Pontiac SLP Firehawk G8 GT details, pricing released
It seems that no amount of controversy will prevent SLP (Street Legal Performance) from launching its latest Firehawk, this time based on the Pontiac G8 GT. Prior to this model, all previous Firehawk packages were fitted to the Firebird, a fact that has a number of SLP purists rather upset. Before we get to the specifications, perhaps we should remind Firebird fans that it could be worse: At least they didn't choose to revive the Firehawk name on a version of the new Camaro, right?
As for the car, it sounds like a pretty nice package. To the stock V8 engine, SLP adds a supercharger that's similar to the one featured on the jaw-dropping Corvette ZR1, a stainless exhaust system and a cold air induction system. All that's good for an impressive 500 horsepower. Other mods include new 19-inch alloys painted up in gun metal gray and a sport suspension package. The car's most striking design element will surely be the flat black-painted hood, grille surrounds and rear spoiler – an obvious nod to the factory gaudiness of muscle cars from the late '60s and early '70s.
Aside from the Firehawk name, the biggest issue that's likely to inhibit future SLP G8 ownership is surely the price. To the stocker's $32,440 base price, the SLP package adds a substantial $18,995, plus an extra $4,995 for an upgraded brake kit. For that kind of money, buyers could very nearly opt for a Cadillac CTS-V and be rewarded with its amazing supercharged 6.2L V8 engine and 556 horsepower. Still want one? Check back with your favorite local Pontiac dealer on April 1st. No foolin'.
[Source: SLP via GM Inside News]
PRESS RELEASE:
Toms River, NJ - Firehawk, arguably one of the most legendary names in the history of Pontiac Muscle Cars is again united with a vehicle worthy of that unique badge: the 2009 G8-GT based Firehawk. Produced and available at SLP Performance Parts, Inc. (SLP), and select Pontiac dealerships nationwide, Firehawk offers the all-around powertrain performance, superior handling and braking, with headturning styling and value, true to its distinctive nameplate.
Following in the footsteps of SLP's famed Firebird Firehawk is a daunting challenge. But one test drive will convince skeptics that the 2009 Supercharged Firehawk has recaptured and refined the special magic of the first generation Firehawk.
Available only on the 2009 G8 GT in any factory color, the Supercharged Firehawk's performance and curb appeal are enhanced by a positive displacement supercharger, using the same technology as the supercharger GM supplies on the new ZR-1 Corvette, and highlighted by an aggressively styled flat-black painted hood treatment, reminiscent of early Muscle Cars.
To compliment Firehawk's front-end appearance, the rear deck lid spoiler benefits from subtle but effective styling revisions, including a flat black paint finish. Helping transfer Firehawk's power-to-thepavement are Bridestone's P245/40R19 Potenza RE050A Pole Position tires* and the lightweight Firehawk 19"x8" 5-spoke alloy wheels.
*Note: These tires are required for the Firehawk alteration and are included with Pontiac's RPO Code PDX – Sport Package.
Throughout Firehawk's development process, our objective was to engineer the very highest quality performance, handling and braking improvements that would provide the performance enthusiast with a well-balanced package. Not only will Firehawk outperform its competition, it's built to ensure long-term customer satisfaction.
Depending on the driver, road surface conditions and outside air temperature, the Supercharged Firehawk will generate 0-60 mph times of 4.3 seconds and 1/4 mile times of 12.6 seconds @ 115 mph, based on preliminary testing.
Every Firehawk begins life as a Pontiac G8 GT. When Firehawk production begins on April 1, 2009, G8 GTs are shipped to SLP's Toms River, NJ facility where they will be converted into Supercharged Firehawks, dyno-tested, and available for pick up or delivery.
Firehawk Standard Content Includes:
• SLP TVS 1900 500 HP Series Supercharger Package
• SLP PowerFlo® Stainless Steel Exhaust System
• SLP Blackwing® Cold Air Induction System
• SLP Sport Suspension Package
• Flat Black Painted Hood and Grille Surrounds
• Painted Lower Fascia Grille Inserts (Body Color)
• SLP Rear Spoiler Painted Flat Black
• Firehawk 19" 5-spoke, Gun Metal Painted Alloy Wheels w/Machined Spoke Face and Firehawk Logo Center Caps
• Firehawk Badges
• Firehawk Car Cover
• Firehawk Leather (faux) Portfolio
• Firehawk Birth Certificate
• Firehawk Numbered Dash Plaque and Key Fobs (2)
• Firehawk Floor Mats
• Firehawk Embroidered Headrests
Optional Firehawk Content:
• Competition Brake Package
For more information on how to order a Firehawk, contact SLP at (810) 724-8703 or email info@slp-firehawk.com
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jason 8:12AM (2/23/2009)
Automatic only?
