Aussie point of view on GTO

[pruettfan]

For the Aussie's on the site, I was wondering what you think of the export of the Monaro as the GTO? I love your car and thank you for sharing with us but have always been curious what you folks think.

Tom

[isszy]

For the Aussie's on the site, I was wondering what you think of the export of the Monaro as the GTO? I love your car and thank you for sharing with us but have always been curious what you folks think.

Tom
This will meander a bit, but I will eventually get to the point.

As most people would know by now, I am a pretty passionate Holden fan and have been all my life.

Australians by nature suffer a bit of 'cultural cringe' and always like to be vindicated for anything they do. Off track a bit, but anybody lucky enough to come down here from the Sydney Olympics would have got sick of being asked how they liked it, and if we did a good job. So although internally we knew our cars were pretty good by world standards, we have never really been given the opportunity to prove it.

We have exported cars to what would be considered minor markets before, New Zealand, South Africa etc, but never really done much into Europe or the US.

Australian exports to the US have been few and until now not very successful. The first big effort was by Ford in the mid 80's, with what was sold here as the Ford Capri convertible. Nice car, based on the local Laser, with a modest 2litre motor and front drive. Sold OK here, but (and does this sound familiar) Ford in the US stuffed up the marketing of it by selling it as a Mercury. From my understanding, Mercury is the brand you buy between retirement and death, so a cute sporty convertible did not really fit their demographic. Plus the roofs leaked something shocking.

Strike One.

The next attempt came from Mitsubishi. In the 80's, Chrysler in Australia died and was taken over by Mitsubishi. They started off making Sigmas (based on the Galant), and eventually came up with a large front drive 4 and 6 cylinder called the Magna. This was different from Japanese Mitsubishis in that it was a full width car, wide enough to seat 3 Aussie males across the back seat. Mitsubishi decided that when they needed a replacement for the Diamante in the US, that this would be a good car to use as 3 yanks would be about the same size as 3 Aussies.

The Magna/Verada/Diamante is a good car, other than a series of gearbox problems it seems to suffer, but it has never really set the world on fire.

Strike Two.

The differences between turning the Monaro into a GTO and these previous attempts included:
1. Holden cut it's LHD teeth with the VT/VX/VY Commodore by selling these as Chevy Luminas and Caprices in the Middle East, and as Opel Omegas in Spain. It got it pretty much right in these markets to the point that the Lumina is the biggest selling car in the middle east (just ask Dark).
2. The Monaro cost 2/3 of sweet FA to design and produce in world terms
3. Even though the Monaro was a luxury car in Australia, it had a cult following and had paid for itself regardless of what happened next.
4. The success or failure of the GTO would have little impact on the financial position of Holden, unlike Ford 20 years earlier with the Capri.
5. Bob Lutz.

Do I like the fact they export the GTO ? Hell yes.
Am I proud of what has been done ? I just about burst with pride every time you guys say something nice about it.
Do I think it has been well received in the US ? The size of this board is proof that the worm is turning.
What would I have them do differently ? Get rid of the 17" wheels and replace them with 18", and make the autocross grille standard.

I just hope some of you guys get down here and experience the real thing. 2 of you in 12 months is not good enough :gr_jest: .

[Woz]

Couldn't have said it any better isszy!

I work for a Big Multinational and at times get a little tired of the push from US to Australia of ideas so hearing all the good things on this forum make me glad to have a sunroof to give me room for the swelled head and chest.

Just a pity that you dont get the options like we do and the Brits etc.

[Fusebox]

Do I like the fact they export the GTO ? Hell yes.
Am I proud of what has been done ? I just about burst with pride every time you guys say something nice about it.
Do I think it has been well received in the US ? The size of this board is proof that the worm is turning.
What would I have them do differently ? Get rid of the 17" wheels and replace them with 18", and make the autocross grille standard.

I just hope some of you guys get down here and experience the real thing. 2 of you in 12 months is not good enough :gr_jest: .
Brilliantly worded and great response all round. I think the only reason why I joined this board initially was to see how you guys would react to an Australian made car that had american power and drive train. To be completely honest, this board is awesome, it has great people, and opinions are sometimes divided but almost always civil and I love that!

