56 Across

NYT Daily ? September 18, 2025

Muscle car whose name evokes a U.S. road trip

Answer:

TRANSAM

Hint:

This Pontiac model from the 1970s-80s shares its name with a famous cross-country highway and was famously driven by Burt Reynolds in a classic film.

Explanation:

The clue hints at the Pontiac Trans Am, a classic American muscle car that became an icon of 1970s road culture. The name "Trans Am" directly references the Trans-American highway system, evoking the idea of a cross-country U.S. road trip. It’s a playful nod to both the car’s power and the freedom of the open road, making it a perfect fit for the clue.

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General solving tip

Short grid glue often mirrors map or address abbreviations (ENE, AVE, ST). If the clue looks abbreviated, the answer probably is too.

More tips → General Hints