Some beach pics with a GTO.
03-22-2010, 08:47 PM
#31
Cottage Industry Sponsor
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
^^^ It's the "art" that's missing...
Everybody can put a big engine into a car and make it go fast. But never before, and never since has any manufacturer offered a such timeless, uncompromising design inside and out.
In fact, the 928 outlived many of the components that were designed into it. At the end of its production run, the AC system and many other details were ancient, yet, the whole package was still modern. And continues to be 15 years after the end of production.
Many forget that when you could buy it new, it was a supercar that pushed the envelope of performance and luxury. That was reflected in its price at the time, and the maintenance requirements that are still unchanged today.
Everybody can put a big engine into a car and make it go fast. But never before, and never since has any manufacturer offered a such timeless, uncompromising design inside and out.
In fact, the 928 outlived many of the components that were designed into it. At the end of its production run, the AC system and many other details were ancient, yet, the whole package was still modern. And continues to be 15 years after the end of production.
Many forget that when you could buy it new, it was a supercar that pushed the envelope of performance and luxury. That was reflected in its price at the time, and the maintenance requirements that are still unchanged today.
03-25-2010, 02:41 AM
#32
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In another 20 years I wonder how many people wil have their heads turned by the GTO...? or how collectible it wll be.
It may have relatively cheap performance thrills but I think its missing the timeless quality the 928 has
(maybe there will be some last of breed cache...?) - it really doesn't appeal to me one bit.
I'd take the 928 any day.
Alan
It may have relatively cheap performance thrills but I think its missing the timeless quality the 928 has
(maybe there will be some last of breed cache...?) - it really doesn't appeal to me one bit.
I'd take the 928 any day.
Alan
True the 928 does have a style and look that no car ever had or probably ever will have. but with 61,000 928s made, it makes my car look like a golden ticket from ***** wonka and the chocolate factory. (in production numbers of course)
But again everyone has there own opinions. In my opinion i think the GTO and Porsche turns heads for different reasons. American cars have always been about putting big engines in american cars. Exotics like Porsche, Lambo and Ferrari are more about adding finesse to there cars. Style and speed to accompany excellent handling while keeping luxury and silence at 160 mph.
GM did a pretty good job producing the GTO. They put a big engine into a car that could actually take the turns. That could actually stop properly. That could actually give most modern cars a run for their money for about 35k. And you can fit 4 people in the car. with 2004 having 350 hp and 2005-06 having 400 hp, This car was a dream come true for performance enthusiasts with a family. Have you ever seen Jeremy Clarkson from top gear reviewing the GTO?
In the videos its known as the Vauxhall and Holden Monaro.
He was absolutely blown away at how the car could take the turns and accelerate yet be so cheap. Leather interior, corvette V8, Independent suspension, AC, 6 cd stereo system with 10 blaupunkt speakers for considerably cheap. Even the mustang and challenger have plastic interior...
True it doesn't handle like a Porsche, True it doesn't have the "Art" like the Porsche, True it doesn't have flaps that open up in the front of engine bay to let air in. And True my GTO will probably never ever be a collectible. But...
My car roars with a deafening ear piercing sound as i slam the gears, Shakes like hell at idle just waiting for that light to turn green, spits out that nasty exhaust/gas odor that burns the eyes of whoever is the unlucky SOB behind me, Can throw me and 3 other people into there seats on a whims notice and is made fun of for being a cavalier or grandprix replica.....
Yeah.... Id take that over the finesse luxury and "Art" of the Porsche 928 any day.
03-25-2010, 06:56 AM
#33
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Just remember it's a Holden Monaro first and foremost. The Pontiac GTO or Vauxhall I forget what they called it in England was designed and built in Australia. Yes they stole the engine from the US but a lot of the development of GM engines has happened in Australia
03-25-2010, 07:09 AM
#34
Nordschleife Master
But again everyone has there own opinions. In my opinion i think the GTO and Porsche turns heads for different reasons. Australian cars have always been about putting big engines in Australian cars. Exotics like Porsche, Lambo and Ferrari are more about adding finesse to there cars. Style and speed to accompany excellent handling while keeping luxury and silence at 160 mph.
GM did a pretty good job producing the GTO. They put a big engine into a car that could actually take the turns. That could actually stop properly. That could actually give most modern cars a run for their money for about 35k. And you can fit 4 people in the car. with 2004 having 350 hp and 2005-06 having 400 hp, This car was a dream come true for performance enthusiasts with a family. Have you ever seen Jeremy Clarkson from top gear reviewing the GTO?
In the videos its known as the Vauxhall and Holden Monaro.
In the videos its known as the Vauxhall and Holden Monaro.
Your GTO was actually designed and built in Australia - rather than replicating the existing Aussie production line to bring the model out in the US, it was cheaper just to start making LHD cars on the same line here, and ship them to the US with a Pontiac badge on them
Do a search for "HSV Clubsport R8" to find out more about what replaced your GTO. (edit: Didn't realise - the Clubbie was sold into the US market as the Pontiac G8 GXP.. its the version with the LS3)
Luckily, Aussies are generally a very car-friendly nation - people on both sides of the Porsche / GM divide respect each other's cars, even if we do all secretly think our own one is better
Edit: Heh, Jon posted since my last look at the thread.
