I test drove this the other day with a 6 sp. The new GTO is basically a Corvette engine and transmission in a 4 seat coupe and with a metal body that looks like a generic Pontiac. It is in fact based on the Opel/Catera chassis.

A fairly heavy 3700 lbs car with a ton of hp and torque, its is much quieter and the interior better executed than the old Trans Am. The car actually comes from Australia and is a modified Holden Monaro (the GM branch in Australia).

Obviously it's fast. 0-60 in 5.3 sec. Next year, with the LS2 engine, this should improve to 4.8 sec.

So how does it handle ? Well, it's not a XFIRE. There is a fair degree of "wander" at cruising speeds, and the ride overall reminds me of a Jeep, though of course not as bad. The 6 speed Tremec MT also reminds me a little of a Jeep MT, LOL.

However, this is still a fun car to drive, and the interior is spare but fairly tasteful. Power shifting is fun and the car is very comfortable. Seats are large and the leather seems to be of high quality. Exterior styling is rent-a-car, and so this is the opposite of a XFIRE entirely. Sales have been very, very dissapointing because they tried to mark it up over sticker for a while (sound familliar) and ultimately not many people wanted to spend 34k for a Pontiac with bland styling.


Dealer offered me a demo for 28k and I'm very tempted...anyone need a 6sp xfire ?