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BoxerFanatic 11:31AM (2/23/2009)
Yup. G8 GT is auto-only, so this is going to be, too.
But $18K?????
Why not get the GXP with a STICK? I thought $10K was outrageous to step up to get a stick shift, but $18K for Firehawk package is insane.
If GM had equipped the G8 GT with a stick, for ~30-32, maybe I would consider it, if I were in the market for a new car. I can't afford a new GXP, and without a stick in a performance car, I won't consider it, it is just that simple.
I would have figured the Firehawk package to be BETWEEN the G8 GT and G8 GXP. And if it offered the package to disable displacement-on-demand, or whatever issue is keeping the G8 GT from having a 6-speed, and the firehawk offering said 6-speed and big brakes, and a few engine, exhaust, and graphics tweeks, for ~36K or so... I think it would be a great option.
$50K for Firehawk, and still no stick? Gotta be kidding me.
416Hammy 9:08AM (2/23/2009)
Not exactly the performance bargain the old Firebird-based Firehawk was...
...which makes little sense in this economic climate.
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Serge 9:16AM (2/23/2009)
Yeah... I'd go for the CTS-V.
TigerMil 9:12AM (2/23/2009)
CTS-V FTW.
Once again SLP steps on its schwanz.
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MemphisNET 9:13AM (2/23/2009)
Awesome, but 24k?! Wow... well - it's nice to have choice, and Mustang guys blow obscene amounts of money on their toys so why not.
Having said that, if I was in the market, I'd wait for a GXP or go the SRT route.
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JZeke 9:35AM (2/23/2009)
I really hate the cheesy way GM's other divisions (read: not Cadillac) do performance special editions. While there is no denying the regular G8 is a great car - and that more power can be quite welcome in such a beast - this naff 80s-style special edition is more special-ed in my eyes.
Might as well paint a screaming chicken on the hood.
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fixitfixitstop 10:32AM (2/23/2009)
SLP is not part of GM.
JZeke 11:26AM (2/23/2009)
Oops, I totally thought they had been bought in years ago. My mistake.
JZeke 11:28AM (2/23/2009)
Random thought:
If they killed Pontiac, but kept the G8 as a Chevy... could that mean there could be a Baldwin-Motion G8?
dukeisduke 9:35AM (2/23/2009)
And they'll sell, what, 100 of these? Put Pontiac out of its misery already. As a former owner of a couple of '60s Pontiacs, it makes me sad to see where they are now.
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Luis 9:43AM (2/23/2009)
UGLY. Just for you Toyota bashers over on that thread ;)
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WRX09 9:45AM (2/23/2009)
Kick Ass Man! All I need is a mustache and a bull horn necklace!
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Joe 10:05AM (2/23/2009)
@ JZeke and dukeisduke...
Guys, the SLP Firehawk wasn't a factory car, not like the Shelby cars or SRT cars. The SLP Firehawk was a package that was offered by dealers, and built through SLP, in NJ. It's more similar to the Yenko package that was offered on the Camaros than to a GXP or anything like that.
While you might think this looks gaudy, it's still a pretty good performance car, and even though it's not a factory option (read, probably not factory warranted) and it comes with a slushbox, 500 hp is 500 hp.
My buddy has a 2002 SLP Firehawk, and that thing is freaking MEAN. It came with the 330 HP factory LS1, but we changed the heads and intake on it to convert it to an LS6, plus changed the cam. With the 6-speed manual, it was putting 380 HP to the wheels. Badass car.
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irocthief 10:14AM (2/23/2009)
looks like a kid took a rattle can to grandmas ride.
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Serge 10:42AM (2/23/2009)
Grandma's ride... you do realize that even in stock trim the G8 GT is a better and faster car than whatever rice you're driving.
Dude 10:19AM (2/23/2009)
Looks like an answer to a question nobody was asking?
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fixitfixitstop 10:33AM (2/23/2009)
You wouldn't say that about an M5. Would you?
Allen 11:06AM (2/23/2009)
Only a hard core Pontiac fan would buy this. I'm not saying it is a bad car, but for similar money one could buy a CTS-V that not only has more power, but is nicer and backed by GM's 100K mile powertrain warranty.
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kurt kojak 11:46AM (3/16/2009)
Dealer offered me a gxp for 35 large,lets see supercharger 7 large 55% horse increase ,.What a deal- lets see LS3 420 horse plus a quality supercharger extra/210 horse/ 630 horsepower WHAT A DEAL.........all for 42,000 C YA!!!!! IXLR8!!!!!!