Wikicars - User contributions [en]

Pontiac Fiero

2008-01-01T20:49:33Z

68.108.183.87:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | {{{Image}}}
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Pontiac Fiero'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[General Motors]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1984-1988
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Sports Car
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 2-Door Notchback Coupe 2-Door Fastback Coupe
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 165.1"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 69"
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 46.9"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 93.4"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 2400-2800 lbs
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-Speed Automatic, RWD 4-Speed Manual, RWD 5-Speed Manual, RWD
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.5L (151 cid) I4 (1984-1988) 2.8L (173 cid) V6 (1985-1988)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 90-130 hp
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| N/A
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Platform
| P
|}

To express the '''Pontiac Fiero''' in its simplest terms would be a gross injustice. But to gain appreciation for what Pontiac engineering "magic" has accomplished, you first have to understand what the Fiero concept started out to be. In plain language, Fiero is a sporty, exciting, highly fuel-efficient, highly styled 2-seat personal car.

Pontiac has taken this simple, straightforward concept and turned it into a rolling example of brilliantly innovative engineering. It's a formula that has worked well for Pontiac over the years, and Fiero may be the finest expression of the division's engineering prowess to date.

The Fiero can be described as an economy car. It can also be considered a practical and durable car. And, by its technical specifications alone, Fiero may legitimately be called a sports car. The beauty of Fiero is that it's all of these cars, presented in a distinctly dramatic, functionally beautiful Pontiac shape. And best of all, Fiero is one of Pontiac's best examples of what driving is supposed to be all about: pure, unabridged fun!

You are about to find out what makes Fiero work, and why Pontiac engineers designed it the way they did. You'll see that Fiero posesses a rare blend of individual features that, when taken together, add up to one of the most innovative and exciting cars ever built.

Designing the Fiero
When Pontiac engineers began designing the Fiero, some very basic decisions had to be made. Since the traditional body/frame chassis design has given way to the unibody structure on the majority of contemporary cars, Pontiac engineers could have been content with this path for Fiero. But, as you might expect, a more innovative approach was taken for the Fiero: the Space-Frame chassis concept.

To better understand the advantages of the space-frame, you have to look beyond the automobile for a moment. Think of the basic design of a typical suspension bridge, which is made up of individual, load bearing steel supports. Together, these supports form an incredibly strong structure.

The beauty of the space frame concept is that it's particularly strong in the places it needs to be, with excess weight being eliminated from the total structure.

Race cars have used the space-frame concept almost from the beginning. In a raceing car, structural rigidity is a key concern, but this strength must be attained while keeping the weight of the car low. A classic example of the space-frame concept is used in NASCAR® Grand National racers. Underneath the body panels of a stock car is a complex network of steel tubing that makes up the actual chassis. These tubes come together strategically in a skeleton-like manner, leaving spaces, and saving weight, in noncritical areas.

Given the design requirements of Fiero, the space-frame concept is an ideal solution. Pontiac engineers wanted Fiero to have an extremely strong chassis structure, but they needed to avoid any excess weight that would negatively affect fuel economy. Fiero's space frame is a complete success. It's very strong but well within the original weight goals. Moreover, Fiero has achieved one of the highest ratings ever recorded in GM barrier safety tests.

Fiero innovation doesn't stop with the space-frame chassis. When Fiero was introduced in September 1984, it was the first 2-seat, mid-engined production car ever built by an American manufacturer.

Mid-Engine means that the engine/drivetrain unit is placed behind the driver, but ahead of the rear wheels. Mid-engine drive layouts have been common at the highest levels of international racing since the early '60s, including all Indy-type championship cars and Formula 1 Grand Prix machines. Pontiac engineers decided on a mid-engine layout for many of the same reasons that racing car designers do.

One of the design objectives for the Fiero was optimum, balanced handling performance, so rear-wheel drive was a must. Pontiac engineers knew that in order to achieve this handling goal, the heavy mass of the engine/drivetrain unit had to be placed as close to the center of the car as possible. Given the fact that the Fiero package is compact, a mid-engine layout became the most logical choice.

Fiero's engine is mounted transverely, and is very accessible for routine servicing. The power for Fiero is supplied by Pontiac's updated 2.5 liter 4-cylinder, "swirlport" engine with electronic fuel injection, or a powerful 2.8 liter V6.

In order to take advantage of Fiero's mid-engine layout, Pontiac engineers added other significant features to the Fiero. Fully independent suspension and rack and pinion steering are standard. Because the heavy mass of the drivetrain is not over the front wheels, power steering is not required for the Fiero.

