Muscle cars in the UAE are a popular and well-liked american-sports car with powerful engines. These cars are nearly owned by every sports car enthusiast in the UAE and are a visual treat. Muscle cars are known for their high performance V8 engines, loud exhaust sound, rear wheel drive and sporty suspensions. These features make it unique and appealing at the same time.

Why are Muscle cars popular in the UAE?

Since they provide both- an aggressive and beautiful exterior, an exhilarating and adventurous ride, muscle cars are admired by many people in the UAE.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, Ford Mustang Shelby GT-500, Cadillac CTS-V, and Jeep Grand Cherokee are some of the most potent muscle vehicles available to muscle car fanatics in the UAE.

What sets these cars apart?

Muscle cars are crazy fast, speeding from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds and topping 200 mph. In the UAE, muscle cars are all about symbol of luxury, wealth, and prestige since they’re pricey and rare. Driving one is a way for people in the UAE to express their unique style and love for speed and power. According to the insights released by UAE’s vehicle registration company, below are the most registered muscle cars in the UAE.

Top 5 Muscle Cars in the UAE

We thought it’d be cool to put together a list of the most powerful American muscle cars – you know, because we’re big fans of them. If you’re into cars and looking for that extra kick of power and excitement, this is the spot for you!

1.   Ford Mustang Shelby GT-500

The Ford Mustang is the most owned car in UAE by Muscle car lovers. Back in the day, the Shelby was a real beast, packing a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine that cranked out 660 horsepower. It’s a no-brainer why it earned its spot on our list, hitting peak speeds of 202 mph and going 0–60 in just 4 seconds! Isn’t it mind boggling? Back in 1964, when the Mustang and its GT version rolled out of the factory, they were fast, affordable, and packed with that classic muscle car vibe. Therefore, this beauty is loved by most of the sports cars-lovers out there in the UAE!

2.   The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

This powerhouse rocks a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine cranking out 808 horsepower, and if you fill it up with 100 octane gas, it kicks up to a cool 840. Plus, it can keep a nuclear fusion reaction going for a solid 30 seconds – a big deal in the world of nuclear fusion. Moreover, it can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds and accelerate to a top speed of 168 mph. With its special drag mode, this amazing car can lift its front wheels off the ground when launching. How cool is that?

Sports car lovers in the UAE go crazy for the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon because it brings that heart-pounding thrill on the road and rocks a seriously bold and aggressive exterior. It’s like finding a treasure since only 3,300 of them exist worldwide, with just 300 hitting the Middle East. Collectors and fans are practically drooling over it, ready to splash some serious cash.

3.   Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Next on the list is the flashy Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. It is a real powerhouse packing a gutsy 6.2-liter V-8 engine cranking out 656 lb-ft of torque and a whopping 717 horsepower. With rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a max speed of 204 mph, this beauty can hit 60 mph in less than 3.7 seconds. And check out that fierce touch – the grille and fender sport a bold lion emblem with a crimson eye, adding a serious attitude to its look.

This car is crazy fast, ranking among the world’s speed demons. It’s not just a sedan; it can go head-to-head with sports cars on the streets. Plus, it totally vibes with the UAE’s love for luxury and status – a rare and pricey gem.

4.   Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V is a sedan that’s all about high performance, packing a 6.2-liter V8 engine generating 602 horsepower, and cruising with rear-wheel drive. It zooms from 0 to 60 mph in a speedy 3.6 seconds, hitting a max speed of 200 mph. Not to mention, its design is sleek and elegant, matched with a roomy and luxurious interior for that extra touch of class.

Sports car enthusiasts admire the Cadillac CTS-V in the UAE for its exciting driving vibes and classy exterior. It’s not just a sedan; it’s one of the fastest and most powerful ones globally, giving sports cars a run for their money. The car also mirrors the UAE’s love for luxury, wealth, and status, being a pricey and rare find.

5.   Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a real powerhouse SUV, packing a 6.2-liter V-8 engine delivering a whopping 717 horsepower. Switch between sport, tour, and snow modes with the Driver Mode Selector for an all-wheel-drive experience. You can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, hitting a max speed of 180 mph. Inside, you’ve got comfy leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a slick 10.1-inch touchscreen, making it more cosy and sleek.

This SUV is crazy fast and super powerful, tackling all kinds of terrains and weather with ease. Plus, it screams luxury and status, totally in line with the UAE’s vibe. But, it comes with a hefty price tag.

The post Top 5 Muscle Cars in the UAE appeared first on Muscle Car.

In the vast landscape of the American auto industry, muscle cars emerge as icons that symbolize power, performance, and an era that forever changed the way we perceive automobiles. Although the future of these beasts of the road may be uncertain, their enduring spirit continues reverberating through the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. In this exploration, we journeyed through the pages of automotive history, spotlighting the automakers that have shaped the world of muscle cars. Along the way, we’ll make a pit stop to recognize GO4CDL, California’s premier truck driving school, dedicated to moulding the next generation of commercial drivers.

The Rise of Muscle Cars: A Glimpse into Automotive History

Tracing back to their roots, muscle cars burst onto the scene, capturing the imagination of a generation. Born in the mid-20th century, these high-performance vehicles weren’t just modes of transportation; they were statements of power and style. Iconic models such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro led the charge, creating a cultural shift that resonates today.

Automakers at the Forefront: Powerhouses of Muscle Car Innovation

• Ford Mustang: In 1964, the “pony car” movement was born with the introduction of the Ford Mustang. Its sleek design and powerful performance set the standard for muscle cars, defining an entire category.
• Chevrolet Camaro: Chevrolet’s response to the Mustang, the Camaro, quickly became a worthy adversary. With its aggressive styling and formidable engine options, the Camaro secured its place in the pantheon of muscle car legends.
• Dodge Challenger: Dodge revived the nameplate, blending modern performance with nostalgic design cues. The Challenger’s presence on the road pays homage to the golden age of muscle cars.

 Beyond the well-known names, lesser-known automakers also contributed gems to the muscle car legacy. These underdogs played a crucial role in diversifying the market and pushing innovation.

Insanely Powerful Machines: Muscle Cars on the Streets and Racetracks

The heyday of muscle cars witnessed a horsepower arms race. Drag strips and racetracks became battlegrounds where these machines flexed their muscles, creating moments that etched themselves into the history books. Muscle cars showcased power and unparalleled performance from quarter-mile sprints to epic showdowns.

The Uncertain Future: Will Muscle Cars Face Extinction?

As we navigate the twists and turns of the present automotive landscape, questions arise about the fate of muscle cars. Environmental concerns and the rise of electric alternatives cast shadows over the future of these gas-guzzling beasts. Will they adapt to the changing times, or is the era of muscle cars on the brink of extinction?

GO4CDL: Nurturing Skills for the Road Ahead

Amid this automotive evolution, Go4cdl stands as a beacon for those seeking a different kind of horsepower—the one that propels massive trucks down the highways. As California’s best truck driving school, they offer comprehensive programs designed to equip aspiring commercial drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to pass CDL practice tests and thrive in the dynamic trucking world.

Conclusion:

One thing is clear as we ponder the intriguing journey through the past, present, and future of muscle cars: their impact will be indelibly recorded in the history books of the automobile industry. Whether roaring down the streets or conquering racetracks, muscle cars have left an indelible mark. As the automotive landscape evolves, institutions like GO4CDL ensure that the spirit of the road lives on, shaping the future for a new generation of drivers ready to embrace the challenges of the open highway. The road ahead may be uncertain, but the roar of a muscle car will forever echo through the corridors of automotive history.

The post The Enduring Legacy of Muscle Cars: A Nod to Power and Performance appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Ford has recently revealed the 2025 Mustang GTD – an extreme version of their classic. Built from the same bones of the GT3 race car which will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year, the new Ford Mustang GTD is said to be the most potent Mustang variant ever. Housing an impressive 800-hp supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, the Mustang GTD certainly sounds like it won’t disappoint.

The Shelby American brand claims that the Mustang GTD was created with a focus on track performance, targeting a sub-7 minute lap time on the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife. The cost is also not cheap, with a starting price of around $300,000. But as with any other Mustang, this is far from an ordinary car and boasts some impressive features behind its exterior. For starters – 800 hp and 717 lb-ft of torque.

To make sure the Mustang GTD will live up to the high expectations, the car’s advanced semi-active suspension system is equipped with adaptive spool valve damper technology, allowing for height and dual spring rate adjustment. Ford-engineered special 20-inch forged aluminium or magnesium wheels entirely wrapped in 325mm front and 345mm rear tires, complemented by Brembo carbon ceramic brakes for the best-stopping power on the track.

In addition, the Mustang GTD has a wealth of aerodynamic improvements including a carbon fiber underbody tray, hydraulically controlled flaps on the front, C-pillar mounted rear wing and a multitude of lightweight carbon fiber components throughout the body. These help create an incredible level of downforce without sacrificing style or speed.

To further ensure that the Mustang GTD is able to have the best possible performance on the track, Ford has added a number of performance-enhancing components. These include adjustable dampers, a stiffer chassis, and a dual-clutch transmission with shift paddles mounted behind the wheel. Ford also states that the engine is “track ready” and features a quick-shift function, a rev-matching system that automatically matches revs during downshifts, and a dedicated launch control mode. Sticking to the road, Ford has opted for Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, which perfectly balance grip and stability on any track surface.

The interior continues to carry the GTD moniker with Recaro seats, 3D-printed paddle shifters, rotary dial shifters and even a serial plate made out of titanium parts of a Lockheed Martin F-22 fighter jet. But perhaps most remarkable of all, Ford will allow Mustang GTD buyers to choose any color they want and several different interior color combinations for added customization options. The car also comes with leather floor mats, embroidered stitching on the headrests, and illuminated door sills with a Mustang logo. In addition, buyers can specify the Ford Performance badge and visual differences between the Mustang GTD and the standard Mustang include functional brake cooling ducts, side skirts, and larger front and rear splitters.

The Mustang GTD is also fitted with a six-speaker audio system powered by a 4-channel amplifier, allowing drivers to enjoy their favorite music without compromising performance. With all these features combined, it’s no wonder that the new Ford Mustang GTD will surely be a hit and provide an unforgettable driving experience for those lucky few who can afford it.

Jim Farley, Ford Chief Executive, remarked that the Mustang GTD “shatters every preconceived notion of a supercar. This is a new approach for us. We didn’t engineer a road car for the track, we created a race car for the road. Mustang GTD takes racing technology from our Mustang GT3 race car, wraps it in a carbon fiber Mustang body and unleashes it for the street.”

Ford is still clearly betting on gasoline-powered vehicles for the near future, with hope that features from the GTD will trickle down to the rest of the Mustang line.

The post 2025 Ford Mustang GTD: 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Supercar appeared first on Muscle Car.

Prepare to see the Generation 3 Supercars for the first time in Australia’s racing environment.

In 2023, the highly anticipated 7th edition of the championship will return to the venue that has been a long-standing host of the prestigious event, The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, South Australia. The event will be held from the 18th to the 20th of August, with events starting earlier than that.

The OTR SuperSprint, approximately an hour’s drive from Adelaide, serves as one among a couple of events offering trackside camping.

In this blog, we will provide all the information you need about this amazing race and the latest in OTR SuperSprint News!

The Categories

At OTR Supersprint, legendary Australian group The Choirboys will play with distinguished alt-rock band Kingswood.

​Expect all the fan favourites, such as Silver Sharks and Matts Hotwheels airborne stunt performance, an enlarged Family Area, and a fresh Karting Championship.

The amazing Street Party is going to start the OTR SuperSprint. Join the most beloved Supercars drivers, enjoy watching some of your favourite racing cars and admire historic vehicles from local automobile clubs on Thursday afternoon, August 17, from 4 to 7 pm.

Five thrilling categories will complement the OTR SuperSprint at The Bend:

• Haltech SuperUte Series
• Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia
• S5000
• Touring Car Masters (The Bend first)
• Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series

The Seating Arrangement

Bleachers are obtainable on Corners 1, 17, and 18, as well as the ever-popular Pit Straight.  The Bleachers at Turns 1, 17, and 18 will be available free of charge, much to the pleasure of many spectators.

The Pit Straight bleachers have many reserved seats, children aged 4 to 15 (inclusive) are eligible for a kid ticket while children under three years old are free, but they are not allowed to sit on an individual seat (they must sit in the exact same chair as their guardian).

Stay up to date on OTR SuperSprint news for all the exciting new developments.

Concessions and Trackside Camping

You aren’t missing a moment of the excitement with general entry, which includes unequalled access throughout the majority of the race’s perimeter as well as paddock access.  Children fifteen and younger are admitted free given that they are supervised by a paying adult.

Concessions are also offered, and the venue accepts valid student, elderly, and pensioner identification cards, as well as companion cards for the visitors’ convenience.

Everyone now has access to trackside camping. There are just a few spaces left. If you want to enjoy the camping or glamping opportunities, please call 8165 5740 or email big4@thebend.com.au.

Getting There

The sponsored bus service will be reinstated for this year’s OTR SuperSprint. Return bus tickets from Bus Station (Adelaide) will be kept at $10 per passenger per day. Although only a number of tickets will be available.

If you are coming from The Murray Bridge, every single day of the festival, a complimentary shuttle service from The Bridgeport Hotel all the way to The Bend through Tailem Bend is available all day (nearly every hour) for your convenience.

More To Look Forward To

The Amazing Park will hold a Championship for Karting as a component of the upcoming OTR SuperSprint competition on the nineteenth of August 2023.

To qualify for the Championship, you must have the quickest lap time at either this Park or Mallala between June and July. Qualifying timings will only be accepted provided they are obtained during Weekday ‘Arrive & Drive’ bookings.

The rules and regulations for karting will apply. This promotion’s complete rules and regulations are available easily on the Internet.

The Performances

This  OTR SuperSprint performance lineup includes Australian rock group The Choirboys plus distinguished alt-rock band Kingswood. The high-energy performance will commence right after Race 21, the initial among three Supercars championships at the festival, which takes place on Saturday.

The Park is additionally announcing the first-ever free shuttle service from Murray Bridge to The Bend, in an effort to improve the festival experience for spectators living in the area.

Additionally, ten dollars return buses from Adelaide all the way to The Bend will be accessible to racegoers travelling from Australia’s main city during the course of the three-day affair.

Kingswood’s album ‘Home,’ which premiered at the top spot on the charts in February, is set to play and win people’s hearts at the race. Meanwhile, despite its release in 1988, The Choirboys’ smash track ‘Run to Paradise’ remains very successful, with an impressive 62 million plays on Spotify.

Conclusion

The OTR SuperSprint will be the host of the 9th Round of the Repco Supercars Tournament from August 18 to 20, presenting South Australian spectators with a thrilling chance to see the brand-new Generation three Supercars in operation for the very first time. Continue watching motorsport news to remain up to speed on all this event has to offer.

The post All You Need to Know About the 2023 OTR SuperSprint appeared first on Muscle Car.

Understanding Street Racing

Street racing refers to the act of driving high-performance vehicles at excessive speeds on public roads, often in an organized and competitive manner. It typically involves two or more drivers who engage in a race to determine the fastest car. Street racing can occur on public streets, highways, or even secluded areas. Participants may modify their vehicles to enhance speed and performance, putting themselves and others at great risk.

The Rise of Muscle Cars in Street Racing

Muscle cars, with their powerful engines and sleek designs, have become synonymous with street racing culture. The allure of these high-performance vehicles, such as the iconic Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger, has attracted enthusiasts seeking thrills on the open road. The combination of raw power and aesthetic appeal makes muscle cars a popular choice among street racers.

Laws and Regulations Governing Street Racing

Street racing is illegal in most jurisdictions around the world. Local laws and regulations differ, but they generally prohibit racing on public roads due to the inherent dangers it poses to public safety. These laws are in place to protect both the racers themselves and innocent bystanders who may be affected by reckless driving.

Veteran personal injury lawyer Darryl M.. Breaux said, “Street racing carries severe legal consequences, including criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and financial responsibility for damages.” He strongly advises against participating in this dangerous activity

Criminal Charges and Penalties

Individuals caught street racing can face various criminal charges, depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances of the offense. These charges may include reckless driving, speeding, exhibition of speed, vehicular manslaughter, or even homicide if someone is killed as a result of the illegal race. Penalties for these offenses can range from fines and license suspension to imprisonment, particularly in cases involving injury or death.

Civil Liability and Financial Consequences

Apart from criminal charges, street racers can also face civil lawsuits filed by individuals who suffer injuries or property damage as a result of the illegal race. The at-fault racer may be held financially responsible for medical expenses, property repairs, and other losses incurred by the victims. These civil liabilities can result in substantial financial consequences and have long-lasting effects on the racers’ lives.

Vehicle Impoundment and Forfeiture

Law enforcement agencies often have the authority to impound and seize vehicles used in street racing activities. Depending on local laws, the confiscated vehicle may be subject to forfeiture, meaning the racer may permanently lose their car. Vehicle impoundment and forfeiture serve as additional deterrents to discourage individuals from participating in street racing.

Driver’s License Suspension and Revocation

Engaging in street racing can lead to the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. Authorities take such measures to prevent repeat offenses and to protect public safety. License suspension can range from a few months to several years, while license revocation entails a complete loss of driving privileges. Reinstating a suspended or revoked license often requires completion of driver education programs or meeting other specific requirements.

Criminal Record and Future Consequences

Individuals convicted of street racing offences may acquire a criminal record, which can have significant consequences for their future. A criminal record can impact employment opportunities, educational pursuits, and even personal relationships. Background checks conducted by employers and educational institutions often reveal such convictions, potentially leading to negative outcomes for those involved in illegal street racing.

Street Racing and Insurance Coverage

Participating in street racing can have severe implications for insurance coverage. Insurance companies may deny claims for damages resulting from street racing incidents, considering it a breach of policy terms. Furthermore, insurance premiums can significantly increase for individuals involved in street racing, making it costly and challenging to obtain coverage in the future.

Efforts to Combat Street Racing

Authorities and communities are taking steps to combat street racing and raise awareness about its dangers. Police departments conduct targeted operations to apprehend street racers and enforce traffic laws rigorously. Additionally, community outreach programs, public service announcements, and educational campaigns aim to educate the public, especially young drivers, about the consequences of illegal street racing.

Public Safety Concerns

Street racing poses severe threats to public safety. The high speeds involved can result in loss of vehicle control, leading to accidents that endanger the lives of racers, passengers, and innocent bystanders. Additionally, the presence of unauthorized spectators and the lack of proper safety measures further exacerbate the risks associated with street racing events.

The Role of Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in curbing street racing activities. They employ various tactics, such as increased patrols, undercover operations, and surveillance to identify and apprehend street racers. By enforcing traffic laws and imposing penalties, law enforcement aims to deter individuals from engaging in illegal street racing and protect public safety.

Alternative Legal Racing Options

Recognizing the allure of racing culture, some jurisdictions have established legal alternatives for enthusiasts. These include sanctioned racing events at professional racetracks, drag strips, or closed circuits where drivers can showcase their skills in a controlled and safe environment. Encouraging legal racing options provides an outlet for adrenaline junkies while reducing the need for illegal street racing.

Community Awareness and Education

Educating communities about the dangers and consequences of street racing is vital in curbing this illegal activity. Schools, community centers, and local organizations can collaborate to organize awareness campaigns, inviting law enforcement officers and professionals to share their experiences and knowledge. Through education, the community can work together to discourage street racing and promote responsible driving habits.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is street racing always illegal?

Yes, street racing is illegal in most jurisdictions due to the inherent dangers it poses to public safety.

What are the potential criminal charges for street racing?

Depending on the circumstances, street racing charges can include reckless driving, speeding, exhibition of speed, or vehicular manslaughter.

Can insurance cover damages from street racing incidents?

Insurance companies may deny claims for damages resulting from street racing incidents, considering it a breach of policy terms.

How can communities combat street racing?

Communities can combat street racing through education, awareness campaigns, increased law enforcement efforts, and the promotion of legal racing alternatives.

What are the long-term consequences of a criminal record from street racing?

A criminal record resulting from street racing can impact future employment, education, and personal relationships, leading to negative consequences.

Conclusion

Street racing may seem thrilling and exhilarating, but it comes with severe legal consequences. Engaging in illegal racing activities can result in criminal charges, civil liabilities, vehicle impoundment, driver’s license suspension, and a tarnished reputation.

Furthermore, street racing jeopardizes public safety and puts lives at risk. It is crucial for individuals to understand the gravity of these legal consequences and consider safe and legal alternatives to satisfy their need for speed.

The post Legal Consequences of Street Racing: Muscle Cars and Illegal Activities appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Digging into the back history of any muscle car requires the skillsets of an experienced journalist and/or detective. Uncle Tony’s Garage highlights this depth of inquiry perfectly in the video below about the not-so-obvious rarity that is this 1966 Dodge Coronet 426 Wedge car.
Even if muscle cars are not your thing, it’s a great tale of pulling together all the hidden bits of information, and then interpreting the findings with an experienced eye.

With just a passing glance, this 1966 Dodge Coronet looks entirely run of the mill. However, it’s quite the anomaly. The car initially appeared to be a regular 383 four-speed car, but anomalies were discovered, indicating that it was originally a 426 Hemi car. Further investigation revealed that the car was internally ordered as an insurance policy by Chrysler in case the planned 500 units of Street Hemi cars couldn’t be produced. The car’s history and unique features make it a highly unusual and significant find.

