| Pontiac Gto (2004) |
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See also Pontiac GTO for other models using this name The Pontiac GTO nameplate was revived for the 2004 model year, now as an American-market version of the Australian-built Holden Monaro . This version sold poorly due to bland styling and was cancelled after 2006 . 2004 The Pontiac GTO was relaunched in the United States in late 2003 , based on the Holden Monaro 's V Platform . The fact that the new GTO is based on an entirely different vehicle (the "Old Goat" being a muscle car and the Holden Monaro being an Australian sports car) has provoked much criticism from muscle car enthusiasts, stating that redesigning the GTO from the ground up would be more nostalgic and would possibly bring better sales for the car. The revival was prompted by former GM chairman Bob Lutz , who drove a Holden Monaro while on a business trip in Australia. The GTO is produced in Australia , and is equipped with the Chevrolet Corvette 's LS1 V8 Engine with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The same model is sold in the United Kingdom as a Vauxhall . Sales of the 2004 GTO were below expectations, forcing the brand to cut production to just 12,000 per year. The optional hood scoops slated for the 2005 model year were rushed into production in an effort to increase the sportiness of the car's image. There was a Pulse Red package, available only in 2004. It gave the buyer Pulse Red paint and exclusive red embroidery on the seats. Only 800 of these were made. 2005 The 2005 model year continued the optional hood scoops, split rear exhaust, optional 18" rims, and offered a new engine, the '' LS2 '' engine. This increased power and torque in the GTO to 400 hp (298 kW) and 400 ft·lb. The increased torque necessitated moving from the '' 4L60-E '' automatic to the stronger '' 4L65-E '' transmission. A special version of this vehicle is used for Drift Racing . 2006 For the 2006 model year, the GTO gained two new colors, Spice Red and Brazen Orange. Other minor additions are smoked rear taillights, an unlock button added to the center console, illuminated steering wheel controls and increased motor speeds for seat movement. On February 21 , 2006 , General Motors reportedly told dealers that it would halt imports of the GTO in September, making 2006 the last model year for the current GTO revival. FUTURE An entirely new GTO on a new platform ( Zeta , shared also with a new Holden Commodore ) should appear in or around 2008 . Featuring more aggressive body work, the car may be a four-door coupe with pillarless rear-hinged doors like the Mazda RX-8 and the Saturn ION Coupe . REFERENCES |
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