As 2017 nears its close, so does the 50th anniversary of the introduction of Pontiac's Firebird. In that half century, GM's F-car forged an indelible impression on American drivers and Pontiac's variant ultimately became the hottest car on the planet within a few short years. The road to get there wasn't easy, however.

Pontiac was dying a slow death during early '50s. In July 1956 GM assigned Bunkie Knudsen the task of rejuvenating the ailing division. He transformed the conservative Pontiac into one that exuded youthful appeal and accomplished that by staffing his engineering team with two up-and-coming stars within the GM ranks—Pete Estes and John DeLorean. The team created exciting engines like the Super Duty 421 and vehicles like the '62 Grand Prix and '64 GTO. Consumers began looking to Pontiac for performance and innovation.

John DeLorean, who became Pontiac's general manager in 1965, championed Pontiac's need for a two-seat sports car. It was, however, met with contempt from Chevrolet, who argued such as vehicle would only erode Corvette sales. Concurrently GM realized just how successful Ford's sporty, four-seat Mustang became since its 1964 introduction. In response GM commissioned the F-car platform for 1967 and placed Chevrolet and Pontiac in charge of development.

DeLorean excused Pontiac from the F-car program to continue pursuing its two-seater, but the corporation slapped his hand and in March 1966 gave him a nearly-complete 1967 Camaro in which to create Pontiac's F-car. At first DeLorean scorned having a me-too Camaro, but wisely chose to make the best of the situation and developed a sporty Firebird that generally went one step beyond Chevrolet's.

It resulted in Firebird's staunch 35 year rivalry with Chevrolet and Ford. The race-bred Trans Am emerged as America's 1970's supercar and remained there throughout the 1980s. Consumer popularity toward the F-car began fading during the 1990s and GM formally cancelled the F-car program after 2002. It even dropped Pontiac in 2009 during its restructure.

Both Pontiac and its Firebird remain dear to enthusiast's hearts. We provide a year-by-year rundown of how GM's performance division kept its F-car hot over the decades. Join us as Car Craft celebrates 50 years of Firebird.

First Generation 1967-1969

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1967

Pontiac's all-new 1967 Firebird was introduced in February 1967 at the Chicago Auto Show. It was available in hardtop or convertible styling with two-plus-two seating. The series was comprised of five sporty levels—each separated by specific six-cylinder or V8 engines. Pontiac's Overhead Cam 6-cylinder (or OHC-6) 1-barrel powered the entry-level Firebird. The Firebird Sprint included the peppy Sprint-6 4-barrel. The 326-ci 2-barrel was standard in the Firebird 326 and the Firebird H.O. was fitted with the 326 H.O. 4-barrel. The Firebird 400 included the basic-yet-powerful 400 4-barrel while the GTO's 400 Ram Air was the top engine option.

1968

Firebird's changes for 1968 were mostly related to new safety standards and custom interior enhancements. OHC-6 displacement increased from 230-ci to 250, and the 326 V8 grew to 350-ci for added performance and component commonality. In addition to the Firebird 400's base 400-ci, the 400 H.O. became an up-level performance offering. The 400 Ram Air was superseded in May 1968 by the Ram Air II, which boasted round-port cylinder heads and the radical number-041 hydraulic camshaft with 308/320 degrees of duration and 0.470-inch valve lift.

1969

Interior and exterior updates for 1969 were complemented by the midyear addition of the new Firebird's new race-bred Trans Am Option. The high-performance package boasted a Cameo White exterior accented with blue racing stripes, a specific Ram Air hood that fed the standard 400-inch Ram Air III, and a deck-mounted rear air spoiler. Suspension enhancements included a 1-inch diameter front sway bar with stiffer end link bushings, specific power brakes (front disc/rear drum) and power steering units, and 14 x 7-inch wheels with Goodyear F70-14 tires. Optional on Trans Am and Firebird 400 was Pontiac's new 400-inch Ram Air IV that included an aluminum intake manifold, high-flow round-port cylinder heads, and .520-inch valve lift.

