Reading between the lines, the news here is that the dealers begged for a "Trans Am" (which could also be the GTO or another coupe) and were turned down.

And it doesn't sound like GM outlined a clear brand strategy for Pontiac either, just that more trucks and suvs are coming.

 

Good post Guy, again I just don't understand this 'cannibalize' theory when it comes Firebird. Sheesh, it’s not like GM doesn't produce 2 or 3 variants of the same car anyway. I mean just look at the new crossover, they have 4 now!? Why when it comes to Firebird do they do a 180?

I think if Camaro is a roaring success, Pontiac dealers will be screaming for a Firebird! GMC squaked when they didn't get a version of the Colorado and BAM! we have the Canyon. Pontiac yelled for a Cobalt and KAPOW! they get the G5.
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I'll believe in a new Taurus that's a knock out when I see it, and probably not then. All the cars on that platform are gumdroppy and pedestrian.

 

Interesting

 

Fine, no Firebird. But why not a G5 coupe with its own sheetmetal and real performance credentials?

There are plenty of ways to build cheap, fast cars that fit under CAFE guidelines. Ask Honda, they've been doing it for years. And of course, some of Pontiac's best years were during the gas crunch of the 1970's. Higher fuel standards are not a good excuse for screwing the brand.

 

Right. "The plan is being tweaked" for Pontiac but meanwhile here comes some new GMC/Buick models.

If Pontiac isn't GM's performance division, what is it?

 

Pontiac can do with out a Trans Am, but how about a G8 coupe?

Or maybe better yet (for CAFE and $4 gas) a Delta II coupe that looks just like a Trans Am.

 

Wouldn't that be the GTO?? For some reason I just don't see GM rushing to bring another GTO back to the states.

 

Could the G8 work as a 2 door as well? That'd be kinda neat (G8 with 2 doors badged as a GTO)

 

correct, but this time they could offer the G8 coupe (V6 only) and the GTO, L76 and LS3

 

Why not a Delta II and call it Firebird and not "Trans Am" (since GM doesnt own "Trans Am")

Firebird name has history.

 

That is a good idea, but I would never have said that out loud around here If it carried the Firebird name I'd want AWD to be standard.

 

Personally I wouldnt mind an AWD turbo V6 Firebird aggressivley styled, Something that offers a difference between a Firebird and the New Camaro

Its one Idea Since I dont think we're gonna see a Camaro Clone.

 

The Impala LTZ has the 3.9 AFM engine with 233hp, while the Aura XR has the 3.6 HFV6 with 251hp.

I'd expect the LTZ to do a bit better, since both it and the Aura XR are close in weight.

But the Aura XE and Impala LS should be identical with their 3.5s.