DETROIT - Firebird's awesome power is legendary and its handling characteristics have made it a favorite on racetracks for decades. For 1999, Firebird provides traction systems that give performance enthusiasts more control than ever on all kinds of surfaces.

Available Traction Control
Full-feature electronic traction control, formerly available only on V8 Firebirds, is now available on the V6 Firefird.  Traction control limits wheel spin for enhanced traction on wet or slippery surfaces. Firebird's V6 traction control system utilizes two elements to limit wheel spin: a throttle relaxer and engine torque reduction.

Torsen II
To augment traction control, all Firebird V8s and the V6 with the 3800 Performance Package have the Torsen II rear differential, a torque-sensitive traction enhancement system featuring the patented Equvex gear design.

Working in concert with the antilock brake system and traction control system, Torsen II sends power to the wheel with the best traction when wheel slip occurs.  This process gives drivers a greater sense of control and extends the duration of engine-brake interaction during traction control system activation. Because Torsen II is a torque-sensitive system, it responds when any wheel slip is detected thereby reducing the number of times traction control is activated.

Torsen II also improves performance and safety by optimizing longitudinal traction and lateral stability especially during launches in wet or icy conditions or on unstable surfaces such as gravel.

Hurst Shifter Available
Renewing a relationship that began in 1962, a Hurst shifter will be available with the six-speed manual transmission. Hurst shifters are renowned in performance circles for their short throws and precise feel.   The leather shift knob is emblazoned with the Hurst log.

Functional Improvements
Another functional improvement is the standard oil life monitor on all Firebird models. Oil life is based on mileage, engine speed, temperature and other variables that degrade engine oil.  An onboard computer evaluates these conditions and notifies the driver when an oil change is required.

Front Fascias
Firebird's two front fascia styles feature the center twin ports below the hood and both have standard round fog lamps. Fog lamps on the Trans Am fascia, however, are located near the center, while the fog lamps for the Firebird and Formula are located further outboard.

Braking System
Firebird's braking system features four-wheel disc brakes on all 1999 models. Front and rear brake pad material is an organic substance that results in longer brake life, reduced fade characteristics and quieter operation.  Also, Firebird is the first car in North America to replace hydraulic proportioning valves in the rear brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).   The slip-based EBD proportioning system results in more balance front-to-rear brake wear, improved stopping performance and better adaptability to changes that affect the breaking system.