Also as Holden has successfully exported to the worlds biggest carmarket, there is some anticipation and hope that Phord (not sure if the filter is still active or not :p) US will use some design and technologies from Phord Australia. Both Holden and Phord Australia make excellent cars nowadays, and dont let bias of one or two aussie members on here fool you into thinking otherwise :)

[isszy]

The Magna/Verada/Diamante is a good car, other than a series of gearbox problems it seems to suffer, but it has never really set the world on fire.


Plus the current Magna/Verada/Diamante looks like crap.

(needed to get off 911 posts :secret: )

[isszy]

Most of us down here try to offer a positive contribution to the board - I hope that our comments are taken in the right spirit :gr_jest:

[ctaylor45]

Very good insight for us yanks!!! :thumbs:

[TriShield]

We want more of your cars please. Send the Utes over next, we quit making our own in the 80s. :(

[monaro_gto]

For an Aussie living in the US driving an Aussie car I love it. I have driven Holdens most of my life until I came over here and I was thrilled when I got the chance to get back in one. I also like to point out to people who asked about my car that it was made in OZ!.

Just my .02

[HRJ]

Great read, fellas. The Aussies on this board have historically been well sorted, likable peeps, and if you weren't so damn far away, I'd love to crack open a Corona or two with ya. :drink:

[pruettfan]

I gotta tell you guys down under I love your car!! I get questions all the time about the car and always talk about its origins and without exception folks in the US are amazed by what a great job Holden has done and all hope to get more of your products.

Tom

[why2kmax]

I was in sydney and alice in 2003 for a month. Loved it, had a great time. GREAT People!!! I used to stop by the holden dealer once every other day to gawk and peek in the windows of the commodore SS, Utes and monaros. Couldnt wait for the GTO to get here. I love the car and personally I hope WE do as good a job with the 07 GTO as you are doing with the 04+
You guys keep makin em Ill keep buyin em

[olly]

I originally didn't like the look of the monaro morphing into the gto, mainly because of the grille treatment, 17" wheels and the fact that there was no rear spoiler delete option, or the ability to upgrade to monaro creature comfort specs. I was especially annoyed that the fuel tank had to be relocated to comply with US regulations. All that aside, I have seen some impressive GTO's on here so far, I think the Autocross options in the main, are a winner. They really enhance the look of the car, in fact I now prefer an Autocross front look to the monaro. The Autocross rear spoiler and side skirts look good as well.
As far as exporting the car is concerned, I am proud that it is establishing itself as a niche product in a ever competitive market overseas.

[KenP]

crack open a Corona or two with ya. :drink:


Dude, i thought you liked the Aussies... :gr_jest:

Sigh, am i going to have to ship down some Leinenkugels, Old Port Porter, or some Capitol 1900 ain't I.

EDIT: And to a least show some form of Topic. I love the look of the HSV, i really like the 4 door as well.

And i wish Ford would ship over the Falcon(sp?) for some friendly competition. Even though i'd never buy one, it might get more people looking at the 30k-40k touring car segment.

[csan75]

Australians by nature suffer a bit of 'cultural cringe' and always like to be vindicated for anything they do. :gr_jest: .

I experienced this while in northeast Queensland for a joint forces exercise in '98 called Tandem Thrust(kinda porno sounding). Everyone wanted to ask how we (Marines) liked Australia. Loved it! Made me feel like I was in Texas. Got as fas south as Brisbane and got a week off in Surfers!

Anyway, this is a great car and thanks for making a purple one. Thats why my wife let me get it. Send some VB!

[jasonblair]

I just hope some of you guys get down here and experience the real thing. 2 of you in 12 months is not good enough :gr_jest: .

I've been wanting to come for a long time! I hear the Australian women look good.... is it true that they like the American accent?

