(You can click on these thumbnail images and decide what you like about the car) Thumbs up or thumbs down for GM's Australian import?

Bob Lutz of GM responded to the many negative comments he saw which were posted about the first image...
 

Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 17:12:32 -0500    From:  Bob Lutz    To: Sean Mattingly Dear Sean, Thanks for the e-mail.  It's pretty obvious that the dyed-in-the-wool old-line GTO fans (mostly probably also collectors) are disappointed that it's a non-retro themed car with few throwback GTO cues.  But that's not what we set out to do.  We wanted a modern interpretation, with a really slick chassis to go along with a big engine.  It will more than live up to the GTO heritage in terms of driving excitement and performance.  We really would like to draw new customers, rather than traditionalists. I also suspect that, after a few highly-charged negative reactions, herd instinct took over.  The car is, in real life, not likely to be confused with a Cavalier, Grand Am, or Grand Prix.  Hood scoops are for '05 model.                                            Sincerely,                                            Robert A. Lutz

Thanks to Bob for responding to the criticism of his product.   Viewer comments continue to pour in every day.  The car's exterior styling continues to get a solid thumbs-down, while the car's interior is getting an enthusiastic thumbs up.   Opinions on the rear wheel drive platform and V8 engine range from "Cool!" to "It's genius".  While the new GTO critics question what they called the "sucked caramel" styling and lack of hood scoops on the 2004 model, anticipation is still high for the return of "The Great One".   Look for it to hit the USA shores in late 2003.