I think the question here, is would the REAL Firebird guys accept it? (for example, I'm not talking about the kind of "Camaro guys" that would be OK with the Chevy Coupe having a name other than Camaro, because real Camaro enthusiasts will except nothing else) I mean the Firebird enthusiasts, and I think the answer is no.

 

A Firebird without Camaro dimensions and a v8 should stay dead. Look at a 2002 ram air trans am, and some of the commercials they made for them (and then never bothered to play). It could arguably be the meanest looking car ever made. Why neuter it with some small platform with small engine. "fun" or not, its not firebird, just like GTO isnt GTO. And while we are at it, firebird > gto.

ok /rant, carry on =)

 

Having more RWD cars in Pontiacs line up would be great for helping Pontiacs "BMW-esque" image. A Kappa car could be made to go up against the upcoming BMW 1 and 2 series, since BMW wants to put out a low-buck car for young people.
And and no matter how many turbos they could mount on that ectoec, if it doesnt have a V8, Firebird guys will burn GM down.

 

Quick question here: Kappa can be 2+2, or is it only a 2 seater?

Ok, having a Kappa based car poses some interesting issues for Firebird enthusiasts. Personally, if done right, has enough horspower to make it a great performer, great handling and fit and finish, and great styling, I'd be all over it even without a V8. (Though I'd rather it have a V8, I wouldn't mind a SC or Turbo 6. Now a 4 cylinder is out of the question, it'd have to really surpass all the criterias listed above for me to want one.) The Firebird name, and TA as well, does have heritage and a history of pound paving performance with big engines. Mating it to a 4 cylinder could be disastrous. just my .02 cents.

 

all of what you said is bs. im sorry but it is. the firebird was ORIGINALLY a fun roadster style car. exactly what Kappa could off. just like the original GTO fits perfectly with the new one. regardless of looks, its still a car that looks pontiac with a touch of speed.

 

Exactly, the Firebird in its original design and concept WAS to be a 2 seater roadster. Unfortunately, GM or should I say Chevy shot it down because Chevy couldn't have competition (in-house) for its beloved Vette. Then it got quickly spun off onto the F-body platform which was Camaro's chassis.

Now if you're trying to say a Kappa based Firebird would put it at its original roots of being a 2 seater roadster, then fine. But to say that the Firebird originally was a fun style roadster is wrong.

 

Well I dont know how my personal opinion can be bs, but I'll be the first to tell you that it isnt.

Anyway, the original firebird was an awesome looking muscle car that could drag or drive with its rwd v8 platform. Firebirds have always been bad *** cars, and although I drive z28s, I've been a trans am guy for a long time. And I cant picture true firebird guys not blowing a head gasket watching some tiny 4 banger car trying to be cute and sporty wear a firebird badge. Build it, fine, but dont call it a firebird.

 

Kappa is a crash-developed structure developed for the Pontiac Solstice that went on display as a concept almost 3 years ago. It has a structure & suspension system that looks suspiciously like a downsized Corvette's

Because a structure can't economically support a single car unless it's high volume (which 2 passenger sports cars are not) Kappa needed other vehicle lines to make it profitable.

The ones that are certain are the Pontiac Solstice & the Saturn Curve. Chevrolet has a Nomad version that has the support of the upper brass & alot of us enthusiasts, but aren't doing well in consumer clinics & is being held up.

Word is there will be a next generation of Kappas that will spawn sedans and other cars in the future.

 

I belive that Kappa is profitable even at low-production. This is what is so remarkable about Kappa is that they can sell 20k units, and still make a profit.

 

yeah, and i remembered why i never cared for it at all. besides the '67 which is elegently styled but still looking too much like a Camaro with a different grill, there isn't a car/gen that i would be caught driving. Most of all the '79. :gag:

 

.....

I seriously don't know what to say to that... but I can try.

That's your opinion. And I think it sucks.

I'm not going to bother trying to defend my views here; any Firebird enthusiast knows how awesome that picture is.

 

Yea because late model v6 camaros look SOOO hot!

 

I'm not sure how some people think Firebird enthusiasts will settle for the Camaro if it's the only one to return. Most of all the Camaro enthusiasts. Assuming you chose the Camaro over the Firebird due to its looks, and would never be caught dead in a Firebird, you can safely assume that Firebird drivers did the same.

 

the late model Camaro without the "aero" package that otherwise makes it look like a Nike running shoe, actually looks CLEAN and pleasing to the eye. but if it were possible to go blind by looking at something, that '79 would definitely qualify. there's not a single area on that car where you could rest your eye. everything is jarring and out of place. i'm sorry you don't see it the same way, but i can understand that you guys just don't know any better. btw, i also think its funny to see some people here love the most unappealing firebirds (ask the GENERAL public, not a firebird enthusiast. actually you don't have to, the production numbers speak for themselves...), but at the same time rag on BMW's new styling (which does need to be toned down a few notches).

I also realise i'm tredding pretty close to "troll" status, which is why I won't reply to anything else said about this. but at least you know where I stand.

 

What people find attractive is subjective. You're making yourself look foolish by flaming other people for liking a car that isn't your Camaro. I'm also pretty sure that most Camaro enthusiasts would disagree with you-especially about the '79.

I really, really dislike you guys that think the Camaro is God's gift and the Firebird is some bastardized child.

I like both cars. I like the firebird more. And if you don't like it... well. Take a guess what you can do.