gavriil

Giving the public its first look at the rebirth of a legend, Pontiac, General Motors' "excitement division," introduced show car versions of the 2004 GTO to audiences at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production version of the GTO will be available in Pontiac showrooms in late 2003. "The public's interest in the GTO has been everything we hoped it would be, and more," said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of product development. "This car is a strong statement from both Pontiac and GM that we are determined to re-energize the car market with vehicles that command the customer's attention and excite their senses."

Pontiac plays an especially large role in this strategy in the 2004 model year with three new product launches. The new Grand Prix debuts in the spring and the V-8-powered Bonneville GXP will bow in early 2004.

"The GTO is really the 'exclamation point' on the new Pontiac line for the 21st century," said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "Together with the Grand Prix and the Bonneville GXP, the GTO will help define the evolution of Pontiac with fresh, contemporary styling, high performance excitement and exceptional driving characteristics."

Show car styling, production performance

The introduction of the show cars comes only seven months after GM announced it was bringing back the GTO. "The speed to market with the new GTO demonstrates GM's global product development capabilities and our renewed focus on dealer and customer enthusiasm," Lutz said. "This latest GTO will carry on the proud tradition of a legendary line."

Sporting a special high-gloss paint in red or yellow, the GTO show cars exhibit the strong Pontiac brand character with a signature dual-port grille and a wide aggressive stance. The vehicles ride on 18-inch alloy wheels. They also sport a high-performance powertrain that makes the vehicle worthy of the "GTO" name.

Under the hood is a specially tuned LS1 5.7-liter V-8 aluminum-block engine currently estimated at 340 horsepower @ 5200 rpm, 360 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm with an appropriately tuned Pontiac exhaust note. While sharing the same basic engine configuration with the base-level Chevrolet Corvette, the LS1 engine in the GTO has been modified with a high-lift camshaft and increased airflow induction to create greaterhorsepower and low-end torque than the Holden Monaro to address the needs of U.S. drivers.

All that power is mated to either an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission or the six-speed, close ratio manual transmission available on the Corvette ZO6. Both transmissions feature the same low-geared 3.46 final drive axle ratio in a rear-wheel-drive configuration to maximize off-the-line performance, a limited slip differential, and a three-channel traction control system designed to help enhance vehicle control.

Although performance testing on the vehicle has not been completed, the production model GTO is expected have a zero-to-60 acceleration time of less than 6 seconds and run the quarter-mile in approximately 14 seconds at a speed of 105 mph. The top speed of the vehicle is estimated to be about 160 mph.

Stopping power is supplied by power-assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with a standard four-channel anti-lock braking system. Additional standard safety features include: dual front air bags, side air bags, three-point seat belt systems at all seating positions and an Emergency Mode, which automatically shuts down the engine, turns off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors and turns on the dome light any time the air-bag system is deployed.

Performance-oriented interior

Befitting its position as a premium high-performance coupe, the GTO seats four adults in 2+2 bucket seats. Customers can choose between standard leather seats in black or color-coordinated to several exterior colors. In addition, the color-coordinated interior extends to the door panels and the instrument cluster.

A six-disc CD-changer with a premium 10-speaker sound system is standard, as is cruise control, a multi-function driver information center, keyless entry system and a host of other features that enhance the driving experience.

Strong heritage

The original GTO inspired the term "muscle car" when it debuted as a high-performance option on the 1964 Pontiac Tempest. Though originally only scheduled for 5,000 units, more than 30,000 Tempest GTOs were ordered in 1964 alone. Before the GTO ended its production in 1974, more than 500,000 were sold.

"We considered bringing the GTO back a number of times, but we never had the right product," said Myers. "We knew it had to be a V-8, rear-wheel drive and offer outstanding performance, but, until GM's leadership team looked at the Holden Monaro, nothing really fit."

Produced by GM's Australian subsidiary, the Holden Monaro shares many traits with the original GTO as the first all-Australian performance coupe of its type when it was introduced in 1968. The modern Monaro debuted in 2001 and quickly became one of the most sought-after vehicles in Australia.