There are a lot of facts and information deconstructed here, so the full length of the video is worth ploughing through. But, if you want a brief summary of the main points, then here you go:

The car initially appeared to be a regular 383 four-speed car.
Anomalies were discovered, indicating that it was originally a 426 Hemi car.
The car was internally ordered as an insurance policy by Chrysler.
The car’s VIN number and build sheet confirmed its rarity and uniqueness.
It was not intended to be used as it was but served as a backup plan.
The car has historical significance due to its association with Mr Norms and Chrysler’s production strategies.
The 426 Wedge engine was not available for production in 1966, making this car even more unusual.

The video comments are also worth reading to expand on the information. If car history is your thing, and you love to read about all the juicy details, then you will love the depth of research that has gone into the back history of this great car.

The post The Rarest Mopar Ever Sold: 1966 Dodge Coronet appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Since its launch in 1969, the Dodge Challenger Muscle Car has made a huge impact on the American auto scene, from its powerful engines and fast acceleration times to its flashy colors. It even took on the track at the Trans-Am Championship, paving the way for the limited-edition Challenger T/A model. After decades in hiding, the pearl white Challenger is up and running again and boasts an incredible 426 HEMI V8 engine from the original 440cu V8.

Restoring a vintage Dodge Challenger isn’t easy, especially if you aim to stay as close to period correct as possible. Luckily, Kelly, Ziggy Wyso’s granddaughter, and her husband have done just that. The 426 HEMI V8 they chose for their project was sourced from another 1970 Mopar vehicle, making it an authentic part of the Challenger’s muscle car era. As such, it’s quite a rare commodity since only 875 Challengers were fitted with the 440 Four Barrel, 296 with the 440 Six Pack and 60 with the 426 HEMI – all in the year 1970.

From the outside, this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T looks as good as it did back during its racing days. With its custom hood scoop, huge wheels and half vinyl top, not to mention the black snake skin patterned stripes, the car stands out from the crowd. That said, the interior still remains mostly stock, with the exception of the missing rear seats.

It’s clear that Kelly and her husband have poured their hearts into their project, and their Dodge Challenger Muscle Car is now a shining example of what can be done with a classic. It’s no surprise that many are drawn to its beautiful form and incredible engine, both of which make it the perfect ride for cruising the streets or hitting the drag strip. Check it out for yourself in the video below and see why this Dodge Challenger is one of the most desirable models out there.

The restored Challenger is truly a sight to behold, and its power and performance are even more impressive. Thanks to the HEMI V8, the car can reach speeds of up to 150 mph, making it a formidable force on the track. The car is also equipped with a four-speed transmission, Dana 60 rear axle, and heavy-duty suspension, making it a unique ride among Mopar enthusiasts.

The Challenger still has a few small details that need to be addressed before it’s back to its original state, but Kelly and her husband are determined to keep the restoration correct and true to the car’s spirit. It’s clear that this duo has put a lot of effort and love into the project, and it has certainly paid off.

The Dodge Challenger Muscle Car is a true classic, and it’s easy to see why it has gained such a large fan base over the years. Its powerful engines, muscular good looks and limitless possibilities make it a truly unique ride that will continue to fascinate enthusiasts for years. For those lucky enough to have one, there’s no doubt that each Challenger has its own special story – and Kelly and her husband’s story is certainly a memorable one.

The post 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Drag Car Unearthed appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The last call Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has taken the crown most powerful factory muscle car ever. The last of the ‘Last Call’ V8 Hemi vehicles, this Challenger is shaping up to be an absolute game-changer – as it brings together a powerful engine capable of producing 1025 horsepower and an aggressive exterior design that looks like it came off the race track. As expected, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 will come with a price tag of $100,361, which is still reasonable compared to equivalent supercars.

Power

At the heart of the beast is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hemi Hellcat engine. To reach its maximum horsepower, this engine requires a fuel mixture of E85 gasoline – which is where the Demon gets its moniker from. When running on regular 91-octane gasoline, the Demon 170 still churns out an impressive 900 horsepower and 810 lbs.ft. of torque. The transmission comes in as an 8-speed automatic with configurable launch settings, sat on Mickey Thompson ET Street R tires.

All this power translates to impressive performance stats. No one can complain at a quarter mile time of 8.9 seconds @ 151 mph, a 0-60mph time of 1.66 seconds, 1.24 second 60 foot time (NHRA-certified record), and launch forces of 2G. Only a total of 3300 vehicles will be produced, with 3000 of them being reserved for the US market.

Inside

On the inside, the Demon 170 comes with a standard cloth driver’s seat, with options available for upgraded nappa leather. Heated and ventilated seats, as well as a heated steering wheel are also optional. Buyers can also receive a special commemorative set with a Demon-styled engraving with the vehicle’s VIN, coasters and whiskey cubes, rocks glasses, and other VIN-specific goodies.

In terms of warranty coverage, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 comes with a basic limited warranty that covers three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty lasts five years or 60,000 miles. Notably, there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance included with the purchase.

What’s more, Dodge has included a host of technological features to make the driving experience even more enjoyable. An 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard, along with Uconnect 4C NAV, which includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, an interactive Performance Pages system is present, allowing drivers to view their car’s performance data in real-time.

In terms of convenience, the Demon 170 comes with keyless entry, power-adjustable seats, and a premium audio system with a subwoofer. Drivers can also enjoy a dual-zone climate control system, ambient lighting, and adjustable pedals.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 also comes equipped with a full suite of advanced safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane assist, and automatic emergency braking. Other driver assistance technologies like rain-sensing windshield wipers and headlights are also available.

Further, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty, as well as a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. While there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance included with each purchase, extended service contracts are available to protect owners from the cost of repairs due to wear and tear.

Considering the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 provides buyers with such an impressive package, it is clear why this vehicle is already making such a stir. With its powerful engine, eye-catching design, and advanced technology, this vehicle will surely appeal to even the most discerning performance car enthusiasts.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 certainly stands out from the crowd, offering a truly unforgettable experience for those looking for a first-class driving experience. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the Dodge Challenger series or just someone looking for an extreme performance model, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is sure to turn heads.

The post The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Rundown appeared first on Muscle Car.

Specialty Vehicle Engineering (SVE) just unveiled their highly anticipated Yenko/SC Camaro, and it does not disappoint. With a price starting at $85,995, this iconic vehicle is equipped with an impressive powertrain that produces up to 1,150 hp.

The Yenko Camaro concept goes way back to the late 1960s when Don Yenko special ordered his own choice of parts to make the ultimate Camaro. These vehicles were made in limited numbers and are now super rare. Therefore, anyone using the Yenko name on a Camaro instantly gets the street cred of having a vehicle a cut above the rest.

This 2023 version lives up to its grandfather’s credibility with topline components and of course ridiculous power. From its intimidating matte black finish to its 4-piston Brembo brakes, the Yenko/SC Camaro looks as high-performance as it drives.

But what sets the Yenko/SC Camaro apart from any other muscle car? Well, the answer lies beneath the hood. Equipped with a 6.8-Liter LT1 V8 engine and a 3.0-liter supercharger, this car is capable of producing up to 1,150 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque with the stage II upgrades.

In addition to its powerful engine, the Yenko/SC Camaro also features a performance suspension package and an enhanced cooling system. The suspension system is designed to provide superior handling and stability, while the cooling system ensures the vehicle maintains optimal performance during long rides.

The 2023 Yenko gets its inspiration from the Camaro SS and the 1LE performance package, which includes features such as electronic limited-slip differential, transmission and a rear differential cooler. There’s also a fully working front splitter, carbon fibre hood, rear spoiler, and essential side stripes. The interior has Recaro front seats as standard.

The car also features a long list of driver assistance technologies. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and parking assistance, ensuring that drivers always remain safe on the road. To top it all off, the Yenko/SC Camaro comes with an array of safety features such as airbags, parking sensors, and ABS brakes.

At the end of the day, the Yenko/SC Camaro is undoubtedly one of the most impressive muscle cars to hit the market. From its stunning exterior to its powerful engine and luxurious interior, this vehicle offers the best of both worlds – style and speed.

The post Experience The Thrill of 1,150 HP With SVE’s Yenko/SC Camaro appeared first on Muscle Car.

The new 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has arrived and it is the most powerful version of the classic muscle car to date. Featuring 1,025 horsepower, this reinvention of the Hellcat-powered street-legal drag racer is ready to hit the track with an extraordinary 0-60 time of 1.66 seconds and finishing an 8.91-second quarter mile at a staggering 151.2 mph.

Dodge put an immense amount of work into making the Demon 170 possible and it certainly shows. In order for the engine to keep up with the overwhelming pressure created by such power, significant changes had to be made – including new pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, crank bearings and billet main caps.

The ‘170’ name also comes from the fuel mix of E85, which is basically 170 proof. The hit the point home, ‘ALCOHOL INJECTED’ can be seen on the hood scoop, with the color yellow being added to the engine block and Demon badge to refer to the fuel being derived from corn.

Specs

When it comes to specs, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 certainly does not disappoint. It offers a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration with a single-passenger capacity. Its 6.2L engine produces an incredible 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque from its supercharged OHV 16-valve V8. Plus a new 3L supercharger and fuel injectors which can pull 164 gallons an hour. Not to mention a fuel tank that can be emptied in seven minutes at full foot to the floor driving.

This one tips the scales at 4,275 pounds and measures 197.5 x 78.8 x 57.4 inches in length, width and height respectively. According to estimates, you can expect a fuel economy rating of 10/17/13 mpg and a range of 45 quarter-mile runs or 7 minutes, like that matters. The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is officially set to launch sometime in the fall of 2023.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is equipped with numerous advanced technological features that make this muscle car a force to be reckoned with. It also has two built-in Cold Air Catcher Intake systems for optimized airflow and high-performance fuel delivery, as well as adjustable suspension settings and performance drive modes that allow you to tailor your vehicle to your liking.

To improve safety, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 features standard driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, automated emergency braking, and automatic high beams. It also boasts an advanced infotainment system with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, and satellite radio. As an added convenience, it even comes with wireless phone charging as well as Amazon Alexa integration.

In terms of exterior design, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 was designed to turn heads. From its wide front fenders to its extended wheel arches and quad exhausts, this muscle car has a street presence that can’t be denied. Thanks to its large grille, which is finished in a Dark Satin Carbonite hue, the Demon 170 looks menacingly aggressive and ready to conquer any highway or track.
The front fender extensions have gone, saving 16 lbs. But, if you want a passenger seat, then it will cost $2,500, and a sunroof runs at $10,000.

Inside the cabin, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 oozes sophistication and luxury. Its race-inspired interior incorporates high-end materials and finishes, making it the ideal vehicle for the modern performance enthusiast. From its heated and cooled leather seats to its custom-branded floor mats and performance gauge cluster, the Demon 170 is truly a step above the rest.

Mickey Thompson ET Street R tires(315/50R17 in the back and 245/55R18 in front) are used. There is also a choice of upgraded wheels, with aluminium spokes, carbon fiber rims and titanium bolts, saving 32 lbs in weight.

Those interested in purchasing the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 will need $100,361 – $96,666 before taxes. The ‘170’ will also match the Demon in production numbers having 3000 made for the Us market and 300 for Canada. Those who are lucky enough to own a Demon can also get a matching VIN with the same last six numbers.

The post The Beast Has Arrived: Meet the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

If you are after a bountiful amount of eye candy in the form of highly fettled Pro Street muscle cars, then the video below is for you. All these wonderful machines are being paraded at the OBX Rod and Custom festival, NC. A yearly event where you can witness all types of classic and vintage automobiles, usually fitted with a supercharger powerful enough to turn the earth.

The festival shows off many types of classics, but in the video below we mostly get to see golden-era muscle cars. Each vehicle is accompanied by the classic soundtrack of a gurgling American V8 engine. Not to mention the rolling artworks, that have been a common sight for the last 50 years.

No matter if you are a seasoned muscle car fan or completely new to this type of vehicle, this video is a great way to see many American classics on show, along with the owner’s personal interpretation of each car.

The post Pro Street Muscle Cars on Parade appeared first on Muscle Car.

From drag strips to car shows, American muscle cars have been a beloved part of the automotive landscape for years. Throughout the golden era of muscle cars, these powerful machines made an indelible mark in history due to their giant torque-rich engines and unique styling. With awesome-looking cars like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Plymouth Barracuda, and Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvette, it’s no wonder why these cars remain so iconic today.

If you’re a classic car enthusiast or collector, American muscle cars are certainly worth considering. While it’s certainly possible to find affordable models (like a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda for $5,500), some of the rarer ones can fetch an impressive amount at auction. For example, a 1967 L88 Corvette Convertible, 1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible 4-Speed, a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 2-Door Coupe, and a 1962 Shelby Cobra CSX2000 sold for $3.2 million, $3.5 million, $3.85 million, and a whopping $13.75 million, respectively.

However, even though emissions standards and other regulations tamed muscle cars in the 1980s, many of these cars are still filled with stories and badass power. So, without further ado, here’s a list of some of the most badass American muscle cars ever made.

2019 Dodge Challenger Redeye

For the modern muscle car enthusiast, the Challenger Redeye is definitely worth checking out. Even though it’s a hefty 4,514 pounds, it’s powered by a 797-hp engine under the hood. Not only that, but with its classic muscle car looks, it also features all of the modern amenities and features we’ve come to appreciate.

1966 Plymouth Barracuda

At first glance, the ’66 Barracuda looks like a low-slung muscle car with a massive rear window that gives it a distinctive look. It’s also one of the more affordable muscle cars on this list, since they’re relatively easy to find.

Barracudas are also noteworthy for being serious high-performance machines right out of the box. Despite this, some buyers felt like the cars were overly expensive, which is probably why Shelby made some features like adjustable Koni shocks, a fiberglass hood, and a Detroit Locker Rear Differential optional.

1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The Mustang Shelby GT500 is among the most desirable cars for Mustang purists. The 1965 and 1966 GT 350s had a lightweight design, perfect for racing on the track. But the later 1967 and 1968 models were the ones to own if you wanted to win drag races.

With significantly more power and torque than earlier models, these cars could hit 60mph in the mid-to-low 14 second range, thanks to 428 cu in V8 engine. The Shelby Mustangs also featured more scoops and flashier styling than older models, making them even cooler.

Ford Mustang Boss 429

The 1969 Boss 429 was an incredibly limited edition muscle car from Ford. It featured an impressive 375 horsepower engine and could reach a top speed of 126 mph. Despite the underside of the hood being cramped and the fuel economy being appalling, the Boss still stands as one of the most desirable muscle cars ever made.

1969 ½ Dodge Super Bee A12

The Dodge Super Bee A12 was a muscle car with a bold hood and huge forward-facing scoop. It also featured a 440 Magnum engine and Edelbrock intakes. After the engines received regular production status, Chrysler-cast aluminium intakes were fitted at the plant.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

The Chevelle SS 454 was a force to be reckoned with. With its massive 454 cu in V8, the car could pump out up to 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, was capable of achieving a top speed of nearly 140 mph. This powerful engine was mated to a heavy-duty three-speed manual transmission and a limited slip differential, allowing the Chevelle SS 454 to achieve 0-60 times of 6.3 seconds.

1984 Chevy Corvette

The C4 Corvette was highly anticipated before its launch, with some speculating that it would feature a mid-engine chassis like a European exotic. In the end, the 1984 Corvette featured a transverse-mounted engine, along with other performance upgrades.

Designed to win races on the superspeedways, the car was lightened up and featured modifications to its body to reduce drag. This included a huge rear wing that was designed to allow the trunk lid to open fully.

1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda

When it comes to muscle cars, the Plymouth Hemi Cuda is undeniably one of the most revered and sought-after cars ever made. It was designed to compete with and beat the Corvette Stingray on the drag strip, and with its 425 horsepower V8 engine, it certainly delivered. The 440 and 426 Hemi V8s packed quite a punch and gave the car some serious acceleration.

1971 Pontiac GTO Judge

The 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge was one of the most iconic muscle cars of its time. From its racy design to its impressive performance, this car was a force to be reckoned with. It was equipped with a 455 cubic inch V8 engine that put out 370 horsepower, and combined with its lightweight body and responsive handling, the GTO Judge was a formidable adversary on the drag strip.

1969-1971 Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvette

With legendary status among muscle car lovers, Baldwin-Motion Corvettes were delivered from a dealer in Baldwin, New York to Motion Performance speed shop down the road. Joel Rosen wanted to create a fast, functional all-American GT that fused Italian and American workmanship, resulting in a 3,300-pound sports car.

Powered by an AMC 390-cid V8, the Phase III GT Corvette was capable of 340 hp, making it quite a beast in its day. The cars were so popular that more than 25 went into production, with one fetching nearly $900,000 at an auction in 2017.

1968 Ford Torino GT

The Torino GT was Ford’s answer to the mid-size muscle car market in 1968. It featured a 390 cubic inch V8 that put out 335 horsepower, giving the car enough power to keep up with its competitors. In addition to its potent engine, the Torino GT also boasted an attractive design and generous list of features, making it a great car for cruising and racing alike.

1969 Dodge Charger RT

The 1969 Dodge Charger RT is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever made. It was powered by a 375 horsepower 440 Magnum V8 engine, making it one of the fastest vehicles on the street. The Charger RT is also known for its signature cosmetics, including its menacing grille, aggressive hood scoop, and sleek bodylines.

1970 Buick GSX Stage I

The Buick GSX was a powerful, yet luxurious muscle car released in 1970. It featured Buick’s biggest engine — a 455 cubic inch V8 — that put out 360 horsepower. It also had plenty of other performance goodies, like a Hurst four-speed transmission, a Quick Response Suspension package, and an optional air induction system.

1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455

The 1973 SD-455 Trans Am was Pontiac’s last hurrah before emissions standards started strangling performance. This car was equipped with an incredible high-output 455 cubic inch V8 engine that generated 290 horsepower. The grand finale was the legendary Super Duty option, which added an additional 10 horsepower and an aluminum intake manifold.

1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am represented the pinnacle of Pontiac performance. It was powered by a 400 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor and Ram Air induction, giving it a whopping 220 horsepower. The car also featured a stiff suspension, a fist-shifting four-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel disc brakes.

1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

The Monte Carlo SS was a classic boulevard cruiser, but it was also capable of handling the occasional track day. It was powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engine that produced 180 horsepower and a hefty 275 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with its light weight, the Monte Carlo was one of the most well-rounded muscle cars of its time.

Conclusion

Throughout the golden era of muscle cars, American automakers created some awesome vehicles that remain popular and powerful today. From drag strips to collector cars, muscle cars offer plenty of fun, power, and style. With iconic cars like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Plymouth Barracuda, and Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvette, these badasses remind us why they’re still so beloved.

The post Highly Regarded American Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

One specific genre of vehicle that has stood the test of time is muscle cars. While the build-up and cool-down from the golden years cover a few decades, it was really the late 1960s and early 1970s which produced the classics. Huge engines, unique designs, and straightforward power meant the average guy and girl could own world-class car performance, with a simple enough design to tinker with on the weekends. So, let’s check out some of the obvious and not-so-obvious standout old muscle cars that have stood the test of time.

Driving a muscle car is a unique experience. The rumble of the engine, the feel of the road, and the sense of power make for an unforgettable ride. And while some old muscle cars may not be as practical as modern vehicles, their raw horsepower and classic style make them stand out in a sea of bland cars on the road today.

AMC

AMX: This 2-seater sports car was introduced in 1968 and was designed to compete with the Corvette. The AMC AMX had a powerful 390cu V8 engine and a stylish design that made it stand out from other muscle cars of the time. The 1968 to 1970 models are the ones to look out for.

Javelin: The Javelin was a sporty coupe that was introduced in 1967. It was available with a variety of engines, ranging from a 232 cubic inch 6-cylinder to a 390 cubic inch V8. The Javelin was a popular car for racing and set a number of records on the drag strip.

Rebel: The Rebel was a full-size car that was introduced in 1967. It was available with a range of engines, including a 343 cubic inch V8 and a 390 cubic inch V8. The Rebel was known for its comfortable ride and smooth handling.

Hornet SC 360: The Hornet SC 360 was a compact car that was introduced in 1971. It was powered by a 360 cubic inch V8 engine and was designed to be a lightweight, high-performance car. The Hornet SC 360 was a popular car for racing and set several records on the drag strip.

Buick

Buick GS 455 Stage 1: The GS 455 Stage 1 was an upgraded version of the Buick Gran Sport that was introduced in 1970. It was powered by a 455 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 360 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The GS 455 Stage 1 was known for its speed and acceleration and was one of the fastest muscle cars of its time.

Buick GS 400 (Stage 1): The GS 400 was a higher-end option of the Buick Gran Sport for 1968. It was powered by a 400 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 340 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. In 1970 the Stage 1 produced a 13.38 second quarter-mile at 105.50mph.

Buick GNX: The GNX was a high-performance version of the Buick Regal that was introduced in 1987. It was powered by a turbocharged 3.8 liter V6 engine that produced 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The GNX was one of the fastest cars of its time. This was a rarity in the 1980s muscle cars scene.

Chevrolet

Chevelle SS 454: The Chevelle SS 454 was introduced in 1970. Powered by a 454 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, the SS 454 was arguably the king of the muscle cars. The Chevelle SS 454 still stands out as a shining example of the breed.

El Camino SS 454: The 1970 El Camino SS 454 was essentially a Chevelle SS 454 with lots of carry space at the back. It was powered by a 454 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The El Camino SS 454 combined utility and performance, still being overshadowed by many of its contemporaries.

Camaro Z/28: The Camaro Z/28 was a special performance package for the 1967 year. It was powered by a 302 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 290 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. Just 602 examples were bought by the public in 1967. But the template proved so popular, the model is still available today.