Fiero features four-wheel power disc brakes with lightweight aluminum calipers for consistent stopping performance. A 23mm front stabilizer bar is par of the standard Fiero suspension package.

The Fiero design features work together to make it one of the most impressive performing Pontiacs in history. One test drive will convince you that Pontiac engineers have done their work well.

The Pontiac Fiero Manufacturing concept: Innovative Assembly
The Pontiac Fiero is built like no other car in the world for one very important reason: its advanced design concept requires the most advanced assembly technology available. And, in some cases, new technology had to be designed and created in order to get the job done right.

Pontiac manufacturing experts played a major role in the Fiero design process, and they developed entirely new and unique assembly operations to ensure that quailty was designed and built-in, right from the start. Since Pontiac's "home" plant was selected to build the Fiero, Pontiac manufacturing became responsible for some of the innovative technology required to build it right, the first time.

Since the space-frame plays such a basis nd critical role in the Fiero design concept, Pontiac manufacturing took the responsibility for making it and all other major steel stampings. Over 3900 individual welds are performed on the space-frame during the assembly process.

Three basic modular subassemblies (front, rear and compartment floor) are welded together as the first step in the assembly process. The remaining substructures are attached in a single framing station, using the Single-Tool concept. While in this single tool weldment, the space-frame is automatically pierced so that "net" attachment points for other chassis components (such as the cradle for the engine/drivetrain) are precisely made.

A unique part of the Fiero design concept is a separation of cosmetic "fit" from mechanical "function". In other words, the exterior body panels and interior trim items are prepared-for all the way through the assembly process, but their installation is one of the very last steps in final assembly.

One of the assembly steps that ensures precise fit of the body panels is the Milling and Drilling of the Fiero's space frame. The "mill and drill" machine is a single fixture that prepares the space-frame for the location of the body panels. This is achieved by machining, or "milling", 39 separate body mount pads located on various points of the space-frame. The machine also uses a "master" gage point on the door frame ring to locate all the holes on the mounting pads for precise "drilling". This process is a worldwide industry first.

Today the Fiero enjoys a loyal enthusiast following due to its light weight, excellent handling and ability to be equipped with nearly any of GM's engines and front-wheel-drive transmissions. The engine bay is deceptively large for its size, able to accomodate even Cadillac's Northstar engine. There are also aesthetic modifications available in the form of body kits imitating other sports cars, such as Lamborghinis and the Honda/Acura NSX.

{{Pontiac}}

Pontiac 6000

2008-01-01T20:42:19Z

68.108.183.87:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:6000awdintro.JPG|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Pontiac 6000'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Pontiac]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1982-1991
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Intermediate
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 2-Door Coupe 4-Door Sedan 5-Door Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 188.9"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 72"
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 53.7"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 104.9"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3100-3400 lbs
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-Speed Automatic, FWD/AWD 4-Speed Automatic, FWD 5-Speed Manual
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.5L (151 cid) I4 (1982-1991) 2.8L (173 cid) V6 (1982-1989) 3.1L (191 cid) V6 (1988-1991) 4.3L (262 cid) Diesel V6 (1982-1985)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 90-140 hp
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]] [[Chevrolet Celebrity]] [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Platform
| A
|}

[[Pontiac]] introduced the A-body '''6000''' in 1982 as a replacement for the departed rear-drive [[Pontiac LeMans|LeMans]], and was built on the same 104.9" front wheel drive X-body [[Pontiac Phoenix|Phoenix]] chassis and drivetrain. The 6000 was offered along with its corporate mates, the [[Buick Century]], [[Chevrolet Celebrity]] and [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera]], and while those cars catered to a more conservative crowd, Pontiac fancied the 6000 as a quasi-alternative to [[Audi]] and [[BMW]] sport sedans - a lofty goal indeed. It would be offered thru the end of the 1991 model year.

Here's a quick rundown:

==1982-1991==

Bodystyles included a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan and they were available in Base and LE trim levels. Gasoline engine choices also mirrored the Phoenix's, starting with a fuel-injected 92 hp 2.5L (151 cid) I4 and the 2.8L (173 cid) V6, but a 4.3L (262 cid) diesel V6 was also optional. A 3-speed automatic transmission was initially the sole transmission choice.

