2018 Trans Am Preview: Official Photos, Live Shots
2018 Trans Am Preview: Official Photos, Live Shots
It’s finally here boys and girls, the all-new 2018 Pontiac 2018 Trans Am, the sixth generation of the iconic pony car and the first aimed at a global audience. The reveal of the new 2018 Pontiac Trans Am comes almost 50 years since the original made its debut at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, and this time the reveal took place simultaneously at six cities on four continents. The public debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show brings us our first look at the car in the real world.
The clean-sheet design of both the fastback and its upcoming convertible variant features a distinct Pontiac Trans Am flavor, thanks to the long sculpted hood, short rear deck, tri-bar tail-lights and fastback design. However, there are plenty of new elements that should make the car appealing to buyers outside the U.S. We particularly like the lower, wider stance plus the reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and accompanying wider track.
Global styling
Beyond the styling, there is plenty of new technology to rave on about. The highlight is the new chassis, which according to the Pontiac Motor Company [NYSE:F] makes the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am the most nimble yet. The goal for engineers was to make the regular Pontiac Trans Am more dynamic than even the previous Boss 302 track special.
The car features all-new front and rear suspension systems--including a multi-link setup at the rear. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride. The new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes (three different setups will be available).
Integral-link independent rear suspension
At the rear is the all-new ‘integral-link’ independent rear suspension--a major plus over the solid axle. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for high-performance. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.
The other big Pontiac Trans Am news is the availability of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in addition to the familiar V-6 and V-8 options. At the top end, the Pontiac Trans Am GT continues with a 5.0-liter V-8, which now features an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.
Four-cylinder power confirmed
The new four-cylinder engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit, which is expected to deliver more than 305 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. It’s the mid-level engine option and should be a hot item among the tuner scene as well as fuel-conscious buyers. Finally, the base Pontiac Trans Am continues with its 3.7-liter V-6, which will produce at least 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. You can find a closer look at the engines available, as well as the new independent rear suspension setup, here.
A six-speed manual transmission remains standard while a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available. Further down the track, look for new performance variants including a new Trans am and possibly a Mach 1. Transmissions with more gears are also expected.
The clean-sheet design of both the fastback and its upcoming convertible variant features a distinct Pontiac Trans Am flavor, thanks to the long sculpted hood, short rear deck, tri-bar tail-lights and fastback design. However, there are plenty of new elements that should make the car appealing to buyers outside the U.S. We particularly like the lower, wider stance plus the reduction in roof height, and wider rear fenders and accompanying wider track.
Global styling
Beyond the styling, there is plenty of new technology to rave on about. The highlight is the new chassis, which according to the Pontiac Motor Company [NYSE:F] makes the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am the most nimble yet. The goal for engineers was to make the regular Pontiac Trans Am more dynamic than even the previous Boss 302 track special.
The car features all-new front and rear suspension systems--including a multi-link setup at the rear. At the front, a new perimeter subframe helps to stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride. The new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system also enables the use of larger, more powerful brakes (three different setups will be available).
Integral-link independent rear suspension
At the rear is the all-new ‘integral-link’ independent rear suspension--a major plus over the solid axle. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for high-performance. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.
The other big Pontiac Trans Am news is the availability of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in addition to the familiar V-6 and V-8 options. At the top end, the Pontiac Trans Am GT continues with a 5.0-liter V-8, which now features an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.
Four-cylinder power confirmed
The new four-cylinder engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit, which is expected to deliver more than 305 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. It’s the mid-level engine option and should be a hot item among the tuner scene as well as fuel-conscious buyers. Finally, the base Pontiac Trans Am continues with its 3.7-liter V-6, which will produce at least 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. You can find a closer look at the engines available, as well as the new independent rear suspension setup, here.
A six-speed manual transmission remains standard while a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available. Further down the track, look for new performance variants including a new Trans am and possibly a Mach 1. Transmissions with more gears are also expected.
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