Auto Trends

Pontiac Firebird-

The word is out in Automotive News, that GM has decided not to market the Pontiac for an additional $200 million beyond that of the Camaro. They don’t see any advantage to offering two relatively similar yet different hot rods in their overall line-up. There are going to be a lot of disappointed Pontiac fans who must have been waiting on pins and needles for the final decision.

Which Firebird exactly would we wish that they’d bring back? Why the Firebird Super Duty 455, as featured in the movie, “Smokey and the Bandi”t. The 1973 version is probably the most infamous of versions. It came at a time when the oil shortage was creating havoc on the performance car market. But somehow the Super Duty was able to squeeze past government restrictions with its big block 455 with 290 horsepower, 395 lbs of torque, and 4-speed Muncie “rock crusher” four speed manual transmission.

While the scoop had a permanent block off plate to adhere to the stricter noise laws, it was widely publicized just how easy it was to drill this out and make it functional again. These engines were held down slightly with emissions standards, but with its mildly aggressive camshaft profile. The engine was one of the greatest designs for its era.

Here is a proposed design of what this Firebird could have looked like.

With todays technology, a 2009 SD-455 would be an absolute beast, capable of no less that 500 plus horsepower right off the showroom floor. Add in the technology to shut down certain cylinders during economic driving, and the Super Duty would have no problem in keeping up with strict emissions, and even less problem keeping up with the Camaro V-8.

Too bad they aren’t going to spring the bucks for this beauty again!

Pontiac Catalina-

Today’s market has been saturated with minivans and station wagons all trying to be the coolest on the block. As of current, the Dodge Magnum Hemi R/T station wagon is one of the top dogs in the market. But what if we introduced a little bit of Pontiac magic into an age old classic that was quite capable of not even getting the groceries, but getting them home before your ice cream even broke a sweat.

The Pontiac Catalina was a powerhouse with its menacing GTO styled front end and very capable 421 cubic inch engine, that was capable in 1966 of 376 horsepower and 461 lbs of torque, using its tri-two barrel set-up. It was a bit hefty in those days, but still managed 0 to 60 in around 7 seconds.

If we would take a retro concept GTO front end and transpose a sleek station wagon, with plenty of beef and bulge. A pointed nose, dual headlights, a 400 horsepower LS2 engine and aluminum body, would definitely give the Magnum a run for its money.

If we can’t have the Firebird, at least give us the dag-gum Catalina!

Pontiac Fiero-

Compact sport roadsters are a popular commodity today… so much in fact, that there is already a market available to the Fiero that has been fostered through the Honda S-2000, BMW Z3, Mazda Miata, etc…

It was actually a beautifully designed mid-engined masterpiece that suffered a lot of unfortunate short comings, such as engine fires and cooling system issues. Even with cost and technical issues, the Fiero remains a popular car to purchase and modify today. The Fiero in 1988 had a 2.8 liter V-6 capable of 135 horsepower and 170 lbs torque, which was respectable for its day. It also had a top speed of 120 mph.

The style of the Fiero was Lotus inspired and offered a clean look at a very affordable price. A new Concept Fiero might be a tough sell with its problematic history, but twenty years later, you are talking about a whole new generation of enthusiasts. The 2.0 liter I-4, 16-valve 260 horsepower motor used in the current Solstice GXP would be a match made in heaven for the lightweight and balanced nature of the mid engine Fiero.

But will Pontiac ever take a chance with such a retro concept? Very doubtful… very doubtful indeed!

Dodge Omni Shelby GLHS “Goes Like He__”-

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT-500 is going gangbusters right now, and a concept of the age old Dodge Omni would put some serious competition on the Mini Cooper. The retro Omni would be well rounded in appearance and refinement, and have some Carrol Shelby fine touches, such as a turbo-charged I-4 complete with a factory intercooler.

The 1986 Dodge Omni GLHS “Goes Like He__ Some-more” 2.2 turbo Shelby edition was capable of 175 horsepower and 200 lbs torque, and that was all in a very simple, lightweight, and front wheel drive car. With today’s technology, it wouldn’t be too hard to create a 300 horsepower version that would certainly give some Corvettes and Vipers a run for their money.

There is a market for these ultra small subcompacts out there, so why not bring back this underestimated classic. Go carts are so much fun… and one capable of quarter mile times of 12 seconds, would be a heck of a lot of fun!