82Firebird.com - 1982 Firebird Press Release

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FOR RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1981

1982 FIREBIRD STORY

The Firebird legend continues with introduction of the all-new ultra-aerodynamic and efficient Firebirds for 1982. Available in three distinct models -- the sporty Firebird coupe, the performance-oriented Trans Am and the new sophisticated luxury S/E, each has its own specific identity.

First level Firebirds are clean and simple in appearance. S/E models are done in a tone-on-tone color concept and are a bit more subtle and sophisticated than the Trans Am, which has black accents to give it a high-tech structural look. Firebird coupe has a standard 2.5-liter electronic fuel injected engine with four-speed manual transmission, giving it an EPA fuel economy rating (without air conditioning) of 24 miles per gallon in city driving and 35 on the highway. S/E models feature a 2.8-liter V-6 two-barrel with a four-speed manual transmission while the '82 Trans Am is powered by a 5.0-liter four-barrel V-8 engine with either a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Approved EPA fuel economy ratings for the S/E V-6 (with automatic) are 20 city, 32 highway; and Trans Am, with a four-speed, has ratings of 16 and 25 miles per gallon in city and highway driving, respectively.

EXTERIOR
The exterior silhouette of the Firebird has soft S-curves over the fenders, a subtle bone line through the middle and an ultra-low nose with smooth contours and electrically-operated hidden quartz halogen headlamps. A 62 degree windshield angle further enhances aerodynamic efficiency. A large, contoured frameless all-glass hatch is considered the most sophisticated piece of glass ever applied to a volume production car. This rear design offers a big improvement in cargo space and versatility with over 30 feet of luggage capacity when the rear seat is folded down.

A new functional wing-type rear spoiler, standard in black on Trans Am and optional in body-color on S/E, helps to reduce aerodynamic drag. Wind tunnel testing on the Firebird S/E has produced an excellent drag coefficient of .335. From past wind tunnel work, it is estimated that the Trans Am and first level Firebird will have drag coefficients of .323 and .333, respectively. Full-width black taillamps are maintained on Trans Am and extended to the new S/E model. Flush, functional aerodynamic covers on the turbo aluminum wheels are worth several counts in aerodynamics. These covers are standard in black on Trans Am and body-color on S/E.

INTERIOR

Although the 1982 Firebird exterior is smaller in overall length, height and width than its predecessor, interior room is enhanced or maintained. First level trim on Firebird and Trans Am models feature full-reclining bucket seats in either cloth or vinyl. A Pontiac specific integral-open headrest, reclining bucket seat, which also provides added lateral restraint, is standard on S/E models and optional on Trans Am and Firebird. This seat is available as an option in leather on all models. Front seat travel is increased from five to 7 1/2 inches; and, for the first time on Firebird, a six-way power driver seat is avaiable on all models.

Firebird's first level instrument panel features round, rally-styled speedometer and -fuel gauges with four horizontal rectangular openings for warning lights. S/E and Trans Am models feature standard gauges including tachometer and tripometer, housed in four round openings for optimum visibility. A new formula steering wheel with an exclusive Pontiac-designed energy absorbing hub is specific for Pontiac and standard on all Firebird models. A leather map pocket, mounted on the instrument panel, is standard on S/E and included as part of the custom trim interior option on Firebird and Trans Am.

ENGINEERING FEATURES

A longitudinal rear-drive application of the 2.5-liter electronic fuel injected engine is standard on first level Firebirds and available as a credit delete option on the S/E model. Optional in the base Firebird and standard in the S/E is a 2.8-liter V-6 engine with manual transmission and a 3.23:1 axle ratio. The standard Trans Am engine, a 5.0-liter V-8 four-barrel, is optional on both Firebird (with automatic transmission only) and S/E models. A 5.0-liter dual throttle body injected V-8 engine with fresh-air hood induction is available on the Trans Am with automatic transmission.

The new modified MacPherson front suspension design is solid-mounted to the body structure through a bolt-on crossmember. Road isolation is achieved through fine tuning of body members. A Pontiac-designed-and-built torque arm rear suspension, with control arms, coil springs and a long, lateral track bar, replaces the former leaf spring. Each Firebird series has its own, specially tailored level of ride and handling, featuring specific wheels, tires, stabilizer bars and power steering ratio.

The optimum WS6 level suspension, optional on S/E and Trans Am, includes 215/65R15 steel-belted radial tires on 15 x 7-inch aluminum wheels; 32mm front and 21mm (18mm on V-6) stabilizer bars; 12.7:1 power steering ratio; four-wheel dicc brakes; positraction rear axle, and springs, shocks and bushings tuned for optimum cornering and wheel control over smooth and not-so-smooth surfaces.

Automatic transmissions have a torque converter clutch. Both the standard and heavy duty four-speed transmissions have more precise rattle-free and lower effort Pontiac-designed shift mechanisms, specific for Pontiac. Both the Firebird hood and rear hatch function easily with gas-strut assist springs.

STANDARD AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

Several major items are standard on all Firebird models. A full-length console, integral with the instrument panel, is standard for all Firebirds and includes a convenient glove box. Other standard items for all models include power front disc brakes, power steering, reclining front bucket seats, rear folding seat, inside hood release and fluidic windshield washer system with dual nozzles. Standard equipment specific to Trans Am includes a small "bird" decal on the hood and sail panel; front fender air extractors; front and rear wheel opening flares; black rear deck wing-type spoiler; black turbo cast aluminum wheels; a heavy duty four-speed manual transmission; full instrumentation, and front and rear stabilizer bars.

Specific standard equipment for S/E includes a body-color body side molding, turbo aluminum wheels and sport mirrors; extra acoustical insulation; electrically-operated rear hatch release; leather map pocket mounted on the instrument panel, and instrumentation gauges. Viscount bucket seats, a lockable fuel filler door and a rear hatch wiper/washer also are standard on S/E models.

GM's Delco Electronics new 2000 series radios are available in several combinations for 1982 and have a quality high fidelity sound. Two front speakers are standard with all radios. A digital clock is available with monoral radios and standard with stereo radios. All stereo radios also have extended range front and rear speakers to provide the ultimate in automotive sound reproduction. A number of options are available on Firebird models in 1982 including custom air conditioning; a limited slip differential; power four-wheel disc brakes; cruise control with resume; power door locks; power windows; a six-way power driver seat; a rear compartment security cover; electrically-operated outside mirrors, and a rear window wiper.