Production of the 2004 Pontiac GTO is scheduled to begin in September 2003 at Holden's Elizabeth plant. Up to 18,000 GTOs will be produced annually.

Show car Specifications

· 5.7 liter LS1 V-8 engine
· Approximately 340 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
· Approximately 360 lbs.-ft. torque @ 4000 rpm
· Rear-wheel drive
· Six-speed manual or four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission
· Standard limited slip differential with traction control
· Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with standard ABS
· 2 + 2 bucket seating with standard black leather seats with optional color-coordination to select exterior colors
· Six-disc CD player with 10-speaker sound system
· 18-inch alloy wheels

Nicky Pass

Thats such a combo of soooooooo many cars...
I see: Dodge Stratus, G35(interior), a little Grand Prix, Volvo C70(rear). I kinda like it!!!

agisd

Is it a Canadian spec car? I see the odometer is in Km.

Is the engine the one from Corvette?

gavriil

The engine is from the Z06 Corvette.

I think the K/h are there because it is built in Australia.

gavriil

I predict this car priced between 30 and 35 thousand dollars will sell like hotcakes.

cusdaddy

I REALLY like it... I seriously think this may be my next car

gavriil

Nashua_Night_Hawk

looking nice... V8 muscle in modern suit!

Jon Bon Bonachinballs

You all know it is based on the Holden Monaro, right? Holden is Australia's Chevrolet. Yes it is the 5.7 LS1 engine, but not as tweeked as the corvette though.... not too sure if the statement about it being the Z06 engie is accurate, but then again I could be wrong.

I spent 6 months in Australia about two years ago and I would always cream my pants when I would see the Monaro's parent car the Commodore (same with 3 doors). I used to say, " shit... big V8, throaty exhaust, nice looks, big wheels.... damn they should import that to the states." Well they read my mind.

You guys should check out www.holden.com.au to check out some of their cars. Look at the Commodore HSV and some of the beefed up versions of the Monaro.

Peace out

Jon Bon Bonachinballs

i meant 4 doors on the commodore

astro

taht is hot, hope the interior isn't typical ponticrap

zeroday

badass. I think they could have done a little better with the styling but with that engine/price, who gives a fuck

purplehaze

EXTREMELY BORING...they will never learn good designing..(except for the viper which i think was a fluke since the new one dosnt look all that)
The only thing i like r the wheels.....but with 340 hp it still does 14s in the quarter?? PATHETIC.

blackmagiCL_S

Whoa...the GTO is the HSV Holden....but without the 7.0L engine! Same body anyway. Until tonight, I had never heard of a Holden...

Sarlacc

what a boring Fugly POS

cusdaddy

Oh yes. And Honda is the epitome of "exciting design"

Personally, I think it looks nice. Conservative, yes, but respectable. I guess I like a more conservative designs. (CL included)

And BTW, last time I checked, Chrysler and GM were different companies

AcuraFan

I'm interested in seeing what this car can do (cautiously optimistic)...but most of those pics look ps'ed...I can't tell it it's real. And for some reason it just doesn't give you the impression of power...

Mike

What's wrong w/this picture

Under the hood is a specially tuned LS1 5.7-liter V-8 aluminum-block engine currently estimated at 340 horsepower @ 5200 rpm, 360 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm

All that power is mated to either an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission or the six-speed, close ratio manual transmission available on the Corvette ZO6.

Although performance testing on the vehicle has not been completed, the production model GTO is expected have a zero-to-60 acceleration time of less than 6 seconds and run the quarter-mile in approximately 14 seconds at a speed of 105 mph. The top speed of the vehicle is estimated to be about 160 mph.

That trap should be good for at least mid 13s

Red Nj-s

BAH. I'd much rather get a used 02' Camaro.

J/P. This is GM's best move since the C5 Corvette. I have a feeling this car, as long as it tops out at 35k, will put Pontiac on the map.
The car is very attractive, the interior is nice, and the power is enough to kill the Z. Why wouldn't it be a hit?

