Retro Revival -- Pontiac Firebird
In the last three years we've seen all-new versions of several classic nameplates, including the RX-8, 350Z, 300, Charger, GTO, Mustang and GT (Ford). All of these cars use varying amounts of the original model's styling cues, and all of them succeed to varying degress in capturing the original's "mojo" (in my totally biased opinion, I'd put the Ford GT at the "top" of the list of "cool new version of retro car" with the GTO at the bottom). While we can argue the pros and cons of looking backward for inspiration, we can't argue the popularity and improved brand equity (or "halo" effect) delivered by these vehicles. And in the spirit of "if a little is good, more is better" I'm going to do a series of "retro revival" discussions regarding cars I'd like to see brought back. First on my discussion series -- the Pontiac Firebird
Obviously the Firebird nameplate has a ton of brand equity, and it's a shame GM ever let it die. But with Mustang sales spiking and a Challenger on the way, GM can't afford to sit back and watch the second coming of the pony car. Actually, GM can't afford a lot these days, but that's another issue. Regardless, it appears the Camaro will be coming back before the Firebird, but I think this is a mistake. The Firebird has more popular culture recognition, even if the Camaro is more popular with pure automotive enthusiasts. The Firebird would also be a nice follow-up to the Solstice in reviving the Pontiac brand (in fact, they could let the GTO die and use the Firebird to replace it...). But the real question is, which Firebird do they bring back? The 1968 400 model? the 1972 H.O.? How about the 1973 Super Duty or the 1977 "Bandit" model? Maybe the Knight Rider version? Ha! Sorry, had to throw that out there for a good laugh.
Anyway, they have at least five solid models to choose from. Unlike the Charger and Challenger, which only had a few really good years, there's over a decade of cool Firebirds to go with. I think Ford got the new Mustang exactly right by going (primarily) with the 1968 model. My vote? The 1973 Super Duty, with screaming chicken and reverse hood scoop. But I'd use the 1977 headlights because I always really liked those. Just think of all those aging Burt Reynolds wannabees out there (and you know who you are) that would line up for this one...
- Posted by
- Karl Brauer November 19, 2005, 3:11 PM
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- Cars in Entertainment, Muscle Car, Pontiac
I think the Firebird has nearly always had a styling advantage over the Camaro, with the exceptions being the 67-69 Camaros with the RS package (hideaway headlights!), and '98+ Ram Air Firebirds with those ridiculous nostrils. I even liked the '80s Knight Rider style cars with popup headlights. The '89 Turbo was awesome for its day, and I think it looked better than the Buick GN with the same powertrain.
Presuming for a moment competence in GM's product planners, the smart thing to do would be to let the Camaro have the market for large-displacement solid-axle midsize coupes and take the platform-mate Firebird in a completely different direction: independent rear suspension, styling somewhere between the Holden Torana and the Mitsubishi EvoX concepts, a 300hp 3.6HF V6 with variable valve lift (not just timing) for the base, a 360hp turbo 3.6, and a 450hp AWD twin-turbo 3.6 to go fight the GT-R.
Do I expect to ever see anything like this from the General? No, but it would do them a lot more good than a rebadged Holden Monaro with a chicken on the hood.
I can't imagine they'll differentiate the two that much. We'll end up seeing V8s in both. Add cylinder deactivation since the Hemi in the Charger offers it. Right now some GTOs come with a gas guzzler tax.
Bumpy, what you're suggesting would be way cool. It wouldn't be a Firebird, however. Messing with the "pony-car formula" didn't go so well when Ford wanted to replace the Mustang with the Probe, and I don't imagine it would work any better with the Firebird.
Mustang yes, but no one screamed about all the different cars that Ford put the Cougar name on over the years (including the third-gen Probe). Does the Firebird have any identity distinct from a restyled Camaro? (Okay, they did have Pontiac engines in the old days. Maybe GM could put a VVL 4.6L Northstar in a new one?)
The Bandit and Michael Knight both drove Firebirds, not Cougars. :)
Does every car company/brand NEED a retro model? My vote is no...
BRING IT as the firechicken or camaro either way... pontiac has GTO and may get a newer GTO in a couple years, so maybe it's best to have chevy bring the new camaro before pontiac with a new 'bird.
count me as a former 'rockford' firebird owner, but i never quite matched those rockford stunt/bootlegger turns.
Chevrolet will have a Camaro concept at the 2006 Detroit auto show. Pontiac should make a new Firebird/GTO but without retro styling.
I loved the Knight Rider car, the lines were cool. I think they should bring back the Firebird Trans-Am whit a little bit from the knight rider car and also a futuristic line to it. I hope they bring back the Pontiac Trans-Am......