If you’re looking for hardcore muscle, but you don’t want to deal with the fun of carbureted engines and a severe lack of ABS brakes, these five modern muscle cars are great.
First off, we must define what is and is not a muscle car. While some might argue otherwise, we’re going to say muscle cars only have two doors. There is a backseat, so the Corvette and Viper don’t qualify. That does throw out quite a few powerful, fun vehicles.
Also, muscle cars lay it down with loads of power. Sure, some handle quite well, but big power is an absolute must. Admittedly, that doesn’t leave too many vehicles. What you get, though, are some truly fantastic cars that will transform any road run into a pulse-pounding adventure.
All you need to do is hear the flat-plane crack 5.2-liter V8 engine wail at wide open throttle to know why this car is special. Sure, such a powerplant isn’t exactly traditional for a muscle car. Neither is the fact the GT350 can stick turns like it’s glued to the road.
At a peak 526 horsepower, this is the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford ever made. The engine revs all the way to 8,250 rpm, and makes a wonderful symphony all the way there. Just try driving this car and not feel like you’re wrangling a wicked beast, you can’t.
How could this car not end up on the list of modern muscle cars? The Dodge Challenger is a great modern muscle car, and the Demon pushes it to an extreme level. You can get this car with just one seat, proving it’s all about going way fast in a straight line, plus big bravado. The whole thing is a big hat tip to muscle cars of old.
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You probably know the Demon uses a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine, with a nice little demon icon on the cover. Feeding a ample supply of cool air is a super wide Air-Grabber hood scoop. The Torque Reserve Launch System helps ensure you’re not embarrassed by people with lesser vehicles at the track.
Acceleration is brutal, with 0 to 60 taking just 2.3 seconds. It does the quarter mile in 9.65 seconds. No other production car can do a wheelie. Sure, it won’t slalom worth crap, but that’s not the point of this modern muscle car.
You can get this modern muscle car in a few varieties, but the Camaro ZL1 is the most compelling. It’s a vehicle you can enjoy on a twisting, winding road or at the drag strip.
Chevrolet claims the ZL1 can blast from 0 to 60 in just 3.5 seconds. It also says the car does an 11.4-second quarter mile in stock form. The ZL1 also pulls 1.02 g through turns, demonstrating that it’s a lethal track car.
At the heart of this muscle car is a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8. If you haven’t experienced a Chevy Small Block V8 before, this would be one hell of an introduction. You get 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, making the engine a real beast. You can get a 10-speed automatic transmission, but the availability of a 6-speed manual demonstrates this is a true enthusiast car.
To help balance out all that power, Chevrolet includes some pretty aggressive aero. Each body panel helps balance downforce and lift, plus maximize cooling. The Brembo brake system includes six pistons up front and four in the rear. Magnetic Ride Control smooths out handling, no matter how rough the road or track, and is something you really must try out for yourself.
You don’t need to suffer to enjoy all this raw performance. The Racaro performance seats and flat-bottom steering wheel are covered with leather and suede. If you’re a convertible person, know the Camaro ZL1 can be enjoyed topless. This is a far cry from muscle cars of old.
Don’t let the sophisticated luxury demeanor fool you – this cat has claws. The ATS-V is wicked underneath the sleek body panels. At its heart is a wild twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6, which thumps out 464 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. It feels just as strong and it sounds. Throttle response is fast. Handling is taunt and stable, but not punishing, thanks to Magnetic Ride Control.
This is a car you could take to the opera or country club and impress people. Later, you could do hot laps at your local track and impress people again. It’s quick in a straight line, with a 3.8-second 0-60 time, but will apex like a champ. Plus, the ATS-V can hit 189 mph on a track.
Sure, the interior is luxurious, but it’s designed with performance in mind. You get a thick rim steering wheel, Recaro performance front seats, plus carbon fiber trim pieces. The standard Performance Data Recorder lets you record and analyze track or road runs, so you get better at driving over time.
Just because you want a brutally powerful American machine doesn’t mean you can’t get something bespoke. Unlike the other options, you can get the Equus Bass 770 with just about whatever finishes and details you want. The level of craftsmanship is impeccable, too, making this a car you can hold onto and fully expect to appreciate in value.
On the brutal end is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. It whips out 640 horsepower. To ensure everyone knows you mean business, the exhaust will rattle your bones and warm your heart, if you love muscle cars (who doesn’t?).
Paired to that monster of an engine is an aluminum chassis. It helps balance out the front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform so handling is controlled. The wheelbase is fairly long, and the front/rear tracks are wide, so this car is stable at high speeds, if you take it to the track or maybe the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Sure, American muscle cars have changed. They’re more comfortable and reliable than ever. But, as you can see, those improvements haven’t made them any less hardcore or exhilarating.
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