The GTO are back. Not as a Pontiac, but as a Holden in Australia produced by
HSV (Holden Special Vehicle). Holden manufactures and distributes motor vehicles,
engines, components and parts in Australia. GM is the parent company of Holden, so GM
allowed Holden to use the GTO name brand.
As to why the GTO name were chosen;
"In its search for an appropriate model name for Coupé the HSV team found one
steeped in General Motors heritage - GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato). "In the 1960s
and 70s the Pontiac GTO helped start the muscle car era and had a wonderfully
strong image," said Mark Behr, HSV National Sales & Marketing Manager."
Another reason as to why the GTO brand name was chosen is that GM may plan
on selling it in the US as a Pontiac. The Pontiac version would look identical
to the Holden version. The only change that the Pontiac GTO would have is that the
steering wheel will be on the left side instead of the right side of the car.
Notice the traditional split grill that is found on Pontiac cars. The Holden GTO
have the same split grill as seen on the Pontiacs. Could this be a hint that Pontiac GTO will make a
come back?
The GTO comes in 5 different colors, Sting Red, Quicksilver, HSV Racing Green,
Devil Yellow, and Phantom. It's powered by the 5.7L LS1 V8 engine (rated at 342hp)
and is only available as a coupe. If the GTO is released in the US as a Pontiac,
the base price would be $38,252.
If you would like to learn more about Holden GTO then
click here to link to Holden's GTO and GTS page. Also, you can
email me and tell me what you
think about the GTO.
A poll have been set up. Click here to vote on what you think
about the GTO.
