2017 Pontiac Firebird: The Firebird Is Back


FirebirdPontiac.Com
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