Autoweek had an update on this. While Pontiac changed the grille, it doesn't look too bad (I like the Monaro pictures better, though). The good news is 65 hp more than the Australian version. We are still waiting to actually see one ...

When american car companies say they are "going to sell" a new model, they are usually talking 3-4 years out. The Monaro deal is happening pretty fast; it is supposed to be here as a 2004 Pontiac model. I've heard that people are already putting money down on them (advance orders).

I reckon every performance car enthuthiast in the US knows this is a car from down under. On the other hand I fully expect Pontiac to "americanize" the car. Pontiac is infamous for tacking on exterior "cladding" (ribbed panels on the lower body) although they claim to be getting out of that rut. Obviously they will put a Pontiac-style grill on the front rather than the understated clean look of the current Monaro. The interior will almost certainly be redone to reflect "american tastes" which for more expensive models usually means soft seats and gadgets.

That reminds me of when the 1981 Ford Escort came out, Ford advertised it as their "World Car", when in fact the majority of parts didn't match those of the car sold in Europe. It was truly a pathetic vehicle that sold by the millions of units. Marketing is usually bigger here than actual product.

Australia is the new home of the muscle car. We don't even have utes. Still don't have them since the El Camino was discontinued in the 80s.

big news in OZ is that our holden monaros are being sold in america as pontiac GTO's, just wondering what you americans reckon of the aussie built car?, its been big news to us, but you guys probably dont even know it was built in aus right? anyway just wondering how its been recieved in America?