Camaro ZL1: The Camaro ZL1 was a special order vehicle through Chevrolet’s COPO system, producing the most potent and valuable car of its day. It was powered by an all-aluminium 427 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 430 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Due to low sales numbers, the ZL1 is arguably one of the most collectable muscle cars around.

Nova SS: The Nova SS was introduced in 1963. It was available with a range of engines, including a 327 cubic inch V8 that produced 350 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The Nova became a bone-defied muscle car in 1968, with a tough exterior, and plenty of options. The top of the pile is the Yenko Nova, with only 37 examples being produced.

Monte Carlo SS 454: The 1970 Monte Carlo SS 454 is a bit of a sleeper car, combining luxury and power. The car housed a 454 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The Monte Carlo may not have the street credibility of its contemporaries, but it sure has the power.

Yenko Camaro: The Yenko Camaro was a limited edition version of the Camaro. Don Yenko used the Chevrolet COPO ordering system to obtain the best engines, transmissions, and other parts available at the time. The highest-rated engine was a 427 cubic inch V8 that produced 425 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Due to each vehicle having the best of the best parts of the time, they were very expensive, thus only a handful was ever produced.

Dodge

Dodge Dart GTS: The Dart GTS is a great example of the idea of stuffing a huge engine in a small car. Dealers such as Norman Kraus (Mr. Norm), added a 440 cu. V8 (375hp) engine, making them competitive enough for NHRA Super Stock racing.

Charger Daytona: The Charger Daytona was adapted from the Dodge Charger in 1969 specifically for NASCAR racing. the most competitive engine was a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 that produced 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The car stood out with its huge nose cone and tail wing. Dubbed the ‘Winged Warrior,’ the Dodge Charger Daytona hit 200 mph in 1970, making the car the first in NASCAR history to do so.

Charger R/T: The Charger R/T was introduced as a performance package. Engine options included a a 440 cubic inch V8 producing 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. While the first Chargers came out in 1966, it wasn’t until 1968 with the B-body and the availability of the 440 Magnum and 426 Hemi V8 engines that hit the mark. Arguably the Charger R/T is most famous for starring in the 1968 movie Bullitt.

Dodge Super Bee: Spanning the years 1968 to 1971, the Dodge Super Bee was based on the Dodge Coronet, with added performance. It was available with a range of engines, including a 440 cubic inch V8 that produced 390 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The Super Bee cost more and had better options than its Plymouth counterparts, with a 426 Hemi V8 being one of the options.

Ford

Mustang Boss 429: produced between 1969 to 1974 for NASCAR racing, the Mustang Boss 429 housed a 429 cubic inch V8 engine with 375 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The engine was good for a 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds time, and was the largest engines dropped into a Mustang at the time. The whole car had to be modified to accommodate the new engine, including the front suspension, shock towers, and hood.

Mustang Mach 1: The Mach 1 lasted from 1969 to 1978. Various engine options were available from the 351 cubic inch V8 to a 428 cubic inch V8. The car had a distinctive hood scoop, with early versions being the most prized.

Fairlane GTA: The Fairlane GTA was a performance variant of the Ford Fairlane available since 1955. Engine options ranged from a 390 cubic inch V8 to a 427 cubic inch V8, with the latter capable of producing 425 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. lots of performance options were available time such as tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, and power front disc brakes.

Mercury

Cougar GT-E: produced between 1968 in 1970, the Cougar GT-E was available in either a 390 cubic inch V8 with 335 hp and 427 lb-ft of torque or a 428 cubic inch V8 with 360 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. With its distinctive styling, the Cougar may not be the most obvious performance muscle car, but it is definitely up there with the rest.

Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile 442: The Oldsmobile 442 was inspired by the Oldsmobile cutlass in 1964. The model gained its reputation from its 455 cubic inch V8 engine producing 370 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time. The ‘442’ comes from the 4 barrel carburettor, 4 speed transmission, and dual exhaust.

442 W-30: The 442 was good enough in itself, but the Oldsmobile W-30 package added something extra. The package was designed for drag racing, so added features such as a highlift camshaft, aluminium intake manifolds, heavy duty suspension, and tuned exhaust system. The W-30 package also included styling upgrades such as ram air induction, fibreglass hood, along with bucket seats and a fancy steering wheel. Expect pay top dollar for one of these examples.

Plymouth

Fury 426 Hemi: The Fury 426 Hemi was capable of a 0 to 60 mph time in under 6 seconds. The engine was a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 producing 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. The Hemi version was only built in limited numbers, making it a rare collector’s item today.

GTX 426 Hemi: Produced between 1967 and 1971, the Plymouth GTX 426 Hemi used a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 with 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. Many performance upgrades are available on the options list along with luxury features such as power windows, power brakes and an upgraded audio system.

Plymouth Road Runner: The Plymouth Road Runner was produced from 1968 to 1980 as a muscle car for the masses. Based on the Plymouth Belvedere, the Roadrunner was a more basic offering, but still had the power. The 426cu. Hemi V8 was an option with 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. but you could also go for at the time the 383 cubic inch V8, which was still very capable. Many optional upgrades are available at the time like heavy-duty suspension, more powerful brakes and a performance exhaust system. most famously, the horn sound was based on the loony Tunes cartoon.

Plymouth Barracuda: The Plymouth Hemi Barracuda was built between 1964 in 1974. Arguably one of the most famous muscle cars around, the topline engine was the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 with 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, and a 0 to 60 mph time of just over 5 seconds. The huge body design and wealth of options became a firm favourite in the muscle car community.

Plymouth Superbird: Just like the Dodge Daytona, the Plymouth Superbird was a ‘Winged Warrior’ based on the Plymouth Road Runner designed for NASCAR racing. The topline engine was the 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 with 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. While the Superbird is one of the most collectable muscle cars today, it didn’t sell well back in the day, looking more like an oddity compared to the rest of the pack.

Plymouth Duster 340: Produced between 1970 – 1976, the Plymouth Duster 340 was small in appearance with distinctive styling. The 340 cu. V8 was capable of 275 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque, and was popular with enthusiasts of the time. The Duster was also a great example of the range of loud colors available at the time such as Plum Crazy Purple and Hemi Orange.

Pontiac

Pontiac GTO: The Pontiac GTO is one of America’s original muscle cars. General Motors produced the vehicle from 1964 to 1974, inspired by the Pontiac Tempest. The 389 cubic inch V8 version could produce 348 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, but it was the 1968 and onwards styling that won over fans. The GTO was available with plenty of performance options such as Ram Air Induction and heavy-duty suspension, but eventually succumbed to early nineteen seventies emission regulations, insurance charges and the tastes of the time.

Pontiac Firebird: Firebird was originally introduced in 1967 as a direct answer to the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. Engines range from a 6-cylinder up to a 455cu. V8 with 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The Firebird essentially kept going up until 2002, showing its worth over the years. Most iconic from this model was the ‘screaming chicken’ decal on the hood

Grand Prix: Originally introduced as a luxury performance car in 1962, the Pontiac Grand Prix built up to have a 455 cu. V8 engine, along with its luxury accompaniments. This model may not fund the street credibility or sporty looks of the others, but it definitely had the engine performance.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in owning one of these classic American muscle cars, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, old muscle cars can be expensive and need a lot of ongoing maintenance, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Research and more research is needed for every potential muscle car purchase, along with ideally buying from a reputable source.

One option is to buy a muscle car which is in need of restoration. While you may initially pay less for the vehicle, you have to factor in obtaining all the parts and the time and work involved. Sometimes in life, buying the finished article is more cost-effective and less of a headache.

If you’re in the market for a classic American muscle car for sale, check out the most popular muscle car dealers and auction houses as a start point. The outlet you choose really depends on your budget. For instance, you could find a cheap base model on websites such as eBay. But most likely be prepared for some restoration work. If you require a vehicle that is numbers matching, in near original condition, and with loads of documentation, you will need to visit a specialist dealer or auction house.

When it comes to the best American muscle cars, opinions can vary. Some may argue that the 1970 Plymouth Superbird is the ultimate muscle car, while others may choose the Chevelle SS 454. And of course, the debate over the fastest muscle car continues, with the likes of the Chevy Camaro ZL1 and Dodge Charger Daytona vying for the title of the fastest muscle car in the world.

In conclusion, old muscle cars are an important part of muscle car history in America. They are a certain way of thinking and following the mindset of a certain template, i.e. There is no replacement for displacement in an ICE car, and obviously bigger is better.

The post Old Muscle Cars: Standout Examples appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is the sixth instalment of the ‘Last Call’ series, with only 300 examples being made available. The real-world version was shown for the first time at the Chicago Motor Show, originally announced back in September 2022.

Background

This latest Limited edition model from Dodge has popped out of nowhere. The latest Black Ghost is influenced by the infamous 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE Street racer, a 426 Hemi vehicle which won many drag races on Detroit’s Woodward Avenue back in the day.

The original Dodge Challenger was introduced in 1970 and was an instant hit with car enthusiasts. The car’s aggressive styling and powerful performance made it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts. The first-generation Challenger was available with a variety of engines, ranging from a 225-cubic inch slant-six to a 426-cubic inch HEMI V8 engine.

Over the years, the Challenger went through various changes and updates, and it was eventually discontinued in 1974 due to changes in emission regulations. However, the Challenger name was revived in 2008 when Dodge introduced the third-generation Challenger.

Inside and out

The Black Ghost is powered by a 6.2-litre HEMI V8 engine, which produces a whopping 807 horsepower and 717 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The car’s top speed is an impressive 203 mph, making it one of the fastest muscle cars on the road.

But the Black Ghost isn’t just about power. The car is also packed with features designed to enhance the driving experience. The suspension has been upgraded, with adaptive dampers and thicker sway bars to improve handling and reduce body roll. The brakes have also been upgraded, with six-piston black-painted Brembo callipers and 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels.

One standout feature is the faux-gator-skin roof, replicating the original vinyl top. It’s a seventies thing, so just go with it. There are also old-school hood pins, along with a chrome Dodge logo and chrome fuel door.

Inside, the Black Ghost is equipped with a host of luxury features, all in black. The seats are upholstered in premium leather, and the dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials. The car also comes with a state-of-the-art infotainment system, which includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system.

In conclusion, the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost is built upon a rich history that dates back to the 1970s. The car pays homage to the original Challenger’s iconic styling while also incorporating modern features and technology. With its unique design, advanced features, and exceptional performance, the Black Ghost is sure to become a favourite among car enthusiasts.

The post The 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost: Sixth Special Edition appeared first on Muscle Car.

Today, the muscle car has become a timeless classic that continues to resonate with automobile enthusiasts to this day. From their beginnings as affordable performance cars to their transformation into high-end collectables today, there’s hardly a facet of these iconic automobiles that haven’t been explored. What started out as simple cars with low production and little aftermarket support soon turned into a fully-fledged culture of modified street machines with an atmosphere all its own. Today, many of these modern classics are valued at prices that reflect how rare and special they are. Here are some of the most sought-after muscle car collectables today:

Dodge Charger Daytona

The Dodge Charger was one of the first-ever muscle cars to be built, produced from the mid-1950s to the 1970s. The very top-line model was the Daytona, equipped with a 4.05-litre V8 Magnum engine that could generate 345 horsepower. Although the Charger Daytona was only released for two consecutive years (1968 and 1969), it was available in two- or four-door coupe or convertible forms.

The rarity of this classic muscle car, with only 1,046 Chargers manufactured that year, has made it a highly sought-after collector’s item today. Along with its exclusivity, the Charger Daytona also made history as the first muscle car to hold a proper performance title. The Daytona could reach 60 mph in 7 seconds and 171 mph at its peak speed.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The iconic Chevrolet Corvette was unveiled in 1953 as the American answer to European sports cars such as Ferrari and Porsche. With its fibreglass body, detachable roof, and lightweight aluminium chassis, the Corvette was the first affordable US sports car of its kind and a popular choice among performance car fans.

The Stingray, which was produced from 1964 to 1967, was the mid-engine version of the classic model and is still highly sought after by muscle car collectors. Equipped with a 327-horsepower, 4-barrel V8 engine connected to a 3-speed automatic transmission, the Stingray could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 mph. With only 27,901 Stingrays ever built, the model’s rarity has only added to its desirability.

Ford Mustang Mach 1

In 1969, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 made its grand debut and quickly became the best-selling sports car in the nation. This ‘muscle car’ of the South quickly made its mark outside the traditional Southern car culture and was modified in several ways. Six model variations were available throughout its production run, with the Mustang Mach 1 being the most sought-after option.

The Mach 1 was based on the fastback Mustang coupe and featured a redesigned exterior to show off its aggressive look. Powering the vehicle was a 4-barrel V8 engine with 351 horsepower and a 3-speed automatic transmission. Despite the fact that only 40,970 of these Mach 1 models were produced, they are now among the most sought-after muscle car collectables.

Shelby GT500KR

The Shelby GT500KR, released in 1967, was Shelby’s most powerful offering, available in limited numbers and exclusively in black with a white hood stripe. Based on the Shelby GT500 sports car, the GT500KR boasted a 5.8-litre engine and was connected to a 4-speed automatic transmission, together producing an impressive 527 horsepower. In addition, the Shelby GT500KR was capable of reaching a top speed of 202 mph, making it one of the rarest and fastest muscle cars of all time. Less than 2,500 of these vehicles were ever produced, making them a real collector’s item.

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The Pontiac Trans Am was one of the earliest pony cars to make a lasting impression on the racing scene. It featured a 4.5-litre V8 engine and 3-speed automatic transmission and delighted drivers with its performance variants until 1994, when it was discontinued. During the 1988 model year, only 3,531 Trans Ams were produced, making them one of the rarest muscle cars to collect. Even after the car was discontinued, it continued to be a popular model among enthusiasts and collectors, making it a sought-after classic to this day.

Chevrolet Camaro ZR-1

The Chevrolet Camaro was one of the first modern muscle cars in America to feature independent front suspension. The ZR-1 was an ultra-rare performance package available on the 1993 Camaros in two colours: black and blue. This limited-edition model featured a manual 6-speed transmission, alloy wheels, and a free-flowing exhaust. On top of that, the ZR-1 was equipped with a powerful 6-cylinder engine that could generate up to 355 horsepower—an impressive increase compared to the regular Camaro SS, which was powered by a V8.

Pontiac GTO

The Pontiac GTO was the epitome of the muscle car era in the 1980s, and its legacy continues to this day. It was built from 1968 through 2003, and its engine was a 6.0-litre V8 mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Production of the GTO was limited, with only 9,721 produced in 2006, making it one of the rarest muscle cars to collect. Such was its popularity that the Pontiac GTO is still one of the most sought-after models for car enthusiasts and collectors. With its power and reliability, the GTO continues to be one of the top muscle car models available today.

Chevrolet Camaro SS

The Chevrolet Camaro made its debut in 1966, paving the way for a new era of affordable American muscle cars. Its revolutionary independent front suspension made it one of the first post-war American cars to feature this innovative technology. The Camaro SS model, produced between 1967 and 1978, was one of the most desirable and powerful cars of its time. Boasting a 6.2-litre V8 engine that produced 580 horsepower, the Camaro SS was easy to maintain and drive, making it an extremely sought-after model. The Camaro SS was the perfect blend of power, convenience, and aesthetics.

Speaking of aesthetics, the quality of the car finishing or polishing products you choose can make or break the look of your car, especially if you own a muscle car. With the right car polishing products, you can bring out its true beauty and make it stand out from the crowd. Plus, well-maintained cars last longer, so investing in quality car products is an investment in your car’s future.

The post 7 Most Sought-after Muscle Car Collectibles appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

This collection of AMC(American Motors Corporation) muscle cars has triple appeal. Firstly, the rarest examples of AMC vehicles from the classic muscle car era, 5 of these in total and, the only existing collection of 1969 – 1970 American Motors painted in the AMC red-white-and-blue.

The five AMC vehicles are currently listed on Craigslist, Phoenix Arizona, with each vehicle being restored by the seller’s workshop AZ AMC Restorations.

In no particular order, the five vehicles include a 1969 AMC Super Stock AMX, one of 52, with this example being the very last one to be built. The AMX also had a very respectable racing career, being three-time regional NHRA champion.
A 1970 AMC Javelin comes next, one of 100, along with a 1970 AMC Rebel The Machine, being one of 1,000. Lastly, there are a pair of 1969 Hurst/SC Ramblers. One of the pair is a 1 of 1,200, the other 1 of 300.

As per the ad, ‘The Hurst SC/Ramblers, Rebel Machine and Trans AM Javelin are all equipped with day two “Group 19” (or equivalent) dealer performance package upgrades.
They produce anywhere from 100 – 200 additional HP and #52 Dream SS AMX, American Dream, and are equipped as raced with the exception of more street and show-friendly Holley 450 carburetors.
Also, the lettering decals on the SS AMX were reproduced to replicate the lettering during its championship days but over the original Hurst provided Red, White and Blue paint scheme.’

The only real downside to the listing is the vehicles are being sold as a collection. This means that if you want this set of highly unique AMC muscle cars you will need to cough up $600,000. Collections of things are usually harder to sell than individually, but with such a unique and rare lineup, there is bound to eventually be a collector out there willing to take the plunge.

The post AMC Muscle Car Collection Going for $600k appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Rare muscle cars pass through auction houses all the time, but not so many with the street cred. of the ‘Black Ghost.’
This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T SE gained infamy from its street racing days on Woodward and Telegraph Avenues Detroit, appearing out of the blue, winning, and then disappearing into the night.

This type of behaviour was a great way to build the mystique and reputation behind the car. But in reality, the behaviour was out of necessity as the car was owned and driven by Detroit police officer and Purple Heart-awarded military veteran Godfrey ‘Dennis’ Qualls. A very low profile was obviously key in this scenario, which meant after a few years, Mr Qualls disappeared completely from the illegal drag racing scene, earning the nickname, ‘Black Ghost.’

The Hemi Challenger was originally purchased from Raynal Brothers Dodge, Chalmers Avenue Detroit.
The car itself is a 1 of 1 426 Hemi V8 version with a four-speed manual transmission, A34 Super Track Pack, R35 multiplex AM/FM stereo, S83 Rim-Blow steering wheel, Gator Grain roof, 4.10 gears, black paint job with white bumblebee stripe and interior, J45 hood pins, and the standout ‘Africa’ badge on the fender. The original cost being $5,300. A shaker hood was also ordered, but arrived after the car’s purchase and was never installed.

As for race prep, the only additions were 11-inch slick tires, unhooked mufflers, and an aftermarket coil. The car eventually clocked up 45,000 miles, with the intention of performing a restoration in the future.

The Challenger was garage kept for many years and is still in original condition, with paint chips and all.

The car’s exploits then turned into Motown racing legend, with the car hidden away until 2014, when son Gregory revealed it again to the world. Since that point, the Dodge Challenger has been added to the National Historic Vehicle Registry in the library of Congress. The car has also been honoured by Dodge, who has made a run of 300 limited editions 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeyes. These new models all housing supercharged V8s with 807HP.

The classic Black Ghost Challenger will be sold at Mecum Kissimmee 2023, May 12-20 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Similar Hemi-powered 1970 Dodge Challengers sold at auction for $1.65 million in 2016. Including the back history of the Black Ghost, the car could fetch a seven-figure sum.

The post Street Racer ‘Black Ghost’ Dodge Hemi Challenger Auction appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

Transitional periods are always rocky. During this time fans are gained, while others are lost. It’s going to be the same course of action when Dodge released their first e-muscle car, but what can we expect in the future from the likes of Chevrolet and Ford?

The Build-up

Dodge and their parent company Stellantis have not been shy in announcing their future electrification plans. The Hornet SUV will be the first in BEV form, with the concept Charger Daytona SRT EV giving us a glimpse of a full e-muscle car. 2024 should be the date where we can all rush out and buy one.

Legislation and environmental issues seem to have been the driving force behind going completely electric in the car industry. However, muscle car sales have been slowing at least over the last half-decade, further pushing the change.

According to the website Motrolix.com, sales of the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang have been dropping since 2014 as seen below.

2014 Camaro sales – total 86,297
2021 Camaro sales – total 21,893

2014 Mustang sales – total 82,635
2021 Mustang sales – total 52,414

2014 Challenger sales – total 22,602 (an increase in 2015 – 66,186, then a drop)
2021 Challenger sales – total 54,314

While these sales figures are not very inspiring, the ‘halo effect’ of these alpha male vehicles produce sales for the rest of the line. But as these models are so iconic and culturally relevant, the impetus to go electric has never been clearer.

What’s next?

Ford motors already have the Mustang Mach-E SUV to give a taste of what’s to come, while General Motors are yet to announce its future muscle car plans. There have been whispers that the Camaro will end production in 2024, but also taking the Mustang proper into electrification is yet to be announced.

2024 seems to be the landmark date at least for Dodge to go fully electric. We will have to wait and see with the other big brands…

Ironically, those eco groups out there who are completely against any type of performance vehicle are not looking forward to electric muscle cars either. The groups that constantly challenged the likes of Dodge for their ‘aggressive advertising campaigns’ and violent vehicles, think e-muscle cars will be even worse.

Electric vehicles are heavier than ICE’s due to the battery packs(16% heavier), and this extra weight could cause more severe road injuries. These new Electric muscle cars can potentially have more power and torque, also adding to the risk. If you want to check out more on this side of the argument, then visit streetblogs.org.

Conclusion

If you’re for, against, or still need convincing on the e-muscle topic, simply hold judgment until we have a roadgoing version.
Up to now, Dodge seems to be doing a good job of pleasing both the classic fan base and potential future buyers. The initial concepts are heading in the right direction, but we still have a few years to wait before the full story unfolds.

