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1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car

The 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car continued a tradition of auto-show excitement at Pontiac. Year after year in the late 1980s, Pontiac's display models were a big hit with critics and show goers alike.
In 1987, for example, the performance-oriented Pontiac Pursuit concept car was a hot four-seat coupe. Then came the 1988 Banshee, which hinted at the 1993-2000 generation of Firebirds.
What to do for an encore in 1989? Turn to something completely different, of course; something like the rapidly emerging sport-utility vehicle marketplace. And do it in a way that suggests the great outdoors, fun and frolic in the sun. Send a message to young people that Pontiac has their interests and lifestyles in mind.
The result was the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car, and you didn't need a second look to realize that it's a youth-oriented sportster, guaranteed to capture the attention mainly of lively singles. Pontiac's general manager, J. Michael Losh, described it as "spirited, great-looking transportation for the under-35 car buyer or the young person in all of us."

Kinship to the old Volkswagen Beetle-based dune buggy is unmistakable -- but radically updated in concept to take advantage of modern technology.
For example, an active suspension system was designed to withstand tough all-terrain driving, delivering as controlled a ride as possible under rigorous conditions. Anyone who'd nearly flown off the seat of a Bug buggy was likely to welcome any improvement in that area.
Pontiac's goal was to create a car that mixed elements of an automobile, a jeep, a truck, and a van, aimed not only at the young but at the sports-minded who lead busy lives.
The 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car was supposed to lead a dual life: serious during the week, but ready for fun as the weekend arrived. Designer Dave Ross said the design studio called it "an attitude car." They hoped it would be a "new form of transportation that is personalized and adaptable."

1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Design

The 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car design was aimed at off-roaders, pickup and van fans, even motorcyclists. With the right complement of features and accessories, the designers hoped, the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car design just might attract surfers, campers, rock climbers -- outdoors-people of every persuasion.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. All in all, five panels were removable on the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car, including the rear glass.

In fully assembled form, the Pontiac Stinger concept car offered a comparatively traditional design. Nothing shocking, at least not until the glass panels began to come off in an automotive strip-tease every bit as titillating as the human version. By the time all five left the car, you were left with a (literally) open-air sport vehicle: topless, windowless, fully exposed to the elements.
Even the big panel in the center of each door was ready for a quick pop-out at any moment, to let fresh air flow across everyone's legs. But wait, the thoughtful folks at Pontiac declared, why let that space go to waste as nothing more than an airflow entry? Let's plug the gap with a beverage cooler, so there will always be plenty of refreshing cold drinks on hand when the revelers hit the beach.
The cooler was just the beginning. Indeed, not many vehicles of any kind have come with an accessory list to match the Pontiac Stinger concept car's.
Tucked in nooks and niches throughout the interior you found a pull-out radio (with handy carrying case) for entertainment in the sand, a portable hand vacuum to clean off that sand after it's traveled from swimsuit to seat, a camp stove, and a flashlight. Also incorporated into the Stinger's unique shape were a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a toolbox, and even a hose.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Accessories for the Pontiac Stinger included a camp stove, a vacuum, and, remarkably, a picnic table.

No need to search for a picnic table on crowded weekends, either; Stinger brought its own, ready to fold out for under-the-sun dining. A built-in utility seat within the front passenger seat slipped out for use as a camp chair.
Indeed, the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car appeared to some critics as little more than a collection of accessories.

1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Interior

The 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car interior seemed to have an endless supply of gadgets. But just when you thought you'd found them all, you looked a little further and unearthed more goodies.
There was an extension cord, binoculars with carrying case, sewing kit, compass with magnifying glass, umbrella, tote bags, brush and dustpan -- even a calculator to total up gas mileage or the day's expenses. Inside a pull-out drawer sat a cellular phone.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. A cooler and case could slip neatly into the door openings of the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car.

In short, the stylish sport-utility for the future contained all the gadgets an automaker might provide for a young person's weekend of fun. The goodies were thoughtfully arranged, too: Nothing dangled dangerously. Everything was strapped securely into place.
Head designer Terry Henline called Stinger "a piece of sports equipment" in itself. Popular Science magazine described it as something akin to a "Swiss army knife on wheels."

