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.

When Pontiac released the third-generation Firebird in 1982, many enthusiasts felt underwhelmed by the performance. As a result of tightening emissions restrictions, the top-trim 305ci V8 engine in the '82 Trans Am produced only 165 horsepower. These numbers would improve by the end of the third gen's run in 1992, but there was always a desire for an even more potent Firebird — one that could challenge GM's flagship Corvette. A startup called Street Legal Performance (SLP) partnered with Pontiac dealers to make this dream a reality. The resulting car was dubbed the SLP Firehawk, and only 25 were sold that year, making it an extremely rare vehicle today.

When it comes to restoring, customizing, or upgrading a Pontiac Firebird or Trans Am, having access to high-quality parts is essential. Whether you're working on a first-generation 1967 Firebird or a late-model 2002 Trans Am, Classic Industries has been a trusted name in the restoration industry for decades, offering a comprehensive catalog of parts and accessories for every year of the Pontiac Firebird.