1987–1988 Pontiac Mera Specs & Performance

The Pontiac Mera stands apart from conventional sports cars because its distinctive bodywork transformed an existing American mid-engine platform into something visually unusual for its time. Created by Corporate Concepts, the Mera drew inspiration from Italian exotic-car styling while retaining the underlying engineering of the Pontiac Fiero. Its low nose, pop-up headlights, sculpted side panels, and wide rear stance gave it an exotic appearance, yet its mechanical foundation remained rooted in Pontiac’s compact sports car. This unusual combination made the Mera a memorable niche model rather than a typical factory-developed performance coupe.

Produced for the 1987–1988 model years, the Mera used a naturally aspirated 2.8-liter V6 producing 135 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. Its mid-mounted engine drove the rear wheels, giving it a balanced layout distinct from most front-engine American coupes. A five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission was available, while its two-seat cabin emphasized its focused sports-car character. The Mera’s appeal lies in this rare blend of American mechanical foundations, Italian-inspired design, and limited production.