1983 6000s continued largely unchanged, but to show that Pontiac was serious about the 6000 being a contender among European sport sedans, a new '''STE''' package, available only on the 4-door sedan, debuted to rave reviews from various car magazines as the closest American alternative to an Audi or BMW sport sedan yet. The STE was initially offered only in silver, had a unique front-end treatment with integrated fog-lights beside the headlights (giving the impression of 6 headlights), but most importantly was equipped with a high-output 130 hp 2.8 V6, an exclusive among A-bodies for the time being. A 3-speed automatic was still the only transmission choice, but a floor-mounted shifter, 60-series Goodyear Eagle GT tires, blacked-out exterior trim, sportier-tuned suspension with thicker anti-roll bars nonetheless gave the STE a decidedly European sports car feel and gave decent performance for the day. Unfortunately, the STE still used the basic 6000 dashboard design, with its old-school strip-style speedometer with no tachometer... very unsporting and definitely more Buick than BMW. 1984 STEs would correct that omission (for the most part), offering a digital dash option with a bar-graph tachometer. An all-new station wagon bodystyle debuted this year also, in 6- or 8-passenger configurations, and available on all except the STE. An S/E package was introduced this year, which was sort of a budget-STE, and was available on all bodystyles, including the wagon.

The rest of the 6000 line continued mostly unchanged in 1985 save for some new color choices, the Base and LE models could now have the 130 hp 2.8 V6 that had once been exclusively reserved for the STE. The base 2.5 I4 and 2.8 V6 continued. The STE now got some new color choices - standard silver, black and maroon. All models got slightly revised nose - the grilles were now horizontally slatted instead of vertically, and tail treatments included larger taillights. A new gauge cluster was installed, looking much more modern than the previous models. The transmission choice still remained the 3-speed automatic for all models. For 1986, all engines were now fuel injected, and the rarely-ordered diesel engine was finally discontinued. There were no appreciable changes for 1987. In 1988, the STE got an all-wheel-drive option, the only A-body ever to receive this, which ran until 1990. A 4-speed automatic becaue available for the V6 models excluding the AWD STE, which necessitated the 3-speed due to the size of the transfer case.

In 1989, the 6000 had its first (and only) major restyle, with a more rounded rear window, a revised nose and tail treatment. Base models were dropped (along with the 2-door bodystyle), as there were now LE, SE and STE models. Drivetrain choices for the LE and SEs remained unchanged, but the STE was now available with an all-new 140 hp 3.1L (191 cid) V6 and kept its optional all-wheel-drive platform for one more year. The four cylinder received a power bump due to a new cylinder head design, up to 98 hp/135 ft-lbs. Transmission choices for the STE remained the 3-speed automatic while other V6 models got the 4-speed unit. The AWD STE turned out to be short-lived, since in 1990 the STE now went to the new 4-door [[Pontiac Grand Prix|Grand Prix]] model. AWD continued to be an option for the S/E model, however, and still had the 3.1 V6 engine, but again, the AWD option necessitated the 3-speed automatic. 1991 models were unchanged with the exception of AWD no longer being optional, and turned out to be the 6000's last. The [[Chevrolet Celebrity]] died after 1990 (after only being available as a wagon), but its other A-body corporate mates, the [[Buick Century]] and [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera]], would continue on until the end of 1996.

==Main Competitors==

*[[AMC Concord]]
*[[Chrysler E-Class]]
*[[Dodge 600]]/[[Dodge Dynasty|Dynasty]]
*[[Ford Fairmont]]/[[Ford LTD|LTD]]/[[Ford Taurus|Taurus]]
*[[Honda Accord]]
*[[Hyundai Sonata]]
*[[Mazda 626]]
*[[Mercury Zephyr]]/[[Mercury Marquis|Marquis]]/[[Mercury Sable|Sable]]
*[[Plymouth Caravelle]]
*[[Toyota Camry]]
*[[Volkswagen Passat]]

{{Pontiac}}

Pontiac 6000

2008-01-01T20:41:04Z

68.108.183.87: /* 1982-1991 */

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:6000awdintro.JPG|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Pontiac 6000'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Pontiac]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1982-1991
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Intermediate
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 2-Door Coupe 4-Door Sedan 5-Door Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 188.9"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 72"
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 53.7"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 104.9"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3100-3400 lbs
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-Speed Automatic, FWD/AWD 4-Speed Automatic, FWD 5-Speed Manual
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.5L (151 cid) I4 (1982-1988) 2.8L (173 cid) V6 (1982-1989) 3.1L (191 cid) V6 (1990-1991) 4.3L (262 cid) Diesel V6 (1982-1985)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 90-140 hp
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]] [[Chevrolet Celebrity]] [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Platform
| A
|}

[[Pontiac]] introduced the A-body '''6000''' in 1982 as a replacement for the departed rear-drive [[Pontiac LeMans|LeMans]], and was built on the same 104.9" front wheel drive X-body [[Pontiac Phoenix|Phoenix]] chassis and drivetrain. The 6000 was offered along with its corporate mates, the [[Buick Century]], [[Chevrolet Celebrity]] and [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera]], and while those cars catered to a more conservative crowd, Pontiac fancied the 6000 as a quasi-alternative to [[Audi]] and [[BMW]] sport sedans - a lofty goal indeed. It would be offered thru the end of the 1991 model year.