The post The Dodge Charger And Challenger Go Electric, But who’s Next? appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The rumblings around muscle cars turning electric have been in the mainstream news for over 12 months now. Dodge has been the center of focus in this regard as they are soon to reveal their future EV plans. The announcement will be compounded by the fact Dodge is arguably the last vestiges of the traditional American V8 template. A long history that is seemingly coming to an end, or is it?

A long time to go……

Given the present sales run of the Dodge Charger and Challenger in current model form, from 2006 for the Charger and 2008 for the Challenger, even if they stopped production today, that’s a long lifespan for any model.

The move from ICE’s to Ev’s is going to be a very slow change of the guard. Dodge has announced that 50% of its lineup will be BEV’s by 2030. Thus, in 8 years half the Dodge line will still be gasoline powered. Rumors suggest plenty of V8-powered 400 and 500 HP monsters will hit the streets up to 2030, with a possible new version of the Hellcat.

But, but as many of us oldies know, 8 years can go very quickly. We are also more concerned with the future of the hallowed names of the Charger and Challenger in V8 form.
Even if Dodge announced the Charger and Challenger were going electric in 100 years, there would still be the same amount of uproar. To the rest of the world who don’t get the muscle car thing, it’s not just about replacing an engine block with fancy electrics, it’s a cultural and generational thing, acutely woven into many people’s lives. Take something familiar away from a group and you’re going to get resistance, no matter how good the future versions are predicted.

Back to the Future

We have already had a glimpse of how the public reacts to an iconic pony/muscle car turning electric. The Mustang SUV thingy received acceptance by the skin of its teeth as it didn’t replace the car version, just borrowed the name. Until everybody knew this SUV was a separate thing, the world was not at ease.

Dodge are acutely aware of their own muscle car history. Thus the very slow transition from gasoline to Ev’s to ease everybody into the idea. But looking forward to a decade from now, we guess the sentiments will be the same, a yearning for the rumble of a traditional V8.

However, a look back in history could explain the future.
During the golden era of muscle cars from the late nineteen sixties to the early nineteen seventies, these vehicles are now classics. They are still being driven, maintained, and enjoyed. Obviously, they can’t be bought new anymore (unless you split the difference and buy a restomod), but they can still be owned, enjoyed, and driven.

We are guessing it will be the same for all gasoline-powered cars in the future. Thus, the current descent is not about future availability or ownership, but the end of the V8-powered muscle car being constantly developed and improved. It’s a bit like your favorite rock act turning into a synthpop band. The same guys, with the same name, it’s just a different thing.

Smartphones on wheels

EV’s are going to be intelligent, and with all that instant torque you’re going to enjoy burnouts for days. Going off the top performance EV’s currently available, future E-muscle cars will probably have more power. But it’s a bit like the difference between digital and analog watches.

Analog watches need more maintenance, are more costly, and can’t do as much as a digital watch. But we respect them for their unique qualities. The same will go for V8-powered muscle cars ultimately.

More than likely, the powers that be who’ve all agreed EV’s are the future, will also have a rare classic ICE car tucked away somewhere or know someone who has one. Thus, Legislation will be tighter in the future, but we still will be able to drive our muscle cars, even if we have to fuel them with some sort futuristic juice.

Thus, the V8-powered muscle car isn’t going away. It’s just that the next generation has turned to synthpop….

The post Why Gasoline Powered Muscle Cars Will Live Forever appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Dodge produced their modern interpretations of the Charger and Challenger back in 2008. The SRT Hellcat followed in 2014 with 707 HP, then the Challenger SRT Demon in 2017 with 840 horses. A 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine was the core and would be moving forward if it wasn’t for the oncoming wave of electric. Thus, the Hemi era needs to go out with more than a bang, which will be in the form of a limited edition version of the SRT Demon.

The Dodge Demon++

Back in 2017, the SRT Demon wasn’t just about raw horsepower levels, it was the first street-legal production vehicle to run on 100+ unleaded high-octane fuel. Other outlandish headlines include the first production car to launch with a wheelie, fitted with drag radial tires, optional passenger seating, and a 0-60mph time of 2.3 seconds. Not to mention the largest functional hood scoop. Now, an even more insane version of the Demon is to hit the shelves as a possible last swansong.

What we know so far…

The new limited edition beast is predicted to run on ethanol(E85), which is usually used for dragsters and the like. While there are no official power levels released at this time, it should be good for at least 850+ HP, maybe even 900 HP.

Dodge also trademarked recently the ‘Tomahawk‘ name which could be a possible moniker for the new model.

While this new model needs to be the best yet, it still doesn’t want to tread on the toes of existing Demon owners. However, if this is to be the last fully-fledged, ICE Hemi-powered muscle car, then just for the fans alone, it should be as ridiculous as possible. A reluctant farewell, but it is a position Dodge can’t ignore, so why not go out with a very large bang.

The post The Last Dance For The Dodge Hellcat Is The Best Yet appeared first on Muscle Car.

Is classic car insurance different from standard car insurance? The short answer is yes. 

First, we’ll define what qualifies as a classic car. The major criteria for insurance coverage for a classic car is the age of the car (vehicle usually needs to be over 25 years old). The car also needs to be parked in a secure location, usually a garage. 

The vehicle must be used only occasionally with low yearly mileage. You must have a good driving record. You must have access to another vehicle (the classic car cannot be your main transportation). And you must be able to show that the car is in good condition and receives regular maintenance. 

Classic vehicle insurance can also cover: 

• Antique farm vehicles
• Street rods manufactured before 1949 and modified
• Vintage cars made between 1919 and 1930
• Classic military vehicles
• Classic motorbikes
• Limited edition or collectible models
• Collector cars made before 1980

Qualifying for Classic Car Coverage

There are specific criteria you must meet for any auto insurance, but when shopping for classic or antique vehicle insurance, they are much more extensive. 

Another requirement for getting this specialty insurance policy is providing documentation of safe storage parking for the vehicle and documentation of regular maintenance.

If the parking location for your classic car is not climate controlled, you’ll probably want to pay special attention to weatherizing your vehicle. 

Qualifying for classic car insurance varies among insurance companies. Each insurer has its specific criteria for insuring antique and classic vehicles. They can also tell you what specific documentation is needed to meet those requirements. It pays to shop around. 

As previously mentioned, one requirement for classic car insurance is limited use. You can’t use it for everyday commuting or running errands. Your policy may include mileage limitations as well as proof the car is being properly garaged if you do travel with it. 

The limited use requirement usually does allow for you to travel to car shows and auto club meetings. Before choosing a classic car insurer, check whether they have travel restrictions if you plan to take your car on regular, multi-day, high mileage drives.

How Classic Car Insurance Is Different

Classic car policies include the provisions found in standard car insurance policies like property damage and bodily injury liability coverage. There are significant differences too. Some of the major differences include the vehicle’s valuation. 

Each antique, classic, or collectible car is unique, so there is no set “book value” for specific makes and models. One of the steps you and your insurer will take is reaching an initial agreement on your car’s value. 

An interesting aspect of valuing your classic car is that, unlike most vehicles, your classic or collectible will not depreciate and may go up in value. Your policy may have specific provisions regarding any needed repairs, as these special circumstances are likely to be significantly above regular auto repair costs. 

These same special provisions can apply to transport, towing, and repairs. To get specialty insurance, your vehicle will have to already be restored to good condition.

If you own a newer car that has been modified or has other value-added customization, your car may still qualify as a classic. 

How to Prepare for Insurance Shopping 

Insuring your classic vehicle will mean you need to provide documentation of the condition of your vehicle, appraisals, or other valuations of the vehicle. You will also need to provide maintenance records and be able to demonstrate that the vehicle is garaged in a secure location. 

Shop around for the best classic car insurance for your situation. Getting your documents together and talking with several insurers is the best way to find the most affordable options available for your vehicle. 

Teresa Johnson writes and researches for the car insurance site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. She enjoys classic and antique car shows and has an interest in automobile restoration. 

The post Know the Insurance Rules on Classic Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

Muscle cars are show vehicles. They’re flashy, powerful, and turn heads on the road. However, they’re usually subpar in terms of fuel efficiency.

You can’t outright change your car’s gas mileage, but you can apply these 10 driving and maintenance habits to conserve fuel and cut back on spending at the pump.

On the Road

Aside from the car itself, your driving is the main determinant of fuel consumption. You must practice responsible driving habits to maximize your car’s fuel efficiency and ensure its long-term health. Here’s what you can do.

1.    Avoid Sudden Starts and Stops

Make your engine’s life easier and avoid sudden starts and stops. Quick acceleration uses a lot of horsepower, which consumes more gas than a steady increase in speed. Hard braking doesn’t directly consume fuel, but it does contribute to erratic traffic patterns that increase fuel consumption in the long run. Slow down to an appropriate pace to encourage a smoother flow of traffic.

2.    Shift Gears Correctly

Most muscle cars have manual transmissions, which means you have to time each gear shift correctly to minimize the strain on your engine. You might like to listen to your car purr as it reaches over 3,000 RPMs, but you won’t like how often you have to stop for gas. Shift gears at the appropriate time to cut fuel consumption and keep your engine healthy.

3.    Follow the Speed Limit

Most car owners know that driving faster burns more fuel, but they don’t know exactly how much impact speed really has. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), every 5 miles driven above 60 mph equates to 20 cents per gallon of gas. We know that driving under 60 mph on the highway almost defeats the purpose of owning a muscle car, but follow the speed limit as best you can.

4.    Only Use AC at Higher Speeds

If you must drive above the speed limit, you can offset some of the extra fuel consumption by only using the air conditioning at higher speeds. AC can reduce fuel economy by 25% if you leave it running for extended periods. Use your windows on side streets and save your AC for the highways where it relies on less fuel to pump out cool air.

5.    Stop Idling

Your car’s gas mileage dips to its lowest level when idling. You should start driving as soon as you turn on the engine. Don’t sit in your parking spot and let gas waste away as you scroll on your phone. If you find yourself in a traffic jam with no end in sight, turn your car off until things get moving again.

Vehicle Maintenance

Proper vehicle maintenance also improves your car’s mileage and lays the foundation for a long life on the road. Apply these maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in good shape and get the most out of every tank.

1.    Take Advantage of Fuel Discounts

With the current state of gas prices, you should take advantage of fuel discounts in any way you can. Look for gas discounts, coupons, and promo codes from local businesses. Sign up for rewards programs to save money on gas in the long run.

This advice especially applies to muscle cars that take premium or diesel fuel. Prices for these expensive fuels have reached unprecedented heights that car and truck owners can’t keep up with for much longer. You must find innovative ways to manage your fuel costs and keep your muscle car running. Every reduction helps, no matter how small.

2.    Track Your Vehicle’s Mileage

Gas mileage can decrease based on engine health and other mechanical factors, so tracking changes in your car’s mileage can help you identify problems before they become more serious. You might also notice how ebbs and flows in mileage coincide with your driving habits.

3.    Replace Air and Fuel Filters Often

Change your air and fuel filters as instructed by your owner’s manual, or change them even more often if you drive through dirty conditions. These filters help stabilize your car’s mileage by making fuel consumption smoother and more efficient. You’d be surprised how quickly they can get clogged up with dirt, dust, and other debris.

4.    Take Care of Your Tires

Your tires play a crucial role in fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires force your engine to compensate and work harder, which burns more gas. On the other hand, tires with sufficient air pressure help your car glide along the road and reduce the engine’s workload. Make sure your tires have the correct PSI.

5.    Store an Emergency Fuel Supply

Keep an emergency fuel supply in airtight containers so you can operate your gas-powered machines without relying on gas stations. If gas prices weren’t already high enough, an economic crash could raise them even more. Leave nothing to chance and store your own supply of fuel.

Treat Your Muscle Car Right

Muscle cars are built to look bold and push the boundaries of driving, but that doesn’t mean you should beat your vehicle up. Instead, practice responsible driving habits to maximize fuel efficiency and monitor the car to make sure its essential parts help its gas mileage, not hurt it. Your muscle car is your favorite toy, so treat it right with proper driving and maintenance.

The post How Muscle Car Owners Can Conserve Fuel: 10 Tips appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

If you own any type of vehicle with a large displacement engine, it goes with the territory that the thing will be thirsty. Muscle cars are no exception, but the cost of refueling is usually way down the list after looks, performance, power, condition, and overall street cred. While the cost of fuel shouldn’t be a priority for this type of vehicle, it’s still worth knowing the figures, even if we do choose to selectively forget…

Gas Prices Through History

As the pertinent focus here is muscle cars which were born in the US, we will focus on car fuel prices from the USA. Fuel prices in other countries such as those in Europe are wildly different, basically far more expensive. So, no matter the cost of fuel in the US, it will always be cheaper than its European counterparts.

Checking out the national US average fuel price at aaa.com, the national average fuel price per gallon on 3/22/2022 is $4.242.
In one online video, we found a Dodge Charger owner who said it would cost him roughly $140 for a full tank of fuel. This cost was obviously a general guess, so we headed over to fueleconomy.gov https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=42391 then checked out the fuel figures for a 2020 Dodge Charger (5.7L V8, 8-speed auto).

For a 2020 Dodge Charger with a fuel economy of 19 combined MPG, and a regular gas price of $4.32, the website says the cost of filling a tank of 18.5 gallons is $88…. quite a difference. The website also spat out the figures of 15,000 annual miles costing $6,750.

So, this is where we are at with current fuel prices. But what did our parents and grandparents pay for the enjoyment of running a car that was louder than thunder? The website titlemax.com has kindly put together an infographic of gas prices from 1929-2015 as below, also with adjustments to today’s money. As the classic muscle car era was roughly 1968-1974, the 1968 gas price was $0.34 or $1.79 converted to today’s money. In 1973 the oil crisis began, raising prices to $0.39, which then jumped to $0.59 in 1974.

By TitleMax.com

In recent times (pre-2015), the highest cost of fuel was $3.64 per gallon in 2012 ($3.80 per gallon today), dropping to $2.45 in 2015. As above, in 2022 the price per gallon has risen to the national average of $4.242.

What to Expect Next…

Let’s face it, when you buy any type of muscle car it’s a given you will spend a lot of time at the fuel pumps. Any type of thoroughbred vehicle requires extra ongoing costs, be it fuel, maintenance, or your own personal grades. An old saying went – if you can afford the car, you should be able to afford the fuel bill. This saying is quite dismissive, but it does reiterate the fact that you should know what you are getting into…

We also have a crossroads coming up in the near future where we will have to decide between owning electric and/or ICE vehicles. Without going into the pros and cons of each type, muscle car fans will inevitably have to deal with a slow but steady hike in fuel prices over the coming years.

However, one of the reasons for showing the back history of fuel prices is to show that no matter the cost of refueling over the years, it has not stopped muscle car ownership. On paper, the fuel hike from 1968($0.34) to 2015($2.45) and 2022($4.24) should have made us all by now drive around in 1 liter or less travel pods, not 6.2L supercharged V8 behemoths. This shows that there is far more to the enjoyment of a muscle car than simply the cost of fuel.

The post The Real Cost of Fueling A Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

Everyone knows that you shouldn’t store a classic car on the driveway or, worse, on the street in front of your house. It doesn’t take much for these pieces of automotive history to disappear.

Gone in 60 Seconds — both versions — got that much right — but storing it in a space that isn’t designed for automotive storage isn’t going to do you any favors either. If you’ve got a classic muscle car in your collection, make sure you’re avoiding these common storage mistakes.

Starting the Engine

If you ask your dad or grandfather what you need to do to store your muscle car, the first thing they’ll probably tell you to do is start the engine every couple of weeks. This might sound like a wise step, but if you’re planning to store your car for long periods, prepping it and leaving it alone while it’s in storage will help protect it better in the long term.

Running the engine for a few minutes every couple of weeks isn’t long enough to burn off the moisture that could end up in the crankcase. If you’re not going to drive the car and take it out of storage, don’t start the engine.

Ignoring the Oil

Contrary to popular belief, oil isn’t going to go bad while you keep your car in storage. Oil has a shelf life of around six months before it needs replacement. If you changed the oil before putting the car in storage, you don’t need to do anything about it until you decide to drive it again.

If you’re planning to store the vehicle for longer than six months, consider investing in some oil additives to extend its functionality until you start driving it again.

Forgetting Climate Control

Storing your classic car in your garage is a great way to keep it safe, but it isn’t the perfect solution. Most garages aren’t attached to the home’s HVAC system, so nor are they insulated to keep them temperate or comfortable.

This means that while your classic car might be protected from the weather, it is still at risk of exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity. If you’re planning to store your car in your attached garage, take the time to hook it up to your home’s HVAC, have it insulated, or invest in other climate control tools to manage temperature and humidity.

Not Cleaning Your Garage

How messy is your garage right now? Is it so full of junk that you can’t see the floor? Maybe you’ve cleared enough space to park your car, but that’s it, leaving all the trash stacked to the ceiling along the walls.

It might seem like common sense, but don’t squeeze your classic car in amongst the junk. If you’re planning to use your attached garage for long-term storage, make sure that you’re turning it into a dedicated storage space.

Forgetting the Fuel

Fuel does not have an unlimited shelf life. Without a stabilizer to extend its lifespan, gasoline will begin to degrade in three to six months, while diesel can last up to 12 months before it causes problems.

If you’re planning to store your classic car for long periods, make sure you add a fuel stabilizer to your tank before you put the vehicle in storage. Fuel stabilizers can extend gasoline’s shelf life to 24 months.

Leaving the Tires On the Ground

If your tires aren’t rolling, they could potentially develop a flat spot, making them dangerous to drive on. If you’re planning to store your car for long periods, get it off the ground. Jack it up and set it on jack stands. Once you have the vehicle off the ground, remove a bit of air from the tires. This helps protect the rubber if high or low temperatures cause the air inside to expand or contract.

Protect Your Investment

Keeping a classic muscle car in your collection comes with a lot of work. You’re responsible for maintaining a piece of automotive history, and sometimes that means putting it in storage when using it as a daily driver isn’t feasible. This is especially true if you live somewhere that sees a lot of snow — and thus many salted roads — in the winter. Salt is the bane of any car owner’s existence, but it can be truly devastating for classic muscle cars.

Having a good storage plan in place can go a long way toward protecting your investment. An attached garage can be a viable storage option, but it will need a bit of prep before it’s ready to protect your favorite muscle car from the elements.

The post Storing a Classic Muscle Car? Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes appeared first on Muscle Car.

Is there anything cooler than seeing a car driving down the street – especially one you’re already in love with – with those dark tinted windows? In addition to adding some considerable charisma to an already sexy car, choosing the right tint can protect your interior from harmful UV rays.

Still, it isn’t as easy as just slapping some tint on any available surface and calling it a day. What should you know before you tint your muscle car’s windows?

1. Different Kinds of Tint

Before you decide to tint the windows of your muscle car, the first step is to understand the different types of tint you’ll have to choose from. Depending on the kind of look you’re hoping to achieve, there are six different types of tint, including:

Dyed

Dyed tint is the least expensive type of window tint. It’s usually made of three layers: adhesive, dye, and a resilient top layer designed to take the brunt of the dust and dirt thrown up by car tires. You can find very dark tints in this style, but they aren’t generally UV-resistant. Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause the black dye to turn purple.

Metalized

Like the dyed option, metalized tint is made of layers, but in this case, there are four layers instead of three. The adhesive layer bonds the tint to the glass. Next comes the UV blocking and a metalized colored layer before wrapping everything up with the protective topcoat.

This is a great option, but if you’re looking for a UV-resistant tint that will help protect the interior from exposure to UV rays, it will be more expensive than other options. The metal content in the tint can also interfere with radio and cell phone signals.

Hybrid

Hybrid window tinting also utilizes four layers, but it uses less metal to give you the best of both worlds: a middle-ground between metalized and dyed tint. It doesn’t offer the same sort of heat blocking as metalized tint, but it shouldn’t interfere with your cellphone.

Ceramic

Ceramic is a new entry in the realm of window tint and might not be available in all areas. This three-layer tint doesn’t fade like dyed alternatives and is incredibly scratch-resistant while still offering high visibility. It’s got all the pros of the metalized tint with none of the cons.

Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive options on the market right now. It creates a matte finish on the window, which is perfect if you’re trying to go for that all-over matte look. It’s also not suitable for privacy tints because they don’t get as dark as other types.

Carbon

Carbon is another new tinting technology that works similarly to ceramic while providing darker tint options. Unfortunately, the carbon particles make it more challenging to see through the windows at specific angles, which means it probably isn’t the best option, even if it’s available in your area.

Crystalline

There is crystalline tint available if you want some UV protection without adding any actual color to your windows. This is strictly for UV and heat blocking and won’t change the color of your windows.

Now that you know your options, here are some other things to consider.

2. Your State’s Laws

Don’t jump straight to the darkest tint you can find. Depending on the state you live in, you might find yourself on the wrong side of the law. Your front windows might need a different tint level than those in the back. There might be specific laws that allow you to put non-reflective tints on the windshield, but it’s usually only on the top portion of the glass. Some states allow different colors, while others only allow black and gray.

If you require a tint to drive safely, you may be able to get a medical exemption that will allow you to have a darker tint than would otherwise be legal on your vehicle.

3. Whether You’re Planning to Show the Car

If you’ve got a gorgeous muscle car in good condition, one of the best ways to show it off is by taking it to a car show. If this is in your plans for the future, you might want to hold off on the dark tint – at least for now. Check the rules and requirements for the shows you wish to attend to confirm their rules regarding window tinting.

