Q: Next question, since we are on the topic of transmissions: Will the new 5-speed be available in the GTO? (I do not want to start a whole new topic.)

A: No. The manual transmission in the GTO is the same Tremec close-ratio six-speed available in the Corvette ZO6. The automatic will be a specifically calibrated 4L60-E four speed. These are the only transmissions for the 2004. Will things change in the future? All things are possible.

Q: What will be the gto accessories?

A: We working on several possibilities, including rocker panels and other body moldings, a hood with scoops, and a rear fascia with two exhaust ports, that could be available as soon as the first part of 2004.

Q: Why does both exhaust pipes come out on one side of the car, and not split like on most dual exhaust cars?

A: It was a timing and money trade-off. Porting the pipes to the same side allowed us to use some of the Monaro’s original rear fascia. We are investigating offering a rear fascia with two exhaust ports as an accessory in early 2004 and we are actively looking at something different for the 2005 model.

But, I don’t want you to get hung up on the where the two pipes exit the car. The GTO does have a true dual exhaust system with separate cats, mufflers, and resonators, no mixing of gases from manifold to exhaust tips.

Q: 1. I've visited the Holden web site and the HSV web site as well. Many of the first GTO photos showed HSV rotors as opposed to the stock Holden units. Will the GTO have the brake system and suspension from the HSV vehicle?

A: The HSV version is an aftermarket, upfitted car created by Holden Specialty Vehicles, a separate company from Holden. It contains a lot of extra parts and would cost upwards of $50,000 if sold in the U.S.
The GTO will feature four-wheel disc brakes with a Bosch 4-channel, 4-wheel ABS system. This configuration is consistent with the current Monaro.

Q: 2. Why is the manual transmission an "extra cost" option? A GTO is a driver's car not a Blvd runner - the option should be for the auto. Shame on GM for charging extra for the 6-speed - That, in effect, is an underhanded way of lowering the base price. I'll wager that the majority of GTO's will be ordered with the 6-speed. BTW, the Crossfire comes standard with a manual, and costs extra for the 5-speed automatic.

A: The basic reason the manual transmission is an extra change is that this particular manual costs a whole lot more than the automatic (kind of a change from years past, huh?). The Tremec T56 six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission offered in the GTO is not your average manual. It’s the same high-performance unit found in the Corvette ZO6.

Q: 3. Will the GTO have the basic amenities that the Holden offers? (i.e., driver seat memory, identical multi-function computer, etc.)

A: The GTO will offer many of the same amenities offered in the Holden Monaro, including a driver information center and powered memory seats. , standard leather seating, keyless entry, steering wheel controls … and the list goes on. The GTO will not have memory seats however.
Q: 4. Since Callaway supplies HSV with higher output LS1 engines, will you Pontiac guys "persuade" Reeves to allow GTO buyers to purchase CNC heads rebuilds?

A: I can’t speak for Callaway, but there are a lot of performance parts already on the market for the LS1 V8 found in the GTO, so you should have no problem finding ways to enhance your performance.
And, by the way, I hope you enjoy your new GTO.

"Sir, will GM offer the higher performance LS-6 V8 as well as the current LS-1, say, in a future higher-performance model (like the old Judge, which Matt mentioned)?"

We’re not closing the door on the possibility of a “performance-model” of the GTO, but right now we are concentrating on the 2004 model with the LS1 engine. Stay tuned, because the one thing I know for certain is that this car is going to be around for a while, and it’s going to evolve.

Q: Until there is some real-world usage of cylinder deactivation (in automobile) using GM's current system, I (and I suspect many others) will consider another overly complex and intrusive way to exploit the EPA's outdated and farcical mileage requirements. Effectively losing half your cylinders while still requiring them to be accelerated along with the rest of the reciprocating mass, as well as requiring each dead cylinder to compress and return the trapped air (effectively acting as a spring) is not what any engineer outside the corporate culture of GM would consider effective, efficient or elegant. Also, doesn't the added mass of the pushrod-disconnect (not sure of the proper term) in turn require stiffer valve springs, and therefore more loss due to the valvetrain even when all eight cylinders are firing?

A: The electronic Displacement-on-Demand system you are describing actually works amazing well on the vehicles I have driven. However, the GTO will NOT have a displacement-on-demand system.

The GTO will offer many of the same amenities offered in the Holden Monaro, including a driver information center and powered memory seats. , standard leather seating, keyless entry, steering wheel controls … and the list goes on. The GTO will not have memory seats however.

Originally posted by Ude-lose
what i can see is that the GTO is more commodore SS spec where the Monaro is more Berlina/Calais spec, its how they kept the price down (no memory seats, no climate, 17" rims etc etc.

what i can see though is the money they have spent, is on performance/power/handling , i think the americans will be shocked, as well as the aussies which aren't accustomed to GM's "power ratings",

lol then the aussies will b*tch- "hey why don't we get that at the same price ??!!!"

Originally posted by Evilfrog
If it the T-56 costs so much more the the 4L60-E, way was it a free option in the F-bodies. (or am i missing something?)