XP-21 Firebird I
Written by the GM Heritage Center Staff in Detroit.
The idea for Firebird 1 originated with Harley J. Earl, the legendary GM Styling Vice President, who also designed the car's aircraft-inspired fiberglass-reinforced plastic body. The engine, termed "Whirlfire Turbo-Power," was developed under the direction of Charles L. McCuen, then general manager of GM Research Laboratories Division.
Unlike a jet airplane, which develops thrust through the action of exhaust gas through a tailcone, the Whirlfire Turbo-Power engine propelled the Firebird 1 through a power turbine acting on the rear wheels via a transmission. The engine was capable of 370 hp at a power turbine speed of 13,000 rpm.
Click here to view the entire brochure
Tag Cloud
1897-1909 Creation 1910-1930 Acceleration 1931-1958 Emotion 1959-1981 Revolution 1982-1999 Globalization 2000-Future Transformation Advertising & Marketing Alternative Fuels Alternative Propulsion Anniversaries Autoshows Behind the Scenes Brands & Products Buick Cadillac Celebrities Chevrolet Competitions Concept Vehicles Corporate Responsibility DELCO DELCO Electronics Dealers & Distributors Design Diversity Electronics Emblems & Logos Employees Energy Conservation Engineering Enthusiasts Environment & Energy Eras Executives Finance Firsts Fisher Body Former Divisions GMC HUMMER Headquarters Holden I was there... Innovation & Technology Innovators Joint Ventures LaSalle Manufacturing Mergers & Acquisitions Motorama Oakland Oldsmobile Opel Operating Units People Places Plants Pollution Control Pontiac Powertrain Proving Grounds Racing Saab Safety Sales & Service Saturn Shows & Events Technical Centers The Business Trends Vauxhall