Pictured: Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept

Car and Driver is the first to snap some real life pictures of the Ligenfelter 455 T/A Concept, and it's a keeper. Lingenfelter isn't the first to take the looks of the Firebird Trans-Am and apply them to a Camaro body, but they have arguably done the best job.

It is likely that after the show is over, Lingenfelter could offer the body and engine package for light production or sale by kit. The engine is the real deal, a 455 CID/7.5-liter V8 that packs 11.5:1 compression, ported and polished LS7 heads, a new intake and a forged crankshaft. Altogether that adds up to 655 horses and 610 lb-ft. of torque.

Video: New Trans Am makes an entrance in Dayton

Of all the models that Pontiac sold over the years, the Firebird was arguably the most loved. Though it was little more than a Camaro with different badges and bumpers, many liked the distinct look.

It's no surprise then that the Firebird is destined to live on even though Pontiac is now dead. Kevin Morgan's Phoenix TA is going to keep doing what GM wouldn't do, and that's make the car available for the buying public.

Here at the 25th Anniversary Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio, the very first "new" Firebird was driven off a trailer for hundreds of screaming fans. The car is fittingly painted up in a classic gold and black scheme.

Phoenix Trans-Am conversion kit coming for Camaro

Pontiac is dead, but that doesn't mean that Trans-Am fans can't get the car that they dreamed of the last few years since it was announced that the Camaro would rise from the dead.

Trans Am depot will be offering body kits that transform a standard Camaro into a Trans Am. Since they were always basically Camaros with body kits anyway, this should easily appease the masses and allow some folks to differentiate themselves from the masses.

Press Release

Phoenix T/A

Like its mythical namesake that rose from the ashes to a new life, the Trans Am of yesteryear has been born again... the Phoenix T/A. If it is true that good things come to those who wait, then we have surely been rewarded for our patience.

Trans Am Depot is pleased to announce our partnership with designer Kevin Morgan in turning a three-year dream into reality. We, like many of you, have lusted over Kevin's retro interpretation of the '77 - '78 Trans Am based on the 2010 Camaro platform. We began early last year discussing the idea of how we might work together to bring this vision to life.

Phoenix T/A Currently, we are completing a one-off Kevin Morgan "Trans Am" Concept, which we intend to unveil at the 2009 Trans Am Nationals. The concept will be followed by the first production conversion later this year. It will vary from the concept car but will be an exact version of the conversion kits we will hope to be offering this fall. We are working closely with a Detroit auto design firm to bring this kit to market. We will be offering everything from the body conversion only to the limited Phoenix Edition. The kits will be available as an installed conversion only. Order details, pricing and delivery information will be coming soon. If you are interested in having a conversion performed on your Camaro or purchasing a turn-key conversion from Trans Am Depot, please fill out the customer form below.
The Phoenix conversion will include:

Exterior

1' - 1.5' Lowering Kit w/sway bar handling upgrade
Wheels & Tires
Front: 20x9.5x120 CB-66.9 Gold or Silver Machined Face Snowflake Wheels. PIRELLI PZERO 275/45ZR20
Rear: 20x11.5x120 CB-66.9 Gold or Silver Machined Face Snowflake Wheels. PIRELLI PZERO 305/35ZR20
Hood
Shaker Scoop
Fender Extractors
Exhaust Conversion w/ splitter tips
Rear Fascia Clip w/tail lamp lenses and bulbs
Rear Spoiler
TA Graphic Package


Interior

Embroded Head Rest and Console Lid - KM Graphic Punch
Turned Aluminum Door Panel
Turned Aluminum Dash Inserts
Turned Aluminum Instrument Cluster
Door Panel Badges
T/A SN Badge and Designation