Any truth to this? 09 GTO !AND! Firebird?

I hope to hell this isn't a repost. I just stumbled on this post on GMinsidenews.com

http://www.gminsidenews.com/naias/pontiacria/sitebuilder/images/Firebird3-600x375.jpg

Introduction:

Firebird enthusiasts around the world have been aching for a new Firebird ever since the discontinuation of the Camaro/Firebird twins in 2002. Hopes rise, then fall with each different piece of news. Agonizingly, Camaro fans got their wishes granted with the concrete announcement of the Camaro, eliminating the rumors and speculation surrounding that car. We've heard "Firebird's coming" and "No, there will be no Firebird". The latest news item the Firebird support team points to as evidence of a revival is the registration of the Firebird trademark. Wheather or not that holds merit is not the point. Unlike some others, we happen to believe that there is a business case to be made for the Firebird, if it shares high cost components with it's Camaro sibling. A new Firebird could bring excitement and passion to the Pontiac brand, a real "want" car that was affordable and available. Much like the mission set forth on the current Solstice. That car is accomplishing the goal of the GTO, yet, in small numbers. Pontiac needs a higher volume "want" car. Our Firebird is differentiated from the Camaro well, yet shares the greenhouse, engines and other important components. Something we felt was needed is a different interior, differentiated in the example set by the Solstice/Sky siblings. So here, we present our vision of a future Firebird, melding and blending cues from previous generations and presenting it in a new, way. Completely feasible, and easily doable, we present, the Firebird!

Specs Sheet:

Base Vehicle: Chevy Camaro
Engines, Greenhouse, Platform, Components
Engines: 3900 (3.9) V6 w/242 hp, 5300 5.3L V8 w/303 hp
Note: Various Other Options and Engine Packages
Transmissions: 5 speed manual, 6 speed Automatic

http://www.gminsidenews.com/naias/pontiacria/images/G-TO2.jpg

Introduction:

Given the notoriety and importance of the GTO, we felt it was important that it be better differentiated from it's Holden brother, so we gave the GTO it's own, dedicated body based upon the Zeta platform. We felt that, as Pontiac's "halo" vehicle, it was important that it had to have a strong connection to the past. Slotting above the Firebird, the GTO is a sporty muscle car that has fresh styling, presented in a retro light. Simply put, the GTO isn't GM's Challenger/Mustang fighter. We'll leave that to the Firebird. GTO is intended to sit at the top of Pontiac's lineup; the more expensive, higher end muscle car, positioned at a higher, less accessible price point then the Firebird. We believe it's a true GTO, paying homage to the past greats, but a car for the future. What the GTO would be like if it had continued all these years. The GTO's planned introduction date is late 2008, as a 2009.


Specs Sheet:
Base Platform: Zeta
Drive Wheels: RWD
Engines: 6000 6.0L V8 w/400 HP
Transmissions: 6 speed Automatic

Again I hope this isn't a repost. ANY truth to it?

Bob s.

Here is the link to the entire thread.

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37381

Also includes some other future pontiacs.

Bob s.

I don't think that's "official" (just because it says GM doesn't mean it is GM).

Unless something has changed, Firebird is still dead :dead:.

However, AFAIK, the GTO is being developed for a MY2009 release along with the Camaro (Zeta-based). I don't think it's "official" yet (unlike the Camaro) but I don't think it's a myth or rumour either?? :think: I know I've read about it on another board.

Bird = Still dead.....all that was made up......

They're all PS's. Those are the GMI future possibilities. They are speculation at best, and they did this for Buick as well. Personally, I think anyone who thinks GM is going to bring back Camaro, Firebird/TransAm, and GTO are off their rocker. If you read the entire thread they didn't put Solstice in the future product as well.

Okay, I just responded with this thread, but can anyone give a clear reason why GM would want two cars competing against one another so closely and in the same division? We've seen a ton of badge engineering, but this is even beyond that. Sky and Solstice are pushing it. This keeps coming up, and I just don't know where people are coming from here.

Nothing more than photochops of the camaro.

I wouldn't be too surprised if we see a Firebird and GTO in showrooms together. But I would be very surprised if they were both on the same platform.

I like that GTO!

I like the current GTO a lot better than that beast. And I mean beast in the hideous way.

The Firebird.:no: The GTO really nice.:yes: :bow:

I want a Bird, but if it looked like that pic, I WOULDN'T want it:(
I seriously doubt they will be making a Bird, but if they do, I want it to look like the other concept thats floating around.

Those are chops off of GMinsidenews.com

I want a Bird, but if it looked like that pic, I WOULDN'T want it:(
I seriously doubt they will be making a Bird, but if they do, I want it to look like the other concept thats floating around.

maybe that’s the idea. if they make them so hideous that no one will want them, then people will stop asking them to make it lol.:D

I hang around GMI alot, those are some chops that a few of the guys put together, just brainstorming some of the directions that Pontiac could go with.

man those are 2 very ugly cars:barf:

yeah those are some seriously ugly cars. I wouldn't want either, and I don't think trying to put in ever que from all the different generations is the way to go. What I mean is they should stay away from adding sides from a 69 then grill from the 70,s and other stuff from the 80,s it just doesn't piece together right.

agreed, neither of those pictures would convince me to buy one.

