Pontiac GTO (2004)

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Pontiac GTO
Manufacturer:	General Motors
Production:	2004–2006
Assembly:	Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Predecessor:	Pontiac Grand Prix coupe
Layout:	FR layout
Platform:	GM V platform
Engine:	5.7 L LS1 V8 6.0 L LS2 V8
Transmission:	6-speed T-56 manual 4-speed 4L60-E automatic 4-speed 4L65-E automatic
Wheelbase:	109.8 in.
Length:	189.8 in.
Width:	72.5 in.
Height:	54.9 in.
Related:	Holden Commodore Holden Monaro
Similar:	Ford Mustang Mazda RX-8 Mitsubishi Eclipse

See also Pontiac GTO for other models using this name

The Pontiac GTO nameplate was revived for the 2004 model year, now as an American-market version of the Australian-built Holden Monaro. This version sold poorly and was cancelled after 2006.

Contents 1 2004 2 2005 3 2006 4 Future 5 References

[edit] 2004

The Pontiac GTO was relaunched in the United States in late 2003, based on the Holden Monaro's V platform. The fact that the new GTO is based on an entirely different vehicle (the "Old Goat" being a muscle car and the Holden Monaro being an Australian sports car) has provoked much criticism from muscle car enthusiasts, stating that redesigning the GTO from the ground up would be more nostalgic and would possibly bring better sales for the car. The revival was prompted by former GM chairman Bob Lutz, who drove a Holden Monaro while on a business trip in Australia. The GTO is produced in Australia, and is equipped with the Chevrolet Corvette's LS1 V8 engine with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The same model is sold in the United Kingdom as a Vauxhall and as a Chevrolet in the Middle East.

Sales of the 2004 GTO were below expectations, forcing the brand to cut production to just 12,000 per year. The optional hood scoops slated for the 2005 model year were rushed into production in an effort to increase the sportiness of the car's image. There was a Pulse Red package, available only in 2004. It gave the buyer Pulse Red paint and exclusive red embroidery on the seats. Only 800 of these were made.

[edit] 2005

For 2005, the legendary Pontiac GTO receives performance and appearance enhancements that move GTO into an exclusive ultra high performance category. These enhancements include:

• A new 6.0L LS2 V8 engine that produces 400hp and 395 lb.-ft. of torque
• Bigger brakes with re-painted calipers and a GTO badge
• Hood scoops for a performance styling and enhanced engine cooling.
• A split dual exhaust system and redesigned rear fascia to accommodate the new dual outlets.
• Optional 18" wheels and tires.
• A new interior "dead" pedal.
• Revised instrument panel features new fonts and a higher redline tachnometer.
• Regular Production Acessories available in fall of 2004.
• Two new exterior colors - Cyclone Gray Metallic, Mid-Night Blue Metalic.
• Two deleted exterior colors - Barbados Blue Metallic, Cosmos Purple Metallic.
• One deleted interior color - Dark Purple

A special version of this vehicle is used for drifting.

[edit] 2006

For 2006 Pontiac made a few cosmetic improvements to the last in this generation of the GTO.

• Center console has an unlock button.
• New "darkened" tail lamps.
• Power outlet under stereo (Not Confirmed Yet).
• Optional 18" wheels and tires.
• Illuminated steering wheel radio controls.
• Revised instrument panel features new fonts and a higher redline tachnometer.
• Two new exterior colors - Brazen Orange, Spice Red.
• Orange instrument cluster background and orange stitching on seats, shift knob, steering wheel cover, door armrests to match Brazen Orange exterior color.
• Two deleted exterior colors - Yellow Jacket, Midnight Blue.

On February 21, 2006, General Motorsreportedly told dealers that it would halt imports of the GTO in September, making 2006 the last model year for the current GTO revival. The final 2006 GTO was produced on June 14, 2006. Though falsely reported as a failure, the current GTO was always a 3 model year program in the United States.

[edit] Future

	This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile. It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle.

An entirely new GTO on was supposed to be built a new platform (Zeta, developed by Holden) should appear in or around 2009, but according to Road & Track magazine, it will be built on the GM Sigma platform which underpins the next-generation Cadillac CTS. Featuring more aggressive body work, the car may be a coupé with suicide doors, like the Mazda RX-8 and the Saturn ION coupe. General Motors is considering how they could produce both the 2008 Pontiac GTO and the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro without competing directly with each other.

[edit] References

• Jamie Lareau. Gone for Now: Pontiac to drop GTO after '06 model year. AutoWeek. Retrieved on February 21, 2006.

Pontiac road car timeline, United States market, 1960s-present - [edit]
		1960s										1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
		0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Subcompact																							T1000/1000							LeMans
Compact													Astre						Sunbird					J2000/2000 Sunbird/Sunbird													Sunfire												G5
Compact/Mid-size													Ventura						Phoenix								Grand Am																				G6
Mid-size	Coupe		Tempest												Grand Am					Grand Am										Grand Prix																GTO
	Sedan																							6000										Grand Prix																	G8
Intermediate					LeMans																			Bonneville
Personal				Grand Prix
Full-size		Bonneville / Catalina / Star Chief / Executive																						Parisienne				Bonneville
Crossover																																													Vibe
																																											Aztek					Torrent
Minivan																																Trans Sport									Montana						SV6
Sports										Firebird/Trans Am																																						Solstice
2-seater																										Fiero