The headrests are embroidered,...
The headrests are embroidered, too.
We may lean the rear spoiler back, modify the foglights, and use Pontiac blue engine paint on the engine cover.
HPP: Any plans to make the Shaker functional?
KM: Yes, the production models should have a functional Shaker hood via modifications to the stock air-cleaner assembly. Maintenance for the owner will remain simple since the 2010 Camaro air filter is retained.
HPP: Which companies will be involved with building the Phoenix T/As?
TW: Conversions will take place at Trans Am Depot in Tallahassee, Florida, or at Otto Body in Lincoln, Nebraska. Both locations will handle the optional Procharger supercharger engine-upgrade package.
HPP: How long will it take to build each car?
TW: It will take three weeks for the standard package and about five weeks if performance options are added. We will offer turnkey cars and conversions on existing customer cars. So far, we are seeing a 50/50 spilt in the demand for turnkey versus customer-car conversions.
HPP: What are the price points for the Phoenix T/A and its option packages?
TW: We expect the Phoenix kit to be in the mid $20Ks, with the performance upgrade anticipated in the low $30Ks.
HPP: Are you seeking out any GM new-car dealerships to sell cars?
TW: Yes, we have a few dealers who have expressed interest in selling cars.
HPP: Will the Phoenix T/A be offered in any color available on the Camaro?
TW: Yes, and any custom color the buyer desires.
HPP: When these T/As are finished, will they still be registered as Camaros?
KM: Yes.
HPP: Will you offer a warranty on them, since the addition of the package and options will probably void the factory warranty?
TW: Yes, a warranty will be provided on anything related to the conversion and/or conversion parts.
HPP: Will you sell individual parts to customers who want to put them on their Camaros?
TW: For now, the Phoenix T/A components are strictly for our conversion. However, there will be accessory and body components available through our online catalog.
HPP: How many Phoenix T/As must be built to make this a viable venture for the companies involved?
TW: Our goal is to produce 80 cars in the first 18 months.
HPP: Given the current economy, do you believe the demise of Pontiac helped or hindered this project?
KM: I feel that it definitely helped. For some reason, right after GM announced it, the idea began to grow again, drawing even more interest. Also, if Pontiac continued and built its own T/A, we would have been blown out of the water.
Building The Concept T/A
HPP: How challenging was it to transform the renderings into actual pieces for the concept car?
Todd Otto: Overall the project went well, but some concessions and modifications had to be made. We had to forego the quad headlamps because the structure behind that area on the Camaro made it difficult to add the additional lights, and if we were to use the same size as the outer lamps, the grille area would be greatly reduced. We also added more curve to where the center section (where the arrowhead is) transitions to the grille to give it a meaner look. The biggest challenge for the front was finding a honeycomb pattern to fit the grille correctly. Luckily, my Ford truck grille had the honeycomb pattern we needed.
HPP: How was the front bumper cover made?
TO: I made it using the urethane from donor bumpers that I already had. I cut what I needed and used repair kits to piece it together. There's no fiberglass up front-the nose is all urethane.
HPP: Tell us about the air extractors.
TO: They went through three or four design changes, but ultimately I chose one of them instead of trying a fifth because we were running out of time. The air extractors are made from sheetmetal, and the honeycomb insert came from a late-model GP grille.
There is no lack of ID on...
There is no lack of ID on the concept. This badge will read "Kevin Morgan Phoenix T/A" on production models.
Even the sill plates carry...
Even the sill plates carry vehicle identification. "Otto Body" refers to concept-car builder Todd Otto's new venture.
Poised at the plant entrance,...
Poised at the plant entrance, the two compare tails. The T/A uses a much more aggressive ducktail-style spoiler as a nod to those of the past. Snowflake wheels and chrome splitters drive the nostalgia home. The original mufflers were removed, and custom pipes were bent to add the splitters, resulting in a throaty sound. A more complete custom, 3-inch exhaust system will be installed in the Phoenix T/As.