But last I heard the zeta has a short wheelbase and longer wheelbase platforms coming out. Theoretically under pontiac they could do firebird (short, 2 door), GTO (long, 2 door [also monte carlo under chevy with different body]) and G8 (grand prix replacement, long, 4 door [imapala same as monte]).

Seperate the pontiac/chevy cars by price, feel for of the body/suspension tuning, options, etc.

But last I heard the firebird is still dead.

The 'screaming chicken' would look more at home on the hood of that GTO.

Ugly ugly ugly

I could deal with either GTO or Firebird, but I do think Pontiac should have something.

The firebird needs a little work but looks alright.

Actually I think that bird is lookin mighty good...and I know all the more knowledgable guys here have said the bird is dead...but I really, no REALLY, want a Firebird...black, t-roofs, and the flaming chicken in gold on the hood...dare I dream it?

Cheers,

BIG

Wheather or not that holds merit..

Very professional spelling.

The Firebird.:no: The GTO really nice.:yes: :bow:
Glad you like the GTO, i did all the Photoshop work

g.loizou

Actually I think that bird is lookin mighty good...and I know all the more knowledgable guys here have said the bird is dead...but I really, no REALLY, want a Firebird...black, t-roofs, and the flaming chicken in gold on the hood...dare I dream it?

Cheers,

BIG

yeah, if the camaro comes back (which it is) then why not make the firebird in small numbers, just to keep the American Icon alive.

both look ugly as sin too

Glad you like the GTO, i did all the Photoshop work

g.loizou

Good photoshopping :thumb:, ugly cars :yuck:

Good photoshopping :thumb:, ugly cars :yuck:

Agreed.

You have top drawer abilities.

..... but it's like you're using it for evil. ;)

Okay, I just responded with this thread, but can anyone give a clear reason why GM would want two cars competing against one another so closely and in the same division? We've seen a ton of badge engineering, but this is even beyond that. Sky and Solstice are pushing it. This keeps coming up, and I just don't know where people are coming from here.

Why does Chevrolet need a Camaro when they have a Cobalt coupe?
How did Chevrolet sell a Monte Carlo & Cavalier when they also had Camaros in the showroom?

It's all about target market.

You're not the only one, but for some bizzare reason or another there's a tendancy by alot of people here to hear the term "Rear Wheel Drive Coupe" and automatically think there can be only 1 in a showroom. Add the term "V8" to the equasion, and watching the same people trying to comprehend it is like watching a computer crash. :lol:

Imagine if the last Grand Prix coupe had RWD and an LS1.

Now think of the last Firebird WS6s.

Big difference, huh? :lol:

I could get into the GTO if I was shopping for a new car right now. But it would be a compromise I would make based on the fact that I would not be able to get exactly what I want. Not that the GTO is a poor car, far from it. But there certainly exists room for a Firebird if done well. There are several ways you could get one into Pontiac showrooms and have no overlap with the GTO or the Camaro for that matter.

firebird VERY UGLY
gto..not near as ugly..but i wouldnt buy it...
Basically...YUCK YUCK YUCK

I think that anyone who beleives that the Firebird is coming back is dreaming. It is not going to happen. It doesn't make any business sence for GM to do it. The 2 door car market is very small and they are not going to compete with themselves like they have in the past. The good ol days are sadly long gone.

Okay, I just responded with this thread, but can anyone give a clear reason why GM would want two cars competing against one another so closely and in the same division?


No disrespect here, but it was done successfully for years. I can recall as a young punk in the smog-motor lead-sled days, the Trans-Am being a real thorn in my side. Camaro guys looked at them like they did Musta.... I can't even write the word. Of course, back then the T/As were still Pontiacs with Pontiac drivetrains. It was a very uncomfortable feeling when a shaker hood pull up into your rear view mirror. Probably similar to the feeling NASCAR drivers got when the black # 3 pulled up behind them .... Oh Sh**.

I'm not sure how it would go over, but there are a lot more T/A fans out there than people think. They're just not as vocal as the Camaro contingency.

This may have worked in the past, but buyers are much more diversified in their approach to cars. There mainly were coupes and sedans back in the hayday of these vehicles, and that was a smaller scope of body choices (El Camino and some wagons here and there). Now, we are seeing performance anything: vans (See Mercedes AMG63's), Hatches (Civic Si), 5-doors (Mazdaspeed 3), SUV's (TrailBlazer SS, SRT-8), and the lot. When GM looks at it's line up it must now be competitive with current consumer tastes. Why pour money into this when they can develop or creat an entirely different vehicle to compete with someone on the outside? I just don't get this form of thinking.

they are not going to build the firebird because they dont want to take anything away from the camaro. http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=462848