10 Things We Want From A New Pontiac Firebird

In a hypothetical multiverse that allows us to dream of a modern Pontiac Firebird hitting our streets, here are the features we would like to see.

Here in 2023, muscle cars seem to be fading out once more. Still, this is nothing new. It happened before, over 50 years ago, and they made a return. It's been over two decades since the death of the Pontiac Firebird in 2002, after a production run of 35 years that started all the way back in 1967. Pontiac itself met its demise all the way back in 2010, as General Motors trimmed the fat from their lineup of various brands. With recent news that the Chevrolet Camaro will be discontinued soon, as well as the extinction of the Dodge Challenger and Charger, only the Ford Mustang remains as the sole option for V8-powered muscle…for now, at least.

Of course, General Motors will likely never resurrect Pontiac, let alone create a new Firebird. The costs of either would be absolutely staggering. When you consider that the Camaro is being discontinued due to its low sales, as well as factoring in the same traits with the Chevrolet SS not long ago, it's going to be hard to convince GM to produce virtually any form of muscle car in the near future. Even so, in a hypothetical multiverse, we can still dream. In the highly unlikely scenario of a new Pontiac Firebird hitting the market, here are the 10 things we'd love to see featured.

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It's no secret that electrification is swarming the auto industry, even on the muscle car front. As mentioned, the Chevy Camaro is destined for discontinuation soon, but there are already rumors of EV sedans and SUVs that will take its place, at least in GM's eyes. With Dodge seeking similar advances, the only ICE muscle car left will be the Mustang, if Ford holds out.

This could be great news for Ford if they decide to stick with fossil fuels, as they'd have virtually no competition. A hypothetical Pontiac entry, on the other hand, would be the sole competitor on the mass market. One could argue that a V8-powered passenger car has no place in the modern world, but that remains a foolish assessment. Considering the enormous, aftermarket array of crate engines, frames, and even entire bodies for classic hot rods and muscle cars, it's safe to say that this is a world that's not going to simply just disappear anytime soon.

Of course, federal law has required all new vehicles to provide some form of traction control since 2012. But, what if that wasn't the case? In a perfect world, we'd do away entirely with that nonsense. Muscle cars are supposed to be analog machines, letting the drivers feel the raw might of the V8 and left with nothing but their own bearings to keep it in check. It's part of the experience.

Furthermore, doing away with things like TCS, ABS, and stability control would drastically reduce the curb weight of a potential Firebird, cutting the dead weight. Another advantage is the pure, mechanical simplicity of fewer parts. The less you have on the car, the less you have to fix when it breaks.

Here in 2023, even the most basic cars seem to have interiors that are readily equipped and far more luxurious than ever. Things like air-conditioned seats, massive infotainment screens, Wi-Fi systems, and heated steering wheels are becoming far more commonplace.

As far as we're concerned, these frivolous additions have no place on our version of a Pontiac Firebird. If we wanted the interior to be opulent and laden with gadgets, we'd be hypothesizing a BMW 7 Series, not a Pontiac. We're headed to the drag strip, or even the road course, and don't need anything holding us back.

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Some might seem that we're opposed to modern technology by the way this article is going so far, but that's definitely not the case. We just feel that this is the type of car that necessitates a more raw approach to driving, to connect the driver back to the road and remove anything that can insulate that experience from us.

One certainty, however, is that the Pontiac Firebird hasn't always been known for its handling characteristics. With things like double-wishbone suspension on each corner, as well as beefed-up shocks and sway bars, the right adjustments and a proper weight balance could go a long way in allowing a new Firebird to corner properly. It took Ford over 40 years to finally realize this with the Mustang, as it wasn't until 2015 that the sixth-gen versions finally received independent suspension at the rear end.

Like its sister car, the Chevrolet Camaro, the Pontiac Firebird has been synonymous with T-Tops since 1976. Although the model had been on the market for nine years at that point, and was six years deep into its second generation, the iconic T-Top roof became an instant hit with customers.

Initially built by Hurst, the T-Tops would remain optional on the Pontiac Firebird until its eventual cancelation in 2002. Of course, they're not without their drawbacks. These removable panels have been known to leak, especially as they age. Still, we're only hypothesizing, so why not?

Any seasoned driver will tell you that weight is always the enemy of any car. Whether it's acceleration, braking, or especially handling, the more weight added into the mix always has negative consequences when it comes down to serious performance.

Muscle cars like the Pontiac Firebird haven't exactly been on a diet throughout their existence, as it wasn't uncommon at all for most versions to weigh in around 3,500 lbs or more. With modern advances in carbon fiber, aluminum, and other lightweight compounds that don't deprive the car of potential rigidity, we'd take all we can get to keep a new Firebird at a healthy weight.

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Since our vision of a new Pontiac Firebird lacks any form of driving aids whatsoever, a little something else might be needed to keep the rear end in check. A limited-slip differential would certainly help, whether it's hooking up the tires at the drag strip or barreling out of a hairpin under hard cornering.

Obviously, a mechanical differential won't offer anywhere near the type of saving grace as electronic traction control. Nonetheless, servicing the rear end would be far easier (and cheaper) than the alternative. In truth, a mechanical option will always give the true driver a better feel for the road, relying on their own skill instead of technology to get the job done.

This segment is certainly a given that you likely saw coming, and why wouldn't you? While modern automatics can certainly provide for quicker acceleration, enthusiasts still love the option of a manual transmission. Sadly, most Americans still favor the automatic option, which is in direct contrast to the trends in the rest of the world.

Considering that this country literally invented the automatic transmission, it makes sense, in a way. On the contrary side, the relaxed and less-attentive driving style provided by automatics is a strong contributing factor when it comes to cases involving distracted drivers. With both hands and feet busy working the steering wheel, pedals, and shifter, it's a lot harder to find yourself playing with the infotainment screen. On the other hand, muscle cars are primarily bred for drag racing, and many quarter-mile veterans can assure you that, with the right setup, a proper automatic can deliver far lower ET's.

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Of course, we'd like to see more than one engine option for a new Pontiac Firebird, especially if a lower-displacement variant can bring down the projected MSRP. Generally, this isn't anything new for American muscle.

On the larger scale of things, cars like the modern Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang have offered turbocharged four-cylinders, as well as V6 options, in addition to their trademark V8 powerhouses.

The iconic Phoenix graphic on the hood of a new Pontiac Firebird would be the cherry on top of the cake. Dubbed the "screaming chicken", in addition to a slew of other nicknames, these graphics emblazoned the front decks of several Firebird and Trans Am models since their inception in 1973, which could be considered one of the last great years of the Firebird before the Malaise Era took over.

Although the Phoenix came and went over the years, it was an unmistakable gimmick that became the best-known feature of the Pontiac Firebird, something that even non-enthusiasts could recognize at even a glance. In the odd chance that the Firebird ever comes back, this is one finishing touch that's mandatory.

Sources: General Motors, Hemmings, Hagerty

Jon Morris is a former independent road racer, automotive historian, and the founder of Obscure Cars Daily. He has been immersed in automotive culture throughout his entire life and possesses an expansive knowledge of the most obscure and rare cars ever conceived by human hands. Additionally, he acts as a co-organizer of Pittsburgh's North Side Coffee & Cars, a monthly car meet dedicated to showcasing obscure and unusual automobiles.