HPP:
How about a Bandit version of the 2011 Trans Am? Did you wrestle with the idea?
DB: We did a Bandit version, actually. (See sidebar.) It was the second 2011 Trans Am we made as part of our proposal. Everybody loved the Bandit idea, but when it came down to it, the blue 2011 Trans Am that you're seeing in the photos had a bolder, more attention-getting appearance. The Bandit model had completely different front and rear ends. Essentially, it was a totally different, alternate design. It was black and gold, with gold-trimmed wheels, and gold pinstriping. When we showed GM, everybody went to the blue and white T/A. It had the wow factor to it, so that's the winner. Maybe we can still do both, though, or just offer this one in a Bandit trim package.
HPP: What likely scenarios do you see to bring the 2011 Trans Am to market?
DB: There are a couple different routes that this project could go. ASC has the capabilities to build the 2011 Trans Am as an off-line application for GM. We partnered with them on the Chevy SSR project, completing the assembly of that at our own facility. We currently build convertibles for Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Jeep, so we have plenty of experience to complete it from that end. The cars would then get retitled and sent to Pontiac dealerships. We know that there's huge demand out there from enthusiasts and dealers who are dying for a new Trans Am.
This could end up an aftermarket situation, too, in which a customer or dealer sends us a Camaro; we turn it into a Trans Am, and send it back. That can get difficult, though, maintaining warranties and government certifications, not that it can't be done, however. At this time, we're looking for partners to make this project a reality--possibly a performance group that is looking to get involved, or dealers or distributors. I'd love to team up with someone looking to introduce new efficient technologies. My feeling is that there are a lot of Pontiac dealerships out there right now who are willing to get involved, and are looking at their future saying, "We need some hot, hot, product right now!"
HPP: In a best-case scenario, when do you foresee the 2011 Trans Am hitting the streets?
DB: Best case, you'll see the show car before the end of the year, SEMA in November or maybe even the Woodward Dream Cruise in August. When would it hit the streets? A 2011 model year is absolutely doable.
HPP: Where is the 2011 Trans Am project right now?
DB: What we're really looking to do is get some buzz going and get some demand for it. We designed it with production-intent, so with the right pieces in place, it's not a stretch to say this could be on the road in a year. So, what I'm trying to do is get a push, get public demand out there, and get dealerships to call GM and say, "Throw us a bone here. Give us this Trans Am."
I read something on www.highperformancepontiac.com that says Pontiac is going to be the niche division of GM with two or three performance vehicles. Now is the time to launch this project, get some excitement going, and get more people into Pontiac dealerships. I hope we can spread the word, show that there is a demand out there, get the Trans Am rolling to reality, and sell some cars.