Third generation Pontiac Trans Am/Firebird 1982–1992

Third generation Pontiac Trans Am/Firebird (1982–1992)

Production	1982–1992
Assembly	Van Nuys, California, United States Norwood, Ohio, United States
Body style	3-door hatchback coupe, 2 door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Platform	F-body
Engine	151 cu in (2.5 L) Pontiac I4 173 cu in (2.8 L) "X" V6 191 cu in (3.1 L) "X" V6 231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick Turbo V6 305 cu in (5.0 L) Chevrolet V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Chevrolet V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	101 in (2,565 mm)
Length	1990–92 Firebird: 195.1 in (4,956 mm) 1990-92 Trans Am: 195.2 in (4,958 mm) Pre-1988 Firebird: 190.5 in (4,839 mm) Pre-1988 Trans Am: 191.8 in (4,872 mm)
Width	72.4 in (1,839 mm)
Height	49.7 in (1,262 mm)
Related	Chevrolet Camaro (third generation)

1991 Firebird convertible with restyled nose

The availability and cost of gasoline (two fuel crises had occurred by this time) meant the weight and the fuel consumption of the 3rd generation had to be considered in the design. In F-body development, both the third generation Firebird and Camaro were proposed as possible front wheel drive platforms, but the idea was scrapped. The state of the art of computerized engine management was in its infancy, and as long as saving fuel was the primary objective, it was not possible to have high horsepower and torque numbers. They did manage to cut enough weight from the design so that acceleration performance would be better than the 1981 models. They also succeeded in the fuel consumption department, offering a 4-cylinder Firebird that would provide 34 miles per gallon.GM executives decided that engineering effort would best be spent on aerodynamics and chassis development. They created a modern platform, so that when engine technology advanced, they would have a well balanced package with acceleration, braking, handling, and aerodynamics. For the time being, they would have world class aerodynamics and handling, and excellent fuel economy. (Little did they know that by 1989 the fastest American car on the market would be a Firebird)
The Firebird and Camaro were completely redesigned for the 1982 model year, with the windshield slope set at 62 degrees, (about 3 degrees steeper than anything GM had ever tried before), and for the first time, a large, glass-dominated hatchback that required no metal structure to support it. Two concealed pop-up headlights, a first on the F-Body cars, were the primary characteristic that distinguished the 3rd Gen Firebird from its both its Camaro sibling and its prior form; (a styling characteristic carried into the 4th Gen's design). In addition to being about 500 lbs (227 kg) lighter than the previous 2nd Gen design, the 3rd Generation Firebird was the most aerodynamic product GM had ever released. Wind tunnels were used to form the new F-Body platform's shape, and Pontiac took full advantage of it. The aerodynamic developments extended to the finned aluminum wheels with smooth hubcaps and a functional rear spoiler.