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2006 Pontiac GTO
GTO – three legendary letters that started and defined a muscle car phenomenon in 1964. More than four decades later, the 2006 Pontiac GTO is the spiritual leader of modern muscle.
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.
Premium Interior
Premium materials and outstanding design are evident throughout the ’06 GTO. Seating configuration is 2+2 with the rear seats being as supportive and stylish as the front sport seats. All-leather seating and a leather-covered steering wheel and shifter knob continue the luxury theme.
Contrasting materials and colors accentuate the GTO’s contemporary interior styling. Interior seat and trim colors may be coordinated to the exterior color with red, blue and black interiors available. For ’06, new orange stitching on the seats, armrests and other interior trim items can be matched to the new Fusion Orange exterior color, along with orange-background instruments. Racing-inspired drilled metallic pedals, satin nickel-look accent trim, and stainless steel sill plates emphasize the GTO’s sporty nature.
2006 GTOs are very well equipped with a thoughtful package of interior amenities, including new illuminated steering wheel radio controls. Other features include:- Blaupunkt 200-watt audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers
- Console with storage compartment, an additional accessory power outlet and two cupholders
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Rear defogger
- Power door locks with lockout protection
- Programmable keyless entry with laser-etched key for added security
- Eight-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats with power-assisted rear seat access feature
- Tilting and telescoping adjustable steering wheel with illuminated steering wheel radio controls
- Power windows with driver and passenger express-down feature
- Daytime running lamps with automatic headlamp control
- Theft and content deterrent system
- Integrated, multi-function driver information center
An integrated driver information center located below the instrument cluster includes readouts for average speed, average miles per gallon, trip odometer, trip time remaining, trip distance remaining, fuel used and instant fuel mileage. There’s even a stopwatch feature and a user-programmable overspeed alarm.
When it comes to safety, the GTO delivers with dual frontal air bags and three-point safety belts in all seating positions. Retractors for front outboard seating positions have built-in load limiters that allow a controlled amount of give in the belt, thereby reducing the peak load on the chest during the “ride down” in a crash. There also are built-in child safety seat anchors.
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