Do you guys think that if GM does bring back the F-body, that maybe it might be "toned down" from what it is today, or maybe even redesigned to be a lot more "domesticated"?

I'm saying this because I've always felt that the F-bodies always took a back seat to the Corvette, and considering that the SS and Firehawks are pretty much up to par with the C5's (in terms of hp), that maybe GM is pulling them off the market for a little while to redesign the F-body.

Let's face it, isn't a brand spankin' new SS/Firehawk is just slightly cheaper and just as fast than a new C5 (except for the Z06)?

Don't get me wrong guys, I love F-bodies, and I own one. I'm just curious as to what you guys think about the future of F-bodies.

Ill never buy one if it is FWD!!! but if they go V6 style hopefully its a 3.8 turbo/intercooled with a 6 speed

u won't see a turbo 3.8 with a 6speed, too much of a PITA, plus its not a good idea, the size of the turbo need to feed a 3.8 is too big for a stick, you'd lose SOOOO much boost while shifting, unless of course you power shift every time. GM was toying with the idea of a 5 speed in the 89 TTA but canned that idea after the poor performance results...

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Check out MyGTA Nicknamed:The Big Red Machine
***AOL IM ClarkeMustGoNow***
Moderator at www.transamgta.com
"What does not kill us only makes us stronger"

Tony

First I don't like that the F-bodies are ending. I hope they do come back. The reason they are over is because of their fast speed, bad mileage, and their terrible snow traction, plus they don't have much cargo area. And on top of that insurance was so high. These factors don't bother me, but they do bother society.

So if they do bring it back, it would need a makeover, or else they still won't get sales. My guess would be that are the people who want absolute muscle that don't care about snow, and those who want a hot car that can handle snow. If GM does bring these cars back, I believe they should come in many packages, ah just like the good ol days.

For example, the Winter package where its front wheel drive. The Summer package where its rear wheel drive. And to keep insurance down they'll have to get smaller engines, but try their best to get the most out of them. Maybe thats why they stopped making them. So they could stop wasting money on making them, and use the money on the testing and production of a small high output engine that would knock honda back to Japan. Hopefully, they can somehow keep that grumble that is always needed hand in hand with these cars. They will probably put more luxury features in the car also I'm sure. Maybe a little more cargo area would help also. But I think if they bring back the F-bodies they need to put them in packages. In today's world we want things molded to our life style. We don't want to mold. So packages will keep the F-bodies alive.

I loved how the cars were in 3rd generation. If they restyle them I hope they stick towards the 3rd gen era. Thats the best one. Even bring back the IROC name! That would be awesome. I've seen redesigns for 1st gen, thats no no. 3rd gen is the most aggresive looking cars around. **** man, do you see any car shows today like Knight Rider anymore, how bout a movie like Smokey and the Bandit? Of course not, because today's muscle cars aren't as beautiful as they were in the 80's.

Chevrolet, Pontiac, GM, bring back the F-bodies, we need them. Put them into packages and you will get sales! Trust me the demand is high, it will be even more high after this era of "delete F-bodies". If you build them, they will come! Please be using your time wisely, and try to bring back the Prodigal F-bodies in best of form!

Peace, Tom

I respectfully disagree chevyluva...

While I'm sure that GM is going to produce a 5th Gen, I know it will be one car and there will only be one drivetrain configuration... it will be RWD at least and maybe AWD if the 5th gen mustang gets it... I'm sure Ford plans a 5th gen mustang, because they will need a campaign to counteract. They will most likely produce a V6 and V8. I think the Camaro will be the only 5th gen and the new "fiero" will be Pontiac's staple in the muscle cars.

I do believe they will try to blend the 4th and 1st gen's looks together... Recessed headlights are probably dead forever.

I will disown the 5th gen if it comes out looking totally different like a PT Cruiser or something... I just hope they do a good job.

This is only an opinion, so please take it with a grain of salt.


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1984 Firebird - Daily driver, 305 LG4, 3.23 rear, T5 - Hurst short shifter, Edelbrock 600 CFM 1406 carb, Performer intake - Edelbrock Pro-Flow air filter, gutted cat, IROC 16x8 5 Spoke Wheels, AIWA bargain basement (from Sears of course) CD player, Eight-ball shift ****
Check out my ride here

"IT'S SNOWING! TO THE HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT!" - The Mustang and Firebird face off in the dead of winter.

They will return, and they will most likely be the same in most ways and different in a few. Third Gen's do look the best though, I'd get the dudes that designed them to design the 5th Gen cars, I'd bet they would look cool and sell with those guys designing them.

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89 RS

STILL Looking For:
An 87 IROC-Z28 350 TPI

Yeah I have an RS, but I want an IROC-Z!!

"" the new "fiero" will be Pontiac's staple in the muscle cars ""

Huh? I never heard about this one!