I.E. - I'll come if the ladies will be receptive! ;)

(Pics would help too.. haha)

[LordGriNz]

The 17 inch wheel thing is really a must for some of us, thats the reason for them. If
you got a chance to ride on our roads here in taxachusetts, you wouldnt have to
guess why we need the 17 inch wheels.

[olly]

The 17 inch wheel thing is really a must for some of us, thats the reason for them. If
you got a chance to ride on our roads here in taxachusetts, you wouldnt have to
guess why we need the 17 inch wheels.

Didn't realise you had GOAT tracks worse than us (pardon the pun)

[LordGriNz]

I really do believe I am driving on the surface of the moon, and its getting worse every
year. Since the world is so worried about the environment, you think they would keep
the roads in impeccable shape to encourage buying cars and not SUV's. Instead they
let the roads go to crap and then force everyone to buy an SUV because a car will
just get destroyed trying to drive these roads, I just dont get their logic. Tons of
taxes are paid for the roads and none of it ever seems to get there....

[jasonblair]

How's this for logic? The California State Legislature for years has been encouraging people to drive fuel efficient cars... well, now they are stuck because people ARE buying fuel efficient cars and they are not making as much money on gas taxes as they thought they would.

So they are thinking of changing to a per mile driven tax with a GPS locator. So they want people to buy efficent cars, but they still expect the taxes off of gas guzzlers!

[isszy]

How's this for logic? The California State Legislature for years has been encouraging people to drive fuel efficient cars... well, now they are stuck because people ARE buying fuel efficient cars and they are not making as much money on gas taxes as they thought they would.

So they are thinking of changing to a per mile driven tax with a GPS locator. So they want people to buy efficent cars, but they still expect the taxes off of gas guzzlers!
My state government has a similar problem. They budgeted for a certain amount of revenue from speeding tickets, then we all slowed down !!

Oh, and Jason, Aussie girls hate American accents - at least that's what my single mates told me to say - to much competition apparently :-punch: :gr_jest:

[jasonblair]

Well, I'll just have to work on my Aussie accent then!

I'm afraid all I have to go on is Paul Hogan and Steve Irwin though... perhaps it's better to stick with the American accent?

[Whisky]

Just thought I'd throw in that generally speaking, we Americans aren't easy to please, and can find something wrong with anything...lol

As with the F-body designs. (Camaro's/Firebirds) People complained that the Camaro was too plain, but the Trans Am was to cluttered with the hood scoops and wing. You just can't win.

Me, I've owned several fun sports/muscle cars. '72 Olds Cutlass 442, '79 Trans Am, '92 Z-28, '98 Buick Regal GSX Stage 3, and now an '04 GTO. I love my GTO. The exterior grows on one, and the interior is an immediate hit! The LS1 isn't too shabby either...:)

[Alucard]

I like the GTO, but I think the rear wing & the front end ruin the lines of the body....

[from oz]

Well, I'll just have to work on my Aussie accent then!

I'm afraid all I have to go on is Paul Hogan and Steve Irwin though... perhaps it's better to stick with the American accent?


Yeah that might be a good idea or a whole gang of ragin' Aussie's are going to beat you up. Oh and don't mention the "shrimp on the barbie" or if we have kangaroos in our backyards.

On the topic issue I'm just as proud as all the other Aussies on this thread. though i get a bit heated when people start knocking the looks of it. You get used to it but some people never let up!!!

[LS2GTO]

I love Austraila. I've been to Brisbane, Whit Sundays, Gold Coast, Noosehead. The blue Mountains somewhere nearby Syndey. I was in Sydney the same time they debut the Monaro at the Sydney auto show back in 99. Being a car enthusiast of all big V8s, I was very pleased to find out that Holden was a subsidiary of GM. I then couldn't believe GM could build such fantastic super touring cars such as the Commadore SS and Monaro and not export to the US. Thankfully Bob Lutz had the right idea! My concerns regarding exporting the Monaro to the US was how much the styling guru's at GM would butcher it's looks to resemble the old GTO. Thankfully they got it nearly right. The sport appearance package should have been the base model GTO from the start instead of its current looks.