Here's a quick rundown:

==1982-1991==

Bodystyles included a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan and they were available in Base and LE trim levels. Gasoline engine choices also mirrored the Phoenix's, starting with a fuel-injected 92 hp 2.5L (151 cid) I4 and the 2.8L (173 cid) V6, but a 4.3L (262 cid) diesel V6 was also optional. A 3-speed automatic transmission was initially the sole transmission choice.

1983 6000s continued largely unchanged, but to show that Pontiac was serious about the 6000 being a contender among European sport sedans, a new '''STE''' package, available only on the 4-door sedan, debuted to rave reviews from various car magazines as the closest American alternative to an Audi or BMW sport sedan yet. The STE was initially offered only in silver, had a unique front-end treatment with integrated fog-lights beside the headlights (giving the impression of 6 headlights), but most importantly was equipped with a high-output 130 hp 2.8 V6, an exclusive among A-bodies for the time being. A 3-speed automatic was still the only transmission choice, but a floor-mounted shifter, 60-series Goodyear Eagle GT tires, blacked-out exterior trim, sportier-tuned suspension with thicker anti-roll bars nonetheless gave the STE a decidedly European sports car feel and gave decent performance for the day. Unfortunately, the STE still used the basic 6000 dashboard design, with its old-school strip-style speedometer with no tachometer... very unsporting and definitely more Buick than BMW. 1984 STEs would correct that omission (for the most part), offering a digital dash option with a bar-graph tachometer. An all-new station wagon bodystyle debuted this year also, in 6- or 8-passenger configurations, and available on all except the STE. An S/E package was introduced this year, which was sort of a budget-STE, and was available on all bodystyles, including the wagon.

The rest of the 6000 line continued mostly unchanged in 1985 save for some new color choices, the Base and LE models could now have the 130 hp 2.8 V6 that had once been exclusively reserved for the STE. The base 2.5 I4 and 2.8 V6 continued. The STE now got some new color choices - standard silver, black and maroon. All models got slightly revised nose - the grilles were now horizontally slatted instead of vertically, and tail treatments included larger taillights. A new gauge cluster was installed, looking much more modern than the previous models. The transmission choice still remained the 3-speed automatic for all models. For 1986, all engines were now fuel injected, and the rarely-ordered diesel engine was finally discontinued. There were no appreciable changes for 1987. In 1988, the STE got an all-wheel-drive option, the only A-body ever to receive this, which ran until 1990. A 4-speed automatic becaue available for the V6 models excluding the AWD STE, which necessitated the 3-speed due to the size of the transfer case.

In 1989, the 6000 had its first (and only) major restyle, with a more rounded rear window, a revised nose and tail treatment. Base models were dropped (along with the 2-door bodystyle), as there were now LE, SE and STE models. Drivetrain choices for the LE and SEs remained unchanged, but the STE was now available with an all-new 140 hp 3.1L (191 cid) V6 and kept its optional all-wheel-drive platform for one more year. The four cylinder received a power bump due to a new cylinder head design, up to 98 hp/135 ft-lbs. Transmission choices for the STE remained the 3-speed automatic while other V6 models got the 4-speed unit. The AWD STE turned out to be short-lived, since in 1990 the STE now went to the new 4-door [[Pontiac Grand Prix|Grand Prix]] model. AWD continued to be an option for the S/E model, however, and still had the 3.1 V6 engine, but again, the AWD option necessitated the 3-speed automatic. 1991 models were unchanged with the exception of AWD no longer being optional, and turned out to be the 6000's last. The [[Chevrolet Celebrity]] died after 1990 (after only being available as a wagon), but its other A-body corporate mates, the [[Buick Century]] and [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera]], would continue on until the end of 1996.

==Main Competitors==

*[[AMC Concord]]
*[[Chrysler E-Class]]
*[[Dodge 600]]/[[Dodge Dynasty|Dynasty]]
*[[Ford Fairmont]]/[[Ford LTD|LTD]]/[[Ford Taurus|Taurus]]
*[[Honda Accord]]
*[[Hyundai Sonata]]
*[[Mazda 626]]
*[[Mercury Zephyr]]/[[Mercury Marquis|Marquis]]/[[Mercury Sable|Sable]]
*[[Plymouth Caravelle]]
*[[Toyota Camry]]
*[[Volkswagen Passat]]

{{Pontiac}}