03-25-2010, 07:09 AM
#35
Rennlist Member
We get Goats at our Autocross. A couple of 'em gots the mods. Didn't give the ol' GTS much thought until they heard it and saw it get FTD. Then they got all respectful. The goats do sound good though.
03-25-2010, 09:03 AM
#36
Pro
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
13 Posts
I just wish that GM in the US had left the nose of the Holden Monaro alone when they turned it into the Pontiac GTO.
Not to put too fine a point on it (and forgive the pun): it smells of "change it just because", and looks terrible.
Not to put too fine a point on it (and forgive the pun): it smells of "change it just because", and looks terrible.
03-25-2010, 09:07 AM
#37
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I'll admit that I really like the latest GTO and I think Pontiac did a good job with it. It would have been nice if they spent more time on the exterior styling but otherwise it's an incredible bang for the buck car. Hard to say if it will be a collectable, if I had to guess I would say that the garage queens with low miles will probably increase in value and the rest will not......along the same lines as the later 928.
03-25-2010, 06:11 PM
#39
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I forgot to add that the GTO was first a monaro and vauxhall.
True Holden is owned by GM, so it would make more sense to find a car already produced, that has never been in the states before and re-badge it.
As everyone can tell, Performance enthusiasts are dieing for more Australian muscle cars. We want the Ute, We Want the Bathurst edition VXR8, We want Vauxhalls and commodores. But GM believes other wise... Since Pontiac died, it seems as though the performance aspect of GM has died as well.
Sure we have the Camaro.... and Corvette... But that's about it. No more G8s, No more GTOs. They could've made a killing with the Ute and VXR8. I would buy that car in a heart beat...
And steal the corvette engine? I'm sorry but you cant steal something that already belongs to you. Aka GM owning holden.
And no the trailblazer ss does not count as a performance car. Thats just a really fast truck LOL
Ahhh i definitely have to take you up on that offer hinchcliffe
Oh yea i did hear though that people in Australia were getting pissed because how cheap the GTO was compared to the Monaro in Aussie land.
True Holden is owned by GM, so it would make more sense to find a car already produced, that has never been in the states before and re-badge it.
As everyone can tell, Performance enthusiasts are dieing for more Australian muscle cars. We want the Ute, We Want the Bathurst edition VXR8, We want Vauxhalls and commodores. But GM believes other wise... Since Pontiac died, it seems as though the performance aspect of GM has died as well.
Sure we have the Camaro.... and Corvette... But that's about it. No more G8s, No more GTOs. They could've made a killing with the Ute and VXR8. I would buy that car in a heart beat...
And steal the corvette engine? I'm sorry but you cant steal something that already belongs to you. Aka GM owning holden.
And no the trailblazer ss does not count as a performance car. Thats just a really fast truck LOL
Ahhh i definitely have to take you up on that offer hinchcliffe
Oh yea i did hear though that people in Australia were getting pissed because how cheap the GTO was compared to the Monaro in Aussie land.
03-25-2010, 06:54 PM
#40
Nordschleife Master
A *used* 2009 Porsche 997 Carrera S with PDK costs $AU250,000 here.
In US dollars, thats a shade under $US230,000.
The Australian government has draconian import laws supposedly to protect Australian motor industry jobs (i.e. Ford and Holden workers), which gives manufacturers free reign to charge whatever they feel like because we can't import the same vehicles from cheaper countries like the UK or Japan.
03-25-2010, 07:06 PM
#41
Nordschleife Master
Funny you should use this phrase. I was at the grocery store today and a hot girl and her boyfriend came out while I was getting in the car. He gave me a BIG THUMBS up and then motioned me to roll my window down. I did and he said, "that is the most beautiful and TIMELESS design and my favorite Porsche!" I was in the '92.
Every day I drive a 928 I get at least ONE thumbs up or awesome car comment! They are truly amazing cars!
Oh, I told him I agreed and if he ever had the chance to be sure and DRIVE one to see just how good they really are!
03-26-2010, 12:53 PM
#42
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its not just the GTO - its *all* cars.
A *used* 2009 Porsche 997 Carrera S with PDK costs $AU250,000 here.
In US dollars, thats a shade under $US230,000.
The Australian government has draconian import laws supposedly to protect Australian motor industry jobs (i.e. Ford and Holden workers), which gives manufacturers free reign to charge whatever they feel like because we can't import the same vehicles from cheaper countries like the UK or Japan.
A *used* 2009 Porsche 997 Carrera S with PDK costs $AU250,000 here.
In US dollars, thats a shade under $US230,000.
The Australian government has draconian import laws supposedly to protect Australian motor industry jobs (i.e. Ford and Holden workers), which gives manufacturers free reign to charge whatever they feel like because we can't import the same vehicles from cheaper countries like the UK or Japan.