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Rising above the seats of the Stinger was a roof light-bar and spoiler.

Light weight was another design theme, so Stinger turned to a carbon-fiber body. Headlamps and fog lights were integrated into the surface of the front end. The smoothly flowing windshield continued upward to a removable roof panel, and back to the space-frame roll bar, which also contained roof lights and an adjustable spoiler.
Non-scratch paint was the perfect choice for "blasting through the bushes." Sizable rocker panels offered more than a hint of the running boards of yesteryear.
Marietta Kearney, senior designer of Stinger's interior, said she envisioned "hot California young people starting their weekend after a week of work; an atmosphere of freedom and vitality." That thought led to a solid look in the interior, rather than plush comfort; and to a touch of motorcycle in the Stinger's "feel" and controls.
Upholstery and trim followed the same gray/green color scheme as the outer body. Gray seats with bright green accents were made from wet-suit material that looks hosed-down even when it's nowhere near water.
Radio controls were oversized and the steering wheel was bigger than expected. Six-way power seats had a memory, plus an inflatable bladder system for form-fitting comfort up front.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Rear passengers were guaranteed a tight fit in colorful seats.

Looking cool and performing well are two different things, as any car lover can tell you. Keep reading to see how the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car lived up to its cool design.

1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Performance

The designers didn't put 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car performance on the back burner, though it did seem they concentrated more on other matters.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. A movable back windshield offered rear-seat riders in the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car the absolute minimum of protection.

For example, maybe your back-seat passengers craved a better view of the surrounding scenery for a moment. All you had to do was raise the two back seats to the handiest height. They extended 15 inches above the normal position when Stinger was at a standstill -- and when the transparent rear roof panel was off the car, of course. At nightfall, or for daytime naps, the bucket seats could be folded flat, creating a bed of sorts.
Part of the rear glass could even flip upward to serve as a rear-mount windshield, almost like an old-fashioned rumble seat. (Curious how some of those touches from our automotive past keep cropping up.)

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The Pontiac Stinger boasted a modest 170-horsepower engine.

When they did get around to addressing 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car performance, designers settled on a 3.0-liter, 16-valve four under the front hood; it had 170 horsepower. Four-wheel drive was standard, of course, along with a three-speed automatic transmission and anti-lock braking.
The active pneumatic suspension offered adjustable road height. Upon request, the whole car rose by four inches -- a virtual necessity when one was rolling along shifting terrain.
The Pontiac Stinger concept car's Goodyear tires measured 295/55R16 in front, with equivalent-dimension 18-inchers at the rear. An attitude gyro on the instrument panel showed the degree of vehicle tilt, so you could restrain yourself from going past its logical limit. An electric compass proved handier yet when you wandered a little too far off the road.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. A pneumatic system raised the Stinger up to four inches for off-roading -- part of the active suspension.

Pontiac's planners believed there was a definite market for a free-spirited, all-season Stinger-like vehicle, and that it could be profitable. They pointed to the success at the time of such vehicles as Suzuki's Samurai and Sidekick, Dodge's Raider, and similar products.
As was the fate of all concept cars, of course, whether production of anything like the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car would become a reality depended upon the whims of General Motors.

1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Specifications

Like many other models of the late 1980s, the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car was designed for a youthful demographic. As the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car specifications listed below reveal, executives believed that a light and sporty utility-vehicle would capture the imagination of contemporary youth.

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Pontiac executives hoped the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car would appeal to the highly coveted 18 to 25 year-old demographic.

