While the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon rightly hogged the limelight this week at the New York Auto Show, it wasn't the only muscle car worthy of attention. As a boutique carmaker, Trans Am Worldwide has been building cars for a few years now, but the 455 Super Duty currently on display in the Big Apple is the first to be built on the sixth-generation Camaro's new Alpha chassis. Taking its name from the 455 cubic inch powerplant under the hood – that's 7.4 liters in new money – the Trans Am puts down 1,000 hp and 1,046 lb-ft of torque.
The 455 also pushes 14 pounds of boost from the 2.3-liter Magnussen supercharger. For those keeping score, that's just 0.5 PSI less than the demonic Demon. There's also a cold air intake, ceramic coated headers and a modified exhaust.
Visually, the 455 Super Duty is a throwback to the original Pontiacs, with a familiar split grille and fire-chicken logo on the hood. However, that hood, as well as the fenders, fasciae, deck lid and rear spoiler are all made from carbon fiber. It sits an inch lower to the ground than standard Camaros, with 20-inch wheels housing Brembo brakes and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The Florida-based outfit also added a ground effects package, a beefier anti-roll bar and T-tops are offered as an optional extra. The cabin boasts embroidered leather seats, a new shifter, a revised instrument cluster, branded sill plates, and painted door panels. Limited to just 50 units, production is set to start on May 1.
In-house chief designer and engineer Tom Sawyer engineered all aspects of the Alpha platform Trans Am, collaborating with Swedish automotive designer, Bo Zolland on the graphical renderings. "The new model is a complete re-design that features sleek body lines with masculine proportions and traditional retro styling," said co-founder Tom Warmack. "We are also offering optional glass t-tops this year but perhaps the most notable of this historical accomplishment is that we now join the ranks of only an exclusive few who offer a 1,000 hp performance package in a production vehicle."