Now we need the Commadore SS shipped here to fill the void for our ill fated Impala SS.


I've been wanting to come for a long time! I hear the Australian women look good.... is it true that they like the American accent?

I.E. - I'll come if the ladies will be receptive! ;)

(Pics would help too.. haha)

BTW Aussie women definitely enjoy us American blokes! Oh and yes please send us pics.

I'm thinking of going back to the Surfer Paradise for the F1 Grand Prix or check out some V8 supercar races sometime next year. I also dig Aussie TV programing. It's not as censored and they show frontal nudity during prime time. :hail: I also find one of your early morning talk show host delightfully funny. He's kinda slightly heavy set build with hair plugs in his hair. I believe his first name is Burt...something.

:)

[isszy]

I love Austraila. I've been to Brisbane, Whit Sundays, Gold Coast, Noosehead.

I'm thinking of going back to the Surfer Paradise for the F1 Grand Prix or check out some V8 supercar races sometime next year. I also dig Aussie TV programing. It's not as censored and they show frontal nudity during prime time. :hail: I also find one of your early morning talk show host delightfully funny. He's kinda slightly heavy set build with hair plugs in his hair. I believe his first name is Burt...something.

:)

I think you mean Noosa Heads - great part of the world.

The guy you are talking about is Bert Newton. He has been on Aussie TV since it started in 1956. He played 2nd banana to a yank named Don Lane on a tonight show for years. He has brilliant delivery and adlib skills.

I saw him recently on an awards ceremony where there were a whole lot of younger comedians and presenters. The other guys did a pretty good job, but Bert came on and stole the show.

His hair plugs have been a source of amusement for years.

http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/attachment.php?attach mentid=9881&stc=1

[Josh-'04GTO]

The 17 inch wheel thing is really a must for some of us, thats the reason for them. If
you got a chance to ride on our roads here in taxachusetts, you wouldnt have to
guess why we need the 17 inch wheels.

I'll second that! I'm buying some Fikse's in the next week or two, and I'll still keep 17's...not worth twisting up a rim! Our roads here are a serious hack job. :banghead:

[Slepr]

I absolutely love the GTO. Hats off to Holden for making such a wonderful car. I have been a Pontiac fan for over 30yrs but the credit goes to Holden for this Poncho. The build quality is wonderful and the interior is so far above other Pontiacs I have owned.

A big thank you to our friends down under.

BTW, the mascot of my University is the Kangaroo. I have a personalized license that fits very well with my GTO ;-)

http://home.kc.rr.com/sleprgtp/SAP10.jpg

[Yeller Jakett]

This will meander a bit, but I will eventually get to the point.

As most people would know by now, I am a pretty passionate Holden fan and have been all my life.

Australians by nature suffer a bit of 'cultural cringe' and always like to be vindicated for anything they do. Off track a bit, but anybody lucky enough to come down here from the Sydney Olympics would have got sick of being asked how they liked it, and if we did a good job. So although internally we knew our cars were pretty good by world standards, we have never really been given the opportunity to prove it.

We have exported cars to what would be considered minor markets before, New Zealand, South Africa etc, but never really done much into Europe or the US.

Australian exports to the US have been few and until now not very successful. The first big effort was by Ford in the mid 80's, with what was sold here as the Ford Capri convertible. Nice car, based on the local Laser, with a modest 2litre motor and front drive. Sold OK here, but (and does this sound familiar) Ford in the US stuffed up the marketing of it by selling it as a Mercury. From my understanding, Mercury is the brand you buy between retirement and death, so a cute sporty convertible did not really fit their demographic. Plus the roofs leaked something shocking.

Strike One.

The next attempt came from Mitsubishi. In the 80's, Chrysler in Australia died and was taken over by Mitsubishi. They started off making Sigmas (based on the Galant), and eventually came up with a large front drive 4 and 6 cylinder called the Magna. This was different from Japanese Mitsubishis in that it was a full width car, wide enough to seat 3 Aussie males across the back seat. Mitsubishi decided that when they needed a replacement for the Diamante in the US, that this would be a good car to use as 3 yanks would be about the same size as 3 Aussies.