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88 Camaro (The mighty LO3 SC!)
305TBI/700R4/2.73/123,XXX miles
14" Open Element and Flowmaster 80 seires

Next up: headers and gears

Word is that Pontiac will be teaming up with some European company (whoever has more info please step in) to produce an American version of their roadster which will have a 150 Hp engine yet weigh less than 2000 Lbs... I believe it's relation to the Fiero because of it's minescule size.

I with that! If its FWD, they ruined it... If they make it a family cruiser with more cargo space/small 'peppy' engine or what not they ruined it... If you want a car with cargo space you don't buy an F-body, get a GTP if you want good snow traction, cargo space etc... The F-body has been an enthusiast's car, and it will be hard to re-design it to get sales and no offend the people who buy them (Us). Its not a 'chick car' its power, its class, its beauty, its everything the competition only wishes it could be. I hope that isn't ruined...

GM of europe is the majority owner of opel, a compact to midsize vehicle maker in europe. they make some really cool cars like the calibra tc and the astra extreme(concept). The new fiero is the opel speedster, and should remain nearly unmolested as an american car. it is targa top, single removable panel similar to a vette, is mid engine rear drive, no power steering or brakes, only manual, 4 cylinder, no ac, 0-60 5.5, 1/4 high13's low 14's, extremely light, and handles like nobody's business. selling for around 30K, only one hitch... might not pass us crash regs. cool car though.
Current rumours suggest more an amalgamation of first and second gen camaros, RWD, LS-6(i hope), Bigger rims, and only one engine choice by the way, limited prodution, 5 spd auto or 6spd man, no recessed headlights, but expect low 13's or better, a higher price, and no way to compete with the next vette. rumours are also stating a new gto with awd based on the grand prix. 350 horse ls1 and 6 spd. perhaps to compete with lower model rustangs, as ford is now planning to go vette hunting in the next gen stang top end, the terminator is a 400 horse rustang. great effort, but gm's goin viper hunting with the new c6 vette. saw a dyno sheet of one of the two engines being tested for c6. 6.4 litre aluminum block either twin cam or dohc, the two being tested. dyno sheet shows 450 horse at 6500, didn't release which engine, but you cn be sure it's the loweer output of the two. anyway, sure is some interesting stuff comin out, hope bob lutz can outthink corporate management and get them to build them all, that would sve gm.

girlfriend's grandpa is a design engineer for Chevy...did some work on the 2006 vette...talked to him a bit, and he said "don't bet on the F-body going away, at least not for a prolonged amount of time." Sounds good to me!

The only way they could get FWD in without pissing me and just about all Camaro fans off would be to have a base model in FWD, and the Z28/top model in AWD only. Whether that means a v8 or super/turbo charged v6 is up in the air. I'd actually kinda like a AWD turbo Camaro...

However, I really expect the car to be a fresh redesign with some styling cues from the 1st gens with RWD and a v8, maybe a smaller OHC v8, but that's it. A LS1 derived SOHC 5.0ish size motor with would probably perform pretty well and get the better emissions they'll be after.

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Ray87Z
-Vortec headed 350.
86 IROC w/ a cammed 305 TPI.
Formerly Ray86IROC.
www.inter-scape.com/Ray

Some comments:

1) I have talked with suppliers through work when ordering different cars. I promised not to divulge what company, but I quote them: "Do not worry...there is something coming down the line soon."

2) Whatever this car is WILL take into consideration inclement weather driving (thank *** ...my Z will never see snow, but the RS will have to )

3) There will be NO NEW FIREBIRD. Whoever said it was correct...there will only be one car.

4) Pontiac IS at work with Opel on a 147HP (Saturn's 2.2 engine), sub-2000lb targa roadster...think early to mid '90s MR2 with an attitude

5) I read in Motor Trned Pontiac is considering taking the next-gen Camaro platform and developing a more popular spinoff...a 5 passeneger coupe called GTO??? Its a possibility, and makes sense with the upmarket image Pontiac has over Chevy.

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Jason E

'89 Camaro RS
-Medium Grey Metallic
-2.8, A4, T-tops, 94k miles
-Hypertech chip, Accel wires/coil/K&Ns
-Alpine 60x4 and Bostons

'97 Z28
-30th Anniversary package (white with orange stripes)
-LT1, M6, t-tops, 45k miles
-Eclipse CD and 10" Aluminum sub in JL Audio Stealth box, Boston RM speakers, Xtant 403a amp

Speed Kills...Wanna live forever? Drive a Ford.
Long Live #3...

a 5th gen with awd maybe dohc and irs and a nicer interior would be nice
all gm has to do is make a complete package inside, outside and decent efficient power
my friend "I use the term loosely" because he has a cobra and it is a decent all around package
I'll wait to see what the next gen has in store first befor I loose my mind and go to the ford dealership not!

[This message has been edited by vinroc (edited October 23, 2001).]

