This article or one like it has probably made the rounds somewhere on the forum before, but I couldn't locate it in a search. Interesting piece of trivia! Check out the steering wheel.
(Archive of the original in case their site goes defunct at any point) - I find that the photos work better in this archived version, actually.
Diz
Heck, I'll just add the photos here for convenience:
I had never seen a picture of the notchy 4 seater, I like it, although the fastback blends it in so well that the first time I saw it in person, it wasn't until I looked inside that I realized this was the 4 seater prototype. The notchback kindof looks like an 85 cougar.
The 4 seat Fiero was purchased at auction by Fred Bartenmeyer. It is a one off prototype that in accordance with it title cannot be driven. I believe Fred paid like $8900 for it. It was shown at Carlisle last year and its in new condition. Its a trailer queen show car but an important part of Fiero history There is absolutely no leg room in the rear seats so we can call this a concept vehicle but a nice collectible.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
No intent to build this. It was more to show how the space frame could be used for more styles of cars.
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That is exactly what happened when GM designed and built the Saturn automobiles but for some reason the process strangely was not used again.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
👎 That "concept" is as bad or worse then Most other small cars w/ "4" seats.
Unless front seats are all the way forward, even kids > ~ 5 years will hate sitting in the back. Even w/ front seats forward many will hate this.
Like many Saturn & more models spec say "4" seats & "passes" FMVSS IIHS & other tests w/ 4 crash dummies stuffed in them, most kids & adults will have huge problems sitting in back more then a few minutes. Example: If stuck there for > 30m to 1hr, because little to 0 room to move the feet can cause blood clots (DVT) in legs & other health problems.
Pinto/Bobcat to Crew Cab Pickups & some others have tight back seats too but many can sit normally w/o being folded/stuffed in them.
Get in your Fiero on P-side & try sitting w/ heels pulled all the way to the seat. Most can't stay that way for longer then a few minutes. But that's exactly what will happen to most back seat victims in the "concept" above.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
That is exactly what happened when GM designed and built the Saturn automobiles but for some reason the process strangely was not used again.
Not exactly. The 4 seater was done to prove a space frame could be expanded and the Sstrurn and the Dust buster vans were the results.
The GM 80 was also going to be using plastic panels too.
The whole space frame and plastic panels was dumped because it was not lighter, it was not really that much cheaper, the panel gaps were too large at a time the mfgs were closing them down as tight as possible.
The C5 used a version of this too. My Corvette is all bolt on panels. I can change a quarter panel in two hours.
GM also used plastic fenders on the full size cars and the F body as a composite metal rear plastic front. Again fit and finish standards doomed them.
The whole point of the 4 seater was for proof of concept and then just show car duity. They never planned to build this car. Remember this car was built at the start of the Fiero program as it was going to production. It was modified over the years.
[This message has been edited by hyperv6 (edited 06-24-2024).]
