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It is getting close to the time when a young man's fancy might be drawn to ordering a new GTO from Oz.   So, here are all the specs on this new down-under wonder.

Starting with the engine...
Powering the GTO is a specially tuned LS1 5.7 liter aluminum block engine.   The horsepower rating differs a tiny bit depending on where you read it.    Factory estimated 340 hp measured at 5200 rpm.   Some sources say it is 350 hp.   The engine has 360 lb-ft of torque measured at 4000 rpm. The formidable power is mated to either an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 4L60 4-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed close ratio transmission. The 2004 Pontiac GTO has a fully independent rear wheel drive suspension and limited slip differential providing a solid, well balanced driving experience.
 

Highlights from the long Standard equipment list:

Air bags for the driver and front passenger, Air conditioning, Console with storage compartment and accessory power outlet and twin cupholders, Cruise control with telltale indicator in instrument panel cluster, Window defoggers, Driver Information Center readouts including average speed, season odometer, average mpg, elapsed time, trip odometer, trip time remaining, trip distance remaining, fuel used, overspeed, range and instant mpg, Power door locks, Floormats, Power Fuel filler door release,  Analog instrumentation including speedometer, temperature, fuel and tachometer, Keyless entry including trunk release, Map pockets, 8-way adjustable seats, Leather trimmed shift knob, a 200 watt Blaupunkt 10-speaker sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer AM/FM stereo, Adjustable steering wheel with radio controls, Theft-deterrent system, Visors with lighted vanity mirrors, Power Windows, Antenna in rear window glass, Daytime running lamps, Chromed Exhaust outlets with dual tips, Front Fog lamps, Power outside mirrors, Rear Spoiler, Compact spare tire, Tires P225/50R17-93W, 5-spoke aluminum wheels 17" x 8", Intermittent Wipers, 4-wheel antilock brakes, rear-wheel drive, LS1 Engine with a displacement of 5.7L V8 SFI aluminum (350 HP [260.7 kW] @ 5200 rpm, 365 lb.-ft. [492.7 N-m] @ 4000 rpm) Dual Exhaust with bundled single side tips, Limited slip differential, Power rack-and-pinion steering, Independent rear suspension, Traction Control with on/off switch, Electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

A 6-speed manual transmission is listed as optional.
 

The 7 paint color combinations:

The exterior paint is color coordinated with the interior.   Inside the car is leather-appointed seating, door panels and instrument cluster color-coordinated for sporty appearance.
 

sample paint chip	exterior color	gauges	interior stitching
	Quicksilver Metallic	Red	Red
	Impulse Blue Metallic	Blue	Blue
	Barbados Blue Metallic	Barbados Blue	Silver
	Yellow Jacket	Yellow	Yellow
	Torrid Red	Red	Red
	Cosmos Purple Metallic	Purple	Silver
	Phantom Black Metallic	Red	Red

Some color substitutions are available.
 

Specifications:

Are you man enough for GM's recreation of a modern muscle car?   Maybe we can understand why they are going to build this car in the first place.   Let's take a look at what the home office calls their "Target Market".   There are two groups that might be potential buyers:  High Income Performance Enthusiasts and Young Affluent Males.

First we'll start with the High Income Performance Enthusiasts.   According to GM consumer research available on the web, the age of a typical male High Income Performance Enthusiast, abbreviated H.I.P.E. is around 45.   Combined household income near $120,000.   These are younger-minded drivers for whom cars are a passion and a high-priority indulgence. They have the discretionary income to purchase finer things, and will expect a level of refinement in the products they purchase.   They love speed, handling and the style of high performance cars, and tend to own a Sport car or an Entry Luxury Coupe.   A H.I.P.E. remembers the GTO name from the past, and might have positive associations with its imagery.  This buyer will demand more than just legendary "straight-line" performance.

Then there is the Young Affluent Males target market.   The median age of this buyer is 30, with a secondary market between 25 to 30 years old.   Combined household income is $70,000.   A mere 40% of Y.A.M.S are married.   As far as education, 75% of these guys are already college graduates.   These are successful, highly motivated recent college graduates, who follow the latest trends, especially in technology gadgets, clothing and pop-culture.   They make new stuff popular and widely desirable, give it a "must have" status not only among its age group peers but also among younger and older generations.   When it comes to cars, Y.A.M.S value outstanding performance and attractive design, expecting a high level of refinement and attention to detail. They prefer vehicles that have a "badge" value, but might be willing to overlook it in favor of a truly cool product.

How about competition from other vehicle makes?   The other "new car" competition, as perceived by GM:   Acura CL 3.2, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35, Chrysler Crossfire, Mazda RX8, Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang GT Premium/Cobra, Dodge Charger.
 

Bringing back the Legend

What is GM's marketing position on this yet-to-be-released car?   To quote their own literature...
GTO is the premium performance coupe delivering legendary performance reborn for the 21st century, combining outstanding power, great handling and clean design to embody the ultimate expression of modern driving excitement.

They are obviously trying to capitalize on the nameplate's legendary heritage.   Maybe they can reignite the legend by creating a modern day GTO.  After all, they're building a V-8 powered rear wheel drive premium coupe.   If the design holds up to consumer scrutiny, buyers just may discover a blend of relentless power combined with impressive ride and handling.   Can Pontiac stir the passion of the true driving enthusiast?
 

Availability

Production of the 2004 Pontiac GTO is scheduled to begin in September 2003 at Holden’s Elizabeth, Australia plant. Up to 18,000 GTOs will be produced annually.  Some sources say that the car will not be available in the USA until December 2003 or January of 2004.
 

Here's a comment from a recent visitor...
Says Greg Gile (ggile.@bendcable.com) - "A huge thank you for all the information in GTO Text Topics! Have been looking for a 68 or 69 convertible (first GTO purchase). I now know things to look for I otherwise wouldn't have."