FIREBIRD TRANS
AM - THE MUSCLE CAR LIVES ON
With 0-60 mph times clocking in under six seconds, Formula and Trans Am have little to worry about in tests of performance. The reasons? There are many, from the Bosch anti-lock brake system (that can recognize road surfaces) to the available 6-speed gearbox (close ratio 4-speed plus two overdrive ratios) and the fully integrated Traction Control system (all speed).
Performance
It delivers what its looks promise. The lightweight aluminum 5.7 liter V8's block is topped with free-breathing aluminum heads and utilizes a high compression ratio of 10.1:1 to produce 305 horsepower in standard form for Formula and Trans Am. The engine produces 320 horsepower with the available Ram Air Package thanks to Ram Air tuning. The power is out there.
The fact that the V8-powered Formula and Trans Am may be "a bit much" for some hasn't escaped those in control at Pontiac. Their answer: installing the technically sophisticated 3.8 liter 3800 Series II V6 under Firebird's hood. While not as powerful as its V8 brethren, no apologies are necessary for this 200-horsepower V6. It's the choice to make when low operating costs are just as important as low 0-60 times.
Available Traction ControlFull-feature electronic traction control, formerly available only on V8 Firebirds, is now available on the V6 Firebird. Traction control limits wheel spin for enhanced traction on wet or slippery surfaces. Firebird's V6 traction control system utilizes two elements to limit wheel spin: a throttle relaxer and engine torque reduction.
Torsen II®
To augment traction control, all Firebird V8s and V6s with the 3800 Performance Package have the Torsen II rear differential, a torque-sensitive traction enhancement system featuring the patented Equvex gear design.
Working in concert with the antilock brake system and traction control system, Torsen II sends power to the wheel with the best traction when wheel slip occurs. This process gives drivers a greater sense of control and extends the duration of engine-brake interaction during traction control system activation. Because Torsen II is a torque-sensitive system, it responds when any wheel slip is detected thereby reducing the number of times traction control is activated.
Torsen II also improves performance and safety by optimizing longitudinal traction and lateral stability especially during launches in wet or icy conditions or on unstable surfaces such as gravel.
Hurst® Shifter Available
Renewing a relationship that began in 1962, a Hurst shifter will be available with the six-speed manual transmission. Hurst shifters are renowned in performance circles for their short throws and precise feel. The leather shift knob in emblazoned with the Hurst logo.
Functional Improvements
Another functional improvement is the standard oil life monitor on all Firebird models. Oil life is based on mileage, engine speed, temperature and other variables that degrade engine oil. An onboard computer evaluates these conditions and notifies the driver when an oil change is required.
Braking System
Firebird's braking system features four-wheel disc brakes on all 1999 models. Front and rear brake pad material is an organic substance that results in longer brake life, reduced fade characteristics and quieter operation.
EBD
Also, Firebird is the first car in North America to replace hydraulic proportioning valves in the rear brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The slip-based EBD proportioning system results in more balance front-to-rear brake wear, improved stopping performance and better adaptability to changes that affect the braking system.
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