Well here we go

1. It had d*** well better be a RWD.

2. It d*** well better have a V8-Z/28/TransAm option.

3. I beleive that they will do the camaro/firebird justice in their design. Probably will be somthing like we all have seen with the Holden designed car on some other posts.

4. I really don't beleive that Pontiac will not build the the Firebird. The current Trans Am has quite a following and is a beautiful car.

5. If I am wrong then I guess after 22 years of owning Chevys (about 40 or 50 of them), I will have to look at a F***. Yeah I know a dirty word but then can any of us beleive what GM has done to there line-up the last 10 or 15 years. The Nova, Malibu, Monte, Impala and now they are killing the F-Body. GM has gone to h***. Yes the Corvette is maybe the best it has ever been, but some of us need a back seat. Plus I doubt very many of us on this board can afford a $45,000.00 toy and even if you can afford it you might still have to ask your spouses (good luck).

6. OK, sorry about the b****ing but GM really needs to listen to the buyers of these cars not some fuddy dudy pencil pusher or politician or insurance co.


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1992 Z/28 305 Purple Haze

[This message has been edited by mr2fast4u (edited October 23, 2001).]

Although I have come to love my Firebird as much as I loved Camaros WAAAAY back when (mid '80s). If I were GM, I wouldn't build a 5th gen firebird... if you look at sales from last year you'll see that GM sold almost twice as many Camaros as Firebirds. The Firebird seems to retain loyal followers which would put it into a niche market where as I believe that the Camaro has appeal to people that have never owned a Camaro.

BTW I think the Holden cars look ugly as hell and they all look the same... if that's the future for the Camaro, then I'm stopping at thirdgens, because that's the last Camaro they built right... I wouldn't mind a 4th gen firebird though.

Amen to F-bird buyers being loyal

The only 'Birds I am selling right now are to repeat buyers who want the last ones...I have a '91 305 TBI coming in on a new Formula within days, already sold a Hawk to a lady who traded a '95 6 speed Formula, I have another guy with a '97 A4 Formula contemplating ordering a new T/A, and another one with a '93 T/A A4 wants a new WS6 I have on order.

Are they loyal? Absolutely. But are there enough of them? Definitely not If this year wasn't the last year for them, the only car I would even have the chance to have sold was the Hawk

Also, if the 5th gens don't have a V8 (GM will not be THAT stupid, I don't think...), then the core of the Camaro is gone. I don't mind AWD (those of you in the rust belt like me know why ), but if it isn't a V8, don't even bother making it...it'll just be another laughing-stock.

if GM is smart.. they will fire whoever has been doing research on consumer habits for them, and start reading these freakin boards. That's just the first rant.

1.) if they need to compete with the Mustang in the cargo dept. They need to be angling towards 1st gen configuration. Granted I LOVE the 3rd gen look, for functionality 1st gen is king.

2.) GM needs to remember the days of the 302DZ, and the HO327's. If they could get the power out of them THEN, just imagine what they could do NOW. They could easily make some screamin 4.8's, or 5.3's.

3.) With GM's Transaxel technology, AWD should be EASY.

4.) ADVERTISE

5.) There need to be SEVERAL "trim packages" available.. We're talkin a throwback to the old days here.. If you want a V6 w/ leather, 4 piston brakes, AWD and a 6speed, you should be able to ****ing order one. On that note, the V6 in the F-body should also be offered w/a supercharger like the one that sits atop the GTP.

6.) figure out how to do this w/o entering Vette-territory prices. That will be the hardest thing.


untill all that happens, when I get the money, I will devote my spare time to taking every rescuable(and some that are lost) 3rd gen I see, and restoring it to its original glory, plus some. I think one day..... we should band together and start a MASSIVE museum of The F-Body As it SHOULD have Been..

Anthony

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previous ride: 87 Camaro LT
350, A4.Comp Cams 268H, Edelbrock Preformer intake, Hedman Headers and y-pipe, gutted cat, No AIR/smog pump. 14x3" Open element K&N, Q-jet w/ D hanger and DA rods, adjusted AV spring tension and quick can.

Current ride: 1992 Camaro RS, K&N, Flowmaster, 305, T5, Black, T-tops, 79k miles.

On the Motortrend website they have an article and picture of how they'd do the new camaro. Personally I would make it a tad more roomier, ever tried to ride in the back of your thirdgen? I hope they dont BS with the motors, and keep the long hood. It makes me feel like Im driving my grandaddys new TownCar. Id also like to see some kind of bumper because the fiberglass noses are fragile and expensive.

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86 SC LG4 305
T-tops Auto
Over either 230K or 330K miles. Custom 15" American Racing Wheels.
Clarion Deck & Jensen 6x9s, & some house speakers in the back. Less than stock exhaust (missing a tail pipe & a rust infected system), soon to be replace with a Hooker Aerochamber Cat-back. Thank you Summit Racing, you saved my Car.