In '04... the GTO had the LS1. In '05, the GTO has the LS2 (6 litre).

Wait I think I get what you're saying.... so only the HSV has the 6 litre? Ya I thought the Monaro and the HSV were the same thing... so they still have the 5.7 on the base monaro, is that correct?

Originally I thought you were saying we didn't get the LS2 here, and that's what I was responding to. Sorry for the confusion!

The reality in OZ is that the HSV is a offshoot of Holden. The HSV vehicles include a utility (Maloo), sedans, Stateman, etc. The Holden Monaro sold in OZ as a Holden Monaro comes with a 260kw 5.7L, the HSV version of the Holden Monaro known as the COUPE 4 (an all wheel drive version) and the other iteration is the GTO...it is not your GTO it is really something special..and expensive. It has different brakes (huge), better suspensions (adjustable OHLINS) etc. Please check out the websites for more info.

www.holden.com.au and www.hsv.com.au

to see all the cars. We have been told that a LSII 6.0litre engine will eventually be in all Monaros ..but not yet. 9100RPM

Think about how pissed off all the 2004 RX-8 owners would have been if they would have put a bigger and or better Renesis in the 2005 that had 50 more HP. That sucks for those sorry 2004 GTO buyers who got screwed out of 50 horses.

Besides that I think they are pretty cool, they look like hell but there is nothing wrong with a 6.0 V8 in any car.

Think about how pissed off all the 2004 RX-8 owners would have been if they would have put a bigger and or better Renesis in the 2005 that had 50 more HP. That sucks for those sorry 2004 GTO buyers who got screwed out of 50 horses.

Besides that I think they are pretty cool, they look like hell but there is nothing wrong with a 6.0 V8 in any car.

Is that a photo of you John?
If it is you need a manager, you will definitely have a great career in the movies, man! 9100RPM

John,

20x more mods available for the original 350 bhp GTO, then are available for the 400 bhp GTO. Plus you can get the 350 bhp ones for a little over 20k...dealers can't give them away and are actually taking a loss.

John,

With the money you would save buying an 04 over an 05 you could put half of it into mods, and be just as fast if not faster than the 05. My dad bought an 04, and I'm getting an 05, but he won't be mad, because he could easily dump the 7k he saved compared to me into the motor and put down anywhere from 400-450 rwhp.

The fact that I want mine in Midnight blue with scoops, the revised rear end, and ls2 make me want the 05 though. I also talk with a lot of 04 owners, and not too many of them are mad about not having the extra 50, in fact, they bought their 04s knowing the LS2 was coming.

And Crossbow,

You are completely right about there being more mods available for the ls1. But, the lowest I've seen a NEW 04 go for is around 24K... and that was a demo car.

John,

With the money you would save buying an 04 over an 05 you could put half of it into mods, and be just as fast if not faster than the 05. My dad bought an 04, and I'm getting an 05, but he won't be mad, because he could easily dump the 7k he saved compared to me into the motor and put down anywhere from 400-450 rwhp.

The fact that I want mine in Midnight blue with scoops, the revised rear end, and ls2 make me want the 05 though. I also talk with a lot of 04 owners, and not too many of them are mad about not having the extra 50, in fact, they bought their 04s knowing the LS2 was coming.

And Crossbow,

You are completely right about there being more mods available for the ls1. But, the lowest I've seen a NEW 04 go for is around 24K... and that was a demo car.

$24000! In OZ we get a base Mazda3 for that..stop your whinging...the standard Monaro with the LS1 is $60000 AUD and we build the bloody heapa. 9100RPM :mad:

Dudes,

I don't give one crap about the GTO, I am just saying that if they did that to the RX-8 there would be a lot of pissed off people.

and as for 9100RPM, that picture is not of me but it is of Pavel Podkolzin the savior of the Dallas Mavericks. He is Russian, 7'5, 300+lbs, 19 years old and has a really bad thyroid problem that makes him such a huge giant. The Mav's drafted him last year and when I heard about the 7 foot, 300lb. russian monster I instantly fell in love. I doubt that he will ever see the court in a Mav's jersy but one can always dream. I also try to follow closley because I think he may be the anitchrist...I am not sure but if I find out I will post on rx8club first.

Love,
Johnny P

Dude, you fell in love with a giant russian man :eek:

Yes...but he could be the antichrist!

I heard that he drinks a gallon of Vodka with each meal! Alright, I made that up but it would be cool if he did.

Yes...but he could be the antichrist!

I heard that he drinks a gallon of Vodka with each meal! Alright, I made that up but it would be cool if he did.

I'm really glad for your relationship with the ruski. Being in OZ I have no idea what you were saying about you you talk about Mav??

I still think this guy could do well in movies...put a bolt through his neck and look out Boris Karlov.9100RPM

Well, I went to the Mavs game tonight. (Mavs is a reference to the Dallas Mavericks an NBA team...i.e. professional basketball team) (If OZ is in referance to Aussie then think Luc Longley) Anyways, to my utter delightment P-Pod was on the bench and shot around during warm ups. He looked bigger and more Russian than ever and I am really thinking about asking him to father my children.

I wonder what P-Pod drives...probably a bad ass conversion van.

Back to the thread I think I am going to test drive a GTO with a friend of mine this weekend.

ROFL John, I haven't heard about this guy yet. We need some videos! I love watching big giant goofy people run around...

Anways, have fun driving the Goat, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

How about this GTO? Sign me up.... ripped this pic from an earlier thread on the GTO.

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26773

How about this GTO? Sign me up.... ripped this pic from an earlier thread on the GTO.

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26773

THAT I like. A LOT.

Yes that is pretty much THE car. It is basically not-for-sale and nobody offers a kit or anything to make it look like that. So, It's probably gonna run you over 100K just to get it looking like that, minus the monster of a motor they put in that thing. (That's the Dreamward Cruise Car if anyone wanted to know)

Yes that is pretty much THE car. It is basically not-for-sale and nobody offers a kit or anything to make it look like that. So, It's probably gonna run you over 100K just to get it looking like that, minus the monster of a motor they put in that thing. (That's the Dreamward Cruise Car if anyone wanted to know)

too bad, b/c that is what a true revival of the historic goat should have looked like... there were more pics but I couldn't dig them up, anyone have them?

Snizzle's got it right - the '04 goat was kind of a sleeper, and the '05 looks like typical pontiac design (when in doubt, add some scoops and body cladding!). The car pictured above is the way it should look - scoops that are more sedate on the hood and those rear scoops (functional or not) really make the car look good. If only I could get that car for around $30K.....hmmmmmm.................

nice car, but its a GM product!!!

I had 3 GM cars already and still own one, and the quality is just awful.

nice car, but its a GM product!!!

I had 3 GM cars already and still own one, and the quality is just awful.

i've had different luck in the past w/GM believe it or not, i've got a beater 94 Saturn that i'm driving during the winter now that was my college car.... we've had very little problems w/it but I do tend to take care of my vehicles

why are you still buying GM if they have been that bad for you? live and learn?

nice car, but its a GM product!!!

I had 3 GM cars already and still own one, and the quality is just awful.

LOL seriously, quit buying them then.

And the GTO is of higher build quality, and has better materials overall than most other GM products.