I was so glad to see the of the fake icon (2004-2006 GTO) come to an end.  The 2004-2006 GTO had turned me and possibly almost one-half million Pontiac GTO (customers who purchased 1964-1971 REAL GTO's) fans away from the Indian Store.  It certainly was a slap in our face to see the the "blunder from down under" carry the badge (GTO) and nothing Pontiac could do or added to the fake icon helped.   The fake icon's three years total sales appear to be barely over the number of 1964 GTO's that hit the street without any advertisement.  Now they want to make a 2009 GTO look like a Toyota  

AHHH, another hater. Well, if you don't like the car, don't buy one. I own one, and have owned a '70 in the past as well. You are comparing apples to oranges. These are awesome cars in their own right, and may not be the eye candy you wanted, neither is any other new car, save for the carbon copy new challenger. At least they didn't throw the badge on an unworthy car, it is a very powerful rear drive car, not a 4 banger front driver. I am assuming you hate the new Camaro as well, right?  

I can't say that I didn't feel the same way about the car in the beginning. It wasn't until I moved a 2004 GTO around the building at a local shop that I began to reconsider.

After my changed perception on the car, I thought it was time that I really drive one to see how they were. To date, I have driven several '04-'06 GTO's and I loved every minute I spent in the cars. There is more to a great car than its styling and this car excels in all those area. It benefits from superior build quality and interior feel, possibly the best GM domestic offering. The LS1 provides the cars with smooth power with a ton of potential. Then the LS2 was dropped in and the performance potential was even greater. The brakes are excellent and so is the handling.

When it comes down where it counts, the GTO is outstanding. Compare it to any GTO of the good ole days and you be surprised how many trophies the '04-'06 goat takes home.

I ask anyone who doesn't like the car to just drive one. Don't you think it's tome muscle cars became more than big engines stuffed in sexy bodies?  

GM didn't give GTO fans much choice when they went with the Holden platform for the '04-'06 models. Awesome drivetrain and suspension, but newer models lacked the visual presence the '65-'72 models had. A true GTO not only has to have acceleration and handling, but look good as it blasts down the road.

I can't find one decent picture of the new '09 GTO,can anyone post a pic here? If GM is going to lower the hp from 400hp from the '06 model to 361hp, sales will be a failure- they need to make this car compete on the market, and not worry about Chevy or Cadilac sales. There are millions of true Pontiac fans out there waiting for the real GTO descendant, and they will pass on any down-under impostor.

Geno  

I have never seen a credible image of the car in question. The '04 GTO has little appeal to me. At least the '05-'06 Goats added hood scoops and a split exit dual exhaust. 400hp moves the car along nicely, too.  

http://www.cgiautomotive.com/gallery/Pontiac_GTO.htm

This is the best pic I could find of the 09 GTO...so far.. not impressed! I think the side vents make it look odd, and the cars got nothing that POPS!  

Checked it out, Yawn! Looks as boring as the last attempt, and they will wonder why it didn't sell! Uninspiring designs like this is why Rambler is out of business.  

Hi my name is Eddie and Im a hater .....OOPs wrong group. I felt just like a lot of GTO lovers when I first saw the new ones.LS2goat has many valid points. I would love an 09 parked beside my 69' with the ride and performance of today. What I wish they would do is slide that C6 500 HP motor in mine and ship it to me .
 I enjoy my house shaking 455 stroker with KRE heads 1050 M-21 etc. but would also enjoy the new ride ,A/C , and be bad but blend in look. The 09' looks a lot like the other newer ones but at least will start with scoops etc that we expect.  Also is it just me but can you say MAGNUM when you see the G8 and Holden wagons at cgiautomotive .com?
 I will try to be happy knowing at least GM is still making rear wheel drive......so far.  

OH WELL ! It seems the PONCHO gods have spoken. No GTO for the next 2 years. I guess my 69'/09' dream will remain just that. I really didnt want to sell a kid or kidney to get one anyway. I have too much time invested in both.  

Yea, I had the plan to buy an 08 to go with my 68...hmmm we all know how that ended!