Pontiac Firebird: 
Manufacturing American cult roadster began in 1967 and proceeded in parallel with the release of Chevrolet Camaro. Both cars are outstanding representatives class Pony Car. Model Firebird produced before 2002. For almost half a century was represented by 4 generations of machines, as well as modification Pontiac Firebird - a car that was produced by concern General Motors from 1967 to 2002. Firebird was introduced to the market in the same year that a similar model with him Chevrolet Camaro. Both of these cars are created on the same database Pony Car and have a large list of interchangeable components and assemblies. In the same year was also presented and Mercury Cougar.
These cars are mostly mounted engines like V8, produced by different corporate divisions GM. For the most part, the engines for Pontiac Firebird produced the division until 1977, these cars were endowed engines with many factories. Since 1982, the decision was made to install only engines manufactured by GM. The first generation (1967-1969)
The first generation
General dannyeProizvoditel: Pontiac
, Made in the years: 1967-1969 (Firebird)
1969 (Trans Am)
Assembling: Van Nuys, California, USA
Norwood, Ohio, USA
Class: Muscle car
DizaynTip (s) Body: Coupe
cabriolet
Platform: F-body
Layout: Front
DrugoeObem tank capacity: 59 liters
It looked like the first car Pontiac Firebird
The design of the first generation Firebird was like a bottle of "Coca-Cola." Unlike the Chevrolet Camaro, Firebird bumper have been integrated into the design of front end and the rear "chopped" lights have been borrowed from the design of Pontiac GTO. Convertible and coupe models were offered until 1970. Originally, this car is like a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, who wanted to produce two-seat sports car of its own design, based on its concept Banshee. But General Motors feared that in such a case, you will direct the internal competition with Chevrolet Corvette. As a result, it was decided to provide a common platform with the Pontiac Chevrolet, called the F-body. A little upset because the decision of the top management, Pontiac took the provided base and began to remodel both in terms of design and in terms of engineering solutions.
The base model Firebird came with inline-six (I-6) with the timing OHC (Overhead camshaft). Such a gas distribution system is the most common in the automotive industry and is well known to Russian motorist, as applied to engines Concern AvtoVAZ. Powered engine is provided by a twin-carburettor. The following model was equipped with four-barrel carburetor Sprint and developed 215 horsepower (160 kW). But, basically, buyers preferred format engines V8: 5.3 liters capacity with triple carburetor, issuing 250 horsepower (180 kW) model «HO» (High Output / Big Exit) with four-barrel carburetor producing 285 hp (213 kW); or engine displacement of 6.6 liters (400 HO), borrowed from the model GTO capacity of 325 horsepower (242 kW). In 1968, with the engine 400 H.O. also offered the option «Ram Air», including a functional hood scoop, intake system lowered resistance, stiffer valve springs and a modified camshaft. While power, this option is not added, but its peak is at a high speed.
Later engines of 3.8 liters and 175 horsepower (130 kW) with a single-chamber carburettor been superseded by more powerful engine of 4.1 liters, developing power of 215 horsepower (160 kW) with a four-barrel carburetor. Also for the 1968 model engine 5.3 liter engine was replaced by the 5.7 liter, «HO» version of which was modified combustion chamber and the power of 320 horsepower. Subsequently, an engine of that size (5.7L) became the most popular car in its class. Other engines do not have a significant increase in capacity.
Model Pontiac Firebird 1969
In 1969, an additional option is now available «Trans Am». This option will cost the client $ 725 and improves the car's handling and power, this option is also slightly changed appearance. «Trans Am» takes its name from the eponymous series, is very popular at that time in the U.S., and stands for Trans American - through America (free translation). Was originally made of 697 Trans Am, one - 8 convertibles and 689 coupes. In that year, was available as an option for the Ram Air IV engine 6.6 liter, supplement option Ram Air III, this engine develops 345 l / s and 335 l / s, respectively. Was re-refined engine of 5.7 liters, and then began to provide power to 330 l / s. During 1969 we developed a special 5-liter engine for the special road racing «SCCA», but for ordinary clients he was unavailable.