Manufacturer: Pontiac Division, General Motors Corp., Pontiac, MI
Body design: 2+2-passenger, 2-door roadster; carbon-fiber body on steel frame
Powertrain layout: front-engine, 4-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 98.0 inches
Overall length: 164.8 inches
Overall width: 73.7 inches
Overall height: 58.8 inches
Track, front: 61.6 inches
Track, rear: 61.6 inches
Weight: approx. 3,000 pounds
Approximate price: not available
Engine type: inline 4-cylinder (16-valve)
Displacement (liters/cubic inches): 3.0/183
Horsepower @ rpm: 170 @ 6500
Torque (lbs./ft.) @ rpm: 200 @ 6000
Fuel delivery: fuel injection
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Suspension, front: independent, pneumatic active
Suspension, rear: independent, pneumatic active
Brakes: front/rear discs, anti-lock
1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Performance
Top speed: not available
0-60 mph: not available
Quarter-mile: not available
mph @ quarter-mile: not available

Sources:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1989-pontiac-stinger-concept-car.htm
http://www.highperformancepontiac.com/features/hppp_0604_1989_pontiac_stinger/index.html

Chevrolet Iroc Concept California - 1989

Text: Howstuffworks
While most concept cars never reach real-life proportions, every once in a while, a concept car with real-life possibilities tours the auto-show circuit. The Chevrolet California IROC Camaro concept car, built for the 1989 show audience, ranked as one of the most promising concept cars. During its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January of that year, it attracted plenty of attention from Californians and visitors alike.

And why not? The Chevrolet California IROC Camaro was a curvaceously fluid vision of tomorrow, bound to excite both long-standing Camaro fans and people who had never experienced the rush of exhilaration a sporty 2+2 coupe can deliver.

Just a glance at the amount of glass revealed the car's California influence and the attempt to lure the eyes of western-state motorists, in particular. No surprise, then, that the design emerged from the General Motors Advanced Design Concept Center at Newbury Park, California. Center director John Schinella described the Chevrolet California IROC Camaro's form as "smooth, rounded-yet aggressive" and ready to "take in the California sunshine." You had to look pretty hard to find any angles or sharp edges in the shapely profile, which rode a wheelbase some three inches longer than the contemporary Camaro, though it was almost half a foot shorter from stem to stern.

Most striking of the design features -- beyond the dramatically flamboyant glass, which wrapped around most of the roof -- was the aggressively pointy (if rounded) dip-down nose. Viewed in conjunction with the elongated headlight housings, the wide air intake slot above the integrated bumper made Camaro's front end look like the grin of a hungry, yet patient, fish. The sloping hood swooped into a sharply raked windshield, creating a streamlined look that almost made the attractive contemporary Camaro seem stodgy by comparison.

Tall, rounded wheel wells surrounded the front and rear tires, while the inwardly-curved, lower bodysides rode close to the ground. Flush-mounted side glass and mirrors hovering at the end of elongated, integrated nacelles completed the startling aero appearance. Even though the side pillars weren't exactly tiny, they were barely noticed because of the fluidity of the Chevrolet California IROC Camaro's packaging.

While the car displayed a distinct forward rake, the back end wasn't as tall as some -- it didn't look like it was about to dive head first into the ground. Slimly tapered tail lamps and a sliver of spoiler blended neatly into the rear flanks. The glass hatchback opened fully, all the way down to the bulky, integrated bumper, revealing a sizable luggage compartment.

1989 Chevrolet California IROC Camaro Concept Car Design

The design of the 1989 Chevrolet California IROC Camaro concept car offered a number of surprises to Camaro fans who had thought they knew the car inside and out.

The concept Camaro was given quasi-gull-wing doors that pulled upward, and hauled part of the glass roofline along with them. They also shifted forward at a 45-degree angle, so you didn't have to be a contortionist to slip into the driver or passenger seat. Seating was 2+2, just like the contemporary Camaro, and more than likely was just as cramped in the back, though the three-inch stretch in wheelbase helped some.

Once inside, the driver faced a full set of analog instruments (and a digital speedometer) in a cockpit that felt more like that of an airplane than an automobile. In fact, the layout of the Chevrolet California IROC Camaro was inspired by Formula One racers. Just in case you forgot where to sit, the swiveling driver's seat was red upholstery while the passengers rested on black.

The red seat could even be custom-fitted to a single driver -- which might have caused a bit of discomfort and irritation when the spouse or youngsters took the car out for an evening. Maybe not, though, because the interior was designed to offer a precise relationship between arms, legs, steering wheel, and pedals -- handling a broad variety of (human) body types and sizes. So maybe everybody would be relatively comfy.

