Dan

Here it is:

PONTIAC GTO

What’s new for 2005:
*LS2 6.0L engine replaces LS1
*400 horsepower (295 kw)
*395 lb.-ft. of torque (546 Nm)
*Available hood with twin air scoops
*Revised rear fascia incorporating outlets for new split dual exhaust system
*Polished exhaust outlet tips
*Larger brake rotors and calipers
*Red-painted calipers with GTO logo on front caliper
*Driver foot rest
*Two new colors: blue and grey

Model Lineup:
Engine Transmissions
s-6.0L V-8
o-6-spd man (Tremec T56)
s-4-spd auto (Hydra-Matic 4L60-E)

2005 PONTIAC GTO: THE NEW GOAT GETS MORE MUSCLE
GTO – the original muscle car – was re-introduced last year and returns with more power and style for 2005. A new LS2 6.0L V-8 engine replaces the LS1 5.7L engine, bringing with it an increase in horsepower and torque.

The ’05 GTO packs 400 horsepower (295 kw) – up from 350 horses (261 kw) – and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (546 Nm), up from 365 lb.-ft. (495 Nm). Transmission choices are the same as the ’04 model’s: The Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic is standard and the Tremec six-speed manual is optional. GTO’s more powerful engine should lower the 0-60 time to less than 5 seconds.

Enthusiasts will immediately spot the brawnier ’05 GTO, thanks to new badging and a revised rear fascia that incorporates a new dual-exhaust system – it splits the GTO’s two outlets, routing them to opposite sides of the rear fascia. The exhaust tips are polished for a more refined appearance.

Also available is a new hood design incorporating a pair of stylish air scoops. The scoops draw fresh air in to the GTO’s engine compartment.

The badges identifying the ’05 GTO’s bigger V-8 include a “6.0” badge on the trunk lid and revised “GTO” fender badges, which now incorporate “6.0 Litre” designations. The original 1964 GTO also wore “6.0 Litre” fender badges, but at a time when almost every other American manufacturer referenced engine size in cubic inches.

Along with the GTO’s power increase comes improved braking performance from larger brake rotors, calipers and pads. The calipers are painted red and the front calipers feature the GTO logo.

Additional changes to the ’05 GTO include two new colors (blue and grey), as well as driver foot rest. A line of regular production accessories (RPAs) based on the 2004 GTO Performance Plus SEMA concept vehicle is scheduled for start-of-production availability. The accessories include a tall rear spoiler, front and rear fascia extensions, rocker molding extensions and grille inserts. As part of GM’s RPA program, the accessories can be ordered and installed on the vehicle prior to delivery.

LS2 details

Compared to the Gen III-based LS1, the 2005 GTO’s LS2 V-8 incorporates several significant changes to help improve performance. The block is an all-new casting with cylinder bores measuring 4.00 inches (101.6 mm) in diameter. The cylinder heads and camshaft are revised, too, to deliver the airflow necessary to complement the engine’s larger displacement. Other changes include:

*New aluminum block casting with revised oil galleries and provisions for external knock sensors – external sensors improve serviceability
*Camshaft lift increased to take advantage of increased cylinder head flow
*Camshaft sensor relocated from the rear of the block to the front of the block provides room for new oil galleries
*Flat-top piston design with lower ring tension reduces friction
*Piston floating wrist pins help quiet the engine
*More efficient ignition coils require less energy to provide a comparable spark
*Compression raised to 10.9:1
*Larger, 90-mm single-blade throttle body
*Reduced-mass water pump design with improved sealing capability
*Engine “redline” raised to 6500 rpm
*Revised and more powerful engine controller incorporates all electronic throttle control functions.
*Balanced environment and safety

The new GTO is a contemporary performer. Its traits include impressive cornering abilities, a smooth ride and surprising comfort. The drivetrain rides on a 109.8-inch (279-cm) wheelbase, with a low stance that enhances the wide-track feel behind the wheel. The front track measures 61.4 inches (156 cm) and the rear track is 62.1 inches (158 cm) wide.

The fully independent suspension features MacPherson struts in front and a semi-trailing arm design in the rear, with specially tuned strut valving and spring rates. Direct-acting stabilizer bars and a variable ratio power steering system also are tuned to provide a sporty feel and increased driver feedback. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels and performance tires are matched to the performance-tuned suspension. Traction control and a limited slip differential also come standard.

The GTO’s premium interior is accented by a harmonious blend of details, complementing its dynamic driving experience. All-leather seating, as well as a leather-covered steering wheel and shifter ****, immediately conveys luxury, while items such as stainless steel sill plates, metallic-look steering wheel styling, satin nickel-look accent trim, and racing-inspired drilled metallic pedals add sportiness to the environment.

The front and rear sports seats are configured in a traditional 2+2 configuration, with side bolsters and the “GTO” name embroidered on the front seats. Interior seat and trim colors may be coordinated to the exterior color, with red, blue, purple and black interiors available. This splash of color extends from the seats to the door inserts to the lower part of the instrument panel to the gauge cluster.

Every GTO comes well equipped with a thoughtful package of interior amenities and safety features, including:

*Air conditioning
*Blaupunkt 200-watt audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers
*Console with storage compartment, accessory power outlet and two cupholders
*Cruise control
*Rear defogger
*Power door locks with lockout protection
*Programmable keyless entry with laser-etched key for added security
*Eight-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats with power-assisted rear seat access feature
*Tilting and telescoping adjustable steering wheel
*Power windows with driver and passenger express-down feature
*Daytime running lamps with automatic headlamp control ( )
*Theft and content deterrent system.
*The integrated driver information center located below the instrument cluster includes readouts for average speed, average miles per gallon, trip odometer, trip time remaining, trip distance remaining, fuel used and instant fuel mileage. There’s even a stopwatch feature and a user-programmable overspeed alarm.

