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Cars > Pontiac > Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Edition

 By Ketan Patel View Comments

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Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Edition

The third generation Firebirds took flight with three models: Firebird, Firebird S/E, and Firebird Trans Am. The Firebird was the base model, equivalent to the Camaro Sport Coupé; the Firebird S/E was the mid-trim-level version, which could actually be loaded with as many options as the Trans Am; and the Trans Am, of course, was the performance-level Firebird.

The Firebird and Camaro had been completely restyled, with the windshield slope set at 60 degrees (about 3 degrees steeper than anything GM had ever tried before) and for the first time, a large, glass-dominated rear hatchback. Two pop-up headlights, a first on the F-Body cars, were the primary characteristic that distinguished the Firebird from its Camaro cousin; the Firebird would retain this styling characteristic until the end of production in 2002.

PONTIAC TRANS AM: PROUDLY CARRYING THE MUSCLE CAR TORCH

Still exhilarating after all these years, the Pontiac Firebird enters the 2002 model year as the most exciting car in GM's excitement division. Several once-optional features are now standard for 2002, adding even more value to the pulse-pounding package.

Legendary lineup intact

As in years past, the Firebird lineup features three different coupes and two convertibles with two powerful engines available. The roster starts with Firebird Coupe and Convertible. The alluring exterior starts with a hidden headlamp design, neatly integrated fog lamps, and fender-mounted air extractors, and continues with the sleek, aerodynamically shaped body. Standard equipment for 2002 now includes power door locks, power antenna, power remote mirrors and power windows with "express down" driver's side controls. That's in addition to already-standard equipment like air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, cruise control, a fold-down rear seat, and a center console with an auxiliary power outlet and dual cupholders.

Firebird Convertible adds a standard uplevel Monsoon sound system with CD player and eight optimally placed speakers for high-powered audio, even with the top down. The convertible also features a six-way power driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant radio controls, remote keyless entry, alarm and power door locks, "express down" windows, outside mirrors and radio antenna.

Firebird Formula Coupe appointments include low-profile Z-speed-rated tires, silver 16-inch five-spoke sport wheels, and a performance-oriented suspension. It also includes a 10-speaker version of the Monsoon CD audio system. Starting with the 2002 model year, the following items are also now standard on Formula Coupes: the removable hatch roof system, remote keyless entry, a six-way power driver's seat and an audible theft deterrent system.

The ultimate expression of Firebird muscle, Trans Am, is offered in both coupe and convertible editions. Standard equipment includes removable roof panels with sunshades, leather seating surfaces and an uplevel rear spoiler for the coupe.

Raw power from six or eight cylinders

For 2002, the Firebird powerplants continue to be the 3.8-liter 3800 Series II V6 (for Firebird models) and the 5.7-liter LS1 V8 (Formula and Trans Am models). Both engines were significantly improved for the 2001 model year. For 2002, both receive Delco-Remy's latest-generation starter, which produces more torque per amp, drawing less current and extending the life of both the starter and the battery.

The 3.8-liter V6 makes 200 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. It remains the benchmark for pushrod-actuated, overhead-valve V6 engines. Measured by output, efficiency and emissions, the 3.8L L36 meets or beats overhead-cam engines and gives the customer superior low-end response. On Firebird, the engine can be mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The 5.7L LS1 introduced leading-edge technologies to the grand tradition of the GM small-block V8, including all-aluminum construction, a thermoplastic intake manifold. Measured by mass, package size, performance or cost to the customer, the 5.7L LS1 matches the world's best overhead cam V8s. With this new small block, those who claimed cam-in-block engines could not meet the demands of a new decade—or increasingly stringent emissions standards—were proven patently wrong. Formula and Trans Am drivers get 310 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque, while Trans Am drivers opting for Ram Air will enjoy 325 horsepower and 350 lb- ft. Available transmissions for the LS1 include a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Firebird offers performance-related upgrades to suit a wide variety of driving enthusiast's tastes. The 3800 V6 Performance Package combines a Torsen II limited-slip differential, uplevel steering, dual outlet exhaust, and a 3.42:1 axle ratio that's available only with the automatic transmission.

Trans Am coupe and convertible models equipped with Pontiac 's exclusive WS6 Ram Air Performance and Handling Package benefit from functional air scoops, ram-air induction, low restriction dual outlet exhaust, and a suspension specifically tuned for maximum handling performance. The package also sports P275/40ZR17 performance radials mounted to 9 x 17-inch rims, highly polished alloy wheels featuring a five-spoke spoke design.

 

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Edition

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