"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."
"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, based on the Australian-market Holden Monaro CV8. "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. Special detailing extends to GTO logos on the brake calipers and the specially tuned LS1 5.7 L V8. 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, resulting in peak output of around 340 hp @ 5200 rpm and 360 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. While this is a healthy increase over the 315 hp and 343 lb-ft (EEC standard) in the Monaro CV8, it is still short of the 350 hp and 375 lb-ft (SAE standard) available in the Corvette with its less restricted exhaust system. Enthusiasts seeking more factory power for the GTO will have to wait until the second model year, when the GTO is expected to gain more power and especially torque thanks to a larger 6.0 L aluminum block developed for the C6 Corvette.
All that power is mated to either an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission or the six-speed, close ratio T56 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.
Befitting its position as a premium high-performance coupé, the GTO seats four adults in 2+2 bucket seats emblazoned with the GTO logo. As expected the interior of the GTO matches closely the upgrades recently introduced for the Monaro. 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.