If you’re trying to show an all-original muscle car in its glory, adding a window tint might disqualify you from running and make it more challenging to achieve that dream.

4. Professional vs. DIY Application

A professional tint job can be expensive, costing anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the type of tint, the size of the vehicle, and how many windows you’re tinting. Doing the job yourself can be considerably less expensive, but there are some downsides.

First, you’re buying the tint by the roll unless you’re lucky enough to drive a vehicle that is popular enough to merit a pre-cut tint set. Second, some materials – such as dyed tint – will bubble and look awful if they’re not applied correctly. Finally, you will have to spend extra money on the proper tools to apply the tint.

Even if you do everything right, there is still the chance that something could go wrong, leaving you with a shoddy tint job. You’ll have to swallow the cost of more materials or the expense of taking it to a shop to get it fixed.

To Tint or Not to Tint

In general, adding a layer of window tint to your car can be a great way to protect the interior from sunlight and prying eyes, especially if you don’t park it in a garage. The only thing that might prevent you from applying the perfect tint to your muscle car is the laws in your state and any intentions to show the vehicle. Other than that, tint to your heart’s content!

The post What You Should Know Before Tinting Your Muscle Car’s Windows appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

My vague attempts at creating an alliteration title are overshadowed by the discontinuation of one engine and the release of another. First, it was the supercharged LT5 GM engine that has been discontinued. Now it is the turn of the LS7 and the LS427/570.

The LS7 was the largest naturally aspirated LS engine made by GM. Bred for racing with a 427ci. capacity, the engine was originally built for the 2006 C6 Z06, producing 505 HP, the most oomph from any Corvette engine up to that point. Now, without any fanfare or official farewell, the engine has left the mainstay inventory.

Why was the LS7 important?

The LS7 was a race-ready powerplant with a new for GM, 4-inch stroke, titanium rods, and valves, producing a very underestimated 505 HP. The 427ci/7L V8 offered a dry-sump system, with 12-degree rectangular port heads and 270cc intake ports. Other standout points include titanium intake valves, CNC-ported combustion chambers and sodium-filled exhaust valves. All these bits easily make the LS7 capable of 600 HP.

Other useful stats for the engine include:
Displacement: 427ci (7.0 liters)
Engine Type: LS series small-block V8
Crankshaft (P/N 12611649): forged steel
Pistons: hypereutectic aluminum
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Maximum rpm: 7,000 rpm

If you want to pick up your own LS7, then there are plenty of 2006-2013 Z06 Corvettes on the second-hand market. There’s also the option of the limited production run, 2014-2015 5th generation Camaro Z/28 that houses the LS7.

What’s next?

Usually, the end of one thing usually means the start of something new. Chevrolet currently has their Performance eCrate engine, dropped into a 1977 K5 Blazer-E back in 2020. Chevy has also been working on their racing eCOPO Camaro, but there is nothing as yet as a direct replacement for the LS7. There is of course the likes of the Chevrolet Volt, which has been around since the end of 2010. But, we are looking at engines with a bit more spice.

However, with most countries now legislating with a firm end date to ICE production, most carmakers are scrambling to get regular electric roadgoing vehicles onto the streets. Electric race engines are probably second in line.

It doesn’t seem too far off now where there is a landscape of electric crate engines. Conversion kits for either old or new classics, with the addition of needing a healthy amount of AA batteries to run the things. Cynicism aside, we are still in the early days of electric motor and battery development. By the time we are all forced to run electric engines, the offerings should be mature and tempting enough to warrant the swap.

For instance, the Swedish hypercar guys Koenigsegg have developed a 63 pounds, 335 HP and 443 lb-ft of torque electric engine, dubbed ‘the Quark.’ The unit is designed to run in conjunction with an ICE in a hybrid vehicle, covering the low-speed range. This is due to the electric engine only able to produce the above power levels for roughly 20 seconds. After which power drops to roughly 134 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque. The company is also developing a full EV drive unit from two Quark motors.

In other words, it’s more than likely that smaller and easier-to-fit electric drive units will hit the market in the coming years. Personally, we can’t wait to see what Dodge has in store for 2024, when they plan to release a full-bore electric muscle car.

The post The Chevrolet LS7 and LS427 Engines End, While Electric Accelerates appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Dodge recently announced their Direct Connection performance parts program. The program originally started in 1974, lasting until 1987, when it was then rebranded to Mopar Performance Parts. The re-emergence of the program was due to Dodge seeing the imbalance in the Mopar program between vintage and new parts. Newer vehicles such as Hellcats, Scat Packs, and Redeyes are the modern focus for modifications. Plus, the aim is to bring aftermarket parts back in-house.

The business model is quite simple according to Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. The aftermarket parts industry is a $23 billion sector. This is clearly evident by all the offerings available at the annual SEMA show. Thus, Dodge wants to be a bigger part of the party, while also offering the highest quality parts available.

The other side benefit is to extend the life of current vehicles after electrification comes in. Service and maintenance departments will also have extra revenue streams as maintenance revenue is likely to drop with the increase of electric cars. The Dodge Power Brokers program will train and certify certain staff at dealerships to ensure high standards. Any vehicle that is upgraded at a Power Broker will be treated to a three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The Difference

Direct Connection has identified gaps in the muscle car aftermarket world. Across the board, there has been a lack of transparency and quality from one supplier to the next. Plus, if something goes wrong, the average Dodge dealer may not be able to fix the parts, which hurts customer experience. Therefore, all Direct Connection parts will come with a warranty and fit snugly into current emission standards.

Although the full catalog hasn’t been revealed as yet, tuning kits are available. For instance, the Direct Connection Tuner allows users to download 50-state legal tunes directly from Dodge. The tuner links directly with various ‘kits’ depending on the model.

For example, the Pre-Stage Kit ups the power by 5 HP in Redeye and Hellcat models, while adding a new air cleaner and thermostat to the Redeye. The Stage 1 Kit increases the power of the Challenger Hellcat to 757 HP and 696 lb-ft of torque with a 3.17-inch supercharger pulley from the Hellephant crate engine. The Redeye Stage 1 Kit increases power to 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque in high octane mode, with the addition of new software. Redeye models also have the choice of the Stage 2 Kit, which borrows the Hellephant pulley to increase power to 885 horsepower and 787 lb-ft. of torque.

The above kits are just the starting point. Everything from cylinder heads to Hellcat front fascias will eventually be available. A Challenger Drag Pak racing chassis will also be available. This non-street legal setup will allow customers to build their own drag racing machine, with the capacity to drop in the likes of a Hemi crate engine or a 1000 HP Hellephant 426.

If anyone is concerned the new upgrades can’t be handled by the Dodge powertrain, Dodge has been building their machines for years to take 900 horsepower. So, there’s plenty of room for expansion.

With the slow onslaught of electric vehicles, it may seem counterintuitive to introduce such a program. However, with so many Dodge vehicles out there roaming the streets, there will now be plenty of opportunities now to keep them going for years.

Find out more here https://www.dodge.com/power-broker-direct-connection.html

The post Dodge Direct Connection Will Keeps Cars Going For Years To Come appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Every automotive era has standout examples which define the times. When it comes to the golden era of muscle cars, one of the figureheads is the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6.

The year 1970 was the point in time when muscle cars hit their sweet spot in general. They had the looks, power, performance, street cred, and were relatively affordable to the average guy.

If you’re familiar with the Chevrolet Chevelle or not, this article will hopefully serve as a start point for this standout muscle car and the first one off the block.

A Bit of Background History

In roughly October 1969, Chevrolet decided to produce a car with more oomph than the Corvette. The ‘pilot car’ Chevelle was built on December 9, 1969, rolling out of the Baltimore plant, and into the possession of plant manager Earl Prentice. The build sheet states, ‘pilot car’ and ‘if it had wings it would fly.’ Not a surprise when the thing had 450HP at 5,600 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. Some say the horsepower output was downplayed for insurance purposes, with the real output being around 500HP.

Under the hood is a 454cu.(7.4L) Turbo-Jet LS6 V8, with a forest green metallic paint job, white SS stripes, and a tan interior. The original list price was $3,486, which was quite a climb from the Chevelle’s basic price of $2,719.

Automotive magazines of the day tested the LS6 against the equally reputable HEMI over a quarter-mile. The LS6 had a time of 13.13 seconds at 107.01mph according to the Nov. 1969 issue of Car Craft, while the HEMI did 13.34 seconds at 107.52 according to Superstock and Drag Illustrated December 1969.

The LS6 used the LS5 block with a 800-cfm Holley four-barrel, and 11.25:1 compression pistons. An Air Injection Reactor (A.I.R.) pump was added to comply with new Federal emission standards, which was usually removed by new owners. As regulations continued to squeeze the muscle car market after 1970, the 454 Chevelle and the like represented the last of the unregulated muscle cars.

A Muncie M22 ‘Rock Crusher’ four-speed manual or a three-speed M40 Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with options were available, up to 4.33:1 rear gears.

Auction

Only 4,475 RPO LS6 cars were ever built, making the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 quite the collector’s item. The pilot car underwent a full restoration in 2010 by MuscleCar Restoration & Design, Illinois, who are specialists in this type of thing, bringing the car back to its original condition.

The car went under the hammer on August 21, 2011, at at Russo and Steele, fetching $181,500.
If you want to own a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 these days, you’ll be paying roughly $125,000–$150,000. The pilot car’s worth, far more, if you can ever persuade the present owners to part with the thing.

The restoration process is documented in images over at musclecarrestorationanddesign.com.

The post The Very First 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 Pilot appeared first on Muscle Car.

There are approximately more than 1 million rear-end crashes annually. Unfortunately, a large number of crashes are fatal and cause massive damage to vehicles. Repairing damaged vehicles, especially muscle cars, is very expensive. Vehicles such as Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and the Dodge Challenger are some of the most desired vehicles in the world. They have powerful V8 engines, are attractive and sleek. Moreover, they have been designed for everyday street use and formal and informal drag racing.

Therefore, if you have been rear-ended by a distracted driver and your expensive muscle vehicle is damaged, you need to protect your legal rights with assistance from a car accident lawyer and get compensation to repair the damaged muscle vehicle. Rear-end collisions are caused by reckless driving, driving while drunk and mechanical malfunctions and defects. After being rear-ended, you should;

Check for injuries and damages

You should check yourself for any injuries before getting out of the vehicle. You should also check whether your passengers are okay. After a crash, everyone is usually shaken up, especially if the airbag has deployed. Double-check for injuries.

Don’t admit fault

In many cases, the one at fault is the one who rear-ended the vehicle. However, this is not always the case, especially if a vehicle was reversing, slammed its brakes without warning, or made a risky maneuver. Therefore, never admit fault.

Call the police

If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, call the police. You need to have an accurate record of the incident and an officer will accurately document the scene and file a report.

Take photos

Take a lot of photos of the damages the vehicles sustained and the scene. Since rear-end collisions can cause damages that are not easily visible, you should look for things such as trunk damage, transmission damage, alignment issues, electrical damage, bumper and frame damage.

Exchange information with witnesses and drivers

You should obtain all the relevant information from the parties involved including; full names, addresses of the parties involved, insurance providers of the drivers, and license plate numbers of the drivers involved in the collision. Make sure to write the time, date, and location of the collision and the models, makes, and colors of the vehicles involved.

See a doctor

You may sustain injuries from the collision that may not be noticeable at the time. You should seek medical assistance to check for pain, injuries, or any discomfort. Some unpleasant symptoms of rear-end collisions include dizziness, fatigue, headache, whiplash, neck stiffness, numbness of certain body parts, and loss of motion.

Notify your insurance agent

After reporting the collision to the relevant authorities, you should notify your insurance company within the stipulated timeline in the policy. When talking to them, don’t assume blame and allow them to record the call.

Conclusion
Rear-end crashes are very common. If you have been involved in a rear-end collision (especially one involving a heavy-duty muscle vehicle), you should check for injuries, call the police and take photos and videos. You should also exchange relevant information with the parties involved, see a doctor, notify your insurance company about the collision and reach out to a qualified attorney for legal assistance. You will get fair compensation if you work with the best attorneys.

The post Muscle Cars: Rear-Ended by a Distracted Driver? appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

Muscle cars have always been collectible assets, well….sort of. From the golden era of the 1960s and early 1970s to the present day, there have always been standout examples. Current muscle car valuations continue to increase, and with the latest news of Dodge turning electric in 2024, gas-powered engines are bound to become more scarce and collectible.

The future for V8 powered Muscle Cars

The next 5 to 10 years is going to be a very surreal time for V8-powered muscle cars. Whatever happens with legislation, cars that are powered by the good old tried and tested dinosaur juice, will slowly disappear off the roads. This most likely will mean people will be offloading their gas-powered vehicles for those battery-powered thingies. This might include the classics, as it will simply cost more to own and run the things.

According to Hagerty’s pricing index Jan. 2011 was the lowest value point of muscle cars in the last 10 years. Current muscle car values seem to be the highest. The coronavirus years saw a slump in muscle car values, with 2021 bringing everything back up to speed. We recommend keeping an eye on Haggerty’s index and the values of certain models in the coming years. This along with car price listings in general.

The Tastiest Muscle Car Investments

If we eerr on the idea of muscle cars steadily increasing in value long-term, what are the choice picks you may ask. This will depend on if you fancy an old classic or a more recent model. Limited editions and rare option models are a good starting point, but not always set in stone.

There always has to be a good deal of demand for certain makes and models for their value to constantly increase. If you own a vehicle that is only one of 5 examples on the planet, but nobody wants them, it’s worthless (…that’s until somebody makes a FaceTube video about them, then the price skyrockets).

Modern Muscle Cars

The more well-known, rare optioned makes and models of muscle cars usually perform the best over time. The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was one of the most recent, high-profile, modern collector’s items with only 3,300 models produced. With over 840HP, the Demon has instant street cred. if nothing else. The original sales price of the Dodge Demon was $84,995 MSRP. In 2021, the value of a Dodge Demon is now around $120,000 to $140,000.

Another example is the Cadillac CTS-V Wagon. It may be a fancy station wagon with a V8 engine, but it packs 556HP, and there were only 514 stickshift models ever made. You can pick an example up today for roughly $50,000, with values likely to increase over time.

Other modern examples include the 2010 Ford Mustang GT Roush Stage 3 with a 4.6-liter supercharged V8 and a 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 with an 8.3-liter V10.

Classic Muscle Cars

You can judge this era from roughly 1968-1974. The current stars of this period go to Hemi Cuda convertibles, increasing in value by 79%. 1970 Buick GS455 convertibles have risen 20% in value, along with 1964 Impala SS 409 convertibles rising by 52%. The commonality here is convertibles as they were made in far fewer numbers.

Other makes and models are slowly increasing in value, including likely candidates like the 1967-69 Chevrolet Camaro SS and 1968-67 Dodge Charger R/T’s. The former went up 14% and the latter increasing by 28% in value.

If we stick with the criteria of the more well-known, limited edition/options, and obviously coolness factor, there are plenty of muscle cars to choose from in the classic era. A 1974 AMC Javelin AMX coupe with a 304cid V8 is not the most obvious choice, but for fans, a highly collectible model.

You can’t go wrong with a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS or even a 1970 example for sheer brutishness. The Chevelle SS is more than just an investment piece. It represents an example from the height of the golden muscle car era – huge displacement, and sheer raw fun.

Other examples to keep an eye on include the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Super Cobra Jet, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS, 1970 Plymouth AAR ‘Cuda, 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS, 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS(basically a Chevelle SS with more fun at the rear), a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS, and a 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. All these examples are slowly rising in value.

We obviously can’t forget the numerous Ford Mustang, which may be the easiest to get hold of in its basic model form. The Mustang is probably the easiest entry point to collecting classic muscle/pony cars, but just make sure you buy a well-maintained example, with ideally a complete history, and something like a Marti Report to prove its authenticity.

Which muscle car should I pick?

Ultimately, a muscle car investment will come down to your current budget, then which one tickles your fancy. With a little research from our humble little website and the likes of Haggerty, you can quickly get an idea if a certain muscle car is going to keep climbing in value.

The examples above will give you a good start point, but you still have to do your own research, especially if you want a snag a low-cost example.

The post Now Could Be The Best Time To Invest In A Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

Dodge is currently in the process of solidifying their performance credentials within Stellantis. The new two-year plan, titled ‘Never Lift’ will see more than one major product announcement every three months, kicking off with the return of the ‘Direct Connection performance parts’ program.

The ‘Direct Connection performance parts’ program has been in and out of vogue since Chrysler first introduced the idea in 1974. The initial concept was to offer upgraded parts for Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth vehicles. The concept eventually morphed into what we know today as Mopar, but has also reared its head in the past via the 2018 SRT Demon, with the option of a Direct Connection powertrain controller.

A network of specialist dealerships titled the ‘powerbrokers network of specialist dealerships’ will handle all the parts and advice-giving if you want to use your machine on either the track or the street. The trackside of things will be well catered for, with platforms available to build your own drag racer. For example, tuning kits are available to boost a Hellcat by 100hp.

The new scheme will take over from where Mopar performance parts left off, but the Mopar brand will still be used as part of the Jeep performance parts arena.

As per the title of this post, the main carrot dangler here is to find a likely candidate who will be paid $150,000 to drive a Hellcat for a year and become a brand ambassador. Dodge will also be giving away 25 vehicles, involving celebrity types to help promote the brand.
You
The new program hopes to start hitting the shelves by December 15, 2021, with full brand ambassador details hitting the shelves by January 12.

The post Dodge To Pay $150,000 To A Hellcat Driver Thru. The Performance Parts Program appeared first on Muscle Car.

The original muscle car was the Oldsmobile Rocket 88, which hit the streets in 1949. While there have been some periods where it looked like the muscle car was going extinct, they’ve always come back stronger than ever.

Let’s look at 3 of the best modern muscle cars available right now.

What Are Muscle Cars?

While the first muscle car debuted in 1949, the term itself wouldn’t show up until the 1960s when Pontiac described the 1964 GTO as a “muscle car.” The term quickly caught on and was used for all brands of vehicles.

At its core, a muscle car is an intermediate-sized vehicle with a powerful engine, usually a V8. Traditionally, muscle cars were American-made but there’s some debate over that point.

One of the nice things about muscle cars is that you can easily get parts from a source like redlineautoparts.com. That’s just not possible with a lot of “supercars” with this kind of performance like Porsche or Ferrari.

1. Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R

The Mustang is one of the original muscle cars and Carroll Shelby’s versions were even higher-performance than the factory models. Ford and Shelby had their ups and downs since then but they’ve been working together again for several years.

The modern GT350R is one of the most powerful Mustangs to ever hit the pavement. Its 5.2-liter V8 generates 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The “R” in its name means it was designed for racing, with carbon fiber components throughout. The combination gives it a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds and a quick 12.5-second quarter-mile.

2. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

We couldn’t mention the Mustang without including its arch-rival, the Chevrolet Camaro. The Camaro is another genre-defining vehicle from the 1960s.

The modern ZL1 version sports a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that generates a whopping 650 pound-feet of torque plus a matching 650 horsepower. It bests the Mustang GT350R with a 3.5-second 0-60 time and only 11.4 seconds for the quarter-mile.

3. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

To complete the trifecta of the big three brands of muscle cars from the 1960s, we’ve got the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Dodge has several high-performance versions of the Challenger but the Demon is the most extreme muscle car to ever come straight from the factory.

The SRT Demon sports a 6.2-liter turbocharged engine that’s also equipped with a 2.7-liter supercharger. The combination produces 840 horsepower — enough to need a special type of drag radial road tires.

This monster can go from 0 to 60 in only 2.3 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in only 9.65 seconds, hitting 140 miles per hour in the process.

Modern Muscle Cars Might Be the Best Ever

While purists might tell you the 1960s were the golden age of the muscle car, that’s definitely up for debate. Modern muscle cars are faster, more powerful, and more comfortable to drive than anything in those early years. That’s pretty hard to beat.

Check out the rest of our site for more articles about muscle cars — modern and classic.

The post 3 Modern Muscle Cars You’re Going to Love Driving appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

While I was performing my usual sifting through the media for gems of muscle car news, I came across an interesting post on ‘Road Violence.’ The first bit of rhetoric I read seemed like a genuine concern for road safety. However, as night follows day, muscle cars as a niche seemed to be the bull’s-eye or figurehead of the debate. Hmmm……

The articles in question are over at usa.streetsblog.org (links to the articles at the bottom of this page). The post on traffic violence and why do we need to talk about it, seems to point the finger at not only car owners, but also the planners and designers of the whole highway system. In other words, the vehicles and the whole infrastructure needs to be scrutinized to make them as safe as possible. A fair point that most wouldn’t disagree with.

However, the article that really tweaked my onions was the one concerning, ‘Muscle-Car Makers Market Mayhem.’ It basically outlines how the Dodge Charger advertises its vehicles with the aim of road recklessness. The article starts with how a 20-year-old woman in Brooklyn was run down and killed by a drag racer driving a Dodge Charger. At the end of the article the message wants tighter regulations on the message of ‘performance’ and when it is advertised, the terms ‘Closed Course,’ ‘Professional Driver,’ ‘Do not attempt,’ don’t go far enough.

The people, not the machines

However neutral an opinion tries to be, it is still generally one-sided. We try to be impartial, but we are obviously all in favor of promoting muscle cars. The same goes for the mentioned articles in question. This is made clear by the Tweet below, with the headline ‘road violence, by Dodge.’

