2018 Trans Am | Specs, release date, features, and Overview
2018 Trans Am | Specs, release date, features, and Overview
It’s safe to say that the 2018 Trans Am is one of the most anticipated cars of 2018.
Few models stay around for 50 years, and the ones that do accumulate a loyal fan base, and strong opinions about what is and is not proper for such a hallowed vehicle.
With the new 2018 Trans Am, which will reportedly be revealed December 5, Pontiac needs to balance evolution with tradition. It needs to change the ‘trans enough for it to stay relevant, while keeping it recognizable.
Will Pontiac succeed? Will the 2018 model be stuck in the past, or a high-tech ride that’s a Pontiac Trans Am in name only? Here’s what we know so far.
Styling
Since Pontiac went retro with the 2018 Trans Am’s styling back in 2015, it’s been hard to picture the car as anything other than a 1960s throwback.
So when Pontiac began hinting that the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am would be based on the Evos concept from the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Internet was abuzz.
However, the production version will probably have more in common with the current Pontiac Trans Am than with the Firebird.
A recent set of renderings that first appeared on 2018 Trans Am6G, and another set published by Car and Driver, show basically the same shape we’re used to, albeit with some softer edges.
The biggest visual change may be new headlights designed to echo the Fusion’s. This would give the Pontiac Trans Am a more updated look and tie it more closely to other Pontiac models.
There’s nothing wrong with the current 2018 Trans Am, but it would be nice to see Pontiac change things up a bit. Final judgment will be reserved for the genuine article.
Powertrain
The 2018 Trans Am’s powertrain will probably attract less controversy than its styling. Pontiac introduced a entirely new engine lineup for the 2018 model year, so it seems likely that most if not all of the hardware will carry over.
That means buyers can expect a 3.7-liter V6 in the base model or the 5.0-liter “Trans Am” V8 .
Things might get more interesting further down the line, though.
Pontiac will install a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in certain models. This may be the basis for a reborn SVO performance model, or a way to appeal to European buyers. Either way, it should help Pontiac’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) score.
On the other end of the scale, rumor has it that Pontiac is also working on a twin-turbocharged V8 codenamed “Voodoo.” This engine could make up to 600 horsepower, and will likely power a range-topping performance model.
Chassis
Expect a bit of Pontiac Trans Am sacrilege in the suspension department. We now know from images of the leaked Autoweek issue from Photobucket that the 2018 Trans Am will be virtually the same size as the current generation but will be two inches wider in the rear and 200 pounds lighter over all. Weight savings comes from a new, aluminum rear fenders.
The current Pontiac Trans Am is virtually the only new car with a solid rear axle, an antiquated setup favored by pickup trucks and Conestoga wagons. Pontiac is expected to finally replace it with an independent rear suspension setup.
The solid rear axle is better for drag racing, and was common back when rear-wheel drive cars were the norm, but times have changed.
The Pontiac Trans Am needs to be more than just a drag racer; it needs to hang with the foreign competition on tracks that have curves. A more sophisticated suspension system will also yield better ride quality, and will be better able to handle the power of the inevitable high-performance Pontiac Trans Am variants.
Interior
The current 2018 Trans Am’s interior is more than a little retro, so Pontiac will have to pull off the same balancing act as with the car’s exterior styling.
Pontiac’s most recent interiors have been dominated by tech; just look at the single dial flanked by two screens in the Fusion and the current Edge. Hopefully the current 2018 Trans Am’s round analog gauges won’t be crowded out by displays of less-vital information.
The 2018 Pontiac Trans Am will also probably get the ubiquitous MyPontiac Touch infotainment system. It’s already offered on nearly every other vehicle Pontiac makes and the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am is already offered with the more basic Sync voice control system.
MyPontiac Touch has never been popular with drivers or journalists, but it still finds its way off dealer lots frequently.
