GTO may be gone, but Firebird apparently a possibility

[Formula]

http://autoextremist.com/page6.shtml#table

Take a look towards the end of the first writeup. This does make sense with what was said in the letter sent to dealerships concerning the GTO being discontinued. I'd rather see them invest in the goat, but a new Firebird would be cool

[blkgto05]

a new bird would be cool,from what i read in mags they make it seem like there will be no bird just a camaro instead,but i guess will have to wait and see

[Phantom05]

First off GTO is not dead...just taking a break. 2nd...I highly doubt the Firebird is gonna make a comeback.

[Adam4356]

i consider camaroz28.com to have alot of guys who "know" whats going on. If you take a look over there you see the Firebird is dead, totally dead.


I'd expect a GTO again though;)

[Formula]

I don't know, this article seems very confident and it makes sense cost wise for GM. If they are going to build the new camaro, it's cheaper to build a new Firebird on the same platform than a GTO on a different one.

Also this seems to be the first source to come out with this info, and there has to be a first. It'll be interesting to see if the Firebird rumors start coming from anywhere else.

[nikivee]

The Camaro and GTO would share the same platform that is being developed by Holden for NA RWD program.

[joshls]

GTO & Firebird are just NAMES. Does it really matter what they call it? The car will be the same.

[Mikesan]

^^^ good point. I see Chevy bringing out the Camaro in 08 and Pontiac doing the GTO in 09. No Firebird. Reeks of mullets, cigarettes, and leather jackets with collars turned up.

[Formula]

/Dreaming....

2009 Pontiac GTO Judge: LS7 variant, with about 450-475 hp and weighing about 3500 lbs

aaaaaahhhhhh, low 12 quarters

[MuhThugga]

I don't know, this article seems very confident and it makes sense cost wise for GM. If they are going to build the new camaro, it's cheaper to build a new Firebird on the same platform than a GTO on a different one.

Also this seems to be the first source to come out with this info, and there has to be a first. It'll be interesting to see if the Firebird rumors start coming from anywhere else.

In that case, the Buick Grand National will be out in 2010.
Followed by a Chevelle SS and an El Camino SS toward summer of 2010 as a 2011 model.

You heard it from me first.
So when it is true, you know who to worship.

They may say the Firebird is dead now, but if the Camaro takes off in 2009, then I think GM might reconsider. Slap a new hood and bumpers on, call it a Firebird, and sell, sell, sell.

[Jontall]

With the way things are going with GM now, we would be lucky to see a Camaro or Firebird.

[rlsedition]

Wouldn't it make more sense to share the Camaro/GTO platform, but do a short-wheelbase Chevy (Camaro) and a long-wheelbase Pontiac (GTO) so the two cars are separated in the marketplace?

[yesbill]

So, is the G8 platform dead(or in hiatus) now? 4 door G8 platform was to replace the Grand Prix, 2 door platform was to be new GTO?

[chazman]

Wouldn't it make more sense to share the Camaro/GTO platform, but do a short-wheelbase Chevy (Camaro) and a long-wheelbase Pontiac (GTO) so the two cars are separated in the marketplace?

It sure would. That is if, Pontiac can do enough volume to support it's own coupe. Right now that remains to be seen.

[GTO1_OHIO]

A cheap Camaro will be sold with both a V6 and V8 to go head to head with the Mustang. A Pontiac will not get the V6...why create competition between GM divisions...that's a formula that needs to be avoided by GM. Thats why the Firebird name will not be used. What Pontiac will get is a upscale GTO on the same platform as the Camaro but with more luxury and more power and with same target market Pontiac when after with the current GTO. The difference this time will be that a new body style design and more options will be available.

[Shinzon]

http://www.autoworld.com/news/Pontiac/Pontiac%20gt o.jpg



uglet:mullet:

[MuhThugga]

http://www.autoworld.com/news/Pontiac/Pontiac%20gt o.jpg

That concept is from 1999.

