ON THE ROAD: After a hiatus of 30 years, the GTO is back. Based on the rear-wheel-drive Australian Holden Monaro, this modern-day muscle car cruised the Tampa Bay streets with ease and in style. The ride was smooth, quick and stable while the engine rumble sounded like music to the ears.

TECH & PERFORMANCE: The GTO is equipped with a 5.7-liter, 350 hp V8 engine (yeah, we know it’s a Corvette engine!). Offered as a four-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, Pontiac claims the car can go 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. I didn’t time my speed but beware when you step on the gas. The car quickly gathers speed, leaving the rest of the crowd far behind. It gets support from an all-independent suspension, traction control and a power rack-and-pinion steering. Just because the GTO boasts a true street performance, don’t assume that it isn’t comfortable around the corners or at high speeds. In fact, the car offers amazing cornering abilities and surprising comfort.

LOOK AND FEEL: The stylish, clean and elegant GTO has a tautly stretched look and an aggressive lowered stance. In the rear, the dual exhaust pipes with chrome tips and body-colored spoiler boost the muscle-car look of this premium sports coupe. The interior, with its leather sport bucket seats, is attractive. Add the satin-finish steering wheel and race-inspired metallic pedals to the mix and the result is a classy and refined vehicle. Also welcome are the standard 6-disc in-dash CD changer, cruise control, driver information center and keyless entry system.

TIRES: P245/45 ZR17 W-rated; wheelbase: 109.8 inches; length: 189.8 inches; weight: 3,725 pounds; fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons; EPA, city, 16, highway, 21 (for automatic).

SAFETY FIRST: Besides driver and front passenger airbags, the GTO is equipped with three-point safety belts. And if your pedal to the metal is pretty firmly in place, the standard four-wheel disc brakes will ensure that you come to a stop within a reasonable distance.

OUT THE DOOR: $31,759, and the $1,000 gas-guzzler tax, as well as tax, tag, delivery and destination charges.

WHY DIG IT: Only 18,000 GTOs will be produced at Holden’s Elizabeth plant in Australia. The reasonably priced sports coupe definitely leaves a lasting impression on its fans of yesteryear. I will conclude with thoughts from a true and diehard GTO fan, for the last 30 years now, who tested out the 2004 car. “From a straight-line performance standpoint, this car is comparable to the old GTOs,” he said. “When it comes to the overall driving experience, the new GTO is the ultimate GTO. The engine has a nice little rumble to it, reminiscent of the old GTOs.” I rest my case.