Second-generation 1970-1981

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1970

Immediately upon the completion of its first-generation F-car, Pontiac co-developed a second-generation version with Chevrolet. Introduction was initially slated for September 1969 along with all other 1970 model year vehicles, but sheet metal stamping issues ultimately delayed the 1970 F-car's release until February 26, 1970. The redesigned Firebird was beautifully-styled and its rounded shape was inspired by exotic Ferraris and Jaguars. The 1970 Firebird was available in four distinct levels—the base model, the Esprit, the Formula 400, and the Trans Am. Pontiac's 6-cylinder was replaced by Chevrolet's while its 350 and 400-inch V8s were carried over.

1971

The Firebird series went unchanged for 1971. All but Trans Am received new fender-mounted louvers located behind each front wheel. To ensure that all its divisions' 1971 engines operated reliably on regular-grade gasoline, GM enacted a maximum compression ratio of 8.5:1. The 350 2-barrel became standard on Formula while the 400 and 455 4-barrels were optional. Borrowing its high-flow cylinder heads, and intake and exhaust manifolds, the new 455 H.O. replaced the Ram Air IV and became standard on Trans Am and optional on Formula. The 1971 model year also saw the introduction of Pontiac's iconic Honeycomb wheel.

1972

The 1972 Firebird was essentially a carryover, save for the grille, where an elongated hexagonal grille texture replaced the tight square mesh used previously. The 1972 model year is best remembered for the UAW strike that halted F-car production at the Norwood, Ohio assembly plant. What officially began on April 8, 1972 raged on for a record-setting 174 days. The dispute effectively cancelled the remainder of the model year and new federal crash standards for 1973 forced GM to scrap any and all 1972 Firebirds suspended in any state of production.

1973

F-car-starved consumers flocked to Pontiac dealers to purchase new 1973 Firebirds when production resumed in October 1972. Though virtually undetectable to the average consumer, Firebird's front and rear bumpers were modified to withstand new low-impact crash standards. A full-size hood decal of the Firebird logo was optional on Trans Am and more than half were equipped with it. The race-bred and near-bullet-proof Super Duty 455 (or SD-455) featuring 6,000-rpm capability finally reached production in late-May 1973. Less than 300 Formulas and Trans Ams received the optional mill.

1974

Even tougher bumper regulations for 1974 forced even more creativity from Pontiac's for Firebird's front and treatments. It was solved with a black rub strip and matching bumperettes, and that allowed for an aggressive "shovel nose" appearance, which continued for several years. Trans Am's popularity was on the rise and the SD-455 remained the engine option.

1975

Firebird's wraparound backlight glass improved visibility and maintained modernity for 1975. GM's solution to the EPA's stringent 1975 emissions standards was an exhaust catalyst that chemically-converted dangerous gas into harmless byproducts. Viewed by magazine writers as a "horsepower filter," Pontiac's V8s were further emasculated by a compression ratio reduction to just 7.6:1. The 455 was initially dropped from the Firebird line, but was revived midyear as part of Trans Am's L75 455 H.O. package that included a 4-speed manual transmission, 3.23:1 rear axle ratio, specific exhaust, and "455 H.O." decals on the Shaker scoop. Loyalists who expected that Pontiac resurrected its round-port 455 H.O. lamented when they found that Trans Am's 455 wasn't anything more than the same 200 hp d-port mill available in full-size models.

1976

Front and rear changes gave Firebird a fresh appearance for 1976. Black rub strips gave way to smoothly-contoured bumpers constructed of molded urethane, whose sculpted look improved integration into the vehicle's overall appearance. Pontiac commemorated its 50th anniversary of vehicle production with an attractive black-and-gold appearance package for Trans Am. Removable Hurst Hatches were to be included with the Y82 Special Edition Trans Am package, but production holds related to reliability concerns resulted in most being equipped with solid roofs. To renew Formula interest, Pontiac released the W50 Formula Appearance Package that included an attractive two-toned paint scheme.

