What about a Solstice RWD or AWD 5.3 V8 coupe? Some Fbody fans would gladly ditch the back seats anyway. If restyling the Solstice to be a FireBird would be basterdising the Firebird or T/A name then no problem. Solstice is a great known name and great style that wouldnt have to be redesigned.

Solstice RWD or AWD 5.3 coupe

or

Kappa RWD or AWD 5.3 coupe T/A

 

z284ever, do you know if the Solstice coupe is still coming? We haven't heard anything about if for some time. That will be a hot number if it ever comes out.

 

I'm not sure if it's still coming, especially now, with the removable hardtop coming.

 

In 2009 (from what I gather) GM will have Delta, EPII, Zeta, Kappa, GMT900, GMT355, Sigma II, Y-Body and cross-over (the name escapes me, Omega maybe?) for NA. If you can't do what you want with 9 platforms then it is time to re-think your business strategy.

If Kappa isn't flexible to accomodate cars that nearly the same size as the Solstice and Sky with a couple of extra seats then cut ties with it and replace it with something more flexible.

 

This is exactly what I'm guessing the "new Line of small agile rwd" is: the Kappa replacement. It should be ready about the time Kappa needs a re-do,No?

As for Firebird: no,never on anything but an honest to goodness musclecar.

Plopping a time-honored nameplate on something that doesn't have the pedigree pisses me off EVERY time it is done. Gah! it makes me want to puke when GM does this.

 

Well, what pedigree are we talking about Camino?

A 1st gen Ram Air 400? How about a '79 T/A 6.6? Or a '73 SD 455? I love all of these cars, but their pedigree is in their Ponco powerplants.

You know which Firebird I always thought was cool? The SOHC Sprint. That's part of Firebird's pedigree as well.

Firebird could be a valuable part of GM's portfolio, if it could evolve into something relevant and successful.

I could see it being a sporty 2+2, turbo Ecotec, RWD coupe. I could see it being an expressively styled, Epsilon FWD/AWD coupe, with a full range of high tech 4 valve V6's, including firebreathing turbo versions. Or......I could also see it staying dead.
But I see no reason for it to come back as a Camaro clone. Personally, I think that would be a ridiculous waste of money and resources. Unless of course, GM re-releases (pick one), a RA 400, or T/A 6.6 or SD 455....then we're talkin'.

 

I don't agree with most of what you might like to see the Firebird become, but I could eventually get over all of it but this. I never want to see a FWD Firebird. Leave it dead, if it is to be so.

 

Honestly, I think virtually everyone would get over it.

Especially if you could get that version for 17K.

 

Charlie, we could split hairs on much of the pedigree that's true enough. However, one aspect never changed and for me is non-negotiable in a Firebird. Every year of production contained a RWD,V8 performance car, without that it just wouldn't be a Firebird.


However a Kappa-sized V8 coupe would have my absolute blessing.


I think that short of such a recipe, Firebird should rest in peace. The way things look right now GTO is going to stay around for a while, which is fine with me. 1967-2002? I think Firebird deserves a rest, after all look how long GTO warmed the bench.

 

I thought about this, and it would be great if it's the case.

As for the Firebird thing... (my .02 at least)

Keep the name dead. Any FWD/AWD sporty Pontiac models of that size can be a G6 trim level.

If this RWD sedan (G8?) quote taken from a few days ago has any merit, Pontiac's biger exciting car can be a coupe variant of it with some hood scoops and the base Corvette engine. In a stroke of marketing brilliance, GM can call it the GTO. Pretty close to the original formula, isnt it? How sweet it would be if instead of calling it a G8 they named it the Tempest?

 

It would make more sense to call the high performance G6 variant you are dreaming of GTO instead of Firebird.

 

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=427147

GTO based off the car in the above link, not the G6. Please re-read my post.

 

I wasn't talking to you so I will not re-read your post.

I should have stated that it was directed to Z284ever.

 

Turbo Ecotec Firebird AWD/FWD Firebird?!?!?

What the **** is wrong with you guys?!?? You want a DOHC Turbo ECOTEC! FIREBIRD?!?? **** No! Leave it dead rather than disgust the nameplate!! Whoever said the firebird top be this should burn in hell for eternity!!!

Un Goddamn Believeable! Makes me ****ing want to gag everytime I read that post!

 

Maybe, it depends. If the only Zeta that Pontiac gets is the G8 sedan,I'd rather see a max effort version of that called GTO.

Regarding the next G6 coupe, that program is already in the planning stages and has a business plan. My thinking is, the coupe version could inexpensively be converted into a successful Firebird program.

Maybe a FWD base model with Ecotec or HV 3.5 and manual trans for $17,000. Offer cool stuff like 18" wheels, Momo (or some other brand), shifters, suspension kits, etc., on the base car. A midlevel FWD/AWD 3.9 HV or 3.6HF for $19-24K. And an AWD, turbo HF V6 for around $31K.