Poked and prodded a new GTO at the MSU/UM game in East Lansing, MI today. Pontiac had a black 6M with a red interior on hand. Swung by for a closer look after the crowd cleared and ws surprised to discover that the Pontiac guys were pushing the it onto the semi for transport. Lights and powers seats worked, but did not appear to be driveable. Given the red interior, it may have been the photo mule for the Pontiac. I watched as four guys tried to push it up the ramp onto the semi. When they couldn't get it done, they asked me for a hand. (As reported here, that **** thing is HEAVY.) I was happy to help and, in return, got to spend a few minutes with the car, inside and out. My thoughts:

* Much more attractive in person than in photos - bigger than a Grand Am and a little shorter than a GP. Nice wide track with fat rubber - had the Goodrich T/As.

* The fit and finish was superb. Hig quality leather and trim. Understated and handsome interior. (Can't see C/D's beef - they seem to think anything that isn't a beemer sucks.)

* Good size interior with ample front and rear leg room. One explanation for the weight, as compared to the 'Vette, is the much larger cabin. It will carry four real people. Much more useable space than the F car.

* I expect the looks to grow on people (especially after they fire it up for the first time).

* No window sticker.

* The Pontiac specs sheet adjacent to the car confirmed 5.3 seconds to 60 and top speed over 150.

Overall impression: Plenty of people will be lined up to buy this puppy. Great bang for the buck and comparable in appearance, fit and finish to *** and Euro cars costing closer to 40k. Having driven the G35 Coupe and a Sport model Mercedes for comparison this week, I'm looking forward to eating their lunch when my Quicksilver GTO (kiss my a**, Brock Yates) arrives in March.

Thanks for the report. :D Bummer about the Spartans today. :angry:

I'm a 1986 Michigan State graduate. :)

You mean you went out of your way to help and they didnt give you any cool Pontiac stuff?
It seems I will be the last one to see this car. No shows in my area. Oh well, my Dealer did advised mine well make the next boat!!!! :woot:

Excellent news.

Thanks for the info, can't wait to see one myself. Go Blue!!! (Barbados Blue that is)

Thanks for the insight, I'm looking forward to seeing the GTO Autocross at SEMA on Tuesday.

And by the way for you Michgan/MSU faithful:

GO BADGERS!!!!

Yeah, I'm orginally from Wisconsin before relocating to Phoenix. ;)

Davbo and gospartans -

Right state, wrong school. GO BLUE!

:D :P

Agreed cvp - right state, wrong school...

Um, Go Tartars!, well, um, Go Warriors!

Oh, nevermind - Wayne State doesn't have any good teams anyway.

Yeah, well try graduating from


BALL STATE!



(great report-I hope my car made the first boat, but if it didn't, I am looking to the reports from the guys who cars did!!)

We might want to set up a thread/or topic for those reports to be placed-with each persons thoughts and pictures, for those who are waiting for their cars!!

rsf,

I know what you mean. My dad graduated from Ferris State. The home of the fighting accountants. Sounds tough doesn't it?

Ferris State was the "Bulldogs" when I was in school. They had a decent hockey team.