The only significant change to Pontiac's new mid-sized 1974 Grand Am is a redesigned grille. Instead of 6 individual grilles, the wide-body sedan and coupe managed to fit 12 grilles on the front end. Vertical taillights replaced last year's horizontal ones. Literally a combination of the Grand Prix and the Trans Am in terms of luxury plus performance, the 1974 Pontiac Grand Am saw a decrease in production numbers by more than half, perhaps due to the emerging gas crisis. Of those, the majority were coupes. Engine options remained the same. A 400 block V8 engine with a 2-barrel carb put out 170-hp and its 4-barrel version put out 200-hp. Both were mated to a 4-speed Turbo Hydramatic auto tran. A 455 block V8 engine got 250-hp. There were still a few 4-barrel 400s with a manual transmission, but after 1974 they would be discontinued. Rigged up with a stiff chassis, lower suspension, performance tires, and oversized anti-sway bars in the front and back, the 1974 Grand Am was being marketed as a sports tourer, with emphasis on a powerful engine and thrilling handling. But the inside was also designed for room and comfort, with supportive low-slung seats. It was popular because it was affordable and still came with a lot of standard features for the time. Drivers also liked its unique look and the V8 engine power.