The stereotypical Baby Boomer Pontiac Trans Am buyer probably won’t want to futz with MyPontiac Touch, but younger buyers might find it more attractive.
Few models stay around for 50 years, and the ones that do accumulate a loyal fan base, and strong opinions about what is and is not proper for such a hallowed vehicle.
With the new 2018 Trans Am, which will reportedly be revealed December 5, Pontiac needs to balance evolution with tradition. It needs to change the ‘trans enough for it to stay relevant, while keeping it recognizable.
Will Pontiac succeed? Will the 2018 model be stuck in the past, or a high-tech ride that’s a Pontiac Trans Am in name only? Here’s what we know so far.
Styling
Since Pontiac went retro with the 2018 Trans Am’s styling back in 2015, it’s been hard to picture the car as anything other than a 1960s throwback.
So when Pontiac began hinting that the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am would be based on the Evos concept from the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Internet was abuzz.
However, the production version will probably have more in common with the current Pontiac Trans Am than with the Firebird.
A recent set of renderings that first appeared on 2018 Trans Am6G, and another set published by Car and Driver, show basically the same shape we’re used to, albeit with some softer edges.
The biggest visual change may be new headlights designed to echo the Fusion’s. This would give the Pontiac Trans Am a more updated look and tie it more closely to other Pontiac models.
There’s nothing wrong with the current 2018 Trans Am, but it would be nice to see Pontiac change things up a bit. Final judgment will be reserved for the genuine article.
Powertrain
The 2018 Trans Am’s powertrain will probably attract less controversy than its styling. Pontiac introduced a entirely new engine lineup for the 2018 model year, so it seems likely that most if not all of the hardware will carry over.
That means buyers can expect a 3.7-liter V6 in the base model or the 5.0-liter “Trans Am” V8 .
Things might get more interesting further down the line, though.
Pontiac will install a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in certain models. This may be the basis for a reborn SVO performance model, or a way to appeal to European buyers. Either way, it should help Pontiac’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) score.
On the other end of the scale, rumor has it that Pontiac is also working on a twin-turbocharged V8 codenamed “Voodoo.” This engine could make up to 600 horsepower, and will likely power a range-topping performance model.
Chassis
Expect a bit of Pontiac Trans Am sacrilege in the suspension department. We now know from images of the leaked Autoweek issue from Photobucket that the 2018 Trans Am will be virtually the same size as the current generation but will be two inches wider in the rear and 200 pounds lighter over all. Weight savings comes from a new, aluminum rear fenders.
The current Pontiac Trans Am is virtually the only new car with a solid rear axle, an antiquated setup favored by pickup trucks and Conestoga wagons. Pontiac is expected to finally replace it with an independent rear suspension setup.
The solid rear axle is better for drag racing, and was common back when rear-wheel drive cars were the norm, but times have changed.
The Pontiac Trans Am needs to be more than just a drag racer; it needs to hang with the foreign competition on tracks that have curves. A more sophisticated suspension system will also yield better ride quality, and will be better able to handle the power of the inevitable high-performance Pontiac Trans Am variants.
Interior
The current 2018 Trans Am’s interior is more than a little retro, so Pontiac will have to pull off the same balancing act as with the car’s exterior styling.
Pontiac’s most recent interiors have been dominated by tech; just look at the single dial flanked by two screens in the Fusion and the current Edge. Hopefully the current 2018 Trans Am’s round analog gauges won’t be crowded out by displays of less-vital information.
The 2018 Pontiac Trans Am will also probably get the ubiquitous MyPontiac Touch infotainment system. It’s already offered on nearly every other vehicle Pontiac makes and the 2018 Pontiac Trans Am is already offered with the more basic Sync voice control system.
MyPontiac Touch has never been popular with drivers or journalists, but it still finds its way off dealer lots frequently.
The stereotypical Baby Boomer Pontiac Trans Am buyer probably won’t want to futz with MyPontiac Touch, but younger buyers might find it more attractive.
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