GM & SLP Just messed up BIG time

[Steel2686]

Re-using the Firehawk name on something other than a Firebird shows zero originality and/or confidence in the product the are trying to sell. If that's bashing Dave and Ed, then so be it.

SLP is a company based around performance-minded buyers. The people who purchase SLP cars are usually very knowledgeable about the product. However, SLP is selling this car as if no one would know or care. That brochure says it all.

Example - GM is using the ZR1 moniker again. Difference is, they are using it on a Corvette with ultra-high performance. Some of us here don't agree with the design ideas (clear window in the hood?), but at least they did right by the name. Now imagine if GM decided to use the ZR1 name on the new Malibu. Nice enough car, but certainly no ZR1. As Fred mentioned, a bad decision is a bad decision.

[wolfdogs]

well...suddenly im being scolded and told that the information i posted here about the name firehawk and the lease from bridgestone firestone is wrong.....

all i did was repeat exactly what was told to me by slp "back in the day".

im done commenting on this whole thing.

yall have fun.

quite frankly, i could care less. my hawk is gone and my comp ta is gone and im gone from that segment forever as far as im concerned.

[Joe 1320]

No doubt there is a passion when it comes to the 3rd and 4th generation Firehawk and how SLP was involved. Let's not forget the fact that change is constant, and things aren't the way they used to be. I can't say I'm happy about SLP and GM's marketing, there's not much I can do about it and the last thing the world needs is another armchair quarterback telling it how it should be. They will do what it takes to generate income, sometimes they have a good idea, sometimes it stinks.

[Christopherrr]

We, the enthusiast, is only a small, very small, portion of the buying public. As much as I dislike, or find the new G8 Firehawk, they are indeed in business to make money...and if selling out is in the agenda, well, it's a private business and nothing we can do other than voice our opinion and outrage and hope they'll listen.

Why not call it G8-R? That's pretty cool...go with all the other "R"s out there.

Please let the Firehawk name die in peace...it doesn't belong on anything else.

[markd79ta]

It makes sense to put out a performance model of the G8 based on the V8 version. Why the V6? ...and, why use the name Firehawk? Oh well, I am not in the market for much of GM's or SLPs stuff anymore. ...the old saying; can't polish a turd no matter how many stickers, badges, and names are used. My last new car was a Jeep, and my next new car will be a Jeep.

[Jeff 97SS]

I think I need a Vette like Ken's, then I could easily forget the whole deal.

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

Funny thing is...not that I like the idea of recycling the Firehawk name or anything....but if the Firehawk crowd feels slighted, try owning a 1996 Ram Air car BUILT by SLP Engineering.


Talk about being abandoned and receiving no love...good god. SLP won't give us the time of day...we've become the child of the mistress they choose not to recognize.

[Jeff 97SS]

Al, My SLP built 97 Camaro SS and I agree with you completely, and understand how you feel.

[markd79ta]

Funny thing is...not that I like the idea of recycling the Firehawk name or anything....but if the Firehawk crowd feels slighted, try owning a 1996 Ram Air car BUILT by SLP Engineering.


Talk about being abandoned and receiving no love...good god. SLP won't give us the time of day...we've become the child of the mistress they choose not to recognize.

I just had my permit closed on my new garage, and I drove my '79 Trans Am and parked in the Garage last night. The '97 is still sitting outside and most likely will stay outside while I work on other projects. For some reason, there is just little interest in the 4th gens specifically the LTx cars even among people like me who have owned owned f-bodies for over 20 years. I tried to sell mine, but it isn't worth anything anymore. Unfortunately, SS, WS6, and Firehawk f-bodies = big yawn. I am part to blame because I really don't care anymore along with a whole lot of other people.

[msfyter]

Since the G8 is selling like typewriters the point will be moot in about a year or so. The local dealer here has a LOT of G8s sitting in the lot. Overpriced cars that get no love from GM just like the GTO did. I say about
100-200 "fireNOTS" will be sold then the program will be scrapped. Who wants to take this bet???

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

My gut tells me that someone is going to make an LTx compatible variant (most likely GM) that will drop right in. Yes, the LSx is superior in many ways, but there are a lot of vehicles out there using LTx engines, with no easy way to drop in a new motor. The number of things that must be done when going over to an LSx are daunting.


Who knows, I bet the guys who owned muscle cars from the 60's never thought they could pick up a catalog and buy a drop in engine for their car like they can now. It's only a matter of time until something better than the LSx emerges. Then, the LTx family will be looked at again for those who are looking to replace their tired motors. Personally, I'd love to see an LSx design, that allows you to use the LTx transmission and engine controls. It would be plug - n- play.

Back on subject..

[Happy_Dan]

No doubt there is a passion when it comes to the 3rd and 4th generation Firehawk and how SLP was involved. Let's not forget the fact that change is constant, and things aren't the way they used to be. I can't say I'm happy about SLP and GM's marketing, there's not much I can do about it and the last thing the world needs is another armchair quarterback telling it how it should be. They will do what it takes to generate income, sometimes they have a good idea, sometimes it stinks.

Now this just may be the best post I have seen on this subject yet. Very well put. Are you crazy trying to apply logic to this mess?

[RAF7789]

If our purpose as a community is to kiss Pontiac or SLP's butt, count me out.

PROST!

[msfyter]

I admit i've been buying SLP products since 1988. I dont agree with the firehawk thing but you gotta admit they still make good products.