So Long, GTO

[mockingbird812]

Muscle Cars
So long, GTO

The latest GTO is a true muscle machine but, alas, it never caught fire with buyers. But if you've been waiting to buy, you had better sign up before September. After that, the GTO will be history.
photo courtesy Pontiac
Pontiac has told its dealers that its GTO will no longer be available after September 2006.
GM will produce between 10,000 and 12,000 more GTOs before dropping the nameplate, sources said. Production of the Australian-built sport coupe will end in June because of expenses related to reconfiguring the car to meet 2007 air bag standards. GM spokesman Jim Hopson confirmed this and said GM is considering a replacement.
In 2005, despite the addition of a thundering 400hp 6-liter LS2 V-8, an available snorkeled hood and dual chrome exhaust tips, Pontiac sold just 11,590 GTOs, in contrast to 13,569 in 2004—a 14.6 percent year-to-year decline. Pontiac officials had predicted the division would sell 18,000 GTOs annually.
The GTO’s suggested retail price starts at $31,990, including shipping. A source said, “The 2005 and 2006 models were pretty well sold out, and sales were especially strong in areas of GM weakness, like Southern California. It’s a shame it has to go—for now.”
The GTO has been called the original muscle car. Whether it truly was will be argued until the end of time. The original GTO died after the 1974 model year.
- By George Mattar

Sorry to see it go. I believe it missed its target and ignored its customers. Drivetrain was awesome - interior was awesome - exterior was unworthy of the GTO moniker.