Matt
10-09-2005, 10:13 AM
In support of GM Research’s experimental turbine engine program, GM Styling in 1952 developed a needle-nosed, delta-winged vehicle, the Firebird I, (left) powered by a turbine engine. The fiberglass-reinforced plastic body was designed by Harley J. Earl.
Four years later in 1956, a more refined four-passenger Firebird II turbine-powered car, which featured the first regenerative gas turbine, was introduced (center). This technology allowed Firebird II to efficiently power accessories such as air conditioning and power steering. Firebird III (right) was built in 1958. A two-passenger, gas turbine-powered car, it was the first to feature a single stick control system which replaced the conventional steering wheel, brake pedal and accelerator. This drive- by-wire system was used in the first experiments with automated highways.
Four years later in 1956, a more refined four-passenger Firebird II turbine-powered car, which featured the first regenerative gas turbine, was introduced (center). This technology allowed Firebird II to efficiently power accessories such as air conditioning and power steering. Firebird III (right) was built in 1958. A two-passenger, gas turbine-powered car, it was the first to feature a single stick control system which replaced the conventional steering wheel, brake pedal and accelerator. This drive- by-wire system was used in the first experiments with automated highways.