In its first iteration (1961-63), the Tempest was a compact car with an innovative curved driveshaft and a rear-mounted Corvair-derived transaxle - a combined differential and transmission that makes the weight distribution between front and rear more even. The Tempest was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1961. Road & Track also praised the Tempest as "exceptionally roomy" and "one of the very best utility cars since the Model-A Ford."
   Power came from a 194.5 in³ (3.2 L) straight-4 derived from Pontiac's V8. This engine produced 110 hp (82 kW) (gross), barely enough to push the 3000 lb car. This early Tempest was soon also available with the innovative aluminum Buick-built 215 in³ V8, which was discarded in 1963.
   The aluminum V8 was replaced in the new proto-muscle car Tempest Le Mans by Pontiac's 326 in³ (5.3 L) V8, which produced a respectable 264 hp (197 kW). This heavy cast iron engine brought weight up to 3400 lb and was not accompanied by much chassis tuning. Road & Track called it "a spooky combination of too much power, marginal steering, inadequate handling, and poor brakes."
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