AWD would be interesting on a Firebird. But you won't get it from a "Camaro clone". AWD was specifically left out of Camaro's equation, because engineering for it would have made the RWD version heavier and more expensive. To add it back into the specific Zeta variant, that Camaro would ride on, for a Firebird, would require a MAJOR architectural tear up. Not happening.

The larger sedan Zeta will probably get AWD as an option...but that would be too large for a Firebird.

Which bring us back to Epsilon.......

 

Leave It Dead

 

Are you suggesting the Epsilon idea because it's something you want or because it's a heads-up, Charlie?

I don't know if a FWD car is something I want to see the Firebird name on, in any form.

 

If that is the case, then I have no problem with AWD not being offered on Camaro (or Firebird) and I was one of those for it as an option.

Also, if this is the case, I'd perfer to see Firebird remain dead, and have the next gen GTO return as RWD and offer AWD as an option if that is possible.

Of course, I still wouldn't have a problem with a V8 RWD Firebird return.

 

No, not a heads up. But everytime I try to walk away from Epsilon, it just makes so much business sense.

It would give Pontiac:

1) A very affordable coupe. Possiibly undercutting a Zeta coupe substantially, in base form.

2) It could be built (EP2 anyway) at any global Epsilon plant, economically.

3) AWD will already be part of the program.

4) A full line of plug and play powertrains, from economical to high tech and powerful, could be cherry picked for it, from Saab, Saturn, Caddy, etc.

5) Has the potential for broader appeal than 10-20,000 Camaro based, Firebirds would.

6) Pontiac already has an Epsilon coupe as part of it's business plan.

 

What about the Epsilon coupe makes it a Firebird, even if it makes sense to build it? That is more GTO then Firebird, since the were just a common Pontiac with a performance motor.

 

Given the choices, I had to vote leave it dead.

I only have two conditions for a new Firebird.

1) RWD with available V8

2) GTO not in production

As things stand right now, even if those conditions were met, it is way too soon to bring it back. I don't know if the time will ever be right - I like the fact that Firebird was true to type for its entire run and held high the performance torch even in the years where Camaro faltered. The car has earned an honored place in GM history and bringing it back will always be a risky thing.

 

All good reason, but will a LS4/LS2 V8 fit into an AWD EP2??

If it had a V8 or at least a 350HP+ Turbo DOHC V6 and was offered Only in AWD, then I might like that idea. An AWD Turbo car for under $30K would do good at pontiac.

 

Given the choices I also said leave the nameplate dead. I'm going to step up for the 'Bird enthusiasts and say none of those other options really apply to the heritage of Pontiac's pony car.

I don't see why a Camaro-based Firebird with fully modern styling (to differentiate from the heritage Camaro) couldn't sell at least as many GTOs as Pontiac sold from '04 - '06.

"Stretched" or not, don't you think a DOHC Northstar V8 would upset the balance of that car quite a bit?

 

Your poll choices are almost insulting to anyone who truly loves what the Firebird, Formula Firebird and TransAm were.

They should be left dead unless any new version is true to the heritage of the car.

As for the GTO...they are totally different vehicles; one has and should have nothingn to do with the other.

 

Charlie,

I ought to beat you with a rubber hose for even listing "fwd/awd epsilon" as an option.

Though a car in that configuration (like the Evo, STi, Mazdaspeed 6, etc.) might not be a bad addition to the Pontiac lineup, I suppose.

But calling such a car a Firebird might lead to actual bloodshed, methinks! Remember when Ford considered the new Probe to be a Mustang replacement, until the Mustang people went nuts about it?

 

I think it's size.

 

Well, sometimes I like to throw out stuff that rattles the pre-concieved dogma around here.

 

Well, maybe.

But I truly love Firebird, Formula and especially Trans Am, (the REAL ones, that is ), and it's my poll.

 

Are you saying the size of the G6 is what makes sense to call it a Firebird, or just that the GTO wouldn't make a good G6 because it should be larger than that?