For the ’06 model year, the GTO is distinguished by revised taillamp styling.
The taillamp background is now gloss black instead of red. Two new colors –
Fusion Orange and Spice Red – offer none-too-subtle choices for customers who
want their Goat to stand apart from the crowd. There is also a new 18-inch wheel
design with bright spokes that further identifies the ’06 model.
As it was in the beginning, performance is at the heart of the GTO. A 6.0-liter
LS2 V-8 produces an impressive 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The
Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
is standard, while a six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission is optional. The
awesome powertrain is capable of propelling the GTO form 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and
13-second quarter mile times.
All that power is matched by the equally impressive stopping power from a
four-wheel disc performance braking package featuring vented front rotors, solid
rear rotors and bright red calipers with the GTO logo. A four-channel ABS system
is standard.
Refined Performance
The rumble of the GTO’s LS2 is a stirring reminder why V-8 power resonates with
muscle car enthusiasts. In fact, the specially-tuned dual exhaust was designed
to invoke memories of a time when hearing a car was just as important as seeing
it.
Key LS2 V-8 features include:
- Aluminum block casting with 4.00-inch cylinder bores and optimized oil
galleries
- High airflow aluminum cylinder heads
- Flat-top piston design with low ring tension for reduced friction
- Floating piston wrist pins that help maintain quiet engine operation
- High-efficiency, low-energy ignition coils
- 10.9:1 compression ratio
- Large, 90-mm single-blade throttle body
- Reduced-mass water pump design
- Powerful engine controller that incorporates all electronic throttle
control functions
Ride and handling are two more of GTO’s refined qualities. The traditional
Pontiac wide-track feel comes from a 61.4-inch front track, 62.1-inch rear
track, and is complemented by a 109.8-inch wheelbase that helps deliver a smooth
ride. A MacPherson front strut suspension and semi-trailing arm rear suspension
combine with specially tuned spring rates and strut valving, variable ratio
power steering, and direct-acting stabilizer bars to provide an ideal blend of
performance and comfort. Traction control and a limited-slip differential are
standard equipment. The GTO is definitely a driver’s car, but one that is smooth
and comfortable for everyday commuting. ...Pontiac GTO: Page 2
