2010 - 2015 Camaro News, Sightings, Pictures, and Multimedia All 2010 - 2011 - 2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 Camaro news, photos, and videos

AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:22 PM
  #16  
93Zblack's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 37
From: Missouri
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

I may be the only one thinking this, but IF they do bring back the firebird, PLEASE give it some new lines. The from the way the camaro looks now I just dont see any changes that would look natural. If you know what i mean
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:30 PM
  #17  
RussStang's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,011
From: Exton, Pennsylvania
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

I think the Firebird and Camaro powertrains could stay indentical. It just seems to me that it would be a good idea to have the Firebird return as a fully modern car, with no retroness to speak of in it at all. It would be a great alternative to someone who was turned off by the Camaro, and that way it would help keep them out of each other's sales to some degree.

I fully modern, very aggressive looking Firebird (with dash gauges instead of the awful console ones) would definitely get attention from me.
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:34 PM
  #18  
SNEAKY NEIL's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,072
From: Lilburn, GA, USA
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Originally Posted by Z284ever
Afew months ago I was 100% sure that there would be no new Firebird. But recently, I've been feeling more like 95% sure there would be no new Firebird.

If there is to be a new gen Firebird, I would really want it to distance itself from Camaro. Let the Firebird sprout some wings and and take flight, so to speak.

Maybe Firebird can replace the next gen Epsilon 2 G6. (I hear the moaning already). Pontiac could really use a max effort, aggressively styled, FWD/AWD coupe. With some serious powertrains as well. I'm thinking turbo HF V6's and 6 speed autos and manuals.

Well, I think it's a good idea anyway. There would be some crossover shopping with Camaro, but would not necessarily be interchangeable, ( as in the past)...and Firebird could then appeal to new and different market niche's .

Ah, never mind. Most of you guys would probably rather see Pontiac killed off.....



You know what, I'm gonna get flamed anyway, so ...WTF...I also want a shaker hoodscoop that says T/A 3.6 Turbo.
You have never been a fan of Firebirds have you?

I think we all can agree that the Firebird would be better off to distance itself from the Camaro but I don't think a fwd next gen G6 is the answer.

Like I said before, I think a modern designed muscle/sports coupe with completely different styling and different proportions to the Camaro would be great and would cover that segment of the market very well. Retro or modern, you will be covered. Maybe add AWD in the mix for a much different driving experience and maybe a full line of forced induction motors in contrast with naturally aspirated motors of the Camaro. This type of vehicle seems to lend itself to what Pontiac is and is trying to become. I think it would be a real shame to water down the Firebird and relegate it to common family duty.
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:36 PM
  #19  
RamAirBird2k2's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 49
From: Tornado Alley
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Originally Posted by Z284ever
Afew months ago I was 100% sure that there would be no new Firebird. But recently, I've been feeling more like 95% sure there would be no new Firebird.

If there is to be a new gen Firebird, I would really want it to distance itself from Camaro. Let the Firebird sprout some wings and and take flight, so to speak.

Maybe Firebird can replace the next gen Epsilon 2 G6. (I hear the moaning already). Pontiac could really use a max effort, aggressively styled, FWD/AWD coupe. With some serious powertrains as well. I'm thinking turbo HF V6's and 6 speed autos and manuals.

Well, I think it's a good idea anyway. There would be some crossover shopping with Camaro, but would not necessarily be interchangeable, ( as in the past)...and Firebird could then appeal to new and different market niche's .

Ah, never mind. Most of you guys would probably rather see Pontiac killed off.....



You know what, I'm gonna get flamed anyway, so ...WTF...I also want a shaker hoodscoop that says T/A 3.6 Turbo.
The tubo six, yeah OK that'd be cool, but if you make it FWD FORGET IT RWD or AWD or just leave it dead
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:41 PM
  #20  
Z284ever's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Originally Posted by SNEAKY NEIL
You have never been a fan of Firebirds have you?

.
OMG! I am a huge Firebird fan.

But I have no desire to see Firebird repeat it's last gen formula (no pun intended). It was after all, a business failure.

Really, I haven't heard one compelling argument for a Camaro based Firebird. Not even one.
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:41 PM
  #21  
stars1010's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,121
From: Houston
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

I'll believe this when I see one roll out of the plant.....
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:46 PM
  #22  
graham's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,887
From: northeast Miss.
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Originally Posted by Z284ever
OMG! I am a huge Firebird fan.

