In 1969 John DeLorean's Pontiac was developing new cars and also made a Fiero (in quotes) for Pontiac.

Called the X-4 is engine was an "X" shaped block that rotated like a WWI aircraft engine did amidships in the car. Air cooled it was good for 200 hp...


A turbine engine was also considered for the "fiero"

The Fiero name actually was considered for a Firebird derivative in 1969 too.

https://www.hemmings.com/st...first-mid-engine-car

and here we thought Pontiac was getting the idea from Fiat and its X1/9 or the Porshe 914.

[This message has been edited by htexans1 (edited 12-20-2020).]

quote Curiously, rather than work out a independent rear suspension design based on the Tempest transaxle, the X-4's engineers bolted the radial engine and its torque converter directly to a solid rear axle with the planetary gears of a three-speed automatic transmission incorporated into the axle. The entire unit, as Dunne wrote, moved as one with its 12-inch tires, adding unsprung weight and thus making the car's handling erratic.

Oh dear!

Tempest transaxles were/are notorious for leakage. My best friend during highschool had one. It marked it's territory everywhere it went, but he could drift it crazy like.
https://www.thetruthaboutca...and-almost-succeeds/

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 12-20-2020).]