1977

GM was moving toward rectangular headlights during the mid-1970s and that feature was incorporated into Firebird for 1977. The front was redesigned to follow that theme, gaining an aggressive appearance inspired by Detroit Lion's great, Mike Lucci. The Trans Am's Special Edition was immortalized in the motion picture Smokey and the Bandit where it practically costarred alongside Burt Reynolds and Jackie Gleason. Availability of Hurst's removable-glass-panel option (UPC CC1) was expanded to all 1977 Firebirds. The 455 was dropped and replaced by a new high-performance 400-ci that matched its performance capability. The new T/A 6.6 borrowed its cylinder heads from the 350-ci to boost compression and specific camshafts complemented it. The popular Honeycomb wheel was replaced by a real cast-aluminum wheel with a snowflake-appearance.

1978

The exterior was completely carryover for 1978 and Custom Trim seats received new patterns. Revised camshaft timing and a dual-resonator exhaust system improved the T/A 6.6 by 20 hp. An up-level suspension option that included a 15 x 8-inch cast-aluminum wheel was released for Trans Am as the WS6 Trans Am Performance Package. The popular black-and-gold Special Edition package was replaced midyear by an attractive Gold Special Edition package (UPC Y88) that included a Solar Gold exterior with dark gold accents and Camel Tan interior. Removable roof panels developed by Fisher Body and Hurst Hatches were phased out.

1979

With new front and rear treatments, Firebird volume peaked in 1979 with more than 211,000 units produced, and over half were Trans Ams. The popular Black Special Edition Trans Am package returned. To celebrate a decade of the Trans Am, Pontiac developed a silver-themed appearance package marketed as the Y89 Tenth Anniversary Trans Am package. WS6 availability expanded to Formula. Pontiac's 400-ci was dropped from production during the 1978 model year and roughly 10,000 T/A 6.6 engines were stockpiled for 1979 vehicles. Most were allocated to the Trans Am, but 367 went into 1979 Formulas. The T/A 6.6 was only available with the 4-speed manual transmission while Olds' 403-ci backed by an automatic went into most Trans Am's that year.

1980

Pontiac developed and released a small-cube economy engine displacing 301-ci V8 during the late-'70s. It remained the Division's sole V8 going into the 1980 model year. To thwart being forced to offer a Chevrolet V8 as the 1980 Trans Am's top performance engine, Pontiac dramatically increased the 301's performance to near-400-ci levels with the addition of a turbocharger. Optional on Formula and Trans Am, the 301 Turbo was only available with an automatic transmission and 3.08:1 rear gearing. The Black Special Edition Trans Am package continued, and the new Y85 Limited Edition Turbo Trans Am, which featured an attractive white-and-charcoal exterior scheme paced that year's Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500 events.

1981

The 1981 model year signaled the end of the second-generation Firebird. After 12 successful years and several updates aimed at keeping styling fresh, popularity waned as consumers awaited the release of GM's highly-touted third-generation F-car. Thus, the entire 1981 Firebird was completely carryover. Trans Am's exterior graphics were mildly redesigned to add an air of sophistication. The turbocharged 301 remained the top engine option, but Pontiac's V8 would be dropped by the end of the model year. The Black Special Edition Trans Am package continued and the Y85 Turbo Trans Am Special Edition package was modified to include a white, black, and red theme and Recaro race seats.

Third-generation 1982-1992

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1982

GM's third-generation F-car was introduced in January 1982. The Firebird featured an aerodynamic silhouette with hidden headlights and hatchback backlight glass with fold-down rear seat to maximize storage capacity. MacPherson struts were used up front, while coil springs replaced leaf springs at rear. A torque arm/track bar combination maintained the 7.5-inch GM 10-bolt rear axle's position. The Firebird series was limited to three models—the sporty base Firebird, the sophisticated Firebird S/E, and Trans Am. A small 5-inch decal was positioned on the leading edge of Trans Am's hood and a larger 10-inch decal appeared as a no-cost option mid-model year. Engines included Pontiac's durable 2.5L 4-cylinder and Chevrolet's 2.8L V6, 5.0L 4-barrel V8 and the Crossfire Injected 5.0L V8 with dual throttle bodies. The Y84 Recaro Trans Am package was announced shortly after product began and was limited to 2,000 vehicles. It retained Firebird's popular black-and-gold paint scheme and incorporated cloth-covered Recaro racing seats.

