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

In Detail
submitted by Richard Owen
engine All Aluminum LS1 V8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain 2 Over Head Valves per Cyl w/Pushrod Acuation
fuel feed Sequential-Port Fuel Injection
displacement 5665 cc / 345.7 in³
bore 99 mm / 3.9 in
stroke 92 mm / 3.62 in
compression 10.1:1
power 261.0 kw / 350 bhp @ 5200 rpm
specific output 61.78 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 207.1 bhp per tonne
torque 494.87 nm / 365 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
redline 6200
driven wheels RWD w/LSD and Traction Control
front tires P225/50R17
rear tires P225/50R17
front brakes Vented Discs w/ABS
f brake size x 297 mm / x 11.7 in
rear brakes Solid Discs w/ABS
r brake size x 287 mm / x 11.3 in
steering Rack & Pinion w/Varibale Power Assist
f suspension MacPherson Struts
r suspension Semi-Trailing Arms
curb weight 1690 kg / 3725 lbs
wheelbase 2789 mm / 109.8 in
front track 1569 mm / 61.8 in
rear track 1690 mm / 66.5 in
length 4821 mm / 189.8 in
width 1814 mm / 71.4 in
height 1397 mm / 55.0 in
transmission 6-Speed Manual or Hydra-Matic 4L60-E
gear ratios 2.97:1, 2.07:1, 1.43:1, 1.00:1, 0.84:1, 0.57:1, :1