Future of the GTO

[Col85GT]

Anyone read anything about putting an LS2/LS6 in there? or the future LS6 which would probably be the LS7? Some hood scoops and fender flares maybe to add some wider tires? I'm trying to narrow down my choices for a few years from now when i'm ready ti buy a new car.... So far i've got a used 99-00 GTS (not new, but hey, it's a Viper damnit) new GTO, or new Mustang. I'd really like the GTO but i'd like some more power (LS1 is plenty, but more never hurt) and maybe a little bit more agresive styling...

[MapleRed]

I've heard that there will be a version of the LS2 in there as the LS1/LS6 will be phased out soon. Will there be an LS7 offered in later model years? I don't know but I wouldn't be suprised. As for hoodscoops, the 05 model is supposed to have them as either optional or standard.

[brandon]

I asked some people at the Auto Show today about future GTO engines. The lady working the stage didn't know anything certain, and some gooch told me, "yep, it's got a corvette motor in it." I pressed no further with him.

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by brandon
I asked some people at the Auto Show today about future GTO engines. The lady working the stage didn't know anything certain, and some gooch told me, "yep, it's got a corvette motor in it." I pressed no further with him.

Talking to anyone at an autoshow was your first mistake!


As for the future of the GTO. After its 3 year run from down under, the GTO could/will be made here. IF the GTO gets the green light for 07, which looks to have already happend, the chances of a Camaro coming is 99% confirmed. The GTO and Camaro will be made on the new Zeta chassis. Zeta is a hyrbid chassis that takes the Sigma chassis(CTS, SRX, STS) and merged it with the V chassis that the present Holdens and GTO ride on. This provides a very strong, and cheap flexable platform to where you can see 50k AWD Bucks to 19k Camaros. This Zeta chassis will be used by GM here in NA, to replace the Holden chassis, and all around the world. The GTO will be, if not already, designed in house and expect a much more agressive styling, but not too over the top like the TA.
The first of these Zeta cars will show up this April at teh NYC auto show. Buick will show off their brand new 2dr convertable. Insiders say that this same chassis will underpin the next Camaro. The GTO will get a larger form of the Zeta, and something like a Impalla sedan could get an extended Zeta chassis. So keep a close lookout on the Buick coupe next month. The dimentions will be the next Camaro.

[brandon]

What about an LS2 or LS6 or such in the monaro-based GTO?

[derf]

Originally posted by brandon
What about an LS2 or LS6 or such in the monaro-based GTO?

The GTO will not get an LS2 until it's been in the Corvette for at least a year. It might get the LS6 next year, depending on what gets released in the C6.

[Big Als Z28]

It all depends on what Holden does with the Monaro. If Holden goes to the Gen IV motors next year, the GTO will get teh LS2. If Holden waits till 07 when its new chassis hits market, then we wont see this GTO with an LS2.
Chances are we will see a "performance" GTO that uses left over LS6 parts sometime in the next 2 years.

[Chief Pontiac]

The April 2004 issue of HHP had a rumor about the GTO getting a LS2 400 hp motor.They say it will be a 6L derivative of the Gen III small block with LS6 heads.
It will also have the knock sensors moved between the #5 and #6 cylinders.Also a redesigned coil pack and plug wires have been revised.It should also get the Vettes "Drive by wire" system.

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by Chief Pontiac
The April 2004 issue of HHP had a rumor about the GTO getting a LS2 400 hp motor.They say it will be a 6L derivative of the Gen III small block with LS6 heads.
It will also have the knock sensors moved between the #5 and #6 cylinders.Also a redesigned coil pack and plug wires have been revised.It should also get the Vettes "Drive by wire" system.

If it gets a 6.0, then its gunna probably be the LS2. Remember, Holden doesnt follow the rules we do here in the US. They have a whole line of cars that use the Gen III motors, and arent trucks. When its time to bring in some new power, they want it asap. They dont have to worry about a Vette being top dog. So if the Holdens get their hands on a LS2, and start putting them into Utes, Commodores, and Monaros, the GTO will get the LS2. It will be a detuned version, just like the LS1 they have there is detuned version. I belive there LS1's are around 300hp.
Any movement of the knock sensors talk sounds like they are talking about the moving of them to outside instead of putting them inside like on Gen III motors. And I belive the 6.0 motor already has LS6 style heads. Also, redesigned coil packs and wires sound like LS2 info. And Im not sure, but I thought the GTO has drive by wire already? Could be wrong.

[Rick76]

According to an insider who works at Holden (not a BSer) several pilot build GTO/Monaros went down the line last year with LS2 6.0L, hood scoops and dual side exiting exhaust.

Spy photos have been shown on the net (as seen recently) and magazines. There was pictures around of the rear end of a test mule with the dual exhaust and LHD stickers about 6 months ago. Several of the Aussie LS1 Forum members have seen Monaro/GTO/Lumina SS Coupe (for Middle East) test cars driving around that supposedly sound noticeably different to the current vehicles ;)

Holden will be releasing the HFV6 and new auto in the updated VZ Commodore around September this year. Some were hoping the LS2 would arrive at the same time but it might have to wait another 12+ months after that for VZII (if there is one) or the all new Commodore VE? (Zeta/Sigma-lite platform).

I guess we will all have to wait and see when the LS2 will arrive but the hood scoops and exhaust are definitely coming.

[Big Als Z28]

Well, Holden holds the keys to the LS2 making its way into the GTO. If it doesnt happen, GM could use up old left over parts from Z06's and throw them on a certain % of GTO's and make a performance model.

Rick, What HFV6 are they using? the 3.6? And what kinda auto trans? 5 or 6spd? I heard Holden and GM were working hard ona 6spd auto and that the Zeta chassis we designed to use this trans.
And is holden gunna go through all that chassis modification before Zeta/VE? I know that GM will show off its Zeta/VE car next month. I acutaly just got the pictures of it in my Email today and looks really good. Its the Buick Velite and IMO its nothing that you would expect from Buick, but its very Buick at the same time. Think of a Lexus SC430 on steriods. It only looks to be getting a V6, probably the HF 3.6. Id like to see more OHC V8 motors out of GM other then the Northstars. As much as I love push rods, Buicks and Caddies need OHC. Save the pushrods for us Chevy and Pontiac HP adicts.

[Rick76]

The VZ is just going to be the same platform as the current VYII model with a minor facelift (probably slightly different front end, different wheels, colours, trim, minor suspension tweaks, etc).

The main change is powertrain. They will be throwing out the current Buick based 152kw/204hp 3.8 V6 (which has been powering 6cyl Commodores since 1988) in favour of the HFV6. Supposedly the HFV6 for use in Holdens will be built in 3.8L capacity. From memory it will be using the 5L40 5 speed auto trans.

At least this is what the press has been telling us is going to happen for the last few years. Recently some are reporting that we wont even get the HFV6, let alone the LS2, until VE :confused:

A lot of Holden fans are hoping they will use the TT version in a performance model at some stage. I cant remember what capacity it is but its destined for either SAAB or Alfa and around 300hp (no doubt with huge potential like any other turbo engine).

When the LS2 arrives (probably VE) the auto behind that is supposed to be a 6 speed.

Holdens New Engine Plant (http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/news?categoryID=6&articleID=1001&navCategoryId=all)

[Chief Pontiac]

Al I tried to find out about the "drive by wire" system on the GTO.But the GM site doesnt say anything about it so I really dont know.

[Big Als Z28]

Originally posted by Rick76
The VZ is just going to be the same platform as the current VYII model with a minor facelift (probably slightly different front end, different wheels, colours, trim, minor suspension tweaks, etc).

The main change is powertrain. They will be throwing out the current Buick based 152kw/204hp 3.8 V6 (which has been powering 6cyl Commodores since 1988) in favour of the HFV6. Supposedly the HFV6 for use in Holdens will be built in 3.8L capacity. From memory it will be using the 5L40 5 speed auto trans.

At least this is what the press has been telling us is going to happen for the last few years. Recently some are reporting that we wont even get the HFV6, let alone the LS2, until VE :confused:

A lot of Holden fans are hoping they will use the TT version in a performance model at some stage. I cant remember what capacity it is but its destined for either SAAB or Alfa and around 300hp (no doubt with huge potential like any other turbo engine).

When the LS2 arrives (probably VE) the auto behind that is supposed to be a 6 speed.

Holdens New Engine Plant (http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/news?categoryID=6&articleID=1001&navCategoryId=all)

Well, if its a high value V6, its gunna probably be the 3.9 that makes 240hp which will probably end up being the same base engine in the Camaro. It will be in a few other cars coming up too.
If its the high feature v6, it will probably be the 3.6 that makes 255-265hp. Its used in the CTS, SRX, and upcoming STS from caddy, and its going to be put in the new Buick Lacrosse.
The 3.6 is an expensive motor. Its a DOHC VVT engine and the 3.9 is a OHV engine, but there are rumors of the 3.9 getting a 3v head and VVT set up for a high performance pontiac that makes 270 or more hp.
And chances are that they will wait fill VE to come around. Kinda sucks, that we all have to wait at least 2 more years to finaly use this chassis. I hate waiting.

[Rick76]

Definitely the HFV6 but in 3.8L capacity. It is rumoured to be producing about 255hp (same as 3.6) but I guess it would produce a bit more torque. Holden has supposedly been running the HFV6 in the current VY chassis already (last year - possibly earlier) which suggests stronlgly that we are getting it in the VZ later this year.

According to the Holden website.....

"These engines will power future Holdens from 2004 and plans are being developed to export to other markets in the United States, Europe and Asia.

The global V6 engine family was developed by GM Powertrain, which has a mission to develop the world's best powertrains. The engine boasts all-aluminium construction and comes in three displacement sizes - 2.8 litre, 3.2 litre and 3.6 litre - with the capacity to be expanded to 3.8 litre.

The all-aluminium construction offers features such as dual overhead camshafts, 24-valve per engine and continuously variable cam phasing."

[Big Als Z28]

well, the 2.8 3.2 and 3.6 and 3.8 sound like the HF V6's. The only HVV6 I know of is teh 3.6 in the Caddies. It uses OHC, 24v, and VVT. Known as the "mini-northstars." I havent heard of a 3.8, but Ill ask around.
The 3.9 makes 240hp, but could make more hp by the time it sees the street. That is a OHV engine.