The fourth generation of the Pontiac GTO was produced from 2004 to 2006. It marked the revival of the iconic GTO nameplate after a long hiatus and represented a modern interpretation of the classic American muscle car.
Introduced in 2004, the fourth-gen GTO was based on the Australian-built Holden Monaro and was imported to the United States as a Pontiac model.
The design of the modern GTO was more understated compared to its predecessors, featuring smooth lines and a subtle nod to classic GTO styling cues. Its appearance aimed to blend a contemporary look with a touch of nostalgia.
Under the hood, the fourth-gen GTO was powered by a potent 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine or an even more powerful 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine in later model years. These engines delivered impressive performance, with horsepower ranging from 350 to 400, and substantial torque for strong acceleration.
The GTO featured a rear-wheel-drive layout and was available with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Although the fourth-gen GTO received praise for its powerful performance and capable handling, it faced challenges in terms of its styling and marketing. Some enthusiasts felt that the design didn't fully capture the essence of the iconic GTOs of the past.
Ultimately, low sales numbers and changing market demands led to the discontinuation of the modern GTO after the 2006 model year.
The fourth generation of the Pontiac GTO was a valiant effort to revive the iconic nameplate and pay homage to its storied heritage. While it had its admirers among performance enthusiasts, its production run was relatively short-lived, and the GTO nameplate has not been used by Pontiac since then.
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