Will A New Pontiac Firebird Return? Everything You Need To Know
Pontiac Firebird by WMrapids - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Among classic car lovers and auto enthusiasts, few names have as much significance as the Pontiac Firebird. But, sadly, this epic sports car left the new car marketplace in 2002, and the Pontiac brand shut down in 2010. This has created a gap for muscle car fans looking for something beyond the long-running Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang trio. Could General Motors fill this void with a new Firebird? Read on as we explore the possibilities and examine what Pontiac Firebird options might be available.
History of the Pontiac Firebird
Before talking about the possibility of a new Firebird, let’s discuss the history of this iconic car.
In 1967, General Motors launched the Pontiac Firebird in tandem with its platform-mate, the Chevrolet Camaro. This two-pronged approach helped GM take on Ford and the red-hot Mustang, which had been on sale for two years. Firebird buyers could choose from a base model or upgrade to the Esprit or Formula. Throughout the Firebird’s history, the Trans Am remained the top-dog version packing the greatest performance punch among all the trims.
The second-generation Firebird debuted in 1970 and continued through 1981 with a larger size and more weight. This was the era that welcomed the famed “screaming chicken” graphics to the Trans Am versions. Meanwhile, the 1977 movie Smokey and the Bandit with Burt Reynolds helped cement the Pontiac Firebird into popular culture.
1982 welcomed the third-generation Firebird with streamlined looks and modern technology like fuel injection. This Pontiac also served as the main prop in the TV series Knight Rider, helping further boost the Firebird’s popularity. The fourth and final generation of the Pontiac Firebird appeared for the 1993 model year and lasted until getting discontinued in 2002. While still very aerodynamic, the last Firebird’s bulbous shape accentuated the car’s length.
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How General Motors Could Create A New Pontiac Firebird
The truth is GM has a ready-made platform that could make a new Firebird a reality. It’s called the Chevrolet Camaro. Sharing components with corporate cousins has been a way of life for General Motors for decades. So, adapting a Camaro to a Firebird isn’t far-fetched (that’s what occurred with previous Firebirds).
A Simple Approach To A New Pontiac Firebird
In its most uncomplicated form, all the automaker has to do is change the Camaro’s front end and taillights to create a Firebird. Perhaps some logos could be swapped on the inside. Keeping a new Firebird focused on performance, GM could skip the four- and six-cylinder engines that power the current lower-end Camaros in favor of a potent V8.
The 2023 Camaro is available with a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that makes 455 horsepower or a supercharged version of the same engine that cranks out 650 ponies. Either of these mighty powerplants would satisfy Firebird fans.
While Pontiac-branded dealerships are things of the past, a new Firebird could be sold through GM’s existing dealer network. Many of these outlets house multiple brands (Chevy, Buick, and GMC) under one roof. So, even a limited production run of the Firebird wouldn’t require any new retail structure or more dealers.
How Much Will A New Pontiac Firebird Cost?
Pricing and trims for a new Firebird could be simplified by offering it only as a Trans Am version. And by selling the Firebird only as a hardtop, production is even more straightforward. The top-end Camaro ZL1, with a supercharged V8, starts at $70,000. Using this Chevy as a baseline, a similarly equipped Pontiac Firebird Trans Am could easily and quickly hit the streets. GM could readily tack on an extra $5,000 or $10,000 (or more), and buyers would line up for the privilege of getting their hands on a reborn Firebird.
It’s not difficult to envision a one-time special-edition Firebird with just a few thousand copies leaving the factory. But the real question is could a new Pontiac Firebird become a reality?
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Will General Motors Actually Build A New Firebird?
We’ve covered that GM producing a Camaro-based Firebird is quite possible. But, unfortunately, the will to do so doesn’t exist. Here’s why.
Most significantly, General Motors recently announced that it’s discontinuing the Chevrolet Camaro after 2024. That means there will be nothing to build a Firebird from in the near future.
Add in that 2023 is the last year for the Dodge Challenger, and it’s clear that the American sports car era is over. Detroit is willing to leave the market to the Ford Mustang for a mainstream option and Chevrolet Corvette for a high-end offering. For the most part, domestic automakers are concentrating their efforts on electric vehicles and SUVs.
But when one company refuses or is unwilling to meet demand, others often step in.
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Others Fill the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Gap
Although an official Firebird hasn’t left a General Motors factory in more than two decades, other companies have filled the void over the years. These custom creations involve Firebird-style modifications to a modern Chevrolet Camaro from the fifth (2010-2015) or sixth (2016-2023) generation.
Usually, these efforts include replacing the front end with a Firebird-inspired arrangement featuring the classic beak nose and quad headlights. The back end also gets redone, usually with wide horizontal taillights that mimic the Pontiac Firebirds of the past.
Many of these efforts are unofficial reproductions. However, in 2012, GM licensed Florida-based Trans Am Depot to create a series of custom-built Trans Ams, complete with the Pontiac logo. Based on the Camaro, these limited-edition cars brought the Firebird back to life, including with screaming chicken hood graphics. In 2017, the company sold 77 copies of the Bandit Edition Trans Am, each with Burt Reynolds’ signature.
Other interpretations include projects like the Pontiac Trans Am ZTA from PMD Garage in Michigan. Based on a Camaro ZL1 convertible, this one-off sports car features the requisite exterior transformations along with customized interior touches like embroidered Trans Am logos.
Because appreciation for the Pontiac Firebird continues, it’s safe to say we’ll see more examples available in the future. They just won’t be from General Motors.
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