SEMA Preview: Lingenfelter to show off Camaro-based Pontiac Trans Am
2010 Lingenfelter Camaro LTA - Click above for high-res image gallery
Apparently, there are more Trans Am-obsessed Pontiac aficionados in the world than we initially suspected. While we have a major soft spot in our hearts for the old Poncho F-Bodies, we'd never actually go to the trouble of converting a perfectly good 2010 Camaro into something featuring T-tops and emblazoned with tons of Screaming Chickens. Some, though, seem to feel a life without the Trans Am is no kind of life at all.
First, there was the so-called Phoenix conversion from Kevin Morgan. Now, well-known tuning firm Lingenfelter Performance Engineering is entering the fray with its 2010 Camaro LTA, which resurrects another of Pontiac's most famous muscular lumps: the 455 cubic inch V8. In this case, the mill isn't really a Pontiac engine at all – the 655-horsepower engine is based on an aluminum GM LS-series block that's bored and stroked to equal the desired 455 cubes and capped with ported and polished LS7 heads.
Styling obviously takes its inspiration from the 1971 and 1972 TA, complete with the white and blue paint scheme and prominent twin-grille beak (Endura bumper not included). Naturally, front fender vents join a ducktail spoiler at the rear and 20-inch honeycomb wheels complete the visual package. So far, there's no word on pricing, but we wouldn't expect it to come cheap. Stay tuned for an official debut at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Gallery: 2010 Lingenfelter Camaro LTA
[Source: Camaro5.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
larry raines 4:44PM (10/27/2009)
the screaming chicken lives!
Reply
daleam 5:33PM (10/27/2009)
I realize many will not like this, but I would LOVE to see a modern Smokey and the Bandit version complete with gold tone trim. I think that would be hot.
Sean 4:44PM (10/27/2009)
It looks better than the production Camaro they have out now. They should have built this.
Reply
ryan 12:39AM (10/28/2009)
yes
G.G. 6:40AM (10/28/2009)
I totally agree. This looks much better than the Camaro does and ever will. But why does it have to take somebody like Lingenfeltner to build this? Now all we need is a new GTO. It's a given, this is what America does best.
Toyota and Co., take your Celica and go home!
TonyInMI 4:52PM (10/27/2009)
OH HELL YEAH!!!
Reply
dukeisduke 4:52PM (10/27/2009)
Since the new Camaro's styling is based on the '69 Camaro, I'd rather see this "Trans Am" use '69 Firebird front and rear styling, instead of the '70 1/2.
Reply
Rob 4:55PM (10/27/2009)
When did 20" wheels become a requirement for sports coupes.
Reply
Scott 4:58PM (10/27/2009)
I agree. The big downside is that they are really heavy.
MeiSooHaityu 5:37PM (10/27/2009)
Well there is some sense to adding 20" wheels in a sports car.
Generally, you want short side walls on tires for better handling (tire side wall sway from taller side walls can aid in instability and traction issues).
Problem is a smaller side wall on a smaller wheel looks dis-proportinate and often just plain awkward, so the wheel needs to be larger to help accomidate the wheel well better.
Also, often these cars have much bigger brakes for better brake performance. You often need the bigger wheels to clear the brake calipers.
hokieman09 8:25PM (10/27/2009)
They also look better
MeiSooHaityu 4:56PM (10/27/2009)
Sweet, I like how it totally encapsulates everything that is ugly and amplifies it by 10 :D
Nah, just not my thing. I can undestand how the Pontiac people would love to finnally have their version. Just keep in mind that it will add atleast 20 to 30 grand over sticker (maybe more).
Reply
TonyInMI 5:02PM (10/27/2009)
Best year of the TA IMHO. Would be cool with an actual Pontiac engine: http://www.jbp-pontiac.com/FeaturedEngine/ultimateStreet.htm
Reply
NT 5:03PM (10/27/2009)
Yawn
Reply
Bob H. 5:08PM (10/27/2009)
Ah, the 20 inch wheels give it that "pimp your ride" look...
Probably because that is the audience that would pay the 20-30k extra for this...
Such as newly signed pro-sports players and others with more money than good taste.
Reply
Jake 5:14PM (10/27/2009)
I think that it looks nice...the front more than the back.
I, as well, could do without the giant rims.
Reply
AMG Powerrr 5:24PM (10/27/2009)
Now that's a nice car. I prefer it above a Camaro, Mustang and Challenger. Although I like Mr. Norm's 'Cuda even more.
Reply
Mohawk58 6:14PM (10/27/2009)
Its a turd bucket as bad as retro 60s C6 vette kits. This thing is stupid and reminds me exactly why Pontiac needs to go. Any loser who forks over money for this needs a life.
Reply
blckstrm 6:28PM (10/27/2009)
Glad ASC could sell their design to somebody, and glad somebody actually produced the design they made for GM. This should make Mr. Autoextremist happy, too - as well it should anyone who's been mourning Pontiac longer than a few months (like, since the 70's ended).
Ah, well. I hear BMW is making the new 3er look more Pontiac-like. Most guys that are old enough to mourn Pontiac for good cause should be able to afford a Bimmer by now.
Reply
JIMBO 7:38PM (10/27/2009)
Yes , from any angle this one just looks a ton better than that ugly-assed Camaro .
By the way , if 20" wheels & tires handle sooo much better than the normal 14-15-16 and even 17's why do NASCAR racers still use 15" .
Reply