Road Violence
By Dodge. https://t.co/fclr0aEVOK pic.twitter.com/hP6RTXyvgk

— Tom Flood (@TomFloodOne) August 5, 2021

On our side of the fence, that headline is clearly stating Dodge is promoting road violence. Obviously, nothing could be further from the truth.

Dodge and the other muscle car makers know their market. They know their past history. Performance and the want to go ever faster is human nature, not just reserved to automobiles. Any machine us humans use to travel is usually marketed as more efficient than the rest, bigger, faster, and more powerful than ever before. It’s just that muscle cars are unapologetic about this message as they have a competitive history in motorsport.

A modern, top-of-the-range EV vehicle still markets performance numbers down to the milliseconds, while also being wholeheartedly accepted by the eco. crowd. But it seems that eventually, any vehicle is going to come under the banner of a tool for road violence. Especially those that promote performance.

Which for me seems to all lead to a message of complete corrective behavior is needed for anyone who drives a roadgoing vehicle and a complete overhaul of the highway and traffic system. Safer vehicles and safer streets is a worthwhile message, especially poignant to those who have lost loved ones to traffic accidents.

Any roadgoing vehicle is a potential hazard. No wonder the very first roadgoing cars had people running in front of them with flags to warn of their arrival. But we’re really discussing here why muscle cars shouldn’t be used as the figurehead for the campaign. An easy target, but in that sense so should large passenger vehicles, supercars, buses, or basically any roadgoing vehicle that can go over 20mph.

An article over at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24302480/ outlines the rates of intentionally caused road crash deaths of US citizens abroad. The article concludes with the leading cause of non-natural deaths in US travelers abroad being road crashes. The highest numbers were in Southeast Asia from motorcycle crashes. This seems to show again it’s the machines, not just the state of mental behavior or intent.

Is it only Road rage?

Anybody who has driven a car for years has experienced this heightened sense of emotion. No matter the performance of the given car, most of us have lost the plot to some extent behind the wheel. This can range from mouthing obscenities under your breath then moving on, to acting out the anger.

Driving any vehicle requires a heightened sense of awareness and emotion. Keeping one ton of metal on a steady path requires focused concentration. We are all generally pretty good at keeping the reins tight, but there will always be those examples of individuals who lose the plot, on two or four wheels.

Bad terminology

An article at reason.org https://reason.org/commentary/are-they-traffic-accidents-or-acts-of-traffic-violence/ written by Robert Poole, director of transportation policy and Searle Freedom Trust Transportation Fellow at Reason Foundation, outlines, ‘We all want to reduce the number of traffic fatalities, but over-the-top rhetoric that seeks to label traffic accidents as acts of intentional traffic violence isn’t the path to better or safer transportation policy.’

The terminology of Road or traffic Violence is a great one for recruitment, but it does smack too much of people intentionally wanting to use their vehicles for violence. As in the article stated above, this being aimed squarely at the Dodge Charger.

Conclusion

We see the article ‘Muscle-Car Makers Market Mayhem’ as too much finger-pointing to muscle cars eventually leading to road violence. This obviously is not true. That’s unless you don’t understand what the vehicles represent, their past history, and general ethos. I also can’t help but think that it doesn’t give humans the benefit of the doubt that they can’t separate out fact from fiction.

Let’s take an obvious example. We recently featured the video put out by Dodge to celebrate Talladega Nights 15th Birthday. Reese Bobby proclaims, ‘The most powerful force in the universe is love……No it’s not, it’s hot, nasty, badass speed.’
Anybody with a semblance of intelligence will see this as an over the top, nod to the movie, not a literal statement. Unless you’re extremely unhinged, it’s doubtful the video will inspire anyone to throw dynamite into a fireworks display, smash through barriers and continually perform burnouts(tires cost money).

But, you could also argue the ethos and underlying message of road violence is there. We think not.
Just like in the eighties when the PMRC tried to regulate and ban certain musicians for their lyrical content. The majority could differentiate between entertainment and real-life, without the need for a Big Brother telling us what was influential or not. A blanket, Big Brother approach may have good intentions, but it rarely works in reality.

With ever-increasing populations and car numbers, road safety has to be constantly addressed. But please don’t point the finger at the small niche of muscle cars. There will always be examples of people using any car the wrong way. However, the majority who have the money to afford a muscle car will generally have the sense of how to use them properly.

Constantly improve the highway system, make cars ever safer, but don’t penalized muscle cars. Just because they have the potential for speed and performance, doesn’t mean in everybody’s hands they lead to any type of violence.

https://usa.streetsblog.org/2021/05/03/what-traffic-violence-is-and-why-we-need-to-talk-about-it/
https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2021/08/16/opinion-muscle-car-makers-market-mayhem/

We would love to hear your opinions on the subject in the comments below.

The post OPINION: Do Muscle Cars Really Lead To Road Violence?? appeared first on Muscle Car.

by Dave Ashton

Normally, the news of Dodge releasing an all-new muscle car is followed by subsequent dancing in the streets. When Dodge announced a few days ago they are planning to release their first full battery electric muscle car in 2024, the news was met like hearing Metallica wanting to change musical direction and only play Indonesian throat music from now on. The end results are going to sound great, but it’s not exactly the direction we all want.

What the terrible analogy above doesn’t sum up is Dodge doesn’t really have a choice in their change of direction. Governments and all legislators are gearing up for a full EV takeover of the world. In this future landscape, it’s a matter of develop for the future or be left behind.

What is a E-Muscle Car?

At this point, most muscle car fans would answer, ‘an aberration’ or words to that effect. The sentiment is very much justified when you consider over 50 years of V8 performance is behind the breed. It’s a bit like Fender scrapping the classic Stratocaster guitar, which has been around since the 1950s, and from now on only making a flashy, synthesizer version. It all feels a bit wrong.

However, Dodge knows their market and their back history. Horsepower, straight-line speed, and a mechanical structure that is easy to upgrade… at least in the golden era cars. Large displacement engines, coupled with superchargers and rear-wheel drive provide a distinctive driving sensation. Burnouts are also a prerequisite.

A muscle car also needs to be tweakable. It’s part of the heritage. While most modern muscle cars need a trip to the shop for upgrades due to all the newfangled electronics, customization is key. An electric muscle car that can be easily upgraded could be a winning platform. If you take a look at present-day electric vehicles, you get what you are given, with nearly zero upgradability.

While the E-Muscle car template is still being thrashed out, which could revitalize the sector, it’s likely classic muscle car names will make a comeback. Think Dodge Daytona, Super Bee, or even some Plymouth nameplates like the Roadrunner. We’re guessing it’s the names that sounds the best with ‘E’ before or after it that will win through. As for muscle car like sounds and vibes, I think Dodge will have to have a chat with the EDM(electronic dance music for all the oldies) guys for the best ways to reproduce sub-bass frequencies and rumble.

Car Buyers Are Still Sceptical About Electric

It’s not just muscle car fans that are chin-scratching over this whole electric car thing. An article over at the BBC website with the boss of Ford UK, Lisa Brankin, says the switch from petrol and diesel to electric is, ‘a real challenge.’

‘We did a survey looking at customer attitudes and we saw that just over 10% of customers were actively considering a battery electric vehicle as their next purchase.’ Brankin goes on to say, ‘Most other people were still concerned about a number of things – range, the charging infrastructure, the lack of information available to customers and obviously the price as well.’

Ford are one of the biggest sellers of vehicles over the pond, and say governments need to provide far more help for when the proposed ban on sales of ICE engines come in by 2030.

So, back to the initial question, can Dodge build the ultimate E-muscle car? Yes, but no matter how good it is, there will always be critics. Whatever comes out will be refined and tweaked over the years to better suit what is expected of an E-muscle car. This doesn’t mean the end of V8-powered machines and the ability to drive them, but rather more options to choose from in the future.

As we have stated before, ICE engines will still be on the roads for decades to come, maybe under special licenses, but they will still be around. So even in 2024, this is not the death cry for the V8 muscle car, but think of it as just a change in direction. This is little consolation for the longtime muscle car fan, but we have no other choice but to look on the bright side and see the new era as ushering in new possibilities.

The post Can Dodge Make the Ultimate E-Muscle Car? appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

It’s now official. Dodge will release some form of electric muscle car in 2024.
Dodge kept their latest news low-key until announcement day. But that didn’t stop everyone from trying to second guess all the whys and wherefores.

Most predicted some form of roadmap for electric muscle cars moving forward, and they were mostly correct. Stellantis, the parent company to Dodge, labeled their announcements under the heading ‘EV Day.’ All the information was presented by Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, accompanied by a bunch of teaser videos(see below), and the seismic news of the first electric muscle car in 2024.

What We Do Know…

While the information in the presentation was sparse, easter eggs abound. There may be four different EV platforms, with one being assigned to future Dodge muscle cars. There are also two new slogans, ‘Dodge will not sell electric cars, it will sell eMuscle,’ and ‘Tear up the streets…Not the planet.’

The comment by Tim Kuniskis, ‘charger making a Charger quicker’ was also quite revealing. A 1968 Hemi Charger accompanied this stage of the presentation with what looks like the outlines of a mid-nineteen sixties Dodge Charger, for the future design. This gently points out the Charger being the possible first all-electric eMuscle car. All four wheels are spinning on the teased concept car in the video, implying four-wheel drive.

The presentation also revealed that RAM will get a full-electric battery makeover by 2024. At this point, the predictions are that low emission vehicles will make up 40% of US sales by 2030. These vehicles could also include hybrids and plug-in hybrids, along with fully electric vehicles.

Something Electric Is Coming Our Way…

Most muscle car fans have been speculating how Dodge will enter the electric vehicle arms race. The previous parent company of Dodge, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), had no official roadmap for electrification. However, in the new hands of Stellantis, it now seems full steam ahead, just without the steam.

Tim Kuniskis said, “we are reaching a practical limit of what we can squeeze from internal-combustion innovation,” which could imply future muscle cars being even more powerful than the Dodge Demon. But the latest news also echoes the fact that Dodge doesn’t want to be left behind in what will be the next chapter of the muscle car story.

As with other industries that went through a monumental change in technology, it’s better to flow with the changes. The camera industry going from film to digital has plenty of examples of those that weathered the changes, and those that didn’t.

The feedback…

Change is inevitable, but large changes are always uncomfortable. The move from V8 power to electric motors is going to have mixed blessings across the board.

Sifting through some of the comments from other news outlets, many are still firmly on the side of ICE engines. Some say a fast hybrid would be a better option. Others see the way this is all going and are just waiting for the final results.

One thing’s for sure, Dodge isn’t going to produce a wimpy, around town, grocery-getter vehicle. Be it some form of Charger or Challenger, the first all-electric muscle car should be ridiculously powerful. We have a few years to wait, but the end results are sure to impress.

The post Dodge Tease EV Muscle Car For 2024 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The current crop of high-end muscle cars is steadily creeping towards the 1,000 horsepower mark, but Shelby broke the barrier back in 2012 with the Shelby 1000. The street-legal version made 950hp on pump gas, while the track-ready variant with pump gas made 1100hp. The last versions of the car were only built for the track, which makes sense if you want to lay down the full extent of its power. However, if you do want a roadgoing version, you’ll have to make do with an upgraded GT350.

Under the Hood

The basic template of the Shelby 1000 was the S550 Mustang GT, utilizing a 5.2-liter Aluminator V8, and a 4.5-liter Whipple supercharger. A 90° crank and cylinder heads came from the GT350, with additional upgrades including a tweaked ECU, high flow fuel system, enhance manual transmission unit, and intercooler.

The 2012-2014 versions were based on the Ford Shelby GT500 with a 5.8L V8. To handle all the extra power, nearly every component needed to be upgraded. Aspects such as new CV joints and heavy-duty half shafts were installed, along with a completely new suspension, with tubular adjustable upper and lower control arms and coil overs. The car stuck to the ground with 10 and 12 inch forged wheels, with the addition of 20-inch sticky tires for good measure.

The design of the machine at first glance looks more or less stock, but a full body kit has been woven into the complete design. An upgraded front fascia was added, along with a new hood, front fenders, quarter panels, rockers, rear diffuser, and widened front and rear tracks.

Only 50 examples of the Shelby 1000 will be birthed each year, and with a price tag of $169,995, not including the price of the donor car, only serious buyers should apply.

Drive the Shelby 1000 Virtually

It’s obviously not going to be the same as driving the real thing, but you have the chance to sling the Shelby 1000 round a track via the Forza Horizon 4 game. The car is apparently available by completing the seasonal championship, ‘Shelby Coming Round the Mountain.’

If you want to buy one of these Shelby 1000’s on the used market, you will have to keep your eyes peeled as they don’t pop up for sale very often. After a quick search online, we found one that had sold on Jan 11, 2020 via Mecum for $165,000 with only 968 miles on the clock. If you want to check out this particular listing, visit the link here.

The post Shelby 1000: Highest Powered Production Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

We recently reported how the new Stellantis group is to disseminate the SRT team into the various branches of the company. Initially, this was bad news for all Dodge/SRT fans, but it seems that the shift is more a re-organization of the team. The Street and racing technology department may no longer exist, but all the engineers will be retained and incorporated into the Stellantis global engineering division. They will also work on future SRT models.

The new Stellantis group is well aware of the heritage of SRT, meaning we will continue to see the SRT badge in the future. The integration of the SRT team also means that their performance know-how is a valued asset. Moving forward, we could see the SRT badge or at least the technologies on any of the 14 car brands under the new umbrella.

The SRT Story

The SRT division has been in existence in one form or another since its inception in 1989. One of the standout developments was the Dodge Viper, with other notable vehicles including the Dodge Neon SRT-4, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, Plymouth Prowler, and Ram 1500 TRX. The SRT badge became its own brand in 2011 but went back to being a development team in 2014.

The SRT Future

Luckily, Carlos Tavares Stellantis chief executive officer is a keen racer and supporter of performance vehicles. This means that Dodge and SRT will likely continue their performance heritage. However, echoing recent words from Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, the future of muscle cars is most likely to be electric.

This doesn’t mean that the Hellcat V8 engine is going away anytime soon. And at the least, we have some reassurance that Dodge and the SRT brand are here to stay. stay tuned for future updates….

The post Stellantis SRT To Still Make Performance Models appeared first on Muscle Car.

We all love our cars, but there’s nothing quite like listening to the roar of a classic muscle car as you put the pedal to the metal and tear down the highway. There are plenty of options available on the market, from collector’s pieces that look like new to project cars that will need a lot of TLC before they’re ready to drive. That is, if you can restore them to street legality at all. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and make a mistake or find yourself drowning in a sea of choices.

If you’re looking to buy your first classic muscle car, here are a few things you should remember during the process.

Choose Your Seller

When you’re buying a classic muscle car, the first thing you need to do is choose your seller. You’ve got three options to choose from, each with their own pros and cons — private sellers, dealerships and auctions.

You can find some great deals when working with a private seller, especially if you luck into a meeting with someone who doesn’t know what they’ve got. There is also the potential for malice there, though, so you need to be careful and ensure you’re getting the most for your money.

Auctions might have the best prices, but you won’t have a chance to inspect your vehicle or take it for a test drive before you sign on the dotted line. Dealerships will be the most expensive, but you’ll have a better selection and maybe even a warranty if the dealership has restored the car to its former glory.

Have the Vehicle Inspected

No matter what type of seller you choose, you should invest in a comprehensive inspection to ensure everything is in working order and there are no unexpected surprises waiting to sneak up and bite you. Choose a mechanic you trust — one who doesn’t have any affiliation with your seller so there’s no bias. If you’re not sure where to start, hunt down a checklist so you know what to look for.

Don’t Expect to Make Money on It

Classic muscle cars are an investment, but unless you’re very smart or lucky, they’re not generally something you’ll make money from. Buy your first classic muscle car for the joy of owning and driving it. If at some future point, you decide you want to start flipping cars for money, that is entirely up to you, but your first classic car should be about the love of the automobile itself.

Think About Storage

If you’re bringing home a classic car, the last thing you want to do is park it on the street or on your driveway — especially if you get your hands on a collector’s item. Classic cars don’t have all the fancy modern security measures you’ll find on newer models, making them easier to steal. They’re a popular target for casual car thieves. Those same thieves aren’t looking to add breaking and entering to their record, so parking it inside will discourage most burglars.

If you’re not going to drive your classic car every day, consider investing in a lift to get it off the ground. This will clear up room in your garage and help protect your car from humidity and other elements that could damage it.

Do Your Research

Buying a classic car isn’t like going to your dealership to bring home the newest model. You need to do plenty of research — from looking up the previous owners to repair histories and even accident records. You can often do this by checking the vehicle identification number (VIN) or other identifying numbers and matching them up with the digits stamped into the engine block, transmission or sometimes the differential.

It might take a bit of time, but rushing through your research could leave you with a rust bucket that you’ll have to keep pouring money into just to keep it on the road.

Enjoy Your First Classic Muscle Car

Hunting for your first classic muscle car might seem like a challenge with all the available options on the market, but taking a few extra steps can help you find the perfect vehicle to start your collection. Choose your seller wisely, avoid skimping on inspections and test drives and make sure you have a safe place to store your car to protect it.

Owning a classic muscle car is a rite of passage for automotive enthusiasts, so don’t let all the options and the threat of malicious sellers peddling lemons scare you away from making that iconic first purchase. Take the time to search for the perfect first car to start your collection, and avoid buying the first vehicle that crosses your path. When you practice patience, the perfect car will come to you.

The post The First-Timer’s Guide to Buying a Classic Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

Who hasn’t admired an old lovely classic mustang with its inviting interiors and head-turning exteriors and sheer raw horsepower and thought of owning one?

Well, classic mustang lovers, finding one and lovingly restoring it back to life means owning your dream car.

However, restoring a classic mustang can be both nerve-racking and exciting at the same time. The exciting part includes restoring your dream car to fit your personality and taste. Yet, it can be unsettling if the final product does not turn as you visualized.

Regardless of your motivation for restoring a classic mustang car, it truly is a labor of love. You need time, skills, and good Mustang car parts. 

So here are the top 7 things to consider when restoring a classic mustang.

1. Do you have a plan and a goal?

Restoring a mustang car needs a realistic budget, proper planning, real commitment, and brutal self-honesty. 

Write down a detailed plan with realistic and achievable goals. 

Follow a logical process starting with productive teardown, cataloging, and final detailing.

Never kid yourself that you can start a restoration process without a proper plan in place.

Lack of self-discipline and impulsiveness will cause your project to go off the rails. With unrealistic goals, be prepared to become emotionally derailed and disillusioned.  You will experience satisfaction when a restoration milestone is crossed.

Remember, if your spirit is beaten mid-restoration, getting back in the saddle becomes a challenge. So plan well and stick to your schedule.

1. The technical library

Regardless of whether the restoration project is DIY or being done by professionals, build a good technical library containing restoration books, magazines, and the owner’s manual.  

The reproduction factory assembly manual book by Jim Osborn is a perfect example, and the Mustang Recognition Guide written by California Mustang provides great insight into the restoration process.  

These books will provide much-needed guidance, thus preventing simple mistakes or wrong assumptions that can cause significant issues leading to poor results. 

So, before undertaking any step, read, re-read, and refer to your technical library regularly so you are well-versed with the nitty-gritty of your mustang.

1. What type of restoration are you going for?

When restoring your mustang, have a clear vision of the type of restoration you want; some processes are cheaper than others. 

Understand your needs and choose from these four major types of a classic mustang car restoration:

• Driver Restoration– This is a basic type of enhancement car, and it includes restoring the mustang to an operational level. Under this level, you can fix minor cosmetic issues.
• Street Show Restoration– Under this level, the owner restores and makes the car operational again and fixes the major and minor cosmetic problems.
• Show Car Restoration – This is a level that requires professional repairs since your car will undergo major improvement and repair works. Once restored, the owner may display the car in classic car exhibitions and shows. However, you won’t be able to take your mustang for long drives.
• Concourse Restoration– This the highest, most difficult to maintain, and the most expensive restoration level. This level is ideal for cars placed in exclusive classic and private collections auto shows. It’s a restoration process project undertaken by professionals, and owners aren’t allowed to drive the car.

1. Consider car part sources/upgrade of equipment

Ensure you have a reliable and genuine place you can source mustang car parts. 

Your car replacement should fit perfectly and, if possible, go for original parts. Using original parts is one way of making your mustang look as authentic as possible. However, they are pricey. Alternatively, reuse, refurbish, or repair the existing components.

Although you may use existing parts, it’s advisable to upgrade and add certain gear with the newer, better versions.

First, you should upgrade the safety equipment to include airbags and high standards seat belts. Additionally, you may upgrade or add a radio, spark plugs, air filters, hoses, brake lines, electronics systems, AC, and other things that will make your classic car safer, more functional, and comfortable.

1. Personality vs. Originality

Well, while restoration purists would love to bring back the car to its originality, but for many Mustang lovers, it’s all about a mixture of personality and own flair.

In case you plan on selling the mustang soon after restoration, you may choose to go strictly with originality from the exhaust tailpipe to the gear stick. Originality will surely fetch a higher price. But keep in mind you can be stuck  with the car for years before finding a buyer.

With this in mind, it’s advisable to restore your mustang by injecting your personal touches to please you and not your next buyer. So, modify your mustang using your favorite design and colors that fit your personality over the car pre-assigned original appearance.

1. Mechanical considerations 

Assuming you have acquired a good fixer-upper mustang, found the right tools, chosen the ideal style and design, and have money and time to restore it from hood to trunk, it’s time to consider the mechanical work required to restore it to a showroom shine and charm by dealing with:

• Paintwork and body repair

Many old classic cars share a common problem; damaged bodywork and paint. Even well looked after mustangs tend to have faded paintwork and damages in the forms of dinks or rust spots.

