2008 Pontiac GTO
2008 Pontiac GTO
2008 Pontiac GTO
The design for the 2008 Pontiac GTO coming to Pontiac showrooms in 2007 as a 2008 model. The enormous, rear-drive sport coupe will be designed and built in the U.S, probably at GM’s Hamtramck or Wilmington plants, and it’s likely to show up in concept form at a 2006 automobile show, probably Detroit in January.
Internally called the GMX282, the 2008 Pontiac GTO will be built on GM’s new Zeta platform, now under development in Australia by GM’s Holden subsidiary. The Zeta platform brings new suspension all around, with a more complex independent rearend promising better traction and even sweeter handling. The wheelbase has grown marginally to 110 inches. The subsequent GTO will carry over the 6.0-liter, 400-horse LS2 from the current car as well as the six speed manual transmission.
The 2008 Pontiac GTO looks more muscular than the today’s model, with a fastback roofline and strong tension in the profile and pumped fenders. Overall length is down 0.8 inch To 189. The only retro nods on this auto are the wide-track Pontiac-style front end and the twin hood scoops. Ironically, the design is being done under the direction of Australian Mike Simcoe, who designed the 2008 Pontiac GTO as a Holden Monaro in 1997 and is now responsible for all GM North American cars.
The 2008 Pontiac GTO, which is predicated on the rear-wheel-drive Holden Monaro coupe, will remain in production at least thru the 2006 model year, though the Holden model will be phased out of production shortly. The next-generation GTO will be based on a new world family of rear-wheel-drive vehicles, known internally at General Motors as “Zeta Lite.”.
Whatever the reality, the 2008 Pontiac GTO is a great-performing car even if it hasn’t sold well. When production ends, the performance division of GM will be lacking a model with a V-8 torturing the rear tires for two years.
Now , Ford can’t build Mustangs quick enough, Dodge has the Charger and the Magnum on the road, and its Challenger idea is driving everyone crazy, much like the Camaro. As you can see, from a performance standpoint, Pontiac can barely afford not to field a competitive model should all these retro-performers keep growing in popularity.
Read another Pontiac reviews about : Pontiac V6 and Pontiac 455.