Pontiac GTO loaded with power

2005 coupe's V-8 boosted to 400 hp, with sporty automatic

transmission

Tom Trace - Autoweek

Friday, May 13, 2005

Despite the wallflower appearance of the 2004 Pontiac GTO, its heart befit its

namesake. The car's driving dynamics proved to be on par with many popular

sport coupes.

The new goat doesn't get much better looking, but it does get another slap in the

rump. The 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 replaces the 5.7-liter LS1 engine as standard

equipment for 2005, giving the raucous GTO an extra 50 hp and 35 pounds feet of

torque. The spec sheet now reads 400 hp, 400 pounds feet of torque. That's a

recipe for serious fun that will likely attract the next wave of horsepower mongers

who want the Corvette's drivetrain and hardware in a tidy package that can carry a

few extra passengers.

Pontiac brought us to one of the most respected high-speed playgrounds in the

land to test-drive the 2005 GTO, the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance

in Phoenix. Under the close supervision of the Bondurant staff, we were reminded

why styling isn't everything.

The new GTO is hot and could embarrass most cars from a stoplight: The sixspeed

model is estimated to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. The LS2

V-8 features a compression ratio of 10.9:1. The snarling 6.0-liter redlines at 6,500

rpm, basically begging to be challenged.

A four-speed automatic transmission comes standard on the GTO, with the

Tremec six-speed manual transmission optional. The manual shifts easily, and

you don't need to search for the proper gear when you feel inclined to push the

car to its limit.

Some may curse the notion, but we found with 400 hp now available, a strong

argument can be made for buying the automatic-equipped GTO. Power still pours

on evenly, and there is enough muscle in each gear to keep an enthusiast

satisfied. Interestingly enough, Pontiac estimates 50 percent of 2005 GTO buyers

(mostly males in their 40s) will choose the automatic.

This GTO is a balanced car, unlike the original sled that built its reputation on

straight-line heroics. Beefier brakes are added to the performance-tuned

suspension, resulting in a slight stopping advantage over the '04 model. The short

test drive proved the 2005 GTO can chew up a road course once you become

moderately comfortable with executing techniques such as throttle steer and trailbraking.

Along with a decent dose of road-course thrashing in the latest GTO, we were

also treated to a short drifting exercise that was mainly for smiles and maybe a

little promotion of Bondurant's new drifting school. But the session showcased the

GTO's overall performance characteristics, and further solidifies the car's place

among its key competitors, including the Mazda RX-8, BMW 3 Series and

Chrysler Crossfire.

The GTO gets a handful of appearance upgrades aimed at pleasing the faithful. A

hood with twin air scoops is a no-cost option. Polished dual exhaust tips protrude

from a revised rear fascia, replacing the 2004 GTO's single pipe design. Pontiac

also tacked on some extra badging on the trunk lid, designating the car's 6.0-liter

engine displacement. The GTO logo has been added to the front fenders, and two

additional colors, blue and gray, are now available.

From a performance standpoint the 2005 GTO is a relative bargain. Priced under

$33,000, few other vehicles serve up this much excitement for the money. The

400 horses should be adequate for most, but already tuners are offering

performance upgrades that will turn this latest GTO into a real monster.

The same goes for styling.

If you want a more distinct-looking GTO, the aftermarket has your back.