New Car Review of the 2005 Pontiac GTO Mid-Size Coupe

Description: Mid-Size Coupe
Base MSRP Range: $31,795
Invoice Price Range: $29,410
Where built: Australia

Pontiac revived the nameplate for its muscle-car icon from the 1960s in a modern interpretation that emerged in 2004 with a V8 engine out of the Corvette sports car. The hallowed GTO badge applies to the shapely two-door body of a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) coupe called Monaro that's built by Holden, a GM subsidiary in Australia.

Then it's spiked with Corvette's engine, which for 2005 upgrades to the new LS2 V8 pumping 400-hp. And GTO totes 'Vette transmissions. Standard is a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic, but a close-ratio manual by Tremec with six forward gears is optional. GTO also carries a limited slip differential linked to TCS and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

The body, conformed with GTO characteristics of a long prow and curt tail, reveals curvilinear shapes with scant overhangs fore and aft. A 2+2 cockpit contains bolstered buckets in color-coordinated leather, a steering wheel in satin-finish chrome, plus metal pedals and a premium sound system. New models gain a dual-exhaust system and such exterior options as a hood scoop.