The Magna/Verada/Diamante is a good car, other than a series of gearbox problems it seems to suffer, but it has never really set the world on fire.

Strike Two.

The differences between turning the Monaro into a GTO and these previous attempts included:
1. Holden cut it's LHD teeth with the VT/VX/VY Commodore by selling these as Chevy Luminas and Caprices in the Middle East, and as Opel Omegas in Spain. It got it pretty much right in these markets to the point that the Lumina is the biggest selling car in the middle east (just ask Dark).
2. The Monaro cost 2/3 of sweet FA to design and produce in world terms
3. Even though the Monaro was a luxury car in Australia, it had a cult following and had paid for itself regardless of what happened next.
4. The success or failure of the GTO would have little impact on the financial position of Holden, unlike Ford 20 years earlier with the Capri.
5. Bob Lutz.

Do I like the fact they export the GTO ? Hell yes.
Am I proud of what has been done ? I just about burst with pride every time you guys say something nice about it.
Do I think it has been well received in the US ? The size of this board is proof that the worm is turning.
What would I have them do differently ? Get rid of the 17" wheels and replace them with 18", and make the autocross grille standard.

I just hope some of you guys get down here and experience the real thing. 2 of you in 12 months is not good enough :gr_jest: .

Dude, Nice dissertation. You should be proud. I'm what y'all in Oz would call a Damn Yankee - I married one of your women and took her away. BUT we've been back many times, Sydney, Cronulla, Wollongong, Mudgee, Dubbo (Don't know if I'd really claim that last one...) but anyway, every time I've been there I've been in awe when I see the cars. Monaros, Commodores, Senators, Calais' and even the Falcons. All sleek designed cars with horsepower and rear wheel drive. When I first read that the Monaro was coming over as the GTO in 2001 I've been drooling ever since and I pounced on the first one I could afford. The clincher was our last visit to Sydney where our friend Marcus picked us up from the train station in his Club Sport - full on robot chubby! That car would be the ultimate here in the States but we've already got the CTS-V... Beam with pride. You've earned it.
Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oy! Oy! Oy!

Signed,
The Seppo

[VYSHSV8]

I am so glad you guys love our cars from down under i have what some people call the excecutive V8 its a SV8 series II 4 door M6 pulls 250km/hr+ and has 280kw plus but hey gotta dodge the bloody Roo's though.
I love the idea of exporting to the usa and other countries it only gives us a bigger complement on what we can produce and the other bit is that the more we sell/ you sell the less chances of more jap crap being sold( sorry if tha comment offends some) so keep it up guys
by the way my Father in law is a Pford lover and he owns a XR6 turbo ute so its always on at my house when ever they come over but hey its a good clean rivalry

HAHAHAHA

ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN GO HARD, GO FAST or DONT GO AT ALL

[fastgoat]

On the flip-side, how has the GM powertrain been working out for you Aussies?

[Lumina ss]

Well 400hp in a family sedan has made ford sit up and reasses things. over here the horsepower race is really taking off, standard holden and ford taxi's both have more than 220 hp under the hood and the horspower hero models from both manufacturers sniff 400hp, it aint over yet. Mitsubishi are giving full warrenty on an "aftermarket" 350hp supercharged 4wd Magna (Diamante). This trully is the land of plenty.

[Devil]

Great read, fellas. The Aussies on this board have historically been well sorted, likable peeps, and if you weren't so damn far away, I'd love to crack open a Corona or two with ya. :drink:

HRJ
They drink Cascade down under and NOTthe dish washer detergent.

[AnthonyHSV]

I'm thinking of going back to the Surfer Paradise for the F1 Grand Prix
:)

F1 GP is in Melbourne. Gold Coast has Indy Car or KART or whatever its called now.

[HRJ]

HRJ
They drink Cascade down under and NOT the dish washer detergent.
Olly said they have Corona there as well. That's what I'm drinking anyway.......lol

[DiffTechnics]

Olly said they have Corona there as well. That's what I'm drinking anyway.......lol

Yeah CORONA's my favourite brew at the moment!

