Aside from UFO and how to fix your toilet articles, this edition has a "sneak preview" article about the "Amazing Radial Engine in Pontiac's Mini-Car". The accompanying cover image has a stunning resemblance to the Fiero!

Aside from the radial engine, this 31 year old prototype is a 3-passenger "commuter car" with a mid-engine configuration. The nose, vertical rear window and side butresses appear to be very "Fieroesque".

The car was designated "X-4", and is smaller and lighter than our beloved Fiero, but the likeness certainly can't be ignored. The car had a single bench seat to accommodate 3 passengers. (yeah, right).

The article goes on to discuss problems with the rear suspension as the entire engine & transaxle moves on pivots. Sound familiar?

Anyway, I've copied the article and images on the following pages for you to peruse and make your own judgment. I wonder if somebody at Pontiac saw this prototype before designing the Fiero?

Maybe it's just me, or maybe it's just another Popular Science UFO, but I think the similarity is uncanny!

FieroMike