2004 Pontiac GTO

[Saaber]

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An Import GTO

 

Unlike when the GTO was introduced in 1964, the 2004 GTO is based on a car that has been a long running model in Australia. This Australian GTO, being built at Holden's Elizabeth Plant, is a familar car if you live down under. America's GTO is a re-badged and subtly restyled Holden Monaro CV8. That said, the GTO is the only way to acquire the well-developed and well-raced Holden Monaro in the USA.

 

For those unfamiliar with the Holden brand, they are one of Australia's leading car manufacturers. As early as the 1920's, Holden bodies were being build for GM chassis and engines.

 

To this day, Holden are still manufacturing GM-based cars, most of which could be can be upgraded by a smaller company called Holden Special Vehicles (HSV). For the last 15 years, HSV have been successfully tuning and racing Holden's line of cars.

 

GTO Press Release

 

GTO. No other name in automotive history says muscle car like those three letters. When the GTO was introduced in 1964, its performance list included words like tri-power, four on the floor and a 389 cubic-inch V-8, and the car virtually defined true street performance.

 

Now the legend is back. Pontiac's 2004 GTO is a modern-day incarnation of classic street performance. When you turn the key and hear the throaty dual exhausts announcing the 5.7L V-8, you'll know you have your hands full. Compared to its '60s namesake, the new GTO sports a suspension that is tighter, an engine that's more powerful and a four-on-the-floor manual transmission that now boasts two additional gears. The car will hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in about five-and-a-half seconds, and run the quarter mile in under 14 seconds.

 

The completely new GTO isn't just about horsepower, of course. Its unique personality includes impressive cornering abilities, a smooth ride and surprising comfort. But the heart of the GTO is indeed a truly awesome 5.7L LS1 V-8 engine, also known as the base powerplant for the Chevrolet Corvette. The LS1 produces an estimated 350 horsepower (261kw) at 5200 rpm and with 365 lb.-ft. (495 Nm) of torque, it has no problem leaving a stop with purpose.

 

Seventeen-inch alloy wheels and performance tires are matched to a fully independent, performance-tuned suspension featuring direct-acting stabilizing bars and power rack-and-pinion steering. Traction control and a limited slip differential also come standard.

 

And, today's GTO revs through six forward speeds with the close-ratio manual transmission, or you can choose a four-speed Hydra-Matic. Both come with a 3.46:1 final drive ratio.

 

The GTO is, first and foremost, a driver's car. Every detail, from the satin-finish steering wheel to the race-inspired metallic pedals, gives the driver a sense of performance from the moment the car is entered. The standard feature list starts off with leather 2+2 bucket seats, in black or color-coordinated with the vehicle's exterior color. The high-tech seats provide lateral support, wrapping around the driver and front passenger and complementing the great handling characteristics of the chassis. Also standard is a six-disc CD-changer with premium 10-speaker sound system, cruise control, a multi-function driver information center, keyless entry system and a host of other features to enhance the driving experience.

 

Rather than create an imitation of the original legend, the 2004 GTO provides a contemporary interpretation of the classic Pontiac sports coupe. The distinctive, tautly stretched exterior, aggressive lowered stance and sleek, simple form all help express the clean, athletic styling direction of Pontiac. Add this to the obvious performance of the vehicle and you have a rear-wheel-drive V-8-powered premium sports coupe wrapped in a seamless, modern design.

 

Bringing the GTO to a safe stop is accomplished through standard four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid rear), part of a four-channel anti-lock braking system. Other standard safety features include dual front air bags, three-point safety belts for all occupants and an Emergency Mode that 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.

 

Production of the 2004 Pontiac GTO will begin in September 2003 at Holden's award-winning Elizabeth plant in Australia using the latest techniques to ensure both measurable and perceived quality. Projected annual production will be 18,000 vehicles.

 

Story by General Motors Corporation & Supercars.net

[Mojoe]

this is gonna be the rebranded Chevy Lumina or Lumino right? Doesn't look very refined leh..

[Saaber]

I think so...

[Phalanx]

Actually, the one in the showroom looks much better.

[Saaber]

how much are they selling now?...

[Seansene]

Oh, it doesn't have to be 'refined', its job is just to blow the other cars away...

[En0203]

hmmm.. how come the head lamp looks like those from new sunny one

and the front design looks like beemers one..

and car body shape looks like honda prelude...

 

anyway, everytime saw "pontiac" also reminds me of "pontianak"

[Phalanx]

Not yet for sale, but once they have a soft launch, they will be informing us. Should be in the range of 130K for the 3.8 V6 with Eaton Supercharger.

[Super7]

You mean they are going to sell this in sgp for $130k on the road including COE???.... hmmmm, the Nissan 350Z is selling about $150K+- but only 3.5L non-supercharged, and this one......(if only someone can pay for the roadtax for me in addition to give me another $60k as a gift.....)

Edited October 6, 2003 by Super7

[Phalanx]

That's what the SE said...but the road tax....wow....

 

Car is huge though, lots of rear space...

[Mojoe]