What does WS6 mean?

Ok, maybe this was asked before but I couldn't find anything by searching for that term. I do know that it is the designation for the top model Trans Am with chrome rims, ram air, high spoiler and so on. But what is the actual meaning of these two letters and the number? Thank you in advance...

its just a combo of numbers and or letters they just stand for an option like lt1 ls1 ls6 ws6 ws7 1le they are all just codes no particular meaning...... some companies acutally make them mean something like MR2 mid engine rear drive two seater but not gm

WS6 is just the code for a certain package

Ram Air hood and air intake (like that of the Firehawk)
The 1998s and up WS6s have a completely new hood with 2 functional intakes right above the standard non functional nostrils
Freer flowing exhaust system
Higher rate front springs (360 lbs/in)
Variable rate rear springs (130-180 lbs/in)
Stiffer front and rear shocks
Harder bushings
Larger diameter front anti-sway bar (32mm)
Increased cooling
17 inch wheels with 275/40ZR/17 tires

As far as I know, the only other 'Coded' car is the Vette Z06, with the LS6 engine

the ws6's have been around since 96

the ws6's have been around since 96
nope. they've been around longer


WS6 is essentially a sport suspension package. A friend of my dad's has an 89 Formula 350 (original owner). On the window sticker from when he bought the car, it even has the option deal. It says WS6 sport suspension package and then it gave some details about the package

im just saying on the 4th gens it wasn't around until the 96
the best suspension option was the 1le

WS6's meaning is a lot simpler than what you guys are listing. I work at ponti dealer, and WS6 simply means:
W= Wheels ( chrome rims )
S= suspension
6= 6 speed manual
WS6 trans ams were meant only to be 6 - speed manuals, but some dealers are putting WS6 emblems on automatics and swapping chrome rims on them, so beware .

thanks for clearing that up

Yeah, thanks for all these replies. I'm happy that I wasn't the only one running around not knowing what WS6 means. Anyhow - I want this car! :-)

Ws6 means performance tuned suspension. Many gtas auto and stick have this option..It was standard on some years and was part of the (y84 performance package trans am gta ) but many formulas came with it also ...

WS6's meaning is a lot simpler than what you guys are listing. I work at ponti dealer, and WS6 simply means:
W= Wheels ( chrome rims )
S= suspension
6= 6 speed manual
WS6 trans ams were meant only to be 6 - speed manuals, but some dealers are putting WS6 emblems on automatics and swapping chrome rims on them, so beware .

I have a 2002 WS6 TA, and the rims are actually not chrome, but a high polished aluminum. They look sharp, but chrome is so much easier to clean and stands out a helluva lot more than the aluminum. I'd like to get a set of chromes on mine... anyone care to donate? :biggrin:

when i worked at pontiac (2000 or so) they did not have the high polished aluminums on firebirds, they only had the chrome upgrades, so thats why i wrote chrome rims for the ws6 package.

You may be talking about older WS6's, but late model WS6's come with either manual or automatic packages (btw, the automatic is faster on a 2001). Just making it clearer.

I own the 89 Pontiac T/A with the ws6 suspension package and my rims deffinatly aren't chrome nor were they ever and I'm an Auto trans. If I rember right the 89 5.7L didn't come in the manual, and they only had the 5 speed manuals on the 5.0s any how.

You may be talking about older WS6's, but late model WS6's come with either manual or automatic packages (btw, the automatic is faster on a 2001). Just making it clearer.


in the 1/4 they are but not top speed wise

guys you are all wrong!
WS6 = Way Super 6000. wich was better then the inferior WS5 of years past.

:p i dont think there is a special reason they chose WS6, to answer your question. if it had been me i would have called it ZZ6, just because it is that much cooler to say.

WS6's meaning is a lot simpler than what you guys are listing. I work at ponti dealer, and WS6 simply means:
W= Wheels ( chrome rims )
S= suspension
6= 6 speed manual
WS6 trans ams were meant only to be 6 - speed manuals, but some dealers are putting WS6 emblems on automatics and swapping chrome rims on them, so beware .The RPO code for a Formula is WS9 does this mean that my car came with 9 gears originally?. No its just a random RPO code thats been used for years and its just a performance upgrade option.

Also the WS6 option was originally introduced in 1978.

As far as I know, the only other 'Coded' car is the Vette Z06, with the LS6 engine
Every single car GM has made to date has RPO's codes. Like LT1,ZR1,Z71,L88.L98,Z51. They are all just option packages or engines that are represented by a code. for instance a a 86-91 Vette can be a L98 Z51. which would stand for a 350 Tuned Port off road suspension package Vette. Even a Cavalier or sunfire has specific RPO codes to represent what was installed in that car from the factory.

WS6's meaning is a lot simpler than what you guys are listing. I work at ponti dealer, and WS6 simply means:
W= Wheels ( chrome rims )
S= suspension
6= 6 speed manual
WS6 trans ams were meant only to be 6 - speed manuals, but some dealers are putting WS6 emblems on automatics and swapping chrome rims on them, so beware .

That was funny.