The Pontiac GTO Judge was never meant to be polite—it was loud, brash, and unapologetically fast. Now, thanks to Trans Am Worldwide, the Judge is back under the name “Hurst Judge”—and it’s picking up right where the original left off. Built on modern foundations but dripping with old-school muscle attitude, the new Hurst Judge is more than a tribute—it’s a full-on resurrection.

If you’re wondering how the new version stacks up, here are 10 things you need to know about this modern throwback that demands attention.

1. Built by Trans Am Worldwide with Full Hurst Blessing

Trans Am Worldwide isn’t just doing a one-off tribute—they secured the rights to the Hurst name and built the car with full branding approval. Every badge, stripe, and scoop has the Hurst signature on it, tying the car directly to one of the biggest names in muscle car history.

The Hurst Judge starts with a brand-new modern GM platform, then undergoes a full body transformation to echo the lines of the classic 1969 GTO Judge. It’s a proper fusion of past and present, not just a styling exercise.

2. Real Carbon Fiber Body Panels

Just like the modern Trans Am builds, the Hurst Judge’s body isn’t fiberglass. It’s crafted from carbon fiber, giving it lightweight strength and a high-end finish. The fenders, hood, front fascia, and rear panels are all built for durability without sacrificing the old-school muscle car stance.

The carbon structure also lets the builders sharpen the lines and nail the GTO-inspired design elements while still delivering the kind of fit and finish you’d expect from a high-end performance machine.

3. You Can Get Up to 1,000 Horsepower

The Hurst Judge isn’t just about looking the part. Under the hood, buyers can opt for a supercharged 7.4L (455ci) LSX V8 capable of pushing up to 1,000 horsepower. Lower-output versions are also available if you want something a little more street-friendly—but none of them are slow.

Every drivetrain option is built to handle the power, with upgraded internals, heavy-duty transmissions, and reinforced rear ends to make sure all that grunt actually gets to the pavement without drama.

4. A Functional Hood with Mounted Gauge

No fake scoops here—the Hurst Judge’s scoops are fully functional, feeding cool air straight into the intake. The original Judge hood tachometer has been upgraded to a boost gauge for the supercharger to keep that classic look.

The functionality isn’t just for looks either. Cooler intake temps mean better power delivery, especially when you’re squeezing serious horsepower out of a modern supercharged V8.

5. Modern Suspension and Braking Systems

Beneath the vintage-style body, the Hurst Judge rides on a fully modern suspension setup. Independent front and rear systems with available adjustable coilovers give it the grip and handling the old-school GTOs never had.

Brakes are just as serious—buyers can spec massive multi-piston calipers and carbon-ceramic rotors for track-level stopping power. Whether you’re carving corners or putting down serious straight-line speed, the Hurst Judge can actually back up its attitude.

6. You Can Get It as a Hardtop or Convertible

Trans Am Worldwide offers the Hurst Judge in both coupe and convertible versions. Whether you want the classic muscle car roofline or an open-air cruiser, they’ve got you covered straight from the factory—no sketchy aftermarket chops here.

Both versions retain the same carbon fiber body panels, structural rigidity, and chassis upgrades. The convertible still feels tight and solid, even when putting down big horsepower, thanks to factory-style engineering and reinforcement under the skin.

7. The Interior Blends Classic Cues with Modern Comfort

Inside, the Hurst Judge keeps the muscle car spirit alive without making you suffer through ‘60s ergonomics. Expect custom leather seats, retro-inspired Hurst badging, and optional turned aluminum trim pieces.

But look closer and you’ll find all the modern conveniences too—touchscreen infotainment, navigation, backup cameras, Bluetooth connectivity, and climate control. It’s the best of both worlds: muscle car swagger without giving up everyday comfort.

8. Classic Color Combos—And Wild Options Too

The original Judge was famous for bold color choices like Carousel Red, and the new Hurst Judge keeps that tradition alive. You can spec it in classic hues or go wild with custom paints, metallics, and modern matte finishes.

Stripe kits, Hurst badges, and unique wheel designs let owners personalize their builds without losing the unmistakable GTO flavor. Whether you want subtle or loud, they’ll make sure your Hurst Judge stands out in all the right ways.

9. Built to Order in Limited Numbers

Just like their Trans Am program, Trans Am Worldwide builds the Hurst Judge in small batches. Each car is hand-assembled, painted, and detailed to customer spec. You won’t find hundreds sitting on dealer lots waiting for discounts.

This limited production approach keeps quality high and exclusivity even higher. It’s a modern muscle car that you’re unlikely to see parked next to you at a car show—unless you’re running with some serious gearheads.

10. The Hurst Judge Production Is Already Sold Out

If you were hoping to place an order for a brand-new Hurst Judge, you’re out of luck. Trans Am Worldwide’s production run for the Hurst Judge is completely sold out. Every build slot has already been claimed by buyers who wanted to lock in a piece of modern muscle car history.

At this point, your only real option is to wait for one to hit the private market—which won’t be easy. Given how exclusive and personal these cars are, it’s unlikely owners will be quick to let them go anytime soon.

*Created with AI assistance and editor review.