http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...E/60302001/1039

 

The article quoted Lutz as saying there was no way Pontiac was making a firebird.

 

Guess I should have read the entire article. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/04.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/04.gif[/img]

 

Can't wait to see new car (no matter what they call it).

 

That's good news, and seems quite sensible for GM.

As for the Firebird, I think that would be pretty redundant, what with the Camaro too. But the GTO could be differentiated as a slightly larger, more refined and luxurious GT type car against the smaller, more straight on performance oriented pony/muscle car Camaro.

I wish FoMoCo would do something similar with the S-197 chassis, i.e., spin off some additional varients. A Mercury Cougar, done in the same general idiom of the GTO, would be a natural evolution and would help amortize and fund further development of the S-197 platform.

 

I watched an episode of "American Muscle Car" last night and they profiled the 04-05 GTO. The main complaint from the enthusiasts and GTO afficionados was the styling.

I know the original GTO's were also very low key, but they had a certain character and personality, then again, most cars from the 60's did.

If they really want to do the name justice, they need to give it a more macho, boxy and stout appearance. Retro doesn't have to be the theme, but an aggressive look is critical. Otherwise, it is just another bland coupe