Never thought I'd say this, but good job GM.

1SICKLEX

I like it, I could see myself owning this car. 340hp, RWD, V-8, GTO heritage and image. Nice. The interior is simply awesome, those seats mimic the CL-S (some of the best in the business).

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice. Ya'll know the Holden has a 400hp version. And they are working on a 600hp version.

Now, for people that KNOW, Like me, this car is a Holden, AND will be badged a VAUXHALL in Europe. Hmmmm...

GOT PSI?

Since they used the old GTO nameplate, they should have at least threw in some ram air scoops!!!

mattg

no way.

Red Rider

I miss the Pontiac plastic cladding

dat.silver.lude

I think I'm trading my 01 Lude in!

1killercls

Watch...the cool thing to do to this car will be debadge the PONTiaC stuff and re-badge as a Holden...just a thought..but what an awesome freakin car...first thing with "Pontiac" on it that I would own since 1969...lol

liquid_x

havent played need for speed hot pursuit 2?

Pappy

Pathetic exhausts.

eclipse23

Guys,

Your missing the biggest part of this car........

AFTERMARKET!

Six Speed, LS1 motor, come on guys this is gonna be a VERY fast car.

Zapata

awesome engine. Finally some power to go with that displacement howeover, the car needs to have a more of a mencing, beasty, asskicker look..

Zoot

Wow, congrats to the first GM car with a nice interior. No caddy or other GM crap looks good on the inside. I like this car! Too bad, I had bad luck w/ GM and American car companies....I will never go back.

cusdaddy

I know Bob Lutz made improving GM's interiors a big priority. This is one of the cars he had a big hand in bringing over, so hopefully this interior is a sign of things to come

gavriil

Actually, you are not wrong. I was. I meant to write it is from the C5. When I wrote that, I was reading about the engine used in the V Series CTS which will be from the Z06. Sorry guys.

gavriil

That was my first thought too. I would not be surprised if with the manual this hits 13.6 consistently.

gavriil

It will be badged VAUXHALL only in England, not the rest of Europe. VAUXHALL is GM's subsidiary in England. GM's subsidiary for the rest of Europe is called OPEL.

gavriil

See what Bob Lutz is doing for GM? I was trying to tell you guys.... Anyway, this is only the beginning. A lot more to come.

Ashburner

I like it! I'll take mine in Silver. I miss my 99 Camaro SS and I feel the urge for another LS1. Slap on a Vortec Supercharger and BAM- 500 HP...

Stock with a manny, I bet 0-60 in about 5.0 and 1/4 in 13.5

-Ash

bored&stroked

The LS1 5.7 V8 was used in camaro/firebirds [which the GTO is replacing] rated at 320hp, and they hit low 13's on radials, stock with the 6sp. Throw some slicks and about 20hp extra and 12.9's are easy. Since the GTO is rated at 340hp, I wouldnt doubt seeing 13.0's consistant with stock units.
The LS1 in the corvette is the same as the ones in the camaro/firebird/GTO. Its just tuned better. The base vette is 345hp. The LS6 [still the LS1 engine design] in the ZO6 vette has better heads/intake/cams to bump it up to 405hp [new version] or 385hp [first year version]
The exaust needs to be true dual, and they really toned down the aggressive look the prototype had, but I still love it. GM NEEDS this car.

neoprufrok

Nice.

Bob Lutz is really doing a good job at GM.

Interesting that people would call this car boring, given the fact that the CL is not exactly striking. Also, at least they did it right and they have no 4x4 wheel gap.

gavriil

http://www.6mt.net/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=18

gavriil

You can tell they paid attention to detail. Notice that the interior is slightly different but where it matters in my opinion. Specifically, the Monaro has buttons for the HVAC controls, but the GTO has "turnable" round controls (more ergonomic). Things like these show that Lutz's team tried hard. Let's see how it drives now.