On a hot day can't wait to finish work then crack one open and throw it straight down AHHHHHHHHHH ! ! ! ! ! ! like a chocolate milkshake LOL :drink:

[HRJ]

Yeah CORONA's my favourite brew at the moment!

On a hot day can't wait to finish work then crack one open and throw it straight down AHHHHHHHHHH ! ! ! ! ! ! like a chocolate milkshake LOL :drink:
I'm sure you know this......but......they're best in a frosty mug with a wedge of lime....... those damn glasses go down easy....

[DiffTechnics]

I'm sure you know this......but......they're best in a frosty mug with a wedge of lime....... those damn glasses go down easy....


Oh you bet ! :hail: I feel like one right now . ......... Might have to make a stop on the way home LOL.

[BroncoFanCam]

Like isszy said at the start, I can attest to the fact the people I have run into around Brisbane/Gold Coast love to know what you think about Australia as a whole and if you do get in some car talk, they love that even more. It's the one thing that really is the same back home and also here... the GM guys HATE the Ford guys.... well their cars at least :p There are A LOT of throttle jockies, (gearheads, whatever you want to call them) down here. I haven't got the whole Kilowatts to Horsepower exactly mastered yet, but even if it does come up in a talk, it doesn't matter because the language is almost universal when you're talking about cars. Suffice to say 275-300 is a pretty good # :cool:

Overall it's pretty cool here, the beaches are awesome (especially for a boy form the mountains of Colorado), the rainforests are amazing, the critters would blow your mind, and I have to say V8 Supercars kick the snot out of NASCAR, but Cricket!! Holy crap..... that I just cannot get used to. I used to think watching baseball was boring, but when the two are compared baseball is more like F1 racing to Cricket's bumper cars (or dodge-em cars as they say). (PS most Aussies I have come in contact with like the single day events, but the "tests" are like pulling teeth even by their account).

I am glad to be able to experience the birth-place of the new GTO, and am equally as glad that you guys back home can enjoy it for yourselves. And I also agree with isszy when it comes to the grill... that was my main problem after seeing how good they look here to the one on the goat. The AutoCross grill makes a world of difference though, and yes, should be standard issue, not something you have to shell out more for.

HEY! If anyone is going to Surfer's for the Gold Coast Indy this year (yes I know it isn't for a few long months) we should get together and shoot some sh*t!!!

[BriscoCounty]

Well, I'll resurrect this post just to say thanks to the Australians for building such a great car. You can see from my signature below, that its been awhile since I've been out of a Chevy car! I went from thinking Corvette to wow, a car that has better performance than my last 3 Camaro Z28s, has a nicer interior than the Corvette, has the best seats I've ever sat in, and is solid as a rock. This thing is just so well made, still have trouble believing its a GM!

Anyway, read all the posts above, just wanted to tell you guys how much this car is appreciated. Numbers are misleading, as this car just isn't being marketed here at all. Everyone who has seen this is blown away by it. Most don't know what it is, then I go into the whole, well its built by a GM subsidiary called Holden in Australia, then its made into a Pontiac with some subtle changes and rebadging, then shipped here. Then they figure that it must have cost $40,000 or more - always fun to say, nope, $32,000 and change!!

Oh, done quite a bit of traveling myself, mostly in Europe (Belgium, Neatherlands, Greece, even Turkey) and 25 of the worse days of my life in Saudi Arabia, but haven't been to Australia. Hoping that I'll get to take my wife there some day! Looking forward to it! Take it easy.

Scott

[Groucho]

Ditto what Brisco said.

Keep up the good work, Mates, and your country will be as well known for quality high-performance cars as you are for kangaroos!