For satisfying results, tackle the paint and body restoration work head-on. Avoid any shortcuts when it comes to restoring body panels and paintwork.  

Finish off your body panel work and dress it to impress by applying a ceramic coating to give your mustang stronger protection.

Remember, paintwork, and body repair work requires patience and resources.

• Seized components

When most car parts remain unused, they start to seize due to decay and corrosion.

For example, brakes may seize after staying unused, if the previous owner didn’t fully drain the brake fluid before storing the car. 

As such, ensure you replace and repair the moving parts if your car was stagnant for over two years.

• Electrics

Your mustang car battery will go flat within four weeks and even less during winter without regular charging.

When buying a dormant car left in the storing yard for over three months, you will need to replace the battery and other electrical components.

Check out the car wiring systems as wires degrade over time, especially when exposed to moisture, and mice can also chew on internal cables. 

Exposed electrical components and wiring may cause short-circuits and system failure.

1.  The tiny details

In classic car modification, small details, regardless of how miniature they may seem, are significant in turning it into a dreamy, eye-catching ride. 

For example, putting the correct door-lock button will boost its appeal. Moreover, it will also help in avoiding certain inconveniences like having to lock the door manually.

Paying attention to the smallest details will ensure your restored mustang stands out.

So, ready to embark on a Mustang restoration project?

Embarking in a mustang restoration project is fun but please keep in mind setbacks will occur, so have a realistic view of how long and how much it may take. Be flexible and embrace the hiccups as part of the restoration project and incorporate them into your plan.

Enjoy the excitement that comes with restoring your mustang and the outcome but remember it should be a labor of love, so be in it for the long haul. It’s tough but satisfying work.

Author: Ann Ritah

The post 7 things to consider when restoring a classic Mustang appeared first on Muscle Car.

Current affairs over the last few months in the muscle car world haven’t exactly been running like a nitrous fuelled monster down the dragstrip. But neither have things ground to a halt. Muscle car prices have remained buoyant and the sale of plenty of classics come to mind.

Fast and Furious

Up for sale through the auction house Lloyds, is a rather tasty 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS as featured in the Fast and the Furious 4. This prime example from arguably the best year in the golden age of muscle cars was driven by Mr Vincent Petrol himself and was apparently the principal car used while shooting.

At the time of writing, the current bid is only at $42,500, but the final sale price is expected to reach six figures. The vehicle itself was imported from the US to Australia by the current owner in 2012 and comes with a Universal Studio certificate to prove its title. Although it is an SS model, it doesn’t come with the full-blown 454ci, but rather a 350 V8, which is not too bad as a movie car. It also has a four speed manual transmission, Willwood brakes, Hotchkis suspension, alloy wheels and the bonnet is signed by Paul Walker’s brother Cody Walker in April 2015.

If you want to dive into the bidding, there’s currently 2 1/2 days left at the time of writing. You can find out more about the auction and the vehicle here.

Top-10 quickest muscle cars of 1970

As we are already in 1970, it’s worth noting some of the quickest muscle cars from that year as recorded by their dragstrip times from publications of the period. The little video below documents the best cars from the period and how well they did over a quarter mile spans.

All the cars featured were factory spec. tuned and ran on bias-ply street tires, with some notable examples coming from the Brothers Collection. For those in the know, the results are hardly surprising. But for everybody else, the video is worth checking out just to see how much horsepower and torque these things could muster up back in the day.

Cash off the new Dodge Super Stock

The Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock proves that Dodge are far from done when it comes to producing ridiculously high-powered muscle cars with a tried and trusted template. The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 monster which can produce 807-horsepower and crosses the best sensibilities of the Hellcat and Demon, should be eligible for the ‘$10 per horsepower’ rebate which has been graced to the rest of the Challenger lineup.

This translates to a $8,070 deal, with the possibilities of a 0% APR incentive over 72 months, but you have to choose either one or the other. For a vehicle that can spit out a quarter mile in 10.5 seconds at 131mph, do a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 168mph, even without the incentives it’s a great price for all that power.

The post The Fastest Muscle Car for sale and The Super Stock Dodge Rebate appeared first on Muscle Car.

Are you in possession of a classic 1967 Pontiac GTO? Is a Dodge Charger R/T sitting prettily in your garage? How often do you take your 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda out for some fresh air?

More importantly, do you know exactly how to take care of these marvelous muscle cars?

From basic cleaning tips to classic car restoration services, read on and find out how you can max out the pleasure of owning and driving one of the beastliest hot rods on the planet.

Muscle Car Maintenance 101

Muscle cars are a popular choice for classic car lovers. These were highly popular in the ‘60s with their attractive visage, affordable price tag, and oh-so-powerful performance.

While there are differing opinions in the motoring community as to how a muscle car is defined, it typically refers to an American-made, two-door, rear-wheel drive, compact or midsize car that carries a V8 engine.

Muscle cars can start with around 270 hp, but can zoom around powered by a little over 800 horses. These can accelerate from 0 to 60 in as little as 3.4 seconds and can reach a dizzying 204 miles per hour (as in the case of the 2017 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat).

Because of their speed and performance, muscle cars were also used as informal drag racing vehicles while still maintaining street-legal credibility.

As global fuel prices rose, safety legislation became stricter, auto insurance companies began to charge more, and awareness about the effects of cars on the environment began to take the stage, the muscle car industry started to slow down.

Thanks to technology (and perhaps the passion for performance vehicles), several car companies started revving their muscle car machines and started to unleash these automotive beasts back to the hands of muscle car enthusiasts.

These days, you can see muscle car aficionados putting their modern muscle machines through their paces or cruising down to their membership resort for a leisurely Friday brunch with friends.

With such an illustrious history behind this breed, most owners take extra care in their use, storage, and maintenance. If you don’t want to lag behind and get stuck with a rusty old heap of metal, then you’d better wisen up and follow these classic muscle car maintenance tips:

1. Clean, clean, clean

Rust is considered a muscle car’s kryptonite. You don’t want to ignore some rusty part because it can spread and eventually cripple your car’s looks and performance. To avoid this, it is best to be very thorough when cleaning your vehicle.

Make sure to clean your car after each drive. Wash, wipe or vacuum away all visible dirt from both the interior and exterior of the car. Give extra attention to its underbelly, engine, and wheels. When it’s in storage, you still need to make sure that you clean it to avoid dust and grime from piling up. Car floor mats add beauty to the interior of the vehicle, but they also get more of the dirt that sticks to the bottom of your shoes than any other. It is also prone to spilled food and drinks, so you have to thoroughly clean it as well.

If you notice that the muscle car has scratches on it, you might also want to know about touch up paints that are affordable and avoid extra fees if you have someone do your car’s paint. Touch up paints save you time since you can do it yourself.

Better yet, it is best to bring it to a reputable car care center. There, you are assured that your classic or modern muscle car will be given a thorough cleaning. Have it detailed regularly so every nook and cranny can be rid of dirt. Aside from the usual shampoo and moisturizer, you can also have your car professionally waxed and waterproofed. These days, conscientious car service centers also offer vehicle disinfection services to make sure that your car is safe and healthy to be in.

2. Storage considerations

It will also be helpful if you can store your car in an ideal location such as a brick garage as it creates the perfect moisture-free and temperature-controlled environment for your car. If time, space, or budget is a factor, then a pre-cast concrete or wooden structure will do.

Just note that since these structures do not have a lot of breathing room, it’s easier for mold or mildew to develop. Make sure to air it out or run some fans every week to keep the air from going stale.

If you’re leaving your car outdoors, then make sure to have a purpose-built car cover. Do not leave your car in direct sunlight or in a place where it’s too cold or too warm. Avoid using a standard tarpaulin or plastic sheet as it won’t provide the right kind of protection. Using an ill-fitted cover may result in condensation, mildew, and mold.

3. Drive responsibly

Muscle cars are meant to be driven. When you take them out for a spin, make sure to drive mindfully. You don’t want to just speed through bumps, cracks, potholes as these may damage your car. For muscle cars with a lowered chassis, be careful when going up or down inclines to avoid scraping the underbelly of your vehicle.

If you can, avoid going out unnecessarily in bad weather. Storming out in inclement weather is one of the most common reasons why there are dirty and damaged muscle cars.

When you store your car, make sure that you also open your window a little to allow air to circulate within. To avoid small animals from going in, make sure to vacuum it clean so no crumbs or litter remains inside your cabin. If your car’s a convertible, store it with the top up.

4. Restore properly

If you have or are planning to get a vintage muscle car, then make sure that you have it properly restored. There are classic car restoration specialists that will ensure your muscle car will be brought back to its former splendor.

Regardless of what the condition of a vintage muscle car is, there are a variety of services that can help get it back into shape. From frame-on or frame-off restoration to the carburetor, engine, or gearbox tuning, rebuilding, or overhauling, you can trust your muscle machine will be tended to with utmost care.

5. Get help from car specialists

When you have a vehicle that is as valuable as a classic muscle car, then you must also give it proper care. Whether it is cleaning, repairs, or restoration, you need car service professionals to do the job. It is also important that you schedule a periodic maintenance check to ensure that your vehicle gets a stringent health check-up.

Bringing your car to a reliable car service center will ensure your car is given expert attention. It will greatly benefit from state-of-the-art tools and equipment and the knowledge and experience of professionally trained technicians. You’re also sure to enjoy top-notch quality service as a car owner.

Mindful Car Ownership

Whether you have a rare 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 or an understated yet thoroughly thrilling Buick Wildcat, driving these macho machines all boils down to how meticulous you are in maintaining them.

When you take the time to properly clean, store, restore, or professionally maintain your muscle car, then you will be rewarded with a vehicle that can run many more miles with you.

AUTHOR BIO

Ahmad Ramadan is a Managing Partner at Deutsche Technik Service Center, Dubai’s first and largest VW, Audi, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, & Lamborghini vehicle specialist and performance tuner. DT has also built an illustrious portfolio in classic car repair, maintenance, and restoration, as well as bodywork (accident repair, painting, and denting). DT Service Centre offers a full range of services: mechanical repairs, maintenance, servicing, etc.

The post Top Maintenance Tips for Classic Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Martin Banks

There’s nothing more iconic than the Raiders’ silver and black. However, until recently, those colors were reserved for jerseys, ballcaps and other team swag. Now, though, at least one person under the Raiders’ umbrella will have something else to show off his team’s colors. Let’s take a closer look at Coach Jon Gruden’s new custom Mustang in his team’s signature colors.

Gruden’s Custom Mustang

Ford and the NFL have always gone hand in hand. In 2017, the National Football League voted to move the Raiders from Oakland to Las Vegas with their stadium scheduled to open in 2020. While COVID-19 has put many things on hold, there are a few parts of the move that are still proceeding as planned.

To celebrate the team’s move to Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada Ford Dealerships gifted a brand-new Mustang Shelby GT500 to Coach Gruden in the Raider’s signature black and silver. It even has a custom license place that reads, “JTWYN.” It’s inspired by Gruden’s “Just Win, Baby” mantra.

The Ford dealerships in the Las Vegas area are part of a partnership with the team and are one of the founding partners of Allegiant Stadium. This gorgeous gift to the Raiders’ coach is a welcome present for the team and a hope that the Raiders will grow and thrive in their new home. The gorgeous GT500 is now the official vehicle of the Raider Nation.

Getting Your Own 2020 Mustang

While you might not be able to get your hands on a custom Radiers mustang, there are plenty of exciting options for you to choose from, especially this year. The 2020 Mustang GT500 is marketed as the most powerful Mustang ever made, cranking out a whopping 760 horsepower. It’s got a price tag to match and will set you back $72,000 before you even consider any add-ons or custom colors.

You’ve got plenty of options if the GT500’s price tag makes you balk. Ford offers five different trim options and eight configurations, from the Ecoboost Premium that starts at $31,685 all the way up to to the pricy GT500. Only the two Ecoboost models have a small 2.3L I-4 engine. Everything else comes equipped with Ford’s classic 5.0L V8 or the newly reconfigured 5.2L V8 Predator engine.

If you can wait one more year, you can even opt to pick up one of the new Mustang Mach-E’s — the world’s first fully-electric pony car. If all goes well and there aren’t any pandemic-related delays, we should start seeing the electric Mustang on showroom floors toward the end of the year.

Looking Forward

It’s true that 2020 might be throwing a wrench into things like the grand opening of Allegiant Stadium, but it is still proving to be one of the best years for Mustang fans in a long time. If you want to get your hands on a new Mustang, this is the year to do it. You can even pick a black and silver trim package, although it might not look precisely like this Raider GT500, currently tooling around the streets of Las Vegas.

The post Raiders Coach Jon Gruden Gets Custom Silver & Black Mustang appeared first on Muscle Car.

It is very important to maintain your muscle car battery. This guide on muscle car battery maintenance lists 5 helpful tips you need to know.

If you’re lucky enough to own a Ford Mustang, a Chevrolet Camaro, or one of the other types of muscle cars, you know all about how much horsepower it’s able to produce. But you also know that, without a fully functioning battery, it’s not going to deliver the kind of power that you’re looking for.

With this in mind, it’s very important for you to perform muscle car battery maintenance on a regular basis. By maintaining a car battery over time, you can make it last a whole lot longer and prevent it from dying on you without warning when you’re trying to show off what your muscle car can do.

Need a hand maintaining your muscle car battery? Check out five helpful tips below that will keep batteries for muscle cars humming along nicely.

1. Do a Basic Inspection of Your Muscle Car Battery Every So Often

You probably spend a ton of time with the hood for your muscle car propped open. Muscle car owners are known to spend their fair share of time poking around underneath their hoods and trying to get more performance out of their vehicles.

Every time that you pop the hood for your muscle car open, you should perform a basic inspection of your muscle car battery. Look for any signs of leaking acid and check to see if there is anything else you might need to be worried about.

There are all kinds of obvious problems that you may experience with a car battery when you own a muscle car. Learn more here about one problem that may present itself at some point.

2. Clean Any Corrosion Off Your Muscle Car Battery Cables and Terminals

No matter how diligent you might be about doing muscle car battery maintenance, it’s almost impossible for vehicle owners to avoid corrosion when it comes to their batteries. Every time you drive your car, a little bit of hydrogen gas from the acid in your battery will be released, and it’ll cause corrosion to form.

More often than not, you’ll find this corrosion built up around your muscle car battery cables as well as the terminals on your battery itself. You can clean it away by creating a concoction consisting of baking soda and water and using it right on the corrosion.

You should get into the habit of doing this at least once every few months to stop corrosion from having its way with your battery. Too much corrosion is going to result in big problems if you’re not careful.

3. Take a Look at How Much of a Charge a Muscle Car Battery Has

When you pull your muscle car out of your garage and start driving it down the street, you want the battery in it to be fully charged. If it’s not, you might not get the kind of performance you would expect from it.

Fortunately, it’s simple enough to see whether or not your battery is charged during your muscle car battery maintenance routine. All you’ll need is a handy-dandy hydrometer to do it.

To use a hydrometer to test your battery, follow these steps:

1. Squeeze the ball on your hydrometer and use it to draw the electrolyte solution from one of your battery’s cells
2. Write down the reading you receive from your hydrometer
3. Squirt the electrolyte solution back into the battery cell that you took it from
4. Repeat this process for each cell in your muscle car battery

If you have a muscle car battery that is fully charged, all of the hydrometer readings that you get should be right around 1.265. If the readings are lower than that, it might be time to charge your battery or it might be time to replace it with a new one.

4. Avoid Doing Things That Could Result in a Low Battery

In addition to testing your muscle car battery to see how much of a charge it has, you should also work to prevent the charge from dipping at any point. There are lots of different things that you can do every day to stop your car battery’s charge from taking a nosedive.

You can, first and foremost, avoid taking short tips while driving in your car. It’s not good for your car battery when you start your car, drive it a few blocks, park it, and then turn it off. It’s not going to give your battery the time it needs to charge itself.

You can also keep your battery fresh at all times by steering clear of turning on too many accessories inside your car at once. If you’re constantly charging your phone and tinkering around with your interior lights, this can take a toll on your battery over time.

5. Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Battery Altogether

By making sure that you do enough muscle car battery maintenance, you can guarantee that your battery will stick around longer. But no amount of maintenance is going to make it run forever.

Most batteries for muscle cars as well as batteries for classic cars and regular cars are only going to last you about five years before needing to be replaced. You should be prepared to replace them with new ones once they reach that point.

Always try to go with higher-quality car batteries, especially for muscle cars. They’ll help you avoid having to replace them sooner than expected.

Put Muscle Car Battery Maintenance at the Top of Your To-Do List

If you own a muscle car, spending a lot of time doing car battery maintenance might not always be what you want to do. But it’s what you need to do if you want to get the most life out of your battery.

Push muscle car battery maintenance higher up on your to-do list and use the tips found here when maintaining a car battery. They’ll yield the best results and ensure your battery sticks around for a long time.

Want to get your hands on more tips and tricks for taking care of your car? Browse through the articles on our blog to find them.

The post Muscle Car Battery Maintenance: 5 Helpful Tips appeared first on Muscle Car.

The three big muscle car makers Chevy, Ford and Dodge all have new goodies hitting the shelves in the near future. This includes new models, engines and a custom machine with oodles of power. So, without further ado, let’s see what the muscle car mighty have been up to during these locked down times.

2021 Mustang Mach 1

The Mach 1 nameplate will be making an official comeback in 2021 as a full-blown racer, sporting a 5L Coyote V8 engine. This will be a specially tuned version of their popular V8 engine, producing an expected 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, through a Tremec 3160 6 speed manual transmission from the Shelby GT350 with rev matching. Alternatively, there is a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with torque converter for those who don’t like all that manual shifting thing.

Along with a transmission borrowed from the GT350, the new Mach 1 has helped itself to the same intake manifold, engine oil cooler and oil filter adapter. The Mach 1 has also lifted parts from the Shelby GT500 in the form of the rear axle cooling system, lower diffuser, rear subframe and bushings.

There’s plenty more advanced features thrown into the mix, such as Ford’s MagneRide suspension system and parts from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2, with many speed increases down to the overall improved aerodynamics. A new two-piece front grille, lower grille and valance, side grilles and new front splitter sets the car apart from regular Mustangs.

A total of eight exterior color options should be available, making this special edition Mustang a clear bestseller when it is eventually released.

Steeda Q850 StreetFighter Edition Mustang

Steeda aren’t exactly new to building powerful Mustangs, so it’s no surprise they have now produced an 800HP and 630 pound-feet of torque machine based on the Ford Mustang GT.

Like any super Mustang of this kind, we ultimately want to know how fast the thing can go, which in this case is a 3.1 seconds 60 mph time and a quarter mile time of 10.23 seconds at 146 mph. The company will take your own Mustang GT and strap on a Whipple 3.0-liter supercharger, along with other fine parts, which include a cold air intake system and custom engine management.

To handle all the extra loads, the chassis is also upgraded with Steeda’s own G/Trac Stage II suspension setup, along with 20-inch Velgen VMB9s wheels and Nitto NT555 G2 tires. An aerodynamic package adds a front splitter and rear spoiler to round off the $32,995 upgrade.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye

Since the release of the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, those yearning for a Charger version will hopefully have their wishes come true sooner than they thought. The latest reports say the Charger will start production this November at the Brampton Assembly Plant, with the first orders hopefully being taken in the first week of October.

Just like the Challenger version, the Charger Redeye is expected to have 797hp and 707 lb-ft of torque, with a rev limit of 6,500 rpm and will come in the wide-body version.

Chevrolet LS427 570HP of Racing Power

Up next is the new Chevrolet LS427, which is essentially the 7.0-litre LS7 V8 as found in the Camaro Z/28 and older Z06 ‘Vette. Just now in crate engine form. New internals such as a high lift cam and a wet sump have been added to produce the 570hp and 540lb ft. of torque. Plus, the reworked internal such as a forged steel crank, CNC-ported heads and titanium intake valves.

There is no price listed as yet, but near past LS7 engines have gone for $12,714, which means the price may be around this bracket. In any case, when this new engine is dropped, it will provide one of the most wonderfully potent LS engines for your own DIY build.

The post Muscle Car Roundup: New Cars and Engines appeared first on Muscle Car.

The 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost takes a car that tended to play second-fiddle and turns it into a true performance car worth your attention. Learn more.

If your goal is to find a muscle car that satisfies your need for speed, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost might not have previously been at the top of your list.

This year’s model, however, offers more than enough power to turn this vehicle into a true performance car. What makes the 2020 model the one to watch? Is it possibly the next best car for you?

Here’s our overview of the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost.

A New Player in the Muscle Car Race

The Ford Motor Company has revamped the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, giving it additional firepower to tackle the streets in a new way. The enhancements mean upgraded performance, additional tech, and improved safety features.

This is a car that offers a thrilling, responsive ride no matter where the road takes you.

The 411 on the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

The 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has been transformed into a true performance vehicle.

This year introduces a newly available High-Performance package. What does that mean for your ride and should it be something you’re interested in?

You get an upgrade to the base EcoBoost that equals a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, which grants you 310 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. Working in tandem with the standard six-speed manual and 10-speed automatic transmissions, you can now enjoy a burst of speed unlike anything seen before with this model

The High-Performance package also includes upgraded GT brakes and chassis calibrations. You can also choose the EcoBoost Handling packages, which offers upgraded braking, MagneRide active dampers, and stiffer bars for enhanced control and a smoother ride.

Ford Mustang Fuel Economy

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost manages to grant you power and fuel savings. The 6-speed manual transmission provides an EPA estimated 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The 10-speed automatic transmission ups MPGs to 22 in the city and 32 on the highway.

