As much myth as reality surrounds the GTO, from the origin of its name, ripped off an even more legendary car of Italian heritage, to its genesis, a skunkworks-like project slipped under GM's corporate radar with nondescript parts names and downplayed performance numbers. By way of proof of the power of the car's name, counterfeit GTOs have been offered for sale in classified ads and reportedly have even been detected, and turned away, by reputable auctioneers. Against this history, Pontiac has elected to take the chance.

Say hello to the new GTO. Will it make the grade as a real GTO, true to the heritage? One thing is without doubt: The 2004 GTO is by all objective measures much, much better than the original. The jury is still out on the other, perhaps more important, question.