Pontiac Fiero
Pontiac Fiero GT Notchback (1985 )
The Pontiac Fiero was a sports car with mid- engine, which was manufactured from July 1983 to March 1988 by General Motors.
The models built include the 2M4 ( stands for 2 seats, mid-engine, 4 cylinders), 2M6, SE, GT, Formula. Two body styles were manufactured: the Notchback ( sedan ), and which was introduced in the fall of 1986 Fastback ( Hatchback ). All models had pop-up headlights.
The engine consisted of either (also known as Iron Duke ) or 2.8 -liter V6 with electronic fuel injection and 99 kW from a 2.5 -liter 4- cylinder engine with 68 kW. The design team led by the Turkish-born Hulki Aldikacti designed the car first as a two-seat " commuter car" with low fuel consumption, which is due to a political decision of the GM / Pontiac management. Then the use of the rather weak four-cylinder engine was due, which was also available with an Econo - automatic transmission. Moreover, were depending on the year, manual available with four or five courses. The 2.8 -liter V6 was available from model year 1985. Most vehicles with a V6 engine are identified by a spoiler on the rear end.
The method of preparation of the Fiero was special and innovative by the combination of a mobile space frames made of steel with screwed plastic panels. For this, a new factory was built in Pontiac, Michigan / USA, worked with specially designed machines.
This design enables and the mid-engine arrangement of the Fiero is still often used as a basis for Ferrari, Ford GT 40 and Lamborghini replicas. Also to be installed in the Fiero of enthusiasts often stronger V6 and V8 engines. Especially often are engines with a displacement of 3.1 liters, 3.8 liters (with or without compressor) or the 3.4-liter DOHC V6 from General Motors or the famous Chevy " Small Block " V8 with 5, 7 liter engine used to.
1984 was the Fiero Pace Car of the Indianapolis race and was offered a limited " Indy Fiero " version.
For the last model year 1988 suspension and suspension have been completely revised. Due to some quality problems (engine fires, especially in model year 1984), increased competition (eg Toyota MR2) and sharply rising insurance premiums Fiero 1988 has been set.
Another theory suggests that the increasingly sporty oriented Fiero, would have constituted an excessive intra-group competition for the Chevrolet Corvette, especially in the planned for 1990 2nd generation and with more powerful engines and therefore an internal power struggle fell victim.
Only when produced from 2005 to 2009 Pontiac Solstice offered again in a sporty two- seater.