Power-packed as it is, Pontiac's new GTO 2+2 coupe is beginning to resonate in the performance set as a "gotta-have" set of wheels - so says GTO product development manager David Poniatowski, who drove a GTO on a 51-hour cross-country run that "showed us this is a terrific performer that is also comfortable on the highway." In an interview, Poniatowski disclosed that a U.S. convertible edition is being considered for the Australian-built GTO, though he acknowledges "the Aussies are not open-car fans because of the hot sunny weather down under." But a ragtop would keep the GTO competitive with the Ford Mustang and new Chrysler Crossfire convertibles, no doubt.

A tweaked 5.7-liter Chevrolet Corvette V-8 engine delivers 350 horsepower, compared to 302 for the Holden Monaro edition built since 2001 in Australia. The engine is built in St. Catherine's, Ontario, but the GTO is "federalized" only for the U.S. market, says Poniatowski. A test of the GTO, with its standard four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, confirms its zero-to-60 capability of less than 6.0 seconds. Full Article (http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6990&sid=173&n=156)

The Series 1 Monaro had 302hp, series 2 had 315hp, and the current series 3 has 330hp by the way. As far as the 'vert goes, no way for the current model, its gone as of 2006 (or 07) in Australia, but there has been talk in the Australian media of a convertable VE Monaro (Zeta based). The fact that they could sell a lot in America make a good business case, as they would sell no where near enough of em on Oz. SO I'd happy have a convertable Monaro here in Australia in very limited number, and sell most of em in America. We both win I say!

"the Aussies are not open-car fans because of the hot sunny weather down under."

:rolleyes: What the hell would they know? The mx5 /miata is popular here. The astra convertible sells well here. The problem is until now holden couldn't justify the investment for the convertible. With the extra volume now and with the VE platform it is likely a VE convertible will be available ( as has been said)

Actually convertables aren't very popular here (aust), people do buy them, but not like in the UK and Europe (comparitively). Apparantly cool or cold overcast weather suits them better than the warm or hot sunny kind. Don't want to get burnt driving to work each day now do we?

One thing that slows convertables in Aus. they also need air conditioning, those that do sell come with air, seems silly but on those seriously hot days or long trips you have to have it and travel with the top up.

Also there is a Monaro convertable, (It's actually left hand drive too, apparently there is also a LHD Monaro the ex Holden boss Peter Hanenberger took it home with him to Germany when he retired, it was the first LHD Monaro pre-GTO Article (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/motoringstorydisplay.cfm?storyID=3539741&thesection=motoring&thesubsection=motoring&thesecondsubsection=) )

Built by TWR in Germany for Holden at a cost of $2mAUS the conept car was called Marilyn (Monaro/Monore B) )

It went on show recently with other Holden concept cars in Melbourne.
Here are some links to a few articles that have pics of it.
Article 1 (http://xtramsn.co.nz/motoring/0,,6308-3378750,00.html)
Article 2 (http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2004-Holden-Monaro-Marilyn-Concept.htm)
Article 3 (http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/holden-marilyn.htm)

Until the VE comes out a convertable won't be looked at again.

We get a little sun here in Los Angeles and driving a convertible is a blast!