Under The Hood
In the prototype we drove, YearOne had installed the optional GM Performance Parts (GMPP) LS7 engine, which features dry-sump oiling, a GM LS7 crank, GM titanium rods, and YearOne-requested GMPP forged pistons. A hotter-than-stock Katech Torquer LS7 hydraulic roller cam with 220/244-degrees duration, 0.615/0.648 lift using GM 1.8:1 LS7 roller trunnion rockers, and a 110-degree LSA was installed prior to bolting in the engine. CNC-ported LS7 heads, a composite intake, 40 lb/hr injectors, and a YearOne-installed 90mm Holley throttle body are employed. An MSD engine-management system with Delphi MEFI 4 ECM running a YearOne-developed map controls the 11:1 compression, 605-horse stormer.
The optional 535ci Pontiac engine can be had with an IA-II iron block or an IA-II/Butler aluminum block. Built by Butler Performance, the engine features a forged 4.500-inch stroke crank, Eagle H-beam rods, and Ross forged 4.350 pistons. A hydraulic roller cam with duration of approximately 260 degrees at 0.050 and lift near 0.600 inch with 1.65:1 rockers is used, as are ported E-heads with 2.19/1.77 valves. A modified and ported Victor intake with a Holley HP Series carburetor, or a Super Victor intake with F.A.S.T. fuel injection, are available. Ignition is from MSD, and the headers are Hookers with 2-inch-diameter primaries and 3.5-inch collectors. Compression is 10:1 and horsepower will be advertised at 650.
To complement the power output, the suspension was also completely reengineered.
 The interior of the BAN III...  The interior of the BAN III is a comfortable place to be. A thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel looks like a stocker but feels much better. The custom door panels feature engine-turned inserts with the BRE logo, and the molded lower section has an integrated door-pull and stereo speaker housing. |  A set of G-Force harnesses...  A set of G-Force harnesses keeps the occupants planted firmly in the Cerullo leather-covered seats with optional "distressed" leather inserts (black is standard). The YearOne four-point rollbar uses a pinned crossbar to allow access to the backseat, and the console is actually a reproduction piece for an automatic-equipped Second-Gen T/A. |  The coilovers are Konis, and...  The coilovers are Konis, and the rear wheelhouses were mini-tubbed for tire clearance. |
Suspension
On this BAN III, a custom subframe by Jim Meyer Racing not only provided an easier way to heavily modify the front suspension and add tire clearance, but also made mounting the GM LS7 engine much easier. Features include tubular front upper and lower control arms with Heim joints, rack-and-pinion steering, Vari-Shock billet aluminum coilover shocks, and a 0.875-inch stabilizer bar. To further stiffen the chassis, subframe connectors were custom made by YearOne.
A First-Gen four-link rear suspension by Detroit Speed & Engineering was modified to fit by YearOne in this Second-Gen. The system features adjustable tubular control arms and Panhard rod, and Koni adjustable coilover shocks. This suspension is adjustable for ride height, and for many other aspects that affect handling and launching.
Packages And Pricing
YearOne expects to build very few BAN I cars. In fact, Prototype 1 and another, for cable TV's DIY Network, will probably be the only two. BAN II T/As start at approximately $155,000 and can increase to $170,000 depending upon options. The BAN III is priced from $170,000 to $205,000 with all currently available options.
The main differences between the BAN II and III are in the drivetrain. All the body, interior, and suspension mods you just read about are included on both models, but the six-piston caliper, 14-inch disc brakes with an adjustable proportioning valve are optional on BAN II and standard on BAN III, as are the 18x12 rear wheels and larger 335/30ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires.
A 430-horse 462ci Pontiac V-8 is standard in BAN II. Optionally available are a 500-horse LS2, a 550-horse Pontiac V-8, or a 600-horse supercharged LS2. A BAN II can be ordered with an automatic overdrive trans but a Ban III cannot. Engine choices for BAN III include a standard 515-horse 7.0-liter LS7, an optional 605-horse LS7, and the optional 535ci 650-horse iron or aluminum Pontiac V-8. Specific package breakdowns and optional equipment can be found at YearOne.com
Conclusion
Whether you're dodging slower traffic on the highway or simply rumbling through town, the BRE T/A will get you noticed by everyone from stoplight bandits to the local constabulary, who will keep a watchful eye on you. How many civilians realize that this BRE T/A offers a lot more than the stocker SE is anyone's guess, but amongst those in the know, the BRE T/A will provide instant status for a price. If you ever wondered how Burt would build his Bandit in this day and age, you now have your answer.
 A Moser 12-bolt limited-slip...  A Moser 12-bolt limited-slip houses a 3.73:1 gearset, and the driveshaft is a custom aluminum piece. |  The front suspension was modernized...  The front suspension was modernized with a custom subframe, tubular control arms, coilovers, and rack-and-pinion steering.YearOne custom subframe connectors stiffen the structure. |  Check out the LED taillights...  Check out the LED taillights at dawn. |