This is a no brainer
May 17th, 2015
by MonaroSS
Why no Firebird or Trans Am?
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Seriously....
Why no Firebird?
I can understand why no Firebird with the Gen5 Camaro because GM had closed down the Pontiac Division and rid itself of the Pontiac Dealer network. To suddenly announce a new "Pontiac Firebird by Buick" to be sold out of the Buick/GMC Dealer network would have been too raw and contentious.
But time heals all wounds or at least lets them scab-over.
Now there are some compelling reasons why GM should revive the Pontiac Firebird...
1. If there were a pent up demand for Camaro when Gen5 was released then that is doubly so for a Pontiac Firebird.
2. Buick/GMC Dealers have no sports car to attract a broader range of customer and round out their offerings.
3. The New Gen6, while a fine looking car with all new details, has for some - perhaps many - too much familiarity to the Gen5. It is understandable why GM played it safe with a winning formula. But a good measure of potential customers will be put off because it's not different enough - and a much more unique Pontiac Firebird can be the alternative to attract those customers rather than let them wander over to their Ford dealer. The Gen6 will age faster than the Gen5 because the look is already 10 years old - which some will love - but others who get bored of it would have the Firebird to entice them.
4. In staying the course with the look of the Gen5, and it's gun slit windows, there is another set of customers who feel the windows are too restrictive and the interior ambiance is too claustrophobic. A Firebird allows GM a second bite of the cherry by using unique doors and door windows as shown here that are a few inches larger and thus more airy, as well as giving the Firebird a more distinct identity.
GM does not have to restart the Pontiac Division or the Pontiac Dealer network. Just slap a "Pontiac Firebird by Buick" badge on it and sell it out of Buick/GMC Dealers. Good to Go. If those wanting a new Firebird won't go buy one from a Buick Dealer then they don't really want one...
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Pontiac Firebird by Buick would command a premium and could be like GMC to Chevy Trucks and SUV's and like Escalade
to Chevy - a premium product that has had most of it's development paid for by Chevrolet and thus its sales would be like
printing money for GM.
Put in a premium leather interior and extra content. Drop the base 2.0T and use the V6 as base. Offer the 2.0T Hybrid
powertrain from CT6 and the ATS-V's TTV6, and top out the engine lineup with one of GM's HiPo V8's.
With a longer, narrower and lower nose the Firebird would be more aerodynamic than Camaro and thus might do well in Hybrid form as a promotion of GM tech for both fuel economy and sports fun. An all electric or Voltec version could be interesting as well.
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What do you think, tell us and come back to comment on what others thought as well...
May 17th, 2015
by MonaroSS
Why no Firebird or Trans Am?
Seriously....
Why no Firebird?
I can understand why no Firebird with the Gen5 Camaro because GM had closed down the Pontiac Division and rid itself of the Pontiac Dealer network. To suddenly announce a new "Pontiac Firebird by Buick" to be sold out of the Buick/GMC Dealer network would have been too raw and contentious.
But time heals all wounds or at least lets them scab-over.
Now there are some compelling reasons why GM should revive the Pontiac Firebird...
1. If there were a pent up demand for Camaro when Gen5 was released then that is doubly so for a Pontiac Firebird.
2. Buick/GMC Dealers have no sports car to attract a broader range of customer and round out their offerings.
3. The New Gen6, while a fine looking car with all new details, has for some - perhaps many - too much familiarity to the Gen5. It is understandable why GM played it safe with a winning formula. But a good measure of potential customers will be put off because it's not different enough - and a much more unique Pontiac Firebird can be the alternative to attract those customers rather than let them wander over to their Ford dealer. The Gen6 will age faster than the Gen5 because the look is already 10 years old - which some will love - but others who get bored of it would have the Firebird to entice them.
4. In staying the course with the look of the Gen5, and it's gun slit windows, there is another set of customers who feel the windows are too restrictive and the interior ambiance is too claustrophobic. A Firebird allows GM a second bite of the cherry by using unique doors and door windows as shown here that are a few inches larger and thus more airy, as well as giving the Firebird a more distinct identity.
GM does not have to restart the Pontiac Division or the Pontiac Dealer network. Just slap a "Pontiac Firebird by Buick" badge on it and sell it out of Buick/GMC Dealers. Good to Go. If those wanting a new Firebird won't go buy one from a Buick Dealer then they don't really want one...
Pontiac Firebird by Buick would command a premium and could be like GMC to Chevy Trucks and SUV's and like Escalade
to Chevy - a premium product that has had most of it's development paid for by Chevrolet and thus its sales would be like
printing money for GM.
Put in a premium leather interior and extra content. Drop the base 2.0T and use the V6 as base. Offer the 2.0T Hybrid
powertrain from CT6 and the ATS-V's TTV6, and top out the engine lineup with one of GM's HiPo V8's.
With a longer, narrower and lower nose the Firebird would be more aerodynamic than Camaro and thus might do well in Hybrid form as a promotion of GM tech for both fuel economy and sports fun. An all electric or Voltec version could be interesting as well.
What do you think, tell us and come back to comment on what others thought as well...
