| The New GTO: General Motors Offers a Clear Example of the Problem with Modern Muscle Cars |
| Written by Muscle Car Tech | |
| Tuesday, 11 December 2007 | |
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In 1967, the Pontiac GTO was crushing competition like the Plymouth Belvedere and Dodge Coronet, outselling these models by huge numbers. Originally an option for the Pontiac Temptest, GTO became its own seperate model in 1966. And only one year later, in 1967, the Pontiac GTO even outsold the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 by almost 20,000 units.
In 1967, the Pontiac GTO was crushing competition like the Plymouth Belvedere and Dodge Coronet, outselling these models by huge numbers. Originally an option for the Pontiac Temptest, GTO became its own seperate model in 1966. And only one year later, in 1967, the Pontiac GTO even outsold the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 by almost 20,000 units. Although that domination was over 30 years ago now, many people still associate the term “muscle car” most closely with the Pontiac GTO. For some reason, it was that particular car that embodied the spirit, the freedom, and the toughness of the classic muscle car era moreso than any other vehicle. That's one of the reasons why General Motors decision to bring the GTO back in the mid 2000's was met with mixed feelings (and occasionally outright anger) from experts and car lovers. Obviously, some muscle car enthusiasts were excited about the chance to drive an updated version of the legendary Pontiac GTO. But there were many more skeptical observers who believed that such a move would cheapen the GTO's great legacy; they believed that a new Pontiac GTO could never live up to the greatness of the late 60's version. These muscle car purists felt that it was borderline blasphemy for General Motors to even consider releasing a new car under the GTO brand. To these particular car lovers, a new GTO could never hope to really be a GTO at all. The mixed feelings were not put to rest when the car was released. Many problems—and rumored problems—plagued the new GTO's chances at success. There were rumored problems with the tires, potential safety issues, and even an instance where a Price is Right winner complained about receiving a previously-impounded and refurbished Pontiac GTO instead of “a new car” per the show's famous promise. Most of all, critics felt like the new Pontiac GTO was simply too different from its classic namesake. By 2008, rumors of the Pontiac GTO's demise were much more prevalent than rumors regarding new models. One news story even boasted alleged photographs of the “last” Pontiac GTO ever to be produced rolling off of the line. But then, months later in 2008, the Vice President of General Motors quashed rumors of the new GTO's sudden death when he promised that the Pontiac GTO would continue to be produced in 2008 and 2009, and that this version would be similar to the new Chevrolet Camaro. As was to be expected, car lovers had mixed feelings about this announcement as well. Though it's a story that may not be over yet, the story of the new Pontiac GTO has already proven one thing: new cars being marketed as modern updates of classic muscle cars are sure to face an uphill battle in the future. While the GTO name obviously comes with an instant marketing strategy, GM has come to realize that it also comes with a huge responsibility. |