The Third Generation
1982 Firebird
You'd have to firmly state that 1982 ushered in a new era in Firebird/Trans Am styling, handling, and performance. The buying public liked what it saw, with a monumental boost in sales to 116,362, of which 52,960 were Trans Ams. The figure was the highest since 1979 and exceeded figures of all the following years right up to the present.
The body styling was completely new and placed an emphasis on improved aerodynamics. A steeply raked windshield (at a sixty-two degree angle), a low sweeping nose, a squared-off tail (some of which carried an optional rear wing), and a redesigned grille really set this model apart from the crowd. These attractive lines will undoubtedly make these cars desirable for many years.
Handling was also greatly enhanced by the addition of a rear torque arm system, front MacPherson Struts, and a weight shaving down to 2800lb - even lighter than the original Firebird.
Model offerings were down for the 1982 model year to only two Firebirds (the base model and an S/E Coupe) and the Trans Am coupe. Unlike previous years, there were no special editions. However, some 2,000 Trans Ams were fitted with a special Recaro interior.
A new, four-cylinder, 2.5 liter power-plant with fuel injection provided the base level power. This so-called "Iron Duke" engine is still used with great success in the 1990s in short-track stock car racing. The S/E offered a 2.8 liter V-6, while a well-performing 5.0 liter (which had a dual-throttle-bodied, fresh air version) came with the Trans Am.
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