Supples’ Pub

I was surprised to learn the GTO (or more specifically, the LS2 engine), is ULEV certified. For those not familiar with ULEV or other CARB certifications, Wiki has this to say:

A ULEV or Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle is a vehicle that has been verified by the California Air Resources Board to emit 50% less polluting emissions than the average for new cars released in that model year. The ULEV is one of a number of designations given by the CARB to signify the level of emissions that car-buyers can expect their new vehicle to produce and forms part of a whole range of designations, listed here in order of decreasing emissions:

TLEV: Transitional Low Emission Vehicle. This is the least stringent emissions standard in California. TLEVs are phased out as of 2004.

LEV: Low Emission Vehicle. All new cars sold in California starting in 2004 will have at least a LEV or better emissions rating.

ULEV: Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. ULEVs are 50% cleaner than the average new model year car.

SULEV: Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. SULEVs are 90% cleaner than the average new model year car.

PZEV: Partial Zero Emission Vehicle.

PZEVs meet SULEV tailpipe emission standards, have zero evaporative emissions and a 15 year / 150,000 mile warranty. No evaporative emissions means that they have fewer emissions while being driven than a typical gasoline car has while just sitting idle.

AT PZEV: Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle.

AT PZEVs meet the PZEV requirements and have additional “ZEV-like” characteristics. A dedicated compressed natural gas vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle with engine emissions that meet the PZEV standards would be an AT PZEV.

ZEV - Zero Emission Vehicle.

ZEVs have zero tailpipe emissions are 98% cleaner than the average new model year vehicle. These include battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

And according to the link below, the GTO is ULEV certified. It makes sense, given the LS-series engines were designed from the ground up to be powerful, efficient, cost effective, and progressive in terms of emissions standards. I was just a little surprised given, for example, that Honda does not certify its Accord with 2.4L I-4 engine for ULEV unless it is sold within California. Interesting indeed!

Link to 2006 California Certified Vehicles