All new for 1976 was the redesigned Cordova Vinyl Top that covered the roof from the B-pillars forward instead of wrapping around the rear window. All new fabrics with a slightly courser grain and gloss finish would continue until 1979, after which the vinyl roof would no longer be offerred on the Firebird line.

Created by design genius Jack Folden the Formula W50 Appearance Package premiered in 1976 as an option for Goldenrod Yellow Formulas and was an instant success. It proved so popular that Pontiac soon offerred the treatment on Carousel Red, Sterling Silver, and Cameo White models.

The W50 Formula Appearance Package featured a black lower body with large FORMULA letters on the lower doors. Vinyl tape stripes separated the twi tone colors. The taillamp surround was painted black and carried partially onto the bumper. The scoops were also treaty to the blacked out look and also featured colorful vinyl stripes. If ordered with a spoiler a smaller 7.22" bird (versus 8.5") to allow room for the accent stripes on the spoiler. The W50 option became popular for the rest of the second generation Firebird run.