GM needs to actually produce something that looks like it came out of the present time, and not some retro monstrosity that looks like a 69 model with a new powertrain.
Oh wait, we have that already.

[TheRoad64]

^^^ good point. I see Chevy bringing out the Camaro in 08 and Pontiac doing the GTO in 09. No Firebird. Reeks of mullets, cigarettes, and leather jackets with collars turned up.

Umm. No.

You're backwards, thats the third gen CAMARO. Most picked upon candidate is the IROC-Z.

Also, Camaro no earlier than 09.

[City Goat]

Firebird is dead.

I'd place my bets on a GTO return in 2010, a year after the Camaro returns in 2009.

[Rome]

First off GTO is not dead...just taking a break. 2nd...I highly doubt the Firebird is gonna make a comeback.

That's what I've thought was always the plan...damn internet rumors!

[tflshpnt]

Sounds like the same thread, with the same comments, with a different title.. boring!!

[KenP]

^^^ good point. I see Chevy bringing out the Camaro in 08 and Pontiac doing the GTO in 09. No Firebird. Reeks of mullets, cigarettes, and leather jackets with collars turned up.


Camaro = Sub 20k V6 model, 25-30k V8 model (starting) (true mustang competitor)

GTO = 35-40k V8 (competes with the Charger, Mag, Challenger, G35c replacement, etc. and woops them quite soundly if its 35-40k.)

CTS-V, vette = for those with more than 40k (SRT-8 cars, BMW M cars, etc)

Z06 = sell soul. At least for me.

Making two camaro's and calling one a firebird isn't that great of a plan. You can make more money with just one.

[Mr. Furley]

The "Blue Devil" is coming............bow down.

[2004GTOFERN]

I would so buy a Brand new Firebird or T/A...just to be the only owner. Or I could just put the $30K+ into my 72 bird with some real PONTIAC power!

[LordGriNz]

/Dreaming....

2009 Pontiac GTO Judge: LS7 variant, with about 450-475 hp and weighing about 3500 lbs

aaaaaahhhhhh, low 12 quarters

I wouldn't bet on it, cars are getting heavier for all the required safety
features/amenities and to reduce cabin noise. I wouldn't expect the car
to be any less than 3800 lbs, if not heavier.

[rcpepper]

I wouldn't bet on it, cars are getting heavier for all the required safety
features/amenities and to reduce cabin noise. I wouldn't expect the car
to be any less than 3800 lbs, if not heavier.


They could make a lightweight model if they wanted to. Would cost $3000-5000 more because of composite materials. Composite hood, front fenders, roof, doors and trunklid. Something like the way the 4th gen camaros. Only parts metal on them were the rear quarters. The new Z06 Vette weighs 3150 lbs. Then drop in the new LS3 6.2 liter Aluminum motor with LS7 heads and intake, and 2004 Z06 cam. That should get you 450hp at least.

Rob

[rlsedition]

Of course the next-gen cars could be made lighter just like the ZO6, but you would be adding premium materials to get there, so the pricing would start looking a lot like the ZO6 too.

[71 Olds]

And people call my 3600lb Big Block Olds heavy (with Iron heads, block, and intake). Convert that to a LS2/T-56..... and shave 200+lbs.


Yeah I know that the pony cars in that day were only 3200ish, but I love the room and
T-O-R-Q-U-E. :gears: And one wheel peel'n at that.....:burnout:

[wrp]

http://www.autoworld.com/news/Pontiac/Pontiac%20gt o.jpgIf that is serious then Chrysler ought to sue them for trying to steal the charger design and coming out with an insulting looking product. I think the Vibe looks better.

[spd98]

If that is serious then Chrysler ought to sue them for trying to steal the charger design and coming out with an insulting looking product. I think the Vibe looks better.

except for the fact that car was around way before the new charger was even thought of. It is ugly though.

[Xavier311]

Sounds like the same thread, with the same comments, with a different title.. boring!!

Yes, diet Dr. Pepper does taste like regular Dr. Pepper. :drink: