- When it comes to American Muscle Cars, the Pontiac GTO is frequently mentioned. The 1964 GTO was considered, by many, to be the beginning of the American Muscle Car era. After being introduced in 1964, the GTO went through six generations before finally being discontinued in 1974. In 2004, Pontiac revived the GTO nameplate for three model-years, before it disappeared once again.
- The 2004 Pontiac GTO was available in only one trim, pure muscle. Concealed under the hood of the GTO was a 5.7-liter, V-8 engine---the same found in the base Corvette of the time. In the 2004 Pontiac GTO, the 16-valve, V-8 engine produced 320 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 365 foot pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. 2004 models could launch from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and hustle through the quarter-mile in 14 seconds. This made the 2004 model the fastest GTO to date---2005 and 2006 models received a power increase.
- Operating at peak performance requires a delicate balance of the power to weight ratio. The 2004 Pontiac GTO measured 189.9 inches long, 72.5 inches wide, 54.5 inches high and had a curb weight of 3,725 pounds. Inside the GTO was standard seating for four-passengers. Leg room for front passengers was 42.2 inches and 37.1 inches of rear passengers.
- Helping make the 2004 Pontiac GTO a strong performer was a long list of standard features that included a limited slip differential, Macpherson struts, four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, traction control, W-speed rated tires, disc brakes, 4-wheel ABS, electronic brake distribution and a multi-link rear suspension.
- Aaron Robinson of Car and Driver said, "It doesn't look like the old goat. That's the harshest indictment we can make against this new Pontiac GTO".
Arthur St. Antoine of Motor Trend said, "This may not be the most memorable shape behind today's showroom glass, but we applaud Pontiac's decision to skip the bolt-on body cladding and the shaving-mirror chrome wheels--indeed, the body is entirely free of "I'm a musclecar" costume."
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