In terms of the body, changes to the model 1967 model 1968 is the appearance of the lateral dimensions in the body, which the government committed to put on the all-new model, the front lights indicator lights found their stand-ins on the front fenders, rear logo appears on the sides of Pontiac - «V ". Also from glazing disappeared separate windows. The model 1969 fundamentally changed the front end - a new bumper «Endura», new headlights and grille. The interior was redesigned instrument panel and steering wheel. Also ignition moved from the dashboard to the steering column and combined the engine starting and locking the steering wheel.
Due to some problems that have delayed the release of a new generation Firebird, and instead of the usual debut of the new model in September this year, Pontiac continued production of the model 1969. Moreover, in the spring of 1969 all the literature and descriptions of Firebird and brochures disappeared reference year model. They had tried to extend sales of 1969 models.
Firebird first generation can be easily distinguished from the Chevrolet Camaro - Firebird with four front headlights, while the Camaro - two. Second generation (1970-1981)
Second generation
General dannyeProizvoditel: Pontiac
, Made in the years: 1970-1981 all models
Assembling: Van Nuys, California, USA
Norwood, Ohio, USA
Class: Muscle car
DizaynTip (s) Body: Coupe
cabriolet
Platform: F-body
Layout: Front
DrugoeObem tank capacity: 59 liters
Model 1970 Firebird Trans Am ½ years: Transition model different form bulkhead
The release of 1970 and the beginning of the second generation has been delayed until February 26, 1970 due to engineering problems, and most often it is called as the 1970 ½ model year, the beginning of the 1970 cars were on sale with slightly altered appearance.
Firebird second generation cast aside "bottle" design. The car became more squat, the upper edge of the rear windshield was almost flush with the roof, and the lower edge is ended in a nearly flush with the trunk lid. This specific type of car model on the entrenched for a long 11 years. The new design also has rather wide rear rack until 1975, when the rear window was increased. For Model 1970, there were two engine format «Ram Air» volume 6.6 liters: Ram Air III (325 horsepower, 366 horsepower Pontiac GTO) and the Ram Air IV (345 horsepower, 370 horsepower for GTO), which were inherited from the model 1969. The difference in engine power Firebird and GTO was blocking the second chamber of the carburettor when Firebird, in the rest of the engines were identical.
Model 1973
A small change has Chuck in 1977, and the next change - in 1979.
Model Firebird Trans Am 1977: The most popular modification of the model of the second generation
From 1977 to 1981 Pontiac Firebird comes with four square headlamps, while the Camaro continued to produce with two round headlights, which were typical of the top two models of the second generation. Mass of the vehicle front overhang has grown as a result of installing the front bumper, dropping hit in case of an accident and other changes that affect security. As a result, the model Firebird Trans Am weighed horrific 1750 kilograms.
455y engine displacement of 7.5 liters, which is available for installation, modification «Trans Am» Second Generation Firebird, has become the latest high-performance engine, which is deservedly considered the last of the generation of the legendary engine Muscle cars. For the first time this engine has appeared in the format HO in 1971. In 1973 and 1974, the engine was made in a special version called the SD-455.
SD-455 was reinforced engine block, four-point mounting the crankshaft bearings and other gain. Plans to release a brand new crankshaft, but in practice the SD455 comes with a standard crankshaft with minimal improvements. Also been applied advanced aluminum pistons, connecting rods and cylinder head with higher bandwidth. The cylinder head has been borrowed from the Pontiac GTO Ram Air 1967. Valve lift was about 1.03 inches, the length of the opening - 301/313 degrees and 76 degrees blending valve opening. A much more aggressive enforcement of the camera discharge Ram Air IV was planned for this engine (initially posing 310 horsepower), but, unfortunately, not able to meet the increasingly stringent requirements on emissions. The result is that the engine in this configuration, with a compression ratio of 8.4:1 (the passport, in reality, the compression ratio was 7.9:1), has a capacity of 290 horsepower. After the release of the vehicle to the market from various sources began to receive data on that car too fast for its 290 horsepower and 1750 pounds. As a result, enthusiasts were conducted comparative tests on which this arrangement showed 13.75 seconds for a quarter mile (402 meters), while vehicles with special, in-depth training for the race showed at least 14.5 seconds at 157.68 miles per hour. This intrigued magazine «High Performance Pontiac», who decided to throw a Firebird with the layout on the stand and test. Everyone expected that the result will be higher than 290 horsepower, but no one expected result in 371 horsepower! This has become a real boon for motorists at the time, but soon the engine was banned, as the requirements for emissions become increasingly stringent. As a result, Firebird 1976 with engine 455 was the last of the legendary "heavy" vehicles. Most of them were released 7100.
