Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
In a recent post on GMI NSAP told of a possible Kappa coupe for Pontiac.
One of the main things he pointed out is that it would look much different than the Solstice. If the vehicle in question is in fact a 2 seat or 2+2 RWD Ecotec powered or FI Ecotec powered coupe could it be called Firebird? The Firebird name is tied in with Camaro in the CAW aggreement and it would be free in a few years as the Camaro will be. Could not a niche car like a Coupe Kappa fit the Firebird's original role as a 'Lightweight' fun to drive RWD car? Remember the body panels are what force the small volume for Solstice so with completely different body panels a Firebird could be a viable alternative. Anyone have thoughts?
One of the main things he pointed out is that it would look much different than the Solstice. If the vehicle in question is in fact a 2 seat or 2+2 RWD Ecotec powered or FI Ecotec powered coupe could it be called Firebird? The Firebird name is tied in with Camaro in the CAW aggreement and it would be free in a few years as the Camaro will be. Could not a niche car like a Coupe Kappa fit the Firebird's original role as a 'Lightweight' fun to drive RWD car? Remember the body panels are what force the small volume for Solstice so with completely different body panels a Firebird could be a viable alternative. Anyone have thoughts?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
Originally Posted by GirlsRidePonies
Noob post:
What is a kappa car? I'd never heard of it before I came here.
Please don't flame the noobie.
What is a kappa car? I'd never heard of it before I came here.
Please don't flame the noobie.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,698
From: USA
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
I have had Pontiac reps stress several times that they wanna use the Firebird name again....it is just a matter of finding the right product.
This page (still on Pontiac's website) has always made me wonder
This page (still on Pontiac's website) has always made me wonder
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Pewee Valley, KY
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
Originally Posted by formula79
I have had Pontiac reps stress several times that they wanna use the Firebird name again....it is just a matter of finding the right product.
This page (still on Pontiac's website) has always made me wonder
This page (still on Pontiac's website) has always made me wonder
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,698
From: USA
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
Originally Posted by unvc92camarors
i'm not sure they'd be willing to take the firebird name and use it there
i'm not even sure why they need 2 kappa cars
i'm not even sure why they need 2 kappa cars
I think there is a place for one if it filled a totally different role....
I wonder if Kappa can be AWD?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
From some initial reports it can be. Also if we look at the layout of the car front engine and tranny as opposed to the concept which was front engine rear tranny it would be much easier to develop a AWD system for the real car than the concept. I would be curious how much weight it would add to the vehicle though.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
Rumors of a Kappa replacement for Sunfire have been around since last year.
A new Firebird based off of a 2+2 Kappa would be interesting.....and would have some advantages over Zeta based cars.
A new Firebird based off of a 2+2 Kappa would be interesting.....and would have some advantages over Zeta based cars.
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: USA
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 153
From: Homer Glen, IL, USA
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
Got me wondering here
Quote from Branden's Link:
The fire inside Pontiac present and future.
Bold, beautiful, passionate, rebellious. Few cars have defined our lives and times like the great Pontiac Firebird. From the first models, to the awesome Trans Am, to the magnificent madness of the Super Duty 455. There's a story in each and every one; a piece of our past and even a glimmer of the future. Check it out...
Quote from Branden's Link:
The fire inside Pontiac present and future.
Bold, beautiful, passionate, rebellious. Few cars have defined our lives and times like the great Pontiac Firebird. From the first models, to the awesome Trans Am, to the magnificent madness of the Super Duty 455. There's a story in each and every one; a piece of our past and even a glimmer of the future. Check it out...
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 70
From: Orlando, Florida
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
Originally Posted by formula79
The T/A on that link made me remember why I love the car so much.
And the picture of all 5 lined up on a track made me wet myself.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,504
From: Ohio
Re: Is there hope for a non Zeta Firebird?
Originally Posted by formula79
Also, the fact that there is even an actual Firebird page on Pontiac's.... when Lutz goes out of his way to say that "Firebird's time has passed", "Firebird does not fit the direction of Pontiac anymore", etc.... goes against what he is saying... if so, why even have the page, heritage or not?