Well, we got to hang all over an '05 mule and grill the marketing guy a bunch last night at the cruise. Here's the relevant stuff I remember:

Hood is a hole - but doesn't feed any air to the intake.
Motor was much cooler directly after him pulling up than our cars after sitting for a couple of hours. Don't know how much is the hood or the engine - but it definitely doesn't soak like ours.
Interior is identical. The 'big red button' is a shutoff put into the mule in case of problems.
Throttle by wire.
Sound - not much difference - maybe less gurgle which makes it sound a bit louder on acceleration but quieter on idle. That's what I got - maybe some of the other guys could chime in if they got the same opinion.
Scoops are standard w/ the '04 smooth hood a delete option.
No spoiler delete or optional spoilers on the trunk as of yet. We did our best to convince him this would be a huge bonus.
They are working on 18" wheel option - but not a definite at this point.
New brakes passed the police car test where the '04's overheated and failed. They are trying to sell the car to the police to replace the f-body's - apparently contradicting what Mr. Lutz has said.

Other interesting info - they are pushing 1100 cars sold in August - so a steady climb upwards. Pulse red will obviously be the least common new GTO color - w/ Purple being second. Current overall numbers work out to about 55% manual and 45% auto. Original guestimates were based on the 'vette sales and he admitted they were way off. They are making 70% manual right now.
Dan

Sounds GREAT!!!! Now all they need is a new or modified front end, it looks too much like a crummy grand am. And the sides... the doors need more lines and shapes. they reminde me of a station wagan, or family vehicle. the G6 has the same side problem. All together that makes one sweet cookie. :blink:

I disagree, I think the GTO is fantastic without the body cladding or lines, but good info to know. It seems know that dealers are offering discounts and the word has gotten out more since the 05 info that they are starting to sell more and more. I think had discounts and dealers been as willing as they are now they would have hit their 18K margin.

But one mistake that is blatently obvious is their tranny choice, GTO is a performance car, I would say that the majority of performance minded consumers want a standard.

Thanks for the update! :D That is good info! I hope that they push the 18 inch wheels through. Those look really sharp! Has anyone heard anything about pricing?

The 18" x 8" 5-spoke aluminum wheels, option code N87, will "not be available for ordering until November 2004 production."

The "Spoiler, rear, aerodynamic", code T43, is listed is standard and no delete option.

As for colors, I only see Cyclone Gray Metallic, color code 12U, and Midnight Blue Metallic, color code 28U, as new colors, both available only with a black interior and gray gauge color.

Source: GM Ordering Guide

Great! I've been waiting for gray metallic. That will be the colro I order!

Thanks!

****, no red or blue interior in the grey or midnight blue cars? That stinks... Oh well!

Any word back on the performance comparo?