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 ?

 

The factory also has alot of cars left.Because of next years upgrades.And they offer a new hood to look like next year cars for free!Check it out before you buy.

 

I think I'd wait for the SRT-8 coming out next Feb.Much more car than the GTO.

 

After saying all that, you'd even CONSIDER switching :?: :? :?:

 

Well I'd consider switching only because some of the kind of city driving I do is on pretty bumpy roads... Really I'd like both. LOL. I'm a little car crazy. Still the gto has its strong points right where the xfire has its weak points, and vice versa. GTOs steering and handling aren't quite as bad as I've made them out to be. Lateral grip is pretty good on the GTO, turning radius is small, just has an odd ride quality at times that I associate with a Jeep. (Springs in the suspension ? I'm not much of a techie. However the suspension was designed for Australian roads which are not so good).

Next year's model is going to be 400 hp with 395 lbs torque.

I'd get an SRT6 except my one issue with the xfire is ride quality over bumps/comfort. Maybe I should revisit the smaller wheel idea. My roads (and spine) are not the same as yours. Also I only like manual shifts.

 

Good points. Everything I'd heard or read about the GTO made me want one, THEN I saw a picture. A 'haul freight' car for sure (especially if one were to do some strategic lightening), but the look just isn't there for me.

I bought my Crossfire for it's style. And I still think it's one of THE most incredible looking cars on the road (especially as rare as they remain around here). If all I wanted was FAST, I'd have stuck with my bored-over & blueprinted '74 Camaro LT.

 

No offense to our Aussie friends, but look at the last few cars that Ford brought from Oz. Lots of Body and Electrical Problems. Gm hasn't tried it in a long time.

 

Well I've forgotten about the GTO already. Xfire is much better craftsmanship all around.

 

Trsut me, as an Australian bloke I can tell you that the Holdens and Fords are rubbish. Don't touch those cars.

Daimler Chrysler quality (poor as it may be in certain instances) is infinitely better than the crap Aussie cars.

Everybody I know who has bought one has had nothing but trouble with them, and the interiors are AWFUL!

 

Point noted. I agree the interior is bleak. I don't think I could live with it.

 

I've owned Pontiac cars before. They are absolutely the WORST company to deal with on anything. Just my experience. The GTO was another car I was contemplating before buying the Crossfire. The experience with them just sealed the deal that it was time to move away from Pontiac.