Page 1 of 1 Pontiac will expand its motorsports program in 2005 when the Pontiac GTO takes on European, Asian and American rivals in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. Pontiac will become the first manufacturer to produce cars to meet the new GT regulations in 2005. The GTO race cars will have production-based LS2 small-block V-8 engines and retain the stock body design. They will incorporate safety features developed by GM Racing in the Corvette C5-R and Cadillac CTS-V racing programs. Teams and drivers will be announced at a future date.
The Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series will showcase the Pontiac GTO's potent capabilities. In production trim, the new-generation GTO offers a sophisticated blend of performance, handling, comfort and value. On the race track, the use of production-based powertrains and body panels will provide opportunities to demonstrate the GTO's virtues against an international field of competitors that includes Ferrari, Porsche and BMW.
The new 6.0-liter (364 ci) LS2 engine that powers the production 2005 GTO provides a strong foundation for the racing version. In stock trim, the LS2 produces 400 horsepower; with only minor modifications developed by GM Powertrain, the LS2 easily achieves the 450-horsepower maximum output specified by Grand American regulations. Open exhaust headers, a free-flowing induction system, a competition camshaft and a road racing dry-sump oiling system are the only changes from stock. The LS2 engine is heir to the rich racing heritage of GM's small-block V-8; the most successful production-based engine in motorsports.
In addition to the GTO road racing program announced today, Pontiac will continue its Pro Stock program in the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series in 2005. Page 1 of 1