Pontiac GTO Fifth generation
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Class |
Sports Car |
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Also called |
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Production |
2003 to 2006 |
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Assembly |
Australia |
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Body style |
2-door coupé |
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Platform |
V-body/GMX281 |
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Engine |
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Power output |
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Transmission |
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Wheelbase |
109.8 in (2,789 mm) |
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Length |
189.8 in (4,821 mm) |
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Width |
72.5 in (1,842 mm) |
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Height |
54.9 in (1,394 mm) |
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Curb weight |
3,725 lb (1,690 kg) |
The Pontiac GTO is a four-seat coupe produced in Australia for the US market from autumn 2003 to summer 2006, based on the platform of the Holden Monaro .
For the 2004 model year Pontiac revived the traditional name GTO and began importing the modified Holden Monaro to the United States. After just under three years, the GTO, which sold poorly, was withdrawn from the market in the summer of 2006. The reborn GTO shares a basic underskin design with the V6 Cadillac Catera sedan from 1997-2001.
History
In late 2003, the new Pontiac GTO was released in the US, the first in nearly 30 years. That the coupe came from Australia, caused in some fan circles for displeasure, which would have liked an independent, native model as a modern reincarnation of the classic muscle car .Inside four leather bucket type seats, an premium audio with CD changer built in-dash, with and remote keyless entry.
Behind the GTO was General Motors manager Robert A. Lutz , who had been shown a Monaro during a visit to Australia. Then he decided to sell the coupe in the US, but not without the planned GTO to make some technical changes on the way. For example, unlike the Monaro, the GTO sits in a better protected position in front of the rear axle.
2004
In the first model year, the GTO was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ; for the power transmission provided either a six-speed transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.17-inch wheels and performance tires Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and limited-slip differential are standard.
Already in the first model year, the sales in the US with 12,000 copies far behind the planned 30,000 pieces. Only in the 2004 model year was the GTO with Pulse Red package with red livery and red inserts on the seat covers. The Pulse Red created 800 copies.
Except in the US, the Holden Monaro was sold as Chevrolet in the Middle East and in the UK as Vauxhall Monaro .
Active safety features
- Antilock brakes - Standard
Traction control - Standard
Daytime running lights - Standard
Tire-pressure monitor - option - Safety belts
Pretensioners, front - Standard
Pretensioners, rear - no - Air bags
Side bags, front - Standard
Accident-alert system - option
2005
For the 2005 model year, the GTO has undergone several changes and improvements.
In detail:
- New six-liter V8 (type LS2) with 299 kW (406 hp) and 538 Nm of torque
- Bigger brakes with red lacquered saddles and GTO lettering
- Air scoops on the hood
- Double exhaust and modified rear apron
- 18-inch alloy wheels (surcharge)
- Footrest for the coupling foot
- Instruments with new graphic
- Extended range of extras
- Two new paint colors ("Cyclone Gray" Metallic and "Midnight Blue" Metallic)
- Paint colors "Barbados Blue" Metallic and "Cosmos Purple" Metallic are eliminated
- Interior color "Dark Purple" is omitted.
2006
For the last model year, there were some minor changes.
- Central locking switch on the center console
- Dark tinted taillights
- Radio control knobs in the steering wheel with lighting
- When painted in brazen orange scales of the instruments in orange, decorative stitching on seats, gear knob, steering wheel and armrests in orange
- Two new paint colors ("Brazen Orange" and "Spice Red")
- Elimination of two paint colors ("Yellow" and "Midnight Blue" Metallic)
The last Pontiac GTO was launched in Australia on June 14, 2006. However, this was not due to the weak sales figures, but rather because the factory had planned from the outset with a production period of only three years of construction.
