Title: GM’S Next Sports Car

I think General Motors should make both models but without overlapping each other. The Firebird/Trans AM should be a design that shows performance and an exciting style. For example, I love the designs that flow on the Internet, but I also like the third and fourth generation Firebird/Trans Am. I would take a little of each model and make an ultimate design.

Ideally, I would love to see the Firebird/Trans AM back. The STD engine should be a V-6 and the CTS new 3.6. The V-6 is a great choice and should be used in the base firebird. The Firebird formula should also use the 6.0 V-8 400HP and the Trans Am should use an HO 6.0 or supercharged 6.0 at about 450-490HP.

The base Firebird should start at $19,000; the Firebird Formula at $22,000 and the Trans AM between $27,000 and $32,000. I would have the same plant that makes the Camaro build the Firebird/Trans AM and the GTO. However, the GTO should use a bigger platform of the Zeta or extended version. This feature would utilize the plant more efficiently.

Additionally, the GTO should be based on the EXT version of the Zeta platform, which should be a two-door coupe and convertible. They should both share the platform with the Buick Regal two-door coupe, but offer the Regal with a retractable convertible as an option. Further, the vehicles should have a 6.0 V-8 400HP STD, which will separate everything from prices to style to performance, and will utilize the plant fully, thereby paying off all the investment GM has in this project.

            GM should not come out with the GTO immediately because it has left a bitter taste in people’s mouths with the previous generation GTO. This ticked people off, who may have wanted to get it. This is why the Firebird/Trans AM should arrive first. The Firebird/Trans AM also has a longer history and I believe there is more interest in it.

            Perhaps, in 2010, GM could come out with a GTO as a supplement or limited edition to a larger coupe. The Buick Regal was a popular car in the early 1980’s. I would round off the edges and bring back the Grand National with a turbocharged 3.8-V6 that existed previously, but also chang the heads to DOHC like they did with the Chevy ZR-1 and turbocharge the 3.6.

            Most important, these cars have to be created so that they are reliable. The manufacturer cannot take short cuts but must take its time. This would be a huge project. I know that this undertaking would benefit if the vehicle was released 6-9 months later because quality control is not necessarily a detriment. Toyota and Lexus sometimes take longer to finish their products because they know quality is important. Customers in the long run will thank those that take longer in perfecting their products.