1999 Trans Am Performance
In 1999, Pontiac released an exclusive version of their flagship Trans Am sports car. The two styles of this model came equipped with a powerful engine and transmission and racing-designed interior. A number of standard amenities, including a few safety features, enhanced the vehicle's appearance and design.
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Identification
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In 1999, Pontiac Motors celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Trans Am, their flagship sports car. The General Motors Company produces this car in Detroit, Michigan under its Pontiac line of cars. In the auto industry, the Trans Am competes with comparable models such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. Pontiac released the 1999 Trans Am in two styles, a two-door coupe and a convertible model, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $27, 245 and $31,000, respectively. To ensure the exclusivity of this anniversary model, Pontiac only built 1000 coupes and 500 convertibles.
Drivetrain
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Pontiac took the engine for both models from Chevrolet's top of the line model LS1 Corvette (General Motors owns both companies). This front-mounted, 5.7-liter V-8 (eight cylinder) engine generates 327 horsepower and 345 foot-pounds of torque (forward thrust). When combined with the Trans Am's rear-drive six-speed manual transmission, this car can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in 5.3 seconds and can cover a quarter-mile from a dead start in 13.4 seconds. Drivers could also choose a four-speed automatic transmission for either model.
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Interior
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Both models featured bucket racing seats for the driver and front passenger, and Pontiac offered customizable bucket seats with lumbar support as a premium option. The driver and front passenger could enjoy 43 inches of leg room and 37 inches of headroom while the rear passengers could stretch out with 29 inches of leg room and 35 inches of head room. When combined with a rear bench seat, the 1999 Trans Am seats four people comfortably.
Amenities
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Pontiac packed its 30th anniversary flagship with amenities. Standard stylistic features included leather seats, racing trim, a rear spoiler, tinted glass and alloy wheels, while offering T-tops as a premium option. Drivers could also enjoy power doors, windows, mirrors and steering, climate control and a leather wrapped steering wheel. An AM/FM stereo with CD player came mounted in the front console and powered music through ten speakers (Pontiac made a CD changer a premium accessory).
Fuel Economy
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The 1999 Trans Am runs on unleaded fuel and includes a 16.8 gallon fuel tank (Pontiac recommends that drivers use fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher). When driving on the highway, the Trans Am gets a fuel economy of 28 miles-per-gallon (mpg) that decreases to an average of 19 mpg when driven in the city.
Safety
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The 1999 Trans Am came standard with a four-wheel electronic automatic braking system (ABS) applied by ventilated disc brakes on each wheel (as opposed to brake pads). It also provides an anti-theft deterrent system and front air bags for both passenger and driver.
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References
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- Photo Credit speed image by Kevin Chesson from Fotolia.com
