SLP Releases Info on G8 Firehawk

[Millefune]

The final generation Firehawk (for the Firebird Trans-Am) had much nicer ram-air nostrils than the WS6 nostrils.

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by jbernie

Have you spoken to Mercedes benz about a manual transmission on their performance cars?

No, but I don't like it in Mercedes either. A brute of a car like this should have a manual transmission, at leats as an option. I don't care if someone wants an automatic transmission... I just think that it's an oversight at this level.

[Millefune]

Thing is, the fastest cars at the local strips (Infineon and Sacramento Raceway) are automatics. I think that the ZR1 would have gone around the ring faster if it had one of those ultra quick and easy double clutch things that all the high end cars are getting. It's too bad that computers and technology are better than human skill now.

[paul8488]

Bah I'm sure they are faster, but that doesn't make them any more fun. Again, I'm not against there being automatic cars at this level... but I really think that one should have the option of changing their own gears. You paid enough for them... might as well make them scream!

[Millefune]

OK, I wholly agree with that. All sports cars should have the option of a true manual transmission. I love the third pedal too.

[jbernie]

Originally Posted by paul8488

Bah I'm sure they are faster, but that doesn't make them any more fun. Again, I'm not against there being automatic cars at this level... but I really think that one should have the option of changing their own gears. You paid enough for them... might as well make them scream!

Now, are you wanting a true manual w/clutch or would say something like the BMW SMG gearbox which still requires shifting be ok?

[Ty_99]

I really don't know what to think on this one. At first brush, 19000 over a GT is a lot more, especially if their is no manual option. For the money a CTS-V is definately my choice.

[jbernie]

Originally Posted by Ty_99

I really don't know what to think on this one. At first brush, 19000 over a GT is a lot more, especially if their is no manual option. For the money a CTS-V is definately my choice.

Just some guidance, but not necessarily an exact match.

Holden Commodore SS - list price AUS$47,000 w/o options
HSV Clubsport R8 - list price AUS$65,000 w/o options and the entry level Commodore based car in their range.

With AUS$82,700 foe the SV08 and if you really want to stretch AUS$156,000 for the W427.

I think the bigger problem is that people aren't quite mentally prepared to pay these prices for a Pontiac, they just don't see the brand as being something you pay a lot for.

[BBDOS CV8]

Originally Posted by jbernie

I think the bigger problem is that people aren't quite mentally prepared to pay these prices for a Pontiac, they just don't see the brand as being something you pay a lot for.

Bingo, and that's why I think Pontiac is a difficult ship to keep off the rocks at this stage - no matter how good or indifferent their lineup. Many of the people complaining about the original GTO got over their problems when the price dropped below $30K.

I have to say, I am not a fan of the CTS' styling, but I'd get the CTS-V over this if I had to choose - just makes more sense that it would be a coherent, developed product with manufacturer's full support, and probably far superior long-term resale over a 'tuner' car. After all, it isn't going to be a common sight, either so it also retains exclusivity.

[sqlcdzx]

Now that is a lot of brass air fittings http://www.liangdianup.com/subpages/airfitting_1.htm there is just about every type
of air fitting that you could want. Wholesale prices too. I guess these could be used as small water pipe fitting also. I
used some of the parts to make my babington wvo burner.

[ChevroletTough]

oh my.... I don't like the black hood, but the options sound killer... This only makes me want a G8 more!!