Safety belts remain the primary and most effective form of occupant protection. All seating positions in the 2005 GTO have three-point safety belts. Retractors for front outboard seating positions have built-in load limiters that allow a controlled amount of give in the belt, thereby reducing the peak load on the chest during the “ride down” in a crash.

Dual frontal air bags are standard and GTO is equipped with child seat anchors.


Overview
Model:
GTO

Body style / driveline:
4-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive coupe

Construction:
unitized body frame, 1- and 2-sided galvanized steel

EPA vehicle class:
midsize coupe

Manufacturing location:
Holden Elizabeth Plant, Elizabeth, Australia

Key competitors:
Acura CL 3.2, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, Chrysler Crossfire, Mazda RX8, Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang GT Premium/Cobra, Dodge Charger


Engine
Type:
6.0L V-8 (LS2)

Displacement (cu in / cc):
364 / 5970

Bore & stroke (in / mm):
4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92

Block material:
aluminum

Cylinder head material:
aluminum

Valvetrain:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder

Fuel delivery:
sequential-port fuel injection

Compression ratio:
10.9:1

Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm):
400 / 295 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
395 / 546 @ 4000

Recommended fuel:
92 octane

Maximum engine speed (rpm):
6500

Emissions controls:
catalytic converter/EGR

Estimated fuel economy

(mpg city / hwy / combined):
TBD




Transmissions
Tremec T56 Hydra-Matic 4L60-E
Type:
6-speed manual
4-speed electronic automatic FWD transverse

Gear ratios (:1):

First:
2.97
3.06

Second:
2.07
1.63

Third:
1.43
1.00

Fourth:
1.00
0.70

Fifth:
0.84
-

Sixth:
0.57
-

Reverse:
3.28
2.30

Final drive ratio:
3.46:1
3.46:1


Chassis/Suspension
Front:
independent MacPherson struts and progressive-rate springs

Rear:
independent semi-trailing control-link with gas pressure dampers

Steering type:
power-assisted variable ratio rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:
variable ratio

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:
3

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):
36.1 / 11


Brakes
Type:
4-wheel discs (ventilated front, solid rear), power assisted with 4-channel anti-lock braking system.

Rotor diameter:
N/A


Wheels/Tires
Wheel size and type:
17-inch alloy

Tires:
P225/50R17


Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm):
109.8 / 2789

Overall length (in / mm):
189.8 / 4821

Overall width (in / mm):
72.5 / 1841

Overall height (in / mm):
54.9 / 1397

Track (in / mm):
61.8 / 1569

Curb weight (lb / kg):
TBD

Weight distribution (% front / rear):
55 / 45


Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):
2 / 2

Head room (in / mm)

Front seat:
37.3 / 947

Rear seat:
37.3 / 947

Leg room (in / mm):

Front seat:
42.2 / 1072

Rear seat:
37.1 / 942

Shoulder room (in / mm):

Front seat:
59.7 / 1515

Rear seat:
51.7 / 1312

Hip room (in / mm):

Front seat:
58.0 / 1472

Rear seat:
50.2 / 1275


Capacities
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):
1000 / 454

Fuel tank (gal / L):
18.5 / 70

Engine oil (qt / L):
5.3 / 6.0

Cooling system (qt / L):
auto: 11.5 / 10.9

manual: 11.8 / 11.2

Dan

Not that any of us wanted to know THAT much about the GTO.

hdwrench

hmm might consider it if it got a total exterior make over

mr-mstng

400HP? Wow, that's like getting breast implants for a not-so-pretty girl. She won't look any prettier, but guys will stand up and take notice.

10.9:1 comp ratio. Sheesh, and I though the Mach 1 was high at 10.1. Sunoco 100 anyone?

Looks like I'm gonna need 4.10s in the Mach.

hdwrench

sheesh only 10.9:1? my jetta is 19.5:1

diesel

Decipher

So in other words it's still boring to look at?

Scootr

I hope whomever the designer(s) were for the GTO are no longer designing GM's weak attempts. Probably the same guys that designed the disaster of the 90's Nova and todays Malibu. Seems GM wants to make certain to ruin these once noble badges.Can hardly wait to see their meager attempt at the Camaro when/if it ever comes back. Thank god for Ford and their design team!

BlackRiderX

If it counts for anything, one drove by me this weekend and the exhaust sounds much better than Gm's other V8s. It actual sounds like a muscle car!

Scootr

I will give it that much...the exhaust note sounds pretty good for stock

Galaxie

This will all but kill demand for the '04 GTOs... who will buy an 04 when the 2005 will have so many improvements. The same thing happened with the Tbirds. The 2002 model had increased power and the '01's were languishing on the dealer lots.

Kotzenjunge

Holden designed the Monaro. It wasn't designed by Pontiac with it being a GTO in mind. At least blame the right people.

PearBear

225/50/R17
Narrow tires, sorta low profile, and not even Z rated. Hope that changes.

mr-mstng

yeah, 225s are pretty narrow, especially for 17s.

hdwrench

wow. i guess they actually have been seen outside of autoshows.

WBstangGT

I think I about soaked my keyboard with Dr. Pepper when I read that.

Lalo

that was hi-larious, but so true