As an aside, a sincere thank you from we Yanks for all the help in Iraq and Afganistan-- you are truly our greatest ally against the islamofascists! :-patriot:

[malcum]

I've had my 04 GTO for 6 months. I drive it on my job every day-about 600 miles /wk. I'm 58 yrs old and hve owned many nice cars, mostly GM's and the last 5 cadillacs. I love this car like no other. My wife catches me looking thru the inside garage door at it all the time. MY son is away in the Coast Guard for about a year now and when i told him about the GTO, he thought his old man was rather cool again. He's coming home at the end of may-can't wait to scare the hell out of him. by the way, i have downloads of all the available Top Gear shows from England-my favorite tv show of all time. two of the episodes had segments on the Monaro/Vauxhall. Clarkson, May and Hammond just loved the car-even picked it 2 to 1 over the supercharged jaguar s type 400 hp and the chrysler 300c hemi which they just trashed as a piece of junk. Clarkson's final words on the test segment: "It does what a muscle car should---It puts a HUGE smile on your face". He even said it reminded him of a 1990's astin martin vantage: "It has that same kind of infinite power and that kind of hugeness-It's a FABULOUS car. If someone wants to buy a car today for around 30,000 pounds and doesn't buy one of these-he's either mad or boring-I'm really in love with it". The fact that the Brits love to look down their noses at you Aussies and us Americans is a good indicator of just how good this car is. You should be rightly proud. [those shows are 12-7-03 and 10-24-04. you can download them and all the others at www.finalgear.com/downloads/topgear via bittorent.}

[rcpepper]

I hope to one day visit, just can't afford plane tickets. If we ever get stationed again in the Pacific in the military, will definately make the trip though.

Rob

[Sk8fe]

...
Anyway, read all the posts above, just wanted to tell you guys how much this car is appreciated. Numbers are misleading, as this car just isn't being marketed here at all. Everyone who has seen this is blown away by it. Most don't know what it is, then I go into the whole, well its built by a GM subsidiary called Holden in Australia, then its made into a Pontiac with some subtle changes and rebadging, then shipped here. Then they figure that it must have cost $40,000 or more - always fun to say, nope, $32,000 and change!!
...
Scott
Here-here! This car is appreciated. I greatly appreciate and love my 2005 GTO! I used to own a 1967 GTO and this one does not disappoint and is what a modern GTO should be -- and I think that it is all that! :)

I do not for the life of me understand GM's marketing strategy for the GTO in the US!??? The numbers are misleading and do not reflect the owner's appreciation and love of this car. I mean if GM would spend half as much as they spend on marketing the G6 or those stupid Chevy commercials where 3 Chevy cars are "bouncing" a red ball around in city streets (what the heck is that all about! yea I often do that with my car! :rolleyes:), on marketing the GTO they would sell a LOT more GTO's over hear. I just don't get it, but of course no one at GM asks me, so...

Keep up the great work! I would love to visit down under, catch the F1 race, catch a V8 SuperCars race, catch some rays at the beaches -- that would be my "heaven"! :) I love watching V8 SuperCars, but here in the states, Speed Channel only shows then time delayed in December and part of January in a compresses format! :( This past Dec./Jan. it was on for like 6 weeks in a row, every Tuesday at 2PM! I had to set up the VCR to record it every week because I was at work! I mean, what's up with that!? Where is the "love" SpeedTV? One last question: Do you cats actually drink Fosters down there or is that considered "swill" and its all just US marketing "hype" here? :D

Finally, I wish GM/Pontiac would make available some of the options on the GTO that you cats have down there! Can't you cats get AP-Racing calipers and better suspension options down there? Since I like to go to the track (road course), 6-piston calipers up front sure would be nice! :)

Tom

[AnthonyHSV]

Here-here! This car is appreciated. I greatly One last question: Do you cats actually drink Fosters down there or is that considered "swill" and its all just US marketing "hype" here? :D

Tom

Fosters is as you put it is "swill". C.U.B who makes Fosters, sells alot more Carlton Draught, Crown Larger and VB then they do Fosters.

However I'd say Boags Premium from Tasmania is the best beer in Australia.

[foster'sguy]

Fosters is as you put it is "swill". C.U.B who makes Fosters, sells alot more Carlton Draught, Crown Larger and VB then they do Fosters.

