The Pontiac Pursuit: A 1987 Concept Car That Was Decades Ahead

Forgotten ONES - When General Motors decided to cease production of Pontiacs in 2009, many enthusiasts and automotive experts felt the decision was premature. Given the resurgence in the popularity of muscle cars, there was a belief that Pontiac deserved another chance. The brand, in its heyday, introduced a plethora of unique vehicles, including some innovative concept cars. One such notable concept was the Pontiac Pursuit, a car that, despite never reaching mass production, managed to predict future automotive trends with remarkable accuracy.

The Pontiac Pursuit Concept car introduced at the end of 1987, was aptly named "Pursuit" to symbolize its chase towards the elusive future. (Picture from: GMAuthority)

In the 1980s, a combination of factors such as fuel crises, economic instability, and advancements in cybernetics began to significantly influence car design and functionality. It became clear that the future of automobiles would differ vastly from what existed then. Even General Motors, known for its robust and stable vehicle designs, recognized this shift. 

The Pontiac Pursuit was heavily influenced by aerodynamics, a principle that is now prevalent in modern electric cars and hybrids, and inspired the design of General Motors' first production electric car, the GM EV1. (Picture from: Carscoops)

While in the mid-eighties, the Pontiac design studio embarked on a project to envision the car of the future, resulting in the creation of the Pontiac Pursuit concept car. This vehicle, introduced at the end of 1987, was aptly named "Pursuit" to symbolize its chase towards the elusive future. The Pursuit's design was heavily influenced by aerodynamics, a principle that is now prevalent in modern electric cars and hybrids. Interestingly, the Pursuit's silhouette inspired the design of General Motors' first production electric car, the GM EV1. However, the Pursuit's futuristic design was just the beginning of its innovative features.

The Pontiac Pursuit powered by a two-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower, a specification that was impressive for its time. (Picture from: Carscoops)

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the Pursuit was its control system, which eliminated the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. Instead, the steering wheel acted as an actuator for electronic-mechanical systems on both the front and rear axles, powered by separate batteries. This meant the Pursuit was equipped with a fully functional drive-by-wire steering system. The driving experience was unlike anything seen before, with the steering wheel requiring only half a turn from lock to lock, a stark contrast to traditional systems.

The Pontiac Pursuit powered by a two-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower, a specification that was impressive for its time. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The Pursuit also boasted several luxury features that were ahead of its time. It included air conditioning, rear passenger TVs, and even a built-in child seat, akin to what modern Volvo models offer. The only aspect that seems outdated by today’s standards is its manual transmission, which is now rare in sports coupes.

The Pontiac Pursuit was equipped with a fully functional drive-by-wire steering system, which improved handling and maneuverability. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Under the hood, the Pursuit featured a two-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower, a specification that was impressive for its time. Despite these forward-thinking features, Pontiac's lineup in the following years became relatively uninspired. The reason behind this conservative approach by General Motors remains unclear, but it likely stemmed from a reluctance to take risks and a preference for gradual changes over bold innovations.

The Pontiac Pursuit was equipped with a fully functional drive-by-wire steering system, which improved handling and maneuverability. (Picture from: GMAuthority)

Besides its unique "steer by wire" system and aerodynamic design, the 1987 Pontiac Pursuit concept car was a remarkable achievement. It featured a Saginaw system powered by 24-volt electric motors, which improved handling and maneuverability. Its aerodynamic wheel skirts and advanced suspension system further enhanced its performance and fuel efficiency.

The Pontiac Pursuit boasted luxury features ahead of its time, including air conditioning, rear passenger TVs, and a built-in child seat. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Equipped with anti-lock brakes and an all-wheel-drive system, the Pursuit also included advanced traction control to prevent tire spinning. The car’s tires were designed for optimal all-weather performance, and the Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the Pursuit featured a head-up display, fingertip steering controls, and entertainment options for rear passengers.

The Pontiac Pursuit was a visionary concept ahead of its time, influencing modern automotive trends with innovative features and design elements that showcased the potential of future cars. (Picture from: GMAuthority)

In retrospect, the Pontiac Pursuit was a visionary concept that showcased what future cars could be. Its innovative features and design elements were ahead of their time, influencing modern automotive trends. While Pontiac may no longer be in production, the legacy of the Pursuit concept lives on, reminding us of the potential for creativity and forward-thinking in automotive design. | ejx6xnyDCFg |

The Pontiac Pursuit serves as a fascinating glimpse into the future of car design as envisioned in the 1980s. Its innovative features, from drive-by-wire technology to digital dashboards, have become common in today's vehicles. The Pursuit's story is a testament to the importance of bold experimentation and the enduring impact of visionary concepts in shaping the automotive industry. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GM AUTHORITY | CARSCOOPS | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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