But I have no desire to see Firebird repeat it's last gen formula (no pun intended). It was after all, a business failure.

Really, I haven't heard one compelling argument for a Camaro based Firebird. Not even one.
I wouldnt think it was a big failure. If a Camaro has to sell 125,000 to be a hit then a 1st cousin Firebird wouldnt need to sell what, 12,500 units to be a hit? Think about it. They dont share cost 50/50.... A Camaro is made for 100 mil, then they bring back the Firbird for... what? another 10-15 mil?
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:49 PM
  #23  
SNEAKY NEIL's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,072
From: Lilburn, GA, USA
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Originally Posted by Z284ever

But I have no desire to see Firebird repeat it's last gen formula (no pun intended). It was after all, a business failure.
So was the Camaro but it will be back. The Firebird did just fine along the Camaro for the rest of it's life before the last gen.


Originally Posted by Z284ever
Really, I haven't heard one compelling argument for a Camaro based Firebird. Not even one.
I think a totally modern Firebird inside and out based off the same rwd chassis as the Camaro but looks nothing like the Camaro, with modern forced induction(turbo) powerplants and optional AWD would be a great argument for a "Camaro based Firebird". You don't think so?
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:52 PM
  #24  
RussStang's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,011
From: Exton, Pennsylvania
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Pontiac seems to be turning back to their old policy of just copying everything from th other brands and rebadging them. Pontiac is getting the G5 soon, I don't see why they won't get a version of the Camaro. To me, it is just a question of what they do with it.
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:52 PM
  #25  
Z284ever's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Originally Posted by graham
I wouldnt think it was a big failure. If a Camaro has to sell 125,000 to be a hit then a 1st cousin Firebird wouldnt need to sell what, 12,500 units to be a hit? Think about it. They dont share cost 50/50.... A Camaro is made for 100 mil, then they bring back the Firbird for... what? another 10-15 mil?
10-15 million! What year do you think this is? 1952?

You cannot do jacksh!t for that. That might pay for a new grill and some new wheels. Maybe some new tail light lenses or dash pad. Anyway, basically a Camaro with an arrowhead on the grill. I see no point to that.
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 10:58 PM
  #26  
V8 Slayer's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 792
From: Long Island, NY
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Originally Posted by SNEAKY NEIL
forced induction(turbo) powerplants and optional AWD

NO! You want Turbo and AWD, buy a goddamn WRX........A Firebird/Trans am can ONLY HAVE RWD! Plain and simple!!
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 11:00 PM
  #27  
graham's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,887
From: northeast Miss.
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

I used that number with 10% in mind.

If it takes x to build Camaro (which they are aparently going to spend) then it should take about 10% of x to develope the alternate pieces.

So just because they sell 75,000 Camaros but only 25,000 Firebirds, the Firebird isnt a failure because it wasnt double the money spent.

If the Firebird was its own unique animal though.....
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 11:02 PM
  #28  
Z284ever's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Originally Posted by graham
I used that number with 10% in mind.

If it takes x to build Camaro (which they are aparently going to spend) then it should take about 10% of x to develope the alternate pieces.

So just because they sell 75,000 Camaros but only 25,000 Firebirds, the Firebird isnt a failure because it wasnt double the money spent.

If the Firebird was its own unique animal though.....
As a reference point, the 4th gen Firebird accounted for less than 1/3 of F-car sales, but ate up the majority of the annual F-car budget.
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 11:04 PM
  #29  
graham's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,887
From: northeast Miss.
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

So what percentage would a new Firebird need to sell at?
Old Feb 2, 2006 | 11:07 PM
  #30  
Z284ever's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Re: AutoSpies: Source says new Firebird and T/A

Originally Posted by SNEAKY NEIL


I think a totally modern Firebird inside and out based off the same rwd chassis as the Camaro but looks nothing like the Camaro, with modern forced induction(turbo) powerplants and optional AWD would be a great argument for a "Camaro based Firebird". You don't think so?
That can't happen. If Camaro won't have AWD (which it won't), neither would a Camaro based Firebird. If Camaro doesn't get a turbo HF, neither would a Camaro based Firebird. The expense for these items to be "Firebird only" if based off of Camaro would be mind numbing.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:01 AM.