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| FirebirdPontiac.Com |
Among iconic
automotive names, few conjure up the visceral reaction of the 2017 Pontiac
Firebird. Originally applied the Firebird name came to be associated with
advances in both styling and performance.
It’s
fitting, then, that Pontiac is applying the Firebird name to the 2017 Firebird,
as the seventh-generation represents perhaps the most significant change in
styling since the second generation was launched.
There are
big gains in performance, too, with the base model’s 6.2-liter V-8 now
producing 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. That’s good enough for
sub-four-second 0-60 mph times, and when fitted with the optional 2017 Firebird
Performance Package, the new 2017 Pontiac Firebird can exceed 1 g in cornering
grip.
As impressive as those numbers may be, it’s
the 2017 Firebird’s shape that has people talking. Up front, the rounded intake
in the lower fascia is reminiscent of the original Firebird, while the car’s
fastback style seems to tie it directly to the 2017 Firebird models. There’s
enough of the current car’s shape in the Firebird to be familiar, too.
Out back,
the square tail lights tie the car to the 2017 Pontiac Firebird, but these are
offset by details like the vented and finned hood, or the vertical details of
the join between rear fenders and rear bumper.
Inside,
Pontiac has listened to owner complaints about the previous model’s lackluster
interior. Gone are the inadequate seats, replaced by the buyer’s choice of
Firebird seats for comfort or Competition Sport Seats, with additional
bolstering, for track use. Both look to be a giant improvement over the chairs
available in the 2017 Firebird.
The interior is wrapped in soft-touch materials,
too, with material choices (depending upon trim level) including Napa leather,
carbon fiber, aluminum and micro-suede. There’s also the latest Pontiac Link
infotainment system, which is shown on a pair of eight-inch displays including
one (in the center stack) with gesture recognition