Entrance – Picture of Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok – Tripadvisor
It would have to offer serious performance and handle like a veteran and — in this era of attention to aerodynamic efficiency — slice through the air with some ease. No problem there, as the new Firebird’s body rated 0.33 on the coefficient-of-drag scale, helped by the dramatic, 62-degree windshield slope. Each of three Firebird models adopted a distinct identity. Base coupes were considered compact cars, and carried — of all things-a standard four — cylinder engine.
Output slipped to 95,880 units for 1985, but leaped past 110,000 in the next season. Even if your Firebird lacked musclebound V-8 brawn, it could look the part. All Firebirds now rode standard 15-inch tires. Base models got new taillamps and body touch-ups, plus a rear spoiler. Trans Ams had a choice of three engines (all 5.0-liter). In a gesture to shifting attitudes, a 140-mph speedometer now came with its optional V-8s.
A driver-side airbag went into all Firebirds for 1990, elbowing aside optional radio controls in the steering wheel. A Street Legal Performance package for 5.7-liter and high-output 5.0-liter V-8s, marketed through GM dealers, provided up to 50 additional horsepower. Base V-6 engines grew to 3.1-liter displacement, while V-8s added a few horsepower. A newly optional Sport Appearance Package for the base model imitated the Trans Am/GTA look. Trans Am, the PR folks claimed, “supplies unmitigated power for those able to handle it.” But plenty of buyers chose to wait for the fourth generation — the first completely restyled Firebird in 11 years — which went on sale several months after the 1993 model year began. All except base models added new rear spoilers. Anyone unhappy with Firebird’s action had a new choice. A front-end facelift emerged in spring of 1990 as an early ’91 model, its impertinent snout (with lower-profile headlamps) adapted from the Banshee show car. Trans Am and GTA also got fresh taillamps and shared new bodyside skirting, while Trans Ams adopted bigger (16-inch) tires on the GTA’s lacy-spoke wheels.
More than half of the 74,884 cars built were V-8 powered. Late in the model year, Pontiac announced a high-output 5.0-liter V-8 option for the Trans Am, Can I live in Thailand if I buy a condo? (click here for more) packing 190 horses and 240 pounds/feet of torque. Through most of the Eighties, annual styling changes were slight; and many of those affected Trans Ams alone. Two special-edition Trans Ams appeared in 1983: a black Recaro coupe and a Daytona 500 Anniversary model in white/charcoal.
Four-cylinder engines were gone, along with the SE series. Priced at $2,700, it featured the 5.7 V-8 and a host of performance-oriented extras, including a fully articulating driver’s seat and an engine oil cooler. Meanest-looking (and acting) member of the ’87 lineup was the Trans Am’s new GTA option. The tuned-port-injected 5.0-liter engine now came with either a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic. On the other hand, a base Firebird could be ordered with a new $1070 Formula option, including a four-barrel V-8 and 16-inch tires.
