Pontiac Built a Better-Handling Trans Am Than the Camaro IROC-Z in 1987 – Then Watched Chevy Win the War Anyway by Jack Harmon The 1987 Trans Am GTA debuted with gold wheels, Gran Turismo Americano badging, and a stock suspension setup few Camaro buyers could match. See how Pontiac’s underdog actually stacks up against the IROC-Z.