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Wednesday, July 14, 1999 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER C8 ;ive An Oakville Beaver Advertising Feature To advertise in this section call 845-3824 Fax:337-5567 style and performance By Malcolm Gunn SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER WHY ARE 37 MILLION CARS INSURED WITH STATE FARM? JUST ASK A GOOD NEIGHIOt. Wayne McGill 2M5'*yinofiRd.*2!.a*vae 847-5671 Powerful Pontiac continues to maintain strength with its racy, raunchy Firebird series of pony cars. In an age where clearly understated design is the rule -- even for high-spirited, race- bred sports cars -- the Firebird defiantly rages against popular convention. Oh, sure you could point to the ultra-exotic Lamborghini Diablo or Ferrari F355 as examples of cars that look as though they're breaking the sound barrier while at a dead stop. But for anything costing less than a pro sports franchise, the Firebird, especially tricked out in all its Trans Am glory, delivers an affordable, as well as highly-visual definition of the term 'perfor­ mance'. This is a car for people (primarily males in their mid-30s, according to Pontiac's research) who want to tell the world they've got what it takes under the hood to dust anyone who dares to chal­ lenge, whether at the stoplight or on the open road. These are the people who wouldn't buy a Corvette, Porsche 911 or even the closely-related Camaro because they're styling is too conserva­ tive. For these automotive extroverts, the Firebird is happy to oblige. From its bulging, snub-nosed front end to its equally rounded rear deck and bumper, this beast seems to be in a permanent state of well-oiled muscle-flex. The amount of muscle you get depends entire­ ly on the size of your bank account, credit limit or trust fund. The Firebird basics begin with a 3.8-litre OHV V6 that's anything but tame. Producing 200 horse­ power, this engine is the same V6 used in a vari­ ety of GM products, but is unique in that it powers the rear, instead of the front wheels through a five- speed manual, or optional four-speed automatic transmission. But for real power-packed thrills, the only way to go is either the Firebird Formula or Trans Am model. Here, the base power is a 5.7-litre OHV V8. This isn't the 5.7 unit of old, but the real-deal LSI found nestled under the hood of the C5 Corvette. In the Firebird, the detuned LS1 devel­ ops 305 horsepower, down from the 'Vette's 340- horse output. But the piece de la resistance is the Formula or Trans Am with the WS6 option code indicated on the build sheet. For the uninitiated, WS6 means you'll get the Ram Air Package, consisting of a dual snorkel induction hood scoops, 17-inch pol­ ished aluminum wheels and P275/40ZR17 tires and a total output that has been tweaked to pro­ duce a tarmac-melting 320 horsepower. A four- speed automatic comes standard on both the regu­ lar and Ram Air LSI, with a six-speed manual available as an option. Pontiac has seen to providing all coupe or con­ vertible Firebirds with more than just the bare basics. Whatever you order, be prepared to drive away with no less than air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM stereo with CD player, rear deck spoiler, floor console, plus a host of other conve­ nience items. Moving into Formula or Trans Am territory will net you plenty more, such as traction control, removable roof panels, upgraded audio systems and the like. 25 th Anniversary Mr. K Purchase rates from 1 . 9 * . on select vehicles D E V I L L E G R A N D A M G R A N D P R I X o ARE CLEARLY W IN D O W DIS- I A A / r r v Lease rates from I . O ' 4 ' on select vehicles C A T E R A R E G A L CERR C E N T U R Y Only a t. .. S U N F I R E CADILLACPONTIACBUICK 8 4 5 -1 6 8 1 410 South St* nice Rd.. \Y.„ Oukxillc (Just W. ofDonul Dr. P A R K A V E N U E Q .E .W . ^ TO R .- K ER R H ^ Qw"HI WYE-CROFT RD. * r vl ;ive style and performance By Malcolm Gunn WHY ARE 37 MILLION CARS INSURED WITH STATE FARM? Powerful Purchase rates from on select vehicles Lease rates from I. O'4' on select vehicles 845-1681 Q.E.W. ^ TOR.- WYE-CROFT RD.