Page 222 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

Capitalizing on the Indy pace car’s prominence, Pontiac added package also received staggered tire sizes. Vented disc brakes
a GT model for 1985 that had a similar appearance, though without the Indy signage. Promises of an aluminum block V6 likely clashed with economic realities and it was superseded by a more affordable 2.8-liter, iron-block V6 with 140 horsepower and 170 lb ft of torque with an optional Isuzu five-speed manual. The following year Pontiac rounded out the Fiero’s lineup with a fastback GT model. While it was not much more than a set of flying buttresses running from the trailing edge of the roof to the trunk (with an integrated window), it totally transformed the look of the car.
Though the Fiero could chalk up several assets on its ledger as it aged – V6 engine, five-speed gearbox and significant styling improvements – those upgrades couldn’t mask the fundamental cost compromises that were made during its initial development, especially its base engine selection and carryover chassis components. Following its banner introduction year, Fiero sales declined by nearly 50 percent in 1985, with a minor recovery in 1986 thanks to the GT variant. The reality, as many manufacturers have learned, is that there just isn’t that much ongoing demand for a somewhat impractical two-seater and the introduction of the well- executed MR2 certainly stole some wind from the Fiero’s sales.
were added at all four corners and a new “Formula” model was introduced that had many of the features of the GT, though with the standard body.
Despite these considerable improvements, the Fiero’s curb appeal continued to ebb. Sales weren’t helped by increasing reports of Fieros catching fire, leading to a recall of all 126,000 1984 models. The issue was caused by broken connecting rods piercing the engine block, allowing hot oil to leak out on the exhaust. In some cases, the connecting rods were defective, while in others a redesign of the Iron Duke’s oil pan for the Fiero application reduced oil capacity, leading some owners to underestimate oil levels.
By 1988, Fiero sales had dipped to just 26,000 units and the handwriting on the wall was now readable to all. Nonetheless, Pontiac planned a major upgrade to the Fiero for the 1989-90 model year that included a full exterior and interior restyling plus
Fiero sales dipped again in 1987, to barely 50,000 units. In a
process that was repeated often at GM (with perhaps the Corvair
as the most painful example), Pontiac rushed in improvements
to the 1988 edition that addressed some of its most significant
issues. As part of GM’s imminent acquisition of Lotus, it engaged
the British sports car maker’s renowned chassis development
capability to upgrade the Fiero’s suspension geometry with
reduced steering effort and improved scrub radius. The original
X-car rear suspension was upgraded with a tri-link design with
all-new knuckles. Trims equipped with the WS6 suspension transmission.
1986 Fiero GT also added the option of a five-speed manual
Fieros received a minor front and rear restyling for 1986. Significant chassis improvements dramatically improved the overall handling of 1988 models. Formula option, available only in 1988, adopted several features from the GT model.
220Wayne CariniAffordable Classics