GM F platform

The F platform, or F-body, was General Motors' small rear-wheel drive automobile platform from 1967 until 2002. It was based partially on the GM X platform, which was used for compact applications instead of the sporting intent of the F-Body. The only two vehicles to have been built using the F-Body platform are the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird. The fourth character in the Vehicle Identification Number for an F-body car is "F", on Fourth Generation vehicles.

First Generation, 1967-1969

The first F-body cars were produced in 1967, as GM's response to the Ford Mustang. Originally designed strictly as the platform for the Camaro, Pontiac engineers were given a short amount of time prior to the Camaro's release to produce a version that matched their corporate styling as well. The F-Body was available as both a hardtop coupe and a cloth-top convertible. As was GM policy at the time, Chevrolet and Pontiac both installed their own engines; however, the engine lineups were similar. Both cars could be had with either division's base inline six-cylinder engine, a V8 engine of approximately 5.3 liters (327 cu in for Chevrolet, 326 cu in for Pontiac), or a larger V8 engine of approximately 6.6 liters (396 cu in for Chevrolet, 400 cu in for Pontiac). Due to delays with the design of the second-generation car, the 1969 models were produced longer than usual.

econd Generation, 1970-1981

The second generation F-Body cars were actually released as '1970 1/2' cars, due to extensive delays in the design and production of the new body style. Both cars grew considerably, with fairly drastic changes in styling to match each brand's updated styling across the lineup. Both cars also received engine options in the 7.4 L range in the earlier years of the second generation - 454 cu in for Chevrolet, and 455 cu in for Pontiac. However, both of these engines would be discontinued as emissions and fuel-economy restrictions made their production costs prohibitive (not to mention that the 454 never even made it into an actual production vehicle). Performance continued to decline through 1981, as power levels dropped and weight increased.

Third Generation, 1982-1992

The third generation of the F-Body was introduced for 1982, as a major redesign with a more modern look and a lighter, better-handling car. In a move that would later happen across almost all GM models, the Firebird switched from Pontiac-designed engines to the same Chevrolet engines that powered the Camaro. This was also the only generation of F-Body to be available with a four-cylinder, the Iron Duke. The last Firebird to be built with an engine not available in the Camaro was the 1989 Turbo Trans Am, which had a turbocharged 3.8 L Buick V6, derived from the Buick Regal.

Fourth Generation, 1993-2002

The fourth generation of F-body was released in 1993. It was an extensive revision to the third generation car, instead of a clean-sheet design. It was produced until the platform was canceled at the end of the 2002 model year. Unlike most of the years past, the engine choices were simplified considerably; each year, on both the Camaro and the Firebird, there was only one V6 and one V8 available. For 1993 to 1995, the V6 was the 3.4 L (208 cu in) 60°; 1996-2002 cars received the 3.8L (231 cu in) 3800 Series II V6. 1993-1997 V8 cars shipped with the 5.7L (350 cu in) LT1, while 1998-2002 cars received the 5.7L (346 cu in) LS1. Both engines were available with either the 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. V6 engines with a manual transmission had a five-speed unit; the manual for V8 cars was the T-56 six-speed, manufactured by either Borg-Warner or Tremec. An optional Hurst-supplied shifter was also available on V8 models.

The F-Body has not had a direct replacement since production ceased in 2002; the closest would be the modern Pontiac GTO, though it is a larger and heavier car than the F-Body. GM has announced that the Camaro will return in 2009 as a 2010 model, utilizing the Zeta chassis. As of 2008 there are no current plans to revive the Firebird nameplate. [cite web
title = No New Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
date = 2008-02-15
url = http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080215.008/no-new-pontiac-firebird-trans-am
accessdate = 2008-07-31 ]

Notes and references

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