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The original muscle car. GTO stands for "Gran Turismo Omologato" which is Italian for Grand Accredited Touring. The nameplate was originally just a performance package for the Pontiac LeMans and the Pontiac Tempest. For a $296 premium, the car could be had with a 389 c.i.d. 325 bhp V8. A more powerful "Tri-Power" engine with 348 bhp was also available. Tri-Power refered the the three two-barrel carbouretors that the engine had. The car did so well that the GTO later became its own model.
In 1969 Pontiac released the "GTO Judge", an appearance package which included the Ram Air III engine, styled wheels, a Hurst T-Handle shifter, wider tires, various decals, and a rear spoiler. With just under 7,000 made, this is one of the most collectable Pontiacs.
The oil embargo of the seventies killed all muscle cars and the GTO became a compact based on the Nova. The GTO had passed on in 1974.
Thirty years later, Pontiac released a redone version of the Holden Monaro and labeled it the Pontiac GTO. Originally equipped with the 350 bhp 5.7 Liter LS1, the GTO was a respectable performer. The 2005 and 2006 models got the 6 Liter 400 bhp LS2 which really made the GTO a rocket.
The last of a dying breed, the GTO will cease production at the end of 2006. Many people miss what it has to offer; large doses of power and an exceedingly comfortable cockpit for a reasonable price. The GTO doesn't have much competition. Many people are turned off by the seemingly bland styling, or the fact that it is an Australian-built car. About 40,000 have been sold from 2004 - 2006
"The Pontiac GTO was the first car to introduce the concept of putting a silly-stupid-powerful engine in a run-of-the-mill sedan."
"The new Pontiac GTO is an underrated well-rounded performer and a great value for money."
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400 hp Pontiac musclecar. The last GTO was a fantastic car, but sales were dismal. Three factors are usually sited for poor sales. (1) It's from Australia, not the USA. I think that would be a stupid reason not to buy the car, but, many people are stupid! (2) Looks. It looked good enough to me, but, many complained that it didn't resemble any previous GTOs. (3) Cost. Maybe there should have been a less expensive Tempest V6 (the old GTO was based on the Tempest/LeMans), a 300 hp GTO, and a 400 horse GTO JUDGE (historical name for extra potent GTO).
In street lingo, the Pontiac GTO is known as "GOAT", and a GTO owner, a "Goater".
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Holden Monaro (an Australian car) that has been rebadged for sale in america.
That Pontiac GTO is really a Holden Monaro
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