Smokey & the Bandit - Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am
Pontiac reintroduced the 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am with a modern look and a V6 engine worthy of muscle cars to go along with the V8 choices that could melt rubber. And there's another major reintroduction this year—the track-ready Firebird Trans Am Bandit trim has returned as part of the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am lineup.
There was no backslash in the name when the first Trans Am came out in 1967, hitting the track as part of the Trans-Am racing series, and the last reincarnation of this speed demon was seen in 2001. The new 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am uses the same engine as the Corvette Z06, a naturally aspirated, 7-liter V8 that churns out 500 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. All that power is pushed to the rear wheels by a a 6-speed manual transmission.
To get the most out of that engine, Pontiac made sure the 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am was lighter than last year's top-end performance model, the 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am, and more aerodynamic. The 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am cut weight with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, lighter wheels, less sound-deadening material, an uncarpeted trunk, no power seats and by making air-conditioning and a stereo optional. The aerodynamic changes include side fender flares, extended rocker panels, a rear spoiler, an oversized front splitter and an underbody panel. To further increase performance and that track feel, the 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am also comes with sticky Pirelli Trofeo tires, a dry-sump oil system, transmission and differential coolers, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and Recaro sport seats with a 5-point harness instead of a seatbelt.
There was no backslash in the name when the first Trans Am came out in 1967, hitting the track as part of the Trans-Am racing series, and the last reincarnation of this speed demon was seen in 2001. The new 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am uses the same engine as the Corvette Z06, a naturally aspirated, 7-liter V8 that churns out 500 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. All that power is pushed to the rear wheels by a a 6-speed manual transmission.
To get the most out of that engine, Pontiac made sure the 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am was lighter than last year's top-end performance model, the 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am, and more aerodynamic. The 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am cut weight with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, lighter wheels, less sound-deadening material, an uncarpeted trunk, no power seats and by making air-conditioning and a stereo optional. The aerodynamic changes include side fender flares, extended rocker panels, a rear spoiler, an oversized front splitter and an underbody panel. To further increase performance and that track feel, the 2018 Bandit Firebird Trans Am also comes with sticky Pirelli Trofeo tires, a dry-sump oil system, transmission and differential coolers, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and Recaro sport seats with a 5-point harness instead of a seatbelt.