Ringbrothers Unveils “Billie,” a 650‑HP Carbon‑Fiber Pontiac GTO at SEMA 2026
At the opening of SEMA 2026, Wisconsin‑based Ringbrothers showcased “Billie,” a heavily modified 1965 Pontiac GTO with a supercharged LT4 V‑8.
Opening of SEMA 2026
The 2026 SEMA show opened today, featuring a new custom creation from Ringbrothers, a shop based in Wisconsin.
Ringbrothers presented a 1965 Pontiac GTO convertible they have named “Billie.”
From Tempest to GTO
Although it appears as a GTO, the vehicle originally started life as a 1965 Pontiac Tempest. Ringbrothers widened the body by five inches, reshaped the front fenders, lengthened the rocker panels, and installed carbon‑fiber doors.
The hood is also carbon fiber, fitted with billet‑aluminum inserts and an enlarged scoop to feed the engine.
Powertrain
The heart of “Billie” is Chevrolet’s LT4 supercharged 6.2‑liter V‑8, rated at 650 horsepower and 650 pound‑feet of torque. Power is sent through a Bowler Performance 10‑speed automatic transmission.
Chassis and Suspension
The body sits on a Roadster Shop Fast Track Stage III chassis. The build includes Fox coil‑over springs and six‑piston Brembo brakes.
Staggered HRE G‑Code wheels—19 inches up front and 20 inches rear—are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Exterior Details
Custom bumpers, new headlight surrounds, and a single‑piece machined billet‑aluminum taillight panel differentiate the look from the original GTO.
Carbon fiber is used on the lower front end and the rear bumper section that houses the large exhaust outlets.
The paint job, dubbed “Billie Goat Blue,” offers a rich, shimmering hue accented by polished chrome trim.
Interior Upgrades
The cabin features gray and blue leather upholstery. The dashboard has been moved four inches forward and two inches lower.
Instrumentation is modernized, a new climate‑control system is installed, and an auto‑dimming rear‑view mirror is added.
A restored factory radio now includes Bluetooth connectivity, and the aluminum trim is paired with a sweet‑wood shifter.
Build Effort
Ringbrothers reports that the entire project required more than 5,500 hours of labor.
While not as radical as some previous Ringbrothers projects, “Billie” demonstrates the shop’s skill in refining classic muscle‑car aesthetics with modern performance.
