Review: 2005 Pontiac GTO - Extra Grunt for the Goat

[Ming]

2005 Pontiac GTO
Extra Grunt for the Goat: More power on tap is a recipe for serious fun
TOM TRACE
Published Date: 4/25/05

2005 PONTIAC GTO
ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $32,995
POWERTRAIN: 6.0-liter, 400-hp, 400-lb-ft V8; rwd, four-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 3800 lbs
0 to 60 MPH: 5.2 seconds (est.)

Despite the wallflower appearance of the 2004 Pontiac GTO, its heart befit its namesake. The car’s driving dynamics proved to be on par with many popular sport coupes.

The new goat doesn’t get much better-looking, but it does get another slap in the rump. The 6.0-liter LS2 V8 replaces the 5.7-liter LS1 engine as standard equipment for 2005, giving the raucous GTO an extra 50 hp and 35 lb-ft of torque. The spec sheet now reads 400 hp, 400 lb-ft. That’s a recipe for serious fun that will likely attract the next wave of horsepower mongers who want the Corvette’s drivetrain and hardware in a tidy package that can carry a few extra passengers.

Pontiac brought us to one of the most respected high-speed playgrounds in the land to test-drive the 2005 GTO, the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance in Phoenix. Under the close supervision of the Bondurant staff, we were reminded why styling isn’t everything.


The new GTO is hot and could embarrass most cars from a stoplight: The six-speed model is estimated to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds. The LS2 V8 features a compression ratio of 10.9:1. The snarling 6.0-liter redlines at 6500 rpm, basically begging to be challenged.

A four-speed automatic transmission comes standard on the GTO, with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission optional. The manual shifts easily, and you don’t need to search for the proper gear when you feel inclined to push the car to its limit.

Some may curse the notion, but we found with 400 hp now available, a strong argument can be made for buying the automatic-equipped GTO. Power still pours on evenly, and there is enough muscle in each gear to keep an enthusiast satisfied. Interestingly enough, Pontiac estimates 50 percent of 2005 GTO buyers (mostly males in their 40s) will choose the automatic.

This GTO is a balanced car, unlike the original sled that built its reputation on straight-line heroics. Beefier brakes are added to the performance-tuned suspension, resulting in a slight stopping advantage over the ’04 model. The short test drive proved the 2005 GTO can chew up a road course once you become moderately comfortable with executing techniques such as throttle steer and trail-braking.

Along with a decent dose of road-course thrashing in the latest GTO, we were also treated to a short drifting exercise that was mainly for smiles and maybe a little promotion of Bondurant’s new drifting school. But the session showcased the GTO’s overall performance characteristics, and further solidifies the car’s place among its key competitors, including the Mazda RX-8, BMW 3 Series and Chrysler Crossfire.

From a performance standpoint the 2005 GTO is a relative bargain. Priced under $33,000, few other vehicles serve up this much excitement for the money. The 400 horses should be adequate for most, but already tuners are offering performance upgrades that will turn this latest GTO into a real monster.

http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=102201

[atomicshark]

OK I was going to post this a few days ago but I got lazy. This review is not bad but has some points I need to bring up.

Autoweek lists an estimated 0-60 of 5.2 sec. when they could have easily just used GM's 4.6 sec (auto) and 4.7 sec (manual) numbers. Why give it such a seamingly weak estimate?

In the magazine they listed the discontinued Acura CL as a competitor (removed on the web). They should have thrown in the G35 instead. Shouldn't these writers know what cars are dead or not?

The 04 GTO had a dual exhaust, not a "single pipe design" as stated.

The GTO logo was not "added" to the front fenders for 05. The 04's had them too.

Extra badging was not added to the rear of the 05. It is just different badging indicating the 6.0 L engine.

I am probably nitpicking, but this bothered me all weekend.

[actionjack]

"Despite the wallflower appearance of the 2004 Pontiac GTO" & "The new goat doesn’t get much better-looking"

The GTO is still getting raped on the looks department but no one can spit at the HP numbers. The 2005 is packing a nice amount of heat. But, I think the sales will still be much lower than where they could be with a better styling.

Also, it will be nice when GM starts using a 6 speed Auto vs. the 4 speed. I am one of those that drives an Auto over a Manual because it is a daily driver and the manual is best for a "fun" car (IMO).

For the 2006 model year it would be cool if GM replaced the grille for something like the "woodward cruise GTO" grille and put a 6 speed auto in it.

[Vintalage]

I just wish this car had some options like sunroof and auto climate. That is why I would have to make it my weekend/fun car if I were to purchase it.

[hudson32]

Great bargain for 400 horses. I agree that Automatic climate control is a curious omission for a car in this sort of class. But overall, I'd still take one.

[Vintalage]

Originally Posted by hudson32

Great bargain for 400 horses. I agree that Automatic climate control is a curious omission for a car in this sort of class. But overall, I'd still take one.

So would I. Drove an '05 auto for the first time today at autoshow in motion. Fun, fun, fun! I'd pick up a M6 though. Probably used. Can't take the depreciation anymore with American cars. It is painful.