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Third generation (1982-1992)
The third generation
General dannyeProizvoditel: Pontiac
, Made in the years: 1982 - 1992
Assembling: Van Nuys, California, USA
Norwood, Ohio, USA
Class: Muscle car
DizaynTip (s) Body: Coupe
Platform: F-body
Layout: Front
DrugoeObem tank capacity: 59 liters
Base F-body weight was the third generation of the relatively smaller than their predecessors and had a more streamlined, aerodynamic design, which has been implemented in an ideal model Pontiac Firebird. CCC production system GM (Computer Command Control) engine control computer also does not stand still, and developed, while increasing the power efficiency and reducing emissions. All of these factors were the strong points of this model. Firebird third generation can still be seen on the roads in quite reasonable condition, they are still popular on the secondary market. These vehicles are widely used on American television, in feature films and in television series. Thus, the black Trans Am was one of the main characters of the popular 80s TV series Knight Rider. Also, 1987 was the first year that began installing the 5.7 liter engine of the system «TPI» (Tuned Port Injection) V8 format and an output of 230 horsepower, but the engine was available only with a modification «Trim» automatic transmission TH-700R4 . In 1991, after restyling, Firebird became elongated front. Lights on vehicles this year in the closed position to fully shut down the bumper. '92 - The last year "third generation" ... Were produced (and sold) a small number of modifications perfomens F-body. Most potential customers waiting for the next generation. Following the tradition established a limited series called Firehawk. The last three cars (out of 25), for example, had a modified engine with a capacity of 375 hp
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Fourth generation (1993-2002)
The fourth generation
General dannyeProizvoditel: Pontiac
, Made in the years: 1993 - 2002
Assembling: Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, Canada
Class: Muscle car
DizaynTip (s) body: hatchback, coupe,
cabriolet
Platform: F-body
Layout: Front
Transmission
automatic 4-speed (TH700R4 1993, 4L60E 1994-2002)
manual 5 speed 1993-1997 Borg Warner T56 (models with V6)
manual 6 speed 1999-2002 WorldClass Tremec T56
Characteristics
Mass gabaritnyeDlina: 1998-2002 Firebird: 4910 mm
2000-2002 Trans Am: 4920 mm
1998-1999 Trans Am: 4923 mm
1998-1999 Firebird: 4910 mm
1993-1997 Firebird: 4968 mm
1993-1997 Trans Am: 5004 mm
Width: 1998-2002: 1890 mm
1993-1997: 1892 mm
Wheelbase: 2568 mm
Weight: 1560 pounds
DinamicheskieRazgon to 100 km / h: 5.8 seconds
Max. speed: 250 km / h
In the market
Successor
Pontiac GTO
Related: The fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro
DrugoeObem tank capacity: 59 liters
The fourth generation has continued to move in the intended path of the previous generation of aerodynamic and streamlining the body, but because of a general decline in demand for these cars are not used properly popular with buyers. As before, Camaro produced with external lights and Firebird using "blind" version of the retractable headlights that have undergone minor changes. Overall, the fourth generation Firebird fully reflected the ideas of the concept of «Banshee IV», than restyled third generation in 1991. However, it had lost something that unites all generations of cars of this brand - some sharpness and wedge-shaped, brightly displayed by designers in the concept of «Banshee IV», which angered some fans of the old Firebird.
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Modification of the Trans Am
Among others, Firebird had modified Trans Am. This modification improved the steering car slightly reduced ground clearance, raised the engine power. Plus to this, Trans Am and looks different: The functional hood scoop, fog lights, alloy wheels - these are the distinguishing features of the exterior modifications. Despite the fact that the Trans Am ceased to exist, along with the cessation of production of the Firebird in 2002, the base F-body continued to be used in the IROC racing series until 2006.
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