In nature, a hawk is a bird of prey that often hunts smaller birds. In the automotive world, the name Firehawk holds a similarly menacing reputation. The SLP Firehawk was originally released in 1992 as a high-performance package for the Pontiac Firebird Formula, and was available directly through Pontiac dealers under RPO code B4U. Over the next decade, the Firehawk package would continue to be available for the fourth-generation Firebird and Trans Am under RPO codes R6V (1993-97) and WU6 (1999-02). The following video from MotorWeek takes a look back at a pre-production prototype of the 1998 Firehawk, complete with an LS1 V8 and unique fixed headlamps.
Driving the 1998 Firehawk
MotorWeek's review, which was originally recorded in February of 1997, offered high praise to the 1998 Firehawk. Little did the reviewers know, but this was one of only six prototype 1998 Firehawks that would ever see the light of day, since no '98 Firehawks were sold to the public that year following the mid-generation Firebird design refresh. According to SLP, these were not RPO WU6 cars, so there were no true production Firehawks built for that model year.
Firehawk sales would resume in 1999, but without a few of the features seen here — namely the fixed projector headlamps in carbon fiber housings. We think these look pretty cool, and MotorWeek agreed, saying they "look like a predator's eyes and save 11 pounds of weight." Unfortunately, it's likely that the cost of manufacturing and installing these on every Firehawk ended up being too high to make it to production.
Thankfully, the large hood scoops feeding SLP's ram air induction system did make it to production. Along with a free-flowing SLP exhaust and other modifications to the LS1 V8, this pushed power output to 327 horsepower and 345 ft-lbs of torque. The Firehawk rode on 17x9-inch wheels and (appropriately) Firestone Firehawk tires in 275/40ZR17 size.
MotorWeek said "the Firehawk rips to 60 in only 5.1 seconds and cuts the quarter-mile down to size in only 13.4 seconds at 106mph." For the late '90s, in a car that could be bought brand new at a dealer with a warranty, those were very impressive numbers. MotorWeek also called it "remarkably responsive" around corners thanks to SLP's Level 1 handling package with upgraded Bilstein shock absorbers and progressive springs.
These days, some critics won't look back fondly on the fourth-gen F-body interior, but in '97 MotorWeek had good things to say about it, noting the "big gauges and straightforward controls."
The review concluded that the Firehawk was "one of the most finely-balanced muscle cars ever, and an absolute pleasure to drive." It also noted that the WU6 Firehawk option would be "a steal at only $3,999." Check out the 5-minute review in its original VHS-era quality below:
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