That same precise relationship extended to the nearby, high-mounted gearshift lever, which traveled from one ratio to the next with a mercifully short throw. No need to reach halfway across the front passenger to snick into top gear. Performance fans loved it.

Nobody liked to settle their designer jeans onto dusty upholstery, so Chevrolet thoughtfully included a little vacuum cleaner in the console, with the urging that the driver better wait until standstill, for safety's sake, before switching on the suction.

With both Camaro and IROC monikers attached to the car, it was a sure bet that performance wouldn't be ignored, though the folks at GM weren't ready for some time to name a specific powertrain for any production version. However, the prototype carried a dual over-head cam V-6, leading observers to believe that if a readable version of the California Camaro were to appear, horsepower might run in the neighborhood of 250.

All Camaros in the past had come with a choice of engines, so at least one smaller powerplant was sure to be offered. Not every customer demanded the sensation of being rudely shoved back when tromping hard on the gas pedal. Thankfully, hefty 17-inch tires (P235/50R17 at the prototype's rear) handled the top end of the engine spectrum without flinching.

1989 Chevrolet California IROC Camaro Concept Car Development

The 1989 Chevrolet California IROC Camaro concept car development incorporated practical, as well as visionary, ideas. For example, there was not much chance that the future Camaro would give up its traditional rear-wheel drive. Anti-lock braking, evident in the show car, would likely appear on a production Camaro as well, since it was fast gaining popularity with motorists, and insurance companies alike, as a "must have" safety feature.

Following early directions from GM's design chief, Charles Jordan, a 50-person team handled the creative duties in California to make this "tomorrow" Chevrolet California IROC Camaro a potential reality. Amazingly, they went from a scale model to a full-size metal prototype in just six months. Yes, that's a metal body, not fiberglass or composite -- quite a surprise for such a shapely form, created in so little time.

Even if it had no other virtues, the car would demonstrate what can be accomplished using ordinary rather than exotic construction materials. Out of a half-dozen reduced-size, clay models, the California design team chose one body style and sent it to a California prototype builder to be turned into sheet metal.

Observers wondered whether this roundish, nearly roly-poly shape could actually be the next F-body Camaro. A lot of experts, inside and outside of Chevrolet, thought so. Or more likely, they believed that certain parts of the overall design could have found themselves on the production Camaro of 1992 or 1993. That would have put an all-new Camaro for the 1990s onto the market just in time for the marque's 25th anniversary.

Few doubted that the Chevrolet California IROC Camaro concept car would, at the very least, influence the ultimate design, even if most of the individual elements disappeared in the process -- giving way to conventionality and practicality.

Most believed that details such as the pointy nose, for instance, or the non-traditional doors, might fade away sometime during the race toward the marketplace.

Nevertheless, neither the California nor the related Pontiac Banshee were likely to be consigned to the dustbin when the time came for a final rendering of the next generation 2+2 coupe.

1989 Chevrolet California IROC Camaro Concept Car Specifications

The 1989 Chevrolet California IROC Camaro was unique in that it wasn't just a dream car -- it was a dream car with real-world possibilities. Nothing makes this clearer than a quick glance at the Chevrolet California IROC Camaro specifications listed below.

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Motor Division, Warren, MI and GM Advanced Design Concept Center, Newbury Park, CA
Body design: 2+2-passenger, 2-door coupe; steel body, steel frame
Powertrain layout: front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 104.0 inches
Overall length: 186.4 inches
Overall width: 73.0 inches
Overall height: 48.8 inches
Track, front: 60.5 inches
Track, rear: 60.5 inches
Weight: not available
Approximate price: not available
Engine type: dohc V-6 (24-valve)
Displacement (liters/cu. in.): not available
Horsepower @ rpm: not available
Torque (lbs./ft.) @ rpm: not available
Fuel delivery: not available
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension, front: MacPherson struts
Suspension, rear: independent
Brakes: front/rear discs

1989 Chevrolet California IROC Camaro Concept Car Performance

Top speed: not available
0-60 mph: not available
Quarter-mile: not available
mph @ quarter-mile: not available

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