With the death of Pontiac, a factory-built Firebird Trans Am is now completely out of the question. However, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering is interested in resurrecting the car based on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
Lingenfelter is famous for tuning various GM vehicles, from Corvette Z06’s to the new Camaro. The Texas-based tuner’s latest creation is a resurrection of the Pontiac Trans Am to be shown at SEMA. The Trans Am is based on the new Camaro, but with major modifications to hold the car to the original Pontiacs.
Outside, Lingenfelter says the car is based on the 1971 Trans Am. We have to say the car does its imitation well, while still looking modern -- as its donor car does, too. The concept features a full Trans Am accurate front fascia with honeycomb kidney grills and rounded-square headlights. Out back, the car has classic Trans Am taillights complete with rear decklid spoiler. To complete the Trans Am look, Lingenfelter added custom honeycomb wheels.
One nice touch that isn’t accurate for the ’71 Trans Am look is the backwards hood scoop with “455 SD” script, although that number does accurately represent the engine’s displacement. Powering the Lingenfelter TA concept is a 455-cubic-inch LS-series V-8. The engine produces 655 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque -- more than even the supercharged LSA V-8 that would have powered the shelved Z28 Camaro. To cope with more than 200 additional hp, Lingenfelter added a 6-bolt LS9 flywheel and clutch assembly as well as heavy duty halfshafts.
Lingenfelter says the concept may go into production if it receives enough positive responses about it at the SEMA show November 3-6, so if you like the car, let them know.
Source: Camaro5.com