However I'd say Boags Premium from Tasmania is the best beer in Australia.




I have searched high and low for Boags around here and haven't found it yet. Until I do I'll stick to the swill I've been drinking since the '70's, even though it actually comes from Canada these days. BTW, can't find XXXX or VB either. Of course, if you'd care to send me a case or two of Boags, I'll be happy to switch!!!
And thanks again for making my most treasured car ever!

[AnthonyHSV]

I have searched high and low for Boags around here and haven't found it yet. Until I do I'll stick to the swill I've been drinking since the '70's, even though it actually comes from Canada these days. BTW, can't find XXXX or VB either. Of course, if you'd care to send me a case or two of Boags, I'll be happy to switch!!!
And thanks again for making my most treasured car ever!

One thing though the Fosters you drink is sold as Crown Larger here. <-- good beer.

Crown Larger is C.U.B (Foster's ) premium beer, they export it as just "Fosters"

[olly]

I have never seen anyone drink Forsters labelled as Forsters for ages. There are some fine premium beers though...hahn premium, cascade premium and cascade premium light are great tasting oz beers. There are lots of others as well but it's each to their own

[FraggerCrue]

Hey, time to toot my own horn. I think you Aussies will appreciate this . . .
"You're a little off on the cover line for your comparison. The current production GTO is not American muscle at all, but Australian. Ford took the easy (cheap?) way out and stole 40 year old styling cues from the first-generation Mustang. Pontiac, in cooperation with Holden of Australia, took the hard road, a new direction for American performance, one that ultimately puts them on a par with European imports such as BMW. D. Knabb, Jacksonville, Florida" -- "Backfires" (letters to editor section) Car & Driver, April 2005.

I think the Monaro/GTO rocks. It has better build quality and fit and finish than any car I've ever driven built by GM/Ford/Mopar. Even beats the C5 Vette (haven't driven a C6 yet). I actually kinda wish they had brought the Monaro straight over without the re-styling, complete with Monaro front fascia, side marker lights, and name. Though I'm proud to own a GTO, I think GM could have avoided pissing off the classic GTO crowd and sold as many cars by keeping the Monaro name (hell, if they actually advertized this car, they'd sell more).

Finally, I have wanted to take a Christmas vacation to Australia for years now. When I get there, I hope they have Monaro's for rent!

[foster'sguy]

One thing though the Fosters you drink is sold as Crown Larger here. <-- good beer.

Crown Larger is C.U.B (Foster's ) premium beer, they export it as just "Fosters"
When I started drinking the stuff, the cans were about the same size as oil cans, which was just about the right size for me. seems like it had more "bite" back then.
No doubt there are many members on this board who have never seen oil in cans!
I'd have to agree with Fragger. I prefer the original look of the car and would still have gotten it if it had been sold as the Monaro.

[aussie_bloke]

Great read, fellas. The Aussies on this board have historically been well sorted, likable peeps, and if you weren't so damn far away, I'd love to crack open a Corona or two with ya. :drink:
err corona?

the only corona we know of over here is a datsun equivilent shit box lol...

my veiw of the pontiac?

i think its great that holden have been exporting them amoungst other cars around the world but am disappointed at the fact that they have to be rebagded as holden is a part of GM. would be good to see holden become a world wide seller... back to the car...

i love it!

looks great except for the front, never liked them, but it depends what you get used to. the grille section is far to big for my liking but im starting to adapt to it :D

[Sk8fe]

i think its great that holden have been exporting them amoungst other cars around the world but am disappointed at the fact that they have to be rebagded as holden is a part of GM. would be good to see holden become a world wide seller... back to the car...

I agree! I would love to see Holden become a world wide seller as well too. Don't get me wrong, beggars can't be choosey, so I am glad I got my GTO, but given things are what they are, I would have prefered it keep its original badging. I have seen threads here where cats here in the States have turned their GTO back into a Holden Monaro and they look great. I would love to have a LHD Monaro in the States; beter yet, one of those HSV's with 6-piston calipers would go nicely in my driveway... :gr_devil: