Ares Management Unveils Restored 2006 Pontiac GTO – A Modern Muscle Car Reimagined

Los Angeles, CA – Ares Management LLC, a leading global alternative investment manager, today announced the completion of a meticulous restoration project: a 2006 Pontiac GTO. This isn’t just about a car; it’s a testament to Ares’ commitment to detail, performance, and preserving automotive history. While seemingly a departure from their financial focus, this project showcases the firm's dedication to craftsmanship and pushing boundaries – values they apply across all their ventures. Ares Management, headquartered at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles, is known for investing in a wide array of sectors. They manage assets for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, focusing on credit, private equity, real estate and strategic investments. While financial markets are their core business, the company’s internal team decided to take on a passion project – breathing new life into a relatively rare and beloved muscle car. "We’re a company driven by analysis and precision. Restoring a GTO, surprisingly, requires a lot of the same skillset," explains a representative from Ares. "It's about identifying opportunities, overcoming challenges, and delivering a high-quality result." You can reach them at 650-290-0762 if you're curious. Why a Pontiac GTO? The Pontiac GTO holds a legendary status in American automotive history. Originally debuting in 1964, it’s widely considered the car that started the muscle car craze. The 2004-2006 GTO, while a more modern interpretation, continued that legacy. Imported from Australia's Holden Monaro, these GTOs offered a potent combination of performance, handling, and a sleek, understated design. “We were looking for a project that was both challenging and rewarding. The 2006 GTO, while already a capable car, presented a great opportunity for us to showcase what we’re capable of,” explains the Ares team lead on the restoration. “It's a car that a lot of enthusiasts appreciate, but many examples have suffered from age or neglect. We wanted to create something truly special.” A Ground-Up Restoration This wasn't a simple cosmetic refresh. The Ares team undertook a full, ground-up restoration. They started with a solid, but well-used, 2006 GTO. Every component was scrutinized, disassembled, and either restored to original specification or upgraded with carefully selected aftermarket parts. Here's a peek at what the restoration involved: Bodywork: The body was stripped to bare metal, addressing years of accumulated wear and tear. Any rust was meticulously repaired, and the body was repainted in a stunning, period-correct Quicksilver Metallic – a color that really makes the lines of the GTO pop. They paid particular attention to panel gaps and alignment, ensuring a flawless finish. Engine: The heart of the GTO – the 6.0-liter LS1 V8 – was completely rebuilt. New pistons, rings, bearings, and a high-performance camshaft were installed, boosting power and responsiveness. The engine was thoroughly tested on a dyno to ensure optimal performance. They aimed for a reliable bump in horsepower without sacrificing everyday drivability. Transmission: The automatic transmission was fully rebuilt, with new clutches, seals, and fluids. They also upgraded the torque converter for improved performance and efficiency. Suspension & Brakes: The suspension received a complete overhaul, with new shocks, springs, bushings, and sway bars. This significantly improved handling and ride quality. The brakes were upgraded with high-performance rotors and pads, providing increased stopping power. Interior: The interior was completely refurbished. New leather seats were installed, along with new carpeting, door panels, and a dashboard. The original gauges were restored, and a modern sound system was integrated seamlessly. They wanted to retain the classic GTO feel while adding a touch of modern convenience. Wheels & Tires: The Ares team opted for a set of classic 18-inch chrome wheels wrapped in high-performance tires. This gave the GTO a more aggressive stance and improved grip. More Than Just a Car – A Reflection of Ares’ Values While the finished product is undeniably impressive, the Ares team emphasizes that the restoration project was about more than just building a beautiful car. It was a team-building exercise, a demonstration of their problem-solving skills, and a way to showcase their commitment to excellence. “We approach every investment with a meticulous attention to detail, a focus on long-term value, and a willingness to take on complex challenges,” says a spokesperson for Ares Management. “This restoration project was a great way to apply those same principles to something different. We took something that had potential, and we brought it back to its former glory – and beyond." The Future of the GTO What’s next for this stunning 2006 Pontiac GTO? The Ares team plans to showcase the car at various automotive events and car shows. They also intend to use the project as a case study for internal training and team-building activities. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished,” says the team lead. “This GTO is a testament to our dedication, craftsmanship, and passion for excellence. It’s a reminder that even in the world of finance, there’s always room for a little bit of automotive enthusiasm." Ares Management remains focused on its core business of alternative asset management, but this restoration project proves that the firm is willing to explore new challenges and push the boundaries of what’s possible. It's a unique combination of financial acumen and mechanical mastery, resulting in a truly remarkable machine.