Firebird Re-birth?

kahuna7 · #1 09-27-2006, 02:24 AM

I've heard rumors of a new Muscle car based on the Camaro platform for Pontiac. Well with Ford's Mustang, Dodge's Challenger, and Chevy's Camaro in the works; Pontiac can't really afford not to have a RWD powerhouse in their line-up. Does anyone here think they will bring back the Firebird? I've heard that it will either be a GTO sporting the Zeta body platform or possibly a new Firebird. Anyone here have any input? Anyways, I just can't imagine having a Camaro without a Firebird...it's like yin and yang...you gotta have both of them.

TMC2k1 · #2 09-27-2006, 08:19 AM

Im pretty sure the bird will not come back. Especially with some licensing issue with the "Trans Am" name. The GTO will be coming back though

poormillionaire2 · #3 09-27-2006, 09:46 AM

Yeah, the GTO will come back. But with GM all tied up in their HUGE Camaro launch, there is no time for a Firebird comeback just yet. I think GM is trying to concentrate all avaliable resources on the Camaro. This is almost do-or-die for GM and they need to be able to make the Camaro work. If it goes well, Pontiac may come up with something later to match it. But GM is focused on matching and overtaking Ford's success on the new mustang.

daman · #4 09-27-2006, 05:02 PM

No plans on bringing the birds back at this time.

my bother e-mail Pontiac just today

xcohiba · #5 09-27-2006, 07:46 PM

The new camaro looks amazing. I dont really like the current one, the new has the old muscle car look.

CreepingDeath94 · #6 09-28-2006, 12:18 PM

I never got that licensing issue they have with the "Trans-Am" name. Why can't they just call it a Firebird and a "T/A" for the V8 models? T/A can stand for whatever they want to avoid licensing conflicts...unless the T/A itslef is covered too. There is always the Formula and Firehawk name too...just dump the "Trans-Am" name if its an issue...I think its more like what someone said above already. They can't afford to put out two half assed projects and flop where Ford and Dodge did a decent production line...it would end GM.

my99cavy · #7 09-28-2006, 12:33 PM

GTO

poormillionaire2 · #8 09-28-2006, 03:57 PM

Those GTO concepts look hideous! Nothing too retro about those.
That firebird drawing, on the other hand, looks pretty sweet. BUt that won't even get a nod from GM for at least another 5 years.

my99cavy · #9 09-28-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poormillionaire2

Those GTO concepts look hideous! Nothing too retro about those.

but someone mentioned the new GTO and this is the concept so....

Quote:

Originally Posted by poormillionaire2

That firebird drawing, on the other hand, looks pretty sweet. BUt that won't even get a nod from GM for at least another 5 years.

I was thinking the same thing. Looks pretty sweet but isnt going to get approved for awhile.

blindeyed · #10 09-28-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreepingDeath94

I never got that licensing issue they have with the "Trans-Am" name. Why can't they just call it a Firebird and a "T/A" for the V8 models? T/A can stand for whatever they want to avoid licensing conflicts...unless the T/A itslef is covered too. There is always the Formula and Firehawk name too...just dump the "Trans-Am" name if its an issue...I think its more like what someone said above already.

Actually, the trademark issues GM has are with both the Formula and Trans Am. The name Formula was used from the Formula 1 race series and the name Trans Am was used from the Trans-Am race series. I believe the matter has something to do with GM having a license to use those names (Which could possibly include the abbrevaited "T/A") from the race series and with the license, it probably has in it that the St. Therese plant in Canada would build those models. It's got to be something along those lines. But as far as I know, the name Firebird and Firehawk is free and clear to use. If they do bring the Firebird back sometime in the future, they would probably wait until the license expires so they can reproduce those models, or just rename the higher end models.

blindeyed · #11 09-28-2006, 08:20 PM

Also, those GTO concepts are back from 1998 I believe, those were created way before the current GTO that's out now.

poormillionaire2 · #12 09-28-2006, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blindxeyed

Also, those GTO concepts are back from 1998 I believe, those were created way before the current GTO that's out now.

That makes more sense, or else GM took a HUGE leap back on the styling of the GTO. I think they need to seriously look at the roots of the GTO for it to make a comeback. The camaro, on the other hand, can have a retro look with a contemporary and modern feel. I think that's what people are looking for in the new Maro, but I don't feel the same way for the GTO. Seeing that it's already been out for 3 model years, the people are going to expect big changes for that one.

hotrod_chevyz · #13 09-29-2006, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kahuna7

I've heard rumors of a new Muscle car based on the Camaro platform for Pontiac. Well with Ford's Mustang, Dodge's Challenger, and Chevy's Camaro in the works; Pontiac can't really afford not to have a RWD powerhouse in their line-up. Does anyone here think they will bring back the Firebird? I've heard that it will either be a GTO sporting the Zeta body platform or possibly a new Firebird. Anyone here have any input? Anyways, I just can't imagine having a Camaro without a Firebird...it's like yin and yang...you gotta have both of them.

Right now Pontiac has the GTO. Thats enough for me, but obviously by popular opinion I might be standing in a small group on that one. They are quite strong and handle very well, wich cannot be denied. Although the popularity of the zeta platform GTO's isnt strong, with the low production numbers they have the value of them might hang out for a bit.

The Camaro has already been given the thumbs up from GM. However they do not plan to produce any Firebirds at current time. This is according to a two month old motor trend mag.

According to a good friend of mine who currently owns a 2006 Grand Prix GXP, GM's Pontiac division has plans to reintroduce a RWD V-8 platform Grand Prix under the GXP badge. The 06 Grand Prix GXP is the first Grand Prix in a long time to have a v-8. Im sure if they change platforms on the Grand Prix's, they will get zeta or similar.

my99cavy · #14 09-29-2006, 12:38 PM

I also found these pictures of the GTO Judge

poormillionaire2 · #15 09-29-2006, 12:44 PM

Not too bad. Again, don't like the body design, but lovin' the styling. Good accents and smooth lines. Rims are damn nice...but the side exit tips need to be BEFORE the rear tires, not after. They might as well take them all the way back if they are going to do that. Good pics.

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