I thought the next GTO and Chevy coupe are slated for Sigma lite. How could a Firebird come to market any faster than the GTO?

 

Replace Wagon with "Ute"

 

Remember there is no market for these types of cars...

 

If Chevy gave us a Camaro replacement while it was on hold, then I would expect a Firebird while GTO is on hold (if that's the case).

IOW: I dont think you'll get a Firebird to fill a possible GTO void. I think in GM's eyes the 2 cars are unrelated. Why replace a low seller with a..... low seller? C'mon people...

 

I think if there is a GTO void for a while, Pontiac is confident (based on its success and interest thus far) that the Solstice would be a suitable halo vehicle for the brand.

I wouldn't mind a Firebird coming back, but you'd have to make a good business case for it. On the surface, it would appear to be (in Lutz' eyes) just the image they are trying to escape.

 

And Pontiac went for a year without either one before...

 

And regarding a future GTO......

Let's say the new Zeta Chevys will be out for '10 MY. If there are currently no Pontiacs on this program now, any guesses on how soon a possible GTO based on this platform might be released?

Here's another clue. GM WILL NOT spend a buttload of money on a GTO that barely sells 12K units per year. Yet, when Pontiac tries to create an interesting concept for a future , higher volume, GTO....one which, PERHAPS, might have a chance of making a business case......people here slap it down like a red headed stepchild.

 

Funny thing is that before we could actually buy a Monaro in the form of the GTO, so many people, many on this board, were crying for the General to bring it here. Then when they did, all you could hear were crickets in the showroom for them. At least the sales pace has picked up in the past months. If we're lucky, these sales increases can convince GM to give us a RWD 2+2 Pontiac in the future.

 

Not everybody slapped it down. This board is made up of varying age groups. It just so happens that the most vocal group is at an age where they are not interested in such a concept. The good news is that the aforementioned vocal group makes up a very small percentage of the buying public.

 

They didn't bring it "here".

Didn't "market adjustments" and test drive refusals have a part to play as well? IMO if the dealers pull the same stunt with the Solstice they deserve it if the Pontiac brand joins Oldsmobile.

 

Bottom line is Pontiac needs more RWD cars than just the solstice, and they need them ASAP!!! I don't think it matters right now whether it is a GTO, G8, Firebird, or Solstice based sedan, Pontiac needs more RWD performance ASAP.

 

This is my business case for both gto and firebird. (im keeping it kinda simple tho)

Put the GTO on the Camaro frame and have it have both options for a v6 and Camaro's top V8. It will be a 2+2 seater (obviously) Keep it more upscale. similar to what the current GTO is, but have more options like indash nav and hud, seat warmers, ets. Think of it as somewhat of a Grand tourer model. start pricing at 3-4 thousand above base Camaro. Give it clean styling, but slightly more aggressive than the current GTO.

The Firebird will, say, go through a DNA change. Put it on the Corvette's frame. Give it very aggressive styling and keep it somewhat of a stripper model with weight savings in mind. Give it a firm suspension set up (that isnt the magnetic suspension). Keep the LS2 but bump power up to 420-430 hp. Charge 50k and have no options available. This will be a hardcore only type of car. But not as fast as the z06, almost like a poor mans z06. Already (i presume) atleast most of the money spent making the c6 has been made up so this really wouldnt be a very costly venture for GM

 

I somehow doubt that Pontiac is ever going to get a version of the Y-Body. It has already been stated that Buick will not, so why would anyone bother at GM bother doing that for Pontiac either. As much as I would like to see the bird come back, making it a $50k stripper is probably going to net very little sales, especially when you can go and get a c6 for cheaper than that.

 

$50K would be too much money

Give it a $35K version with a 5.3L and a $39K version with the LS2. Make it what the 1999 hardtop Corvette was to the C5.

 

Why not bring the Firebird back as the what the Cougar is to the Mustang? Everyone would love an Luxury-type Camaro, and it would fit in with Lutz's future for Pontiac.

IMO, the Firebird always had more to it than the Camaro..