1983

Despite availability of another optional Trans Am hood decal, the greatest changes for the 1983 Firebird were beneath the surface. Overdriven five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions increased fuel economy and allowed for rear axle ratios as deep as 3.73:1 for improved acceleration. The 2.8L H.O. V6 joined the lineup to become Firebird S/E's standard engine. The Crossfire Injected 5.0L V8 proved problematic and was replaced late-year by the 4-barrel-carbureted 5.0 H.O. V8, which boasted increased compression and a high-lift camshaft to produce 190 hp. The black-and-gold Y84 Recaro Trans Am option continued and the Y82 Limited Edition Daytona 500 Trans Am package was developed to celebrate Trans Am pacing the 25th running of that event.

1984

An aerodynamics package that included ground effects increased Firebird's sleekness for 1984. Driveline options went largely unchanged and a 16 x 8-inch cast-aluminum wheel was introduced. The black-and-gold Recaro Trans Am option continued. A white-and-blue themed package that included up-level suspension and brakes, and the 305 H.O. was developed to commemorate Trans Am's 15th anniversary. Only 1,500 were produced.

1985

The Firebird featured a more contoured exterior and improved interior comfort for 1985. Black rub strips that wrapped around the sides of the bumpers were included on base Firebird and Firebird S/E. Trans Am's aerodynamics package was further refined and included a new hood with sleek air extractors and a rear air spoiler that enhanced Firebird's wedge-shaped theme. The Recaro Trans Am option was dropped but Recaro seats remained available at extra cost. The carbureted 5.0L V8s were complemented by the new-for-1985 Tuned-Port-Injected (or TPI) version of the 5.0L rated at 210 hp, which was only available with the 4-speed automatic.

1986

The Firebird, Firebird S/E, and Trans Am returned for 1986 with mostly cosmetic changes. Driveline choices went unchanged until midyear when the 305 H.O. was dropped. The Firebird S/E was also dropped late-year and an electronic instrument cluster was added for high-tech fans about that same time.

1987

Pontiac successfully injected more performance into the Firebird line for 1987. Pontiac resurrected the name "Firebird Formula" for its new affordable-performance model, which shared the same premise the original "Formula 400" concept for 1970. It combined base-model styling with Trans Am-level underpinnings. The Trans Am continued, but a new GTA package added sophistication with its monochromatic exterior and luxurious interior appointments. The 5.7L TPI V8 was GTA's standard engine, and it became the top engine option on Formula and Trans Am as well.

1988

Firebird's styling and model lineup was carryover for 1988. The carbureted 5.0L was replaced by TBI and a serpentine belt system debuted on all engines. As opposed to the large backlight glass that covered the hatch well, Pontiac offered a notchback option for the GTA that created the effect of a traditional deck lid. The infamous 1LE option was released as a complete road-race-inspired braking and handling package for showroom stock competition.

1989

No major styling changes occurred for 1989. GM improved vehicle security and theft prevention by implanting a resistor into ignition key on all Firebirds. 5.0 and 5.7L TPI V8 performance was enhanced by dual catalytic converters. Pontiac celebrated Trans Am's 20th anniversary with a limited production model. The white-and-gold tribute was powered by a special version of Buick's turbocharged 3.8L V6 rated at 250 hp—the first and only Trans Am not powered by a burly V8. The 20th Anniversary Trans Am went onto pace that year's Indianapolis 500.

1990

The 1990 model year was abbreviated as Pontiac ushered the revised 1991 Firebird into production early. The biggest news for 1990 was the addition of a driver's side air bag for additional safety. The 3.1L V6 replaced the 2.8L V6, while the 5.0L TBI and tuned-port 5.0 and 5.7L continued.

