I was reading the Media Release for the new Pontiac GTO (Holden Monaro by any other name), and was amused by this snippet:
QuoteThe GTO's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $32,495, which includes destination and freight charges of $700. The only available option is a six-speed Tremec manual transmission for $695.
** - The GTO equipped with an automatic transmission will be subject to a $1,000 federal gas guzzler tax
Bureaucracy at its most brilliant! The manual winds up being $305 dollars cheaper. I know the original Hydramatic made a bit of a dent in fuel consumption compared to a crash-box, but we're hardly talking about the same thing 40 years later. The new "Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission" is in all likelihood better on fuel than your average lead-footed stick shifter. Crazy ::)
The whole MR is available here: http://www.australiancardirectory.com.au/index.cfm?page=news_details§ion=4&id=1872
Good to see the seppos with lots of nice things to say about Aussie engineering.
cheers
RET
Just a small point, if (as the article states) the only available option is a six-speed Tremec manual, why are they talking about GTO's with an auto option?
Chuck
Chuck,
Auto is standard equipment - attracting a $1000 tax.
Manual is optional extra, for only $695.
Manual vehicles are marginally more expensive to produce than autos these days, but the perception that an auto is a luxury item lingers on still. That's why the manufacturers sell manuals as sports models, "S" packs and the like, and base models are always auto.
You have to wonder what the rationale is for that guzzler tax anyway. I believe it doesn't apply to SUVs, only cars ??? Crazy.
cheers
RET
I had a ;D about that $700 freight charge. What did they do, load them onto Qantas jumbos and fly them over?
Regards
Alex