1991

With front styling inspired by Pontiac's Banshee IV show car, the new-for-1991 Firebird front featured dual openings that housed forward parking lamps/turn signals on all models. It was filled with faux grille texture on Firebird and Formula and forward driving lights on the Trans Am. Taillight treatment and the rear spoiler were revised and a new ground effects package was available for Firebird and Trans Am. Convertible styling also returned.

1992

The 1992 model year was essentially carryover as the third-generation Firebird entered its final year of production year. The attractive and aggressive Firebird was taken a step beyond by Street Legal Performance (or SLP), who, with drivetrain and suspension upgrades, transformed an already-potent 1LE Formula into the fire-breathing Firehawk. SLP's would continue modifying Firebird's through 2002.

Fourth-generation 1993-2002

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1993

Pontiac's fourth-generation Firebird was introduced in 1993. Boasting several engineering enhancements over the previous model, the body and chassis were refined to provide consumers with superior overall quality. The attractive and aerodynamic design was a further inspired by the Banshee IV, sharing even more similarities than the 1991 facelift. The series included the Firebird, Formula, and Trans Am. Firebird and Formula shared a front fascia with faux cooling inlets and a low-level rear air spoiler while Trans Am was given a distinctive appearance with forward driving lights in the front fascia and an aggressive up-level rear air spoiler. Firebird's 3.4L V6 and Formula and Trans Am's 275 hp LT1 5.7L V8 were the only choices. The V8 was available with a four-speed automatic or sox-speed manual transmission and 3.23:1 rear gearing.

1994

While the 1994 Firebird's engine choices were carryover, a revised first-gear ratio on the T56 six-speed manual allowed the use of a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio with that transmission. The series lineup remained the same, but convertible styling returned. To make the 1994 Trans Am more price competitive, the base Trans Am was de-contented and a new Trans Am GT option included up-level equipment such as the speed-rated tires, up-level rear air spoiler, and leather seating. To commemorate Trans Am's 25th anniversary, Pontiac released a special white and blue appearance package available in coupe and convertible styling.

1995

Very little changed going into 1995. The Trans Am GT was dropped and the basic Trans Am was re-contented. The 3.8L V6 was added mid-model year as an optional engine to the 3.4L V6.

1996

The 3.4L V6 was dropped and replaced by the 3.8L V6 as Firebird's standard engine. Along with it came the optional 3800 Performance Package. Dual catalytic converters increased the 5.7L LT1 V8 by 10 hp. Air conditioning also became standard with the V8. The most exciting news to hit Firebird fans was the introduction of the WS6 Ram Air and Handling package, which combined cold-air induction and low restriction exhaust to boost output to 305 hp. Suspension upgrades included 17 x 9-inch wheels and 275/40ZR17 tires and specific coil springs and shock absorbers. Available on Formula and Trans Am, it transformed the already-potent Trans Am into a world-class competitor.

1997

Daytime Running Lamps were incorporated into all Firebirds for 1997. Driveline combinations were carried over. Formerly limited to Formula and Trans Am coupe, WS6 availability expanded to convertibles. It didn't, however, include the suspension components because of body integrity concerns.

1998

The Firebird was treated to an aggressive facelift for 1998, which injected the aging platform with modernity. Everything forward of the firewall was new. The Firebird and Formula shared and external appearance and Trans Am retained its own identity. Taillights were slightly revised with a honeycomb texture. Firebird's brakes were upgraded for enhanced capability. The biggest news was underhood. The all-aluminum LS1 V8 boasted 305 hp and excellent fuel economy. The WS6 package continued and retained its cold-air induction by way of an aggressively styled dual-scooped hood. Ram Air and the low-restriction muffler increased output to 320 hp.

1999

The 1999 model year saw only minor engineering changes. A Hurst shifter option was introduced for the six-speed manual. Pontiac celebrated Trans Am's 30th Anniversary with another attractive white-and-blue appearance package.

2000

No significant changes occurred for 2000. As popularity of the WS6 Ram Air and Handling package increased, Pontiac replaced its 1LE-spec front coil springs with those from the standard-Trans Am in January 2000 to make the package more consumer friendly and reduce component proliferation without grossly changing handling ability.

2001

While the Firebird body and chassis went unmodified for 2001, the 5.7L LS1 V8 received several enhancements, which included a new camshaft and intake manifold that attributed a boost of 5 hp. The WS6 package was limited to Trans Am only for 2001 and its engine was rated at 325 hp.

2002

The 2002 model year signified the end of the line for Pontiac's F-car. After 35 years the vehicle was officially cancelled. With no engineering or styling changes from the 2001 model, the Firebird's swansong was a yellow-and-black themed appearance package for the Trans Am to commemorate 35 years of production.

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Already credited with developing Pontiac's runaway midsize concept, the new-for-1964 GTO, John DeLorean had been promoted to General Manager when the division launched its second smash hit, the sporty four-place Firebird in March 1967.

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Car Craft was among the many magazines road tested several variations of Pontiac's 1967 F-car. The full-length feature appeared in our March 1967 issue.

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By 1969 DeLorean sought a way to elevate the Firebird over Chevrolet's Z-28. The new WS4 Trans Am Option was the result. It combined performance and appearance enhancements to create an exclusive vehicle aimed at those serious about racing.

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The second-generation Firebird debuted for 1970. It boasted four distinct levels that created a Firebird for every buyer. The Formula 400 combined base-Firebird's no-frills exterior with Trans Am-type performance for subtlety. The attractive dual-scooped hood gave it visual identity.

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To expand Trans Am's image as a genuine race car, Pontiac's stylists developed a complete aerodynamic package further enhanced the Firebird's already-sleek profile. From 1970 to 1972, the Trans Am was available with a white or blue exterior trimmed by a single racing stripe in the opposite color. The color palette expanded to include red and green for 1973. The racing stripe also gave way to an optional hood applique.

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New federal bumper regulations led to the Firebird's shovel-nose front end for 1974. The bumper had become an integral part in the overall styling of the exterior by 1976. The black-and-gold Special Edition package arrived in April 1976 and went on to become one of the most beloved treatments by Firebird fans of all ages.

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Rectangular headlights appeared for 1977 and remained through 1978. Formula's scoops were reshaped to remain consistent with the car's taut exterior styling.



The Trans Am had become the most popular car in America during the late-'70s, and companies like DKM were capitalizing on that feat. The Macho T/A package transformed the already potent Trans Am into a world-class supercar with engine and suspension enhancements.



Firebird's front and rear ends were completely redesigned for 1979 and it proved the last major facelift for the second-generation F-car, which ran through 1981. The silver-themed appearance package commemorated Trans Am's tenth year in production.



With even greater emphasis on aerodynamic profile, the third-generation Firebird debuted in 1982. Pontiac power had been replaced by "corporate" engines and the V8s were produced by Chevrolet.



The Formula was reintroduced in 1987 as a low-buck performance vehicle aimed at Ford's 5.0L Mustang. Pontiac gave Formula a 5.0L V8 as standard equipment and offered tuned-port versions of the 5.0 and 5.7L V8 as extra-cost options.



The new-for-1987 GTA package created the ultimate Trans Am that was aimed at taking on the very best that the import manufactures had to offer.



Firebird's front was updated for 1991 and regained Pontiac's signature split-grille appearance that was inspired by the Banshee IV show car.

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Pontiac's fourth-generation F-car arrived on scene in 1993. It was the sleekest Firebird that Pontiac had ever produced. The base-model Firebird (V6) and Formula (V8) shared an exterior appearance.

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The fourth-generation Trans Am had its own front end when introduced in 1993. By 1996 Pontiac had created its optional WS6 Ram Air and Handling Package for Formula and Trans Am, which included Ram Air induction and up-level suspension components.

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The Firebird received a facelift for 1998 to inject the aging platform with modernity. The Firebird and Formula again shared a front treatment while the Trans Am remained unique. To celebrate Trans Am's 30th Anniversary, Pontiac created and attractive white-and-blue themed package.

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After 35 years, 2002 marked the final year of Firebird production. Pontiac commemorated the series with a yellow-and-black 35th Anniversary package available on the Trans Am.