The convertible trims offer slightly less fuel efficiency, but the ability to put the top down more than makes up for that.

Models and Specs

Let’s take a look at the model options and specs that you can expect for each trim.

Trim 1: EcoBoost Fastback

Standard:

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine
• 3.31 limited-slip rear axle
• 6-speed manual transmission

Optional:

• 3.15 limited-slip rear axle
• 3.55 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle
• Active Valve Performance Exhaust System with Quad Tips
• 10-speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission

The base model delivers the added power you want thanks to turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT). The independent rear suspension minimizes body roll and offers a better response to changes in the road ahead. Aluminum-alloy rear knuckles and H-arms reduce unsprung mass.

Trim 2: EcoBoost Premium Fastback

Standard:

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine
• 3.31 limited-slip rear axle
• 6-speed manual transmission

Optional:

• 3.15 limited-slip rear axle
• 3.55 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle
• Active Valve Performance Exhaust System with Quad Tips
• 10-speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission

The EcoBoost Premium trims also add a MagneRide® Damping System, which helps the vehicle adapt to changing road conditions. You get 1,000 times per second for each damper, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Trim 3: EcoBoost Convertible

Standard:

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine
• 3.31 limited-slip rear axle
• 6-speed manual transmission

Optional:

• 3.15 limited-slip rear axle
• 3.55 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle
• Active Valve Performance Exhaust System with Quad Tips
• 10-speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission

Trim 4: EcoBoost Premium Convertible

Standard:

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine
• 3.31 limited-slip rear axle
• 6-speed manual transmission

Optional:

• 3.15 limited-slip rear axle
• 3.55 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle
• Active Valve Performance Exhaust System with Quad Tips
• 10-speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission

Ford Mustang EcoBoost Safety Features

Safety matters, especially in a performance car. You want to be able to turn and stop on a dime. You also want the ability to respond to changing road conditions and potential hazards from other vehicles as well as threats to pedestrians.

Standard safety systems include:

• AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control
• Personal Safety System for driver and front passenger
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System

The EcoBoost Premium trims provide additional high-tech driver-assist systems, which offer alerts and mitigation to help you avoid hazards.

• Ford Co-Pilot360 Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection
• Brake Assist

The EcoBoost Premium trims also add a MagneRide® Damping System, which helps the vehicle adapt to changing road conditions. You get 1,000 times per second for each damper resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Technology and Connection

There’s no denying that today’s vehicles must help you stay connected. The Ford Mustang EcoBoost answers this call with the latest infotainment features.

Standard and available infotainment features:

• SYNC® Infotainment system – Easy-to-use and responsive voice-activated technology
• LCD touchscreen monitor
• FordPass Connect Internet access
• Advanced Navigation – Help you find a location, nearby restaurants, and other destinations
• Real-time weather display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Sleek, user-friendly interface to connect and integrate with your smart devices
• SiriusXM radio
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Voice-activated radio
• 12 B&O premium speakers

Not all infotainment features are available on all trims.

Get Ready to Ride with the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

If you want a performance car that delivers the newly revamped 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is the right answer. Find your local Ford dealership and hurry in for a test drive.

If you really want extra performance, take a look at the Ford Mustang GT. This high-performance sports car offers a 5.0-liter V8 engine for 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.

Whether this is your first muscle car or you’re a life long fan, you can find the right Ford Mustang for your needs.

Be sure to explore our site to get the information you need on muscle cars, including Ford, Chevy, and Dodge.

The post Everything You Need To Know About The 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost appeared first on Muscle Car.

Learn about the pricing, performance, and technology of Ford Mustang vs. Chevrolet Camaro to make the right decision here.

The Ford Mustang is an iconic vehicle that first debuted in 1964.

It was revealed at the World Fair that took place, and by the end of its first year, almost half a million had been bought. The Mustang has continued with innovation and updating until the modern day, more than 50 years.

The Chevy Camaro came out for the first time in 1967. While a bit newer, the Camaro has built a long reputation of being a dependable and powerful vehicle just like the Mustang.

When comparing the Ford Mustang vs Chevrolet Camaro, what separates these two vehicles?

Ford Mustang Vs Chevrolet Camaro 

Since their earliest days, these two cars have been competing against one another. While the Camaro has always stayed relevant, there is no doubt that the more prestigious of the two vehicles has been the Mustang. Legendary models like the Shelby GT have ensured this reputation that the Mustang enjoys.

Performance And Speed

In terms of performance and speed, both vehicles perform well, and they do vary from year to year. In general, the basic models of each vehicle are roughly equal in terms of performance and speed. Often the Mustang will accelerate just a touch faster and is usually a bit lighter.

With engine power between basic models, there is almost no difference. Most years, there is no more than a 5-horsepower difference between both vehicles. This can change with the model, but even still, both vehicles stick close to the other.

Handling And Suspension 

Both vehicles handle well, but many consider the Mustang to have a slight edge in handling and cornering. This is due to the weight and power to weight ratio that the Mustang enjoys. Comparing suspensions reveals little as both are designed to be fast streetcars.

For suspensions, you won’t see either of these vehicles doing off-roading. Both vehicles set low to the ground, and neither are particularly good at negotiating dips or large bumps. They are roughly equal in terms of functional suspension.

Exhaust And Sound 

Many people consider the Mustang to have a more iconic sound than the Camaro. A lot of this has to do with the exhaust of the Mustang, giving it a louder and more throaty sound. Camaros are usually quieter, and this does appeal to people for a number of reasons.

Both vehicles, in the modern era, come with efficient exhausts and meet emission standards. There is no functional difference in the systems used, except for the iconic growl of a Mustang motor. With either vehicle, you can turn heads if you put the pedal down as you cruise the streets of your neighborhood.

Miles Per Gallon 

There is an interesting difference between both vehicles in this regard. If you take the 2019 models into consideration, you get a unique difference when considering the Ford Mustang vs Chevrolet Camaro. The Camaro is listed as getting 27 highway MPG, which is two higher than the Mustang.

However, what this doesn’t reveal is that the Camaro is designed to use only premium unleaded. Mustang owners are encouraged to only by regular unleaded gasoline. While the Camaro may have a slight edge, the difference in price is more than made up for by the premium vs regular gas type.

In this way, it will be cheaper to own and operate your Mustang than a Camaro would be. You will save money every time you fill-up the tank, which will be a considerable amount by the end of the vehicle’s lifespan.

Repairs And Reliability 

Both vehicles are well known for their reliability. Earlier models had far more problems, but neither is seen as a money sink. The Camaro does rate just a bit higher on the reliability scale, but it should be noted that both vehicles will run well past 100,000 miles.

With such a long engine life, buying a used Mustang doesn’t present any problems. The same can be said for a Camaro, as either vehicle will work for a long time if it is taken care of. Preventative and regular maintenance is critical when dealing with high-performance vehicles.

Price To Buy

With the exception of legendary models like the aforementioned Shelby, Mustangs are a bit cheaper. Ford has often leveraged its efficient production of vehicles to offer them for a lower price. An interesting note here is that with the convertible models, the Camaro is just a tad cheaper, but in coupes, the Mustang wins out.

When purchasing used vehicles, the Mustang is often cheaper and costs less to maintain. The reasons for this are that there are many more Mustangs on the road than Camaros. This gives you the ability to find parts for less, and no matter the year, they are more common.

No car is a good investment in the fact that they don’t retain the value or hold value as they age. Camaros and Mustangs perform better than average vehicles in this regard, but you should think of them as a functional or practical vehicle.

The only exception to this last rule is if you should happen to get a 1960s Mustang. If you find yourself lucky enough to find one, feel free to spend all the money you want on the vehicle. You won’t get the investment back, but it is well worth it just to have and drive an early model Mustang.

The Right Choice For You 

As you have seen, the differences between these two iconic vehicles are small. In general, the Ford Mustang vs Chevrolet Camaro debate comes down to thin margins. The Mustang does exceed the Camaro in most ways, but not by a significant margin.

For many people, there are broader Ford vs Chevrolet questions when they consider these two. If you’re not loyal to either Ford or Chevy, then the Mustang would be a better choice for you.

It is cheaper and costs less to fill up, while both are very reliable and have near equal performance. Either way, you will be happy that you decided to drive one a legendary piece of automotive history and lore.

We hope that you found this article helpful. Be sure to browse the website for other informative reads before you go.

The post Ford Mustang vs. Chevrolet Camaro: Which Car Is Right for You? appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

As an avid movie watcher, I’m always on the lookout for muscle cars taking starring roles or even bit parts on the silver screen. In this case my spider senses went off when watching ‘The Grudge Match’ which features a rather tasty Ford Mustang fastback GT350. The car is driven by Sylvester Stallone, one of the main stars, along with Robert De Niro and Kim Basinger.

The main reasons for checking out this movie was due to the stand-up comedian Joey ‘Coco’ Diaz playing a part. The movie wasn’t the best representation of his comedy skills and neither was it the best boxing flick/comedy I have ever seen. But, is was definitely a bonus to see a pony car drop into the storyline.

The GT350 first hits the screen when Stallone’s character Henry ‘Razor’ Sharp is working on the car in his garage(a well kitted out garage seeing as his the character has been down on his luck for many years). But, the GT350 doesn’t last long as it is soon smashed in the rear quarter by a Dodge Durango when ‘Sharp’ is going for a nighttime cruise with Sally Rose (Kim Basinger).

Not much screen time is given to the vintage pony car beauty, but it does raise some questions as to the background of the car. Apparently the car is a GT350 tribute, being originally a 1967 Mustang fastback, VIN number 7R02A174764, with a 289ci. engine and three speed automatic transmission, being built for the film by Erics Muscle Car. The rear damage to the car was left in place for authenticity, as the car seems to have popped up for sale with a pricetag of $110,000.00.

In many ways it was a relief a tribute car was used for filming instead of a real GT350. No one wants to see a real 1967 GT350 smashed up for our eye candy. But, that also means the resale price is for a tribute car and its movie credentials. The added problem is that the movie didn’t do too well at the box office, which means it’s not the most sought-after movie vehicle. On the flipside, it was driven by Sly Stallone and that does have street cred. value.

Still, it’s good to see muscle/pony cars being represented on the big screen. Tribute vehicles or not, it’s their presence that matters. Plus, if you want to see Joey Diaz at his best, check out his live stand-up sets or podcasts. not a vastly dumbed down version of him on-screen.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post Muscle Cars In The Movies: The Grudge Match appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Muscle cars from the late 1960’s to early 1970’s are some of the most iconic car shapes ever created. Proven by the hordes of fans who still collect these tried these vehicles on a regular basis. In the world of Restomods(vintage cars with lots of new bits added) those basic designs are tweaked and fettled to make beautiful new creations, along with a sizeable heap of performance parts.

The restomod featured here is a 1968 Pontiac Firebird which will be coming up for auction at Barrett-Jackson, at South Florida Fairgrounds, April 16th-April 18th with no reserve. Richardson’s Custom Auto Body seem to be the originators of this reworked classic, refining and building on the original design, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.

The basic lines and curves of the original design have been kept in place, removing bits such as the chrome outline of the grille, with a simpler, single headlight configuration. In many ways, the original design has been simplified, covered in the deep and thick Viva La Red paintwork, covering everything from the rear bumper to the front air splitter.

According to the Barrett-Jackson description, the car took three years and over 4,500 man hours to complete. Engine wise, it has an LS3 6.2 liter V8 producing over 550hp, with lots of internal grades. The transmission used is a GM 6L90 6-speed automatic, with 3.73:1 gears and a 12-bolt rear end. Ceramic-coated Sanderson headers and  a custom exhaust have also been installed.

Keeping everything tied to the ground, a Detroit Speed coilover suspension has been installed with a QUADRALink setup and tubular front suspension running along the sub frame connectors. Baer brakes are used all-round with 14-inch rotors upfront and 13-inch versions at the back. Finished off with highly polished, 18×10-inch and 19×12-inch Rushforth Concept five-spoke wheels.

Moving to the interior, the bucket seats come from a 2006 Pontiac GTO, dressed in Douglass European leather, keeping the vintage dash and Vintage Air heating.

This example is a fine re-working of a classic and will provide the next custodian with many years of driving pleasure. If you’re at all interested in this vehicle, check out the Barrett-Jackson https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/1968-pontiac-firebird-custom-coupe-for-sale-no-reserve-palm-beach-auction/ website for more details.

The post 1968 Pontiac Firebird Restomod Coming to Barrett-Jackson appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

There’s nothing like a good old drag race, especially when it comes to rival makes of car. For those who don’t really get the drag race concept, it’s a bit like watching the 100m meters sprint final in the Olympics. On the surface it’s just a bunch of guys running for about nine seconds, but it’s the deciding event for who is potentially the fastest person in the world and the most popular event of the games. With drag racing, cars replace the humans and events can happen any time, anywhere. Not every four years with national TV coverage.

So, back to the events at hand. This little match up pits European performance ideologies against seemingly raw American muscle. ‘Raw’ in the sense that the McLaren 720S costs $350,000, while the Charger Hellcat comes in at $80,000. In this respect, you could almost by 3 1/2 Charger Hellcats for one McLaren 720S. Plus, the Charger is a four-door. Far more practical on a day-to-day basis. Plus, the McLaren is said to depreciate by $80,000 in less than two years.

Which brings us to the specs. of each vehicle. In the light blue corner, the McLaren 720S takes a very high-tech approach, chock-full of carbon fiber wrapped around a 4.0 Liter Twin Turbo V8 producing 710 HP, 568 lb/ft. of torque(now around 850HP) and weighs in at approximately 3200lbs. The video also mentions that the McLaren is running through a 7 speed dual clutch transmission, has had a tune up, on drag radials and may have catless downpipes.

In the dark blue corner, the Hellcat Charger sports a 6.2 Supercharged V8, producing 707 HP and 650 lb/ft of torque, through an 8 speed automatic transmission when stock. But this one has been tuned with a Pulley, Tune, E85 and Drag Radials, now produces 900 HP. This one weighing in at a more substantial 4400lbs.

Both vehicles represent their own individual ways of producing power and laying it down. The McLaren adopts the European view of squeezing the most power from the liters it has under the hood, while the Charger sticks to the ‘no replacement for displacement’ principle. You could also argue that this is a matchup between turbos versus superchargers, heavyweight versus lightweight and value for money versus prestige supercar.

We’re not going to give away any spoilers here, you’ll have to watch the short video. However, on launch, the Hellcat Charger gets the upper hand, thanks to the instant power of the supercharger, but the McLaren soon starts to make up ground.

Conclusion

Which brings us to the point of does this video draw any conclusions? Without even touching a road surface, the Dodge Charger Hellcat is far better value for money. Kind of irrelevant if you have the funds to afford a McLaren. If you are in the market for a performance vehicle, is relatively practical with a four-door layout and is sensibly priced, then the Dodge Charger is a good option.

Add to the fact that any upgrades performed on a Charger are going to be a hell of a lot cheaper and without the worry of something going wrong on a vehicle costing over a quarter of a million, like the McLaren.

I think perfectly summed up by one of the comments from the video, ‘Great race, only 2 tenths difference. The McLaren is an awesome car, but practical? The Dodge is bullet-proof, American made, has a trunk, and can carry 4 people. The McLaren, not so much. A ten-second daily driver street monster; what’s not to like?! Not to mention you can keep a whole pile of cash in your bank acct.’

The post 900HP Hellcat Charger vs. 850HP McLaren 720S Drag Race appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

As muscle and pony car fans, we are generally more interested in the Mustang Mach-E for how the vehicle will progress in the next few years, rather than be excited about an electric version of the Mustang. Performance EVs are slowly dripping into the mainstream, but the main fascination with the Mustang Mach-E is that it’s borrowed two cherished names of classic pony cars for an electric SUV.

Some have simply face palmed the idea, while others may think, give the thing a chance and see what happens. Either way, a discussion over at the Mach-E Club forum outlines an interview with Jason Mase, head of Ford Electrification Marketing Strategy, with the main takeaway stating the Mach-E will hit European shores before the US. That’s going to be the fourth quarter of 2020 for the US, where the First Edition, Select, California Route 1 and Premium models will be available, with the GT Performance version coming sometime in 2021.

The EV is going to be available with a variety of leasing options, one of these being to return the vehicle at the end of the lease period, for various federal EV tax incentives. All fine and dandy if you like the idea of an all electric Ford SUV, but this new vehicle has borrowed two classic car names, one of these from a vehicle that has been a classic pony car for over 50 years. In this respect, comparisons are going to be made.
Is the new vehicle worthy of the name? Is it going to be the new evolution of the Mustang or Mach? Questions, questions…..

V8 Mustang or V Hate Mustang

There’s already a lot of dissension in the ranks with the Mustang Mach-E. Things like, ‘it’s not a proper Mustang’,’a Mustang can’t be an SUV or an EV’,’A Mustang doesn’t have a ‘frunk’ and so on. Legitimate reactions, especially if you’ve been a Mustang fan for decades. The reactions would be exactly the same if any other car maker stuck a classic model names on a new EV SUV. A Dodge Charger EV, a Corvette SUV and so on.

You can understand the point of view of Ford. EV’s are the way things are going, so why not bring some heritage to the new vehicle, while also making the owner feel like they are part of a long and rich history of Mustangs. A particular scenario – someone with a few kids who would love a Mustang, but can’t justify it for the family. They need some sort of SUV, so why not kill a few birds with one stone and get an EV to cover their eco-credentials, a SUV for the family and the street cred. of a Mustang. The first two boxes are ticked, but it’s not a real Mustang, in the sense of a performance pony car.

Two lines of thinking

Which brings us to the next bunch of years where we will see the Mustang Mach-E make or break. The Mustang could branch off into the traditional, high-performance V8 versions and regular EV pathways. A specialist vain for V8 power and one for electric for the next decade, then see what happens.

The changes are obviously not going happen overnight. Years of slow transition as everyone acclimatizes to the new ideas. There’s even been renderings of a possible high-performance Mustang Mach-E, as below from X-Tomi Design showing more of a GT500 version of the Mach-E. A glimpse into a performance version, rivaling the Tesla model Y.

Another way of thinking is the current V8 Mustangs will eventually be completely replaced by EVs and become classics in their own right. Recently shown when CEO of Barrett-Jackson auctions, Craig Jackson landed VIN 001 of the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 for a cool $1.1 million, with the proceeds going to charity. Classic status already.

Let’s see what the Europeans think first

So, back to the original point. It makes sense to test out this new platform in Europe first off, as the Mustang GT has sold amazingly well over there with no preconceived conceptions of what a Mustang should be. The sales success in Europe has come from the Mustang being a great performance car, with more raw sensibilities, a great price tag and an exciting alternative to the usual European fare.

Plus, the Mustang Mach-E will be simply seen as more of an alternative to other EV SUVs in Europe, rather than an aberration of a classic name. Having Mustang in the name will simply be seen as being a bit more cool than owning something with a bunch of letters and numbers. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Ford eventually sell more abroad than in the US.

There’s a good chance the Mustang Mach-E could be a resounding hit. Some cool, pony car Americana wedged into a EV SUV. With 255, 282, 332, and 459 HP options available, a range going from 210 miles to 300 miles and with prices estimated to be around $44,895 and $65,500. It could also be just like the regular Mustang, the most power around for your buck.

Let’s just sit back and see how Ford play this one out.

The post Ford Mustang Mach-E First Hits Europe Before America appeared first on Muscle Car.

Wimpy wheels might not be appropriate for one hell beast of a car. Just by looking at how it shreds its wheels on the road; muscle cars desperately need wheels that can endure the capabilities that its tough body and the monstrous engine can spew out.

With all the things one can do to his muscle car, it is so easy to ignore its wheel, when the truth is, it determines the optimum performance and capacity of a muscle car. Besides, what’s the use of a fantastic customized body and one-of-a-kind engine if the very wheels are not tough enough to endure the car’s capabilities? 

Planning to buy some new wheels for your muscle car? Then here’s a clear guide on how to choose the right wheels that can go head-to-head with all your car’s mind-bending capabilities: 

Choose the ‘Radial’ Type Tire
When looking for tires, you’ll surely come across with terms ‘bias tires’, ‘belted tires,’ ‘radial tires,’ ‘solid tires’ and ‘semi-pneumatic tires,’ but when you need to choose one for your muscle cars, you should choose the one called ‘Radial Tires,’. Of all the tires mentioned above, it is the only one that can provide great steering control and has long tread life and is not designed for slow speeds. With all these features, it can almost be called the ‘true soulmate’ of your muscle car. 

Speed Rating
Before you shred your tires out in the streets to impress peeps, you should first look at what they call “speed rating” of your tire. This speed rating can be found from the tire code on the side of the tire, which contains the maximum speed. Yes, most tires can exceed their speed limits, but take note that using them past beyond their limits will make them wear out faster. 

 Control and Car Handling
If you are just too itching to show-off your muscle car’s performance, then you need to take a look at the control and car handling side of things. It’s the law of physics at play when larger tires result in more connection with the road, more traction, more balance, and less slipping, so when it comes to performance, these are the specific things to look for. 

Recommended Tire Brands for Your Muscles Cars 

With all the “tires for sale” posted at your neighborhood wheel shops or even online shops, it could be hard to choose the right wheel for your muscle car with all the brands and features of the wheels we see. Let us help you narrow down your choices with only the true top performers in the market. 

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred
The tire comes in three different speed ratings: T (118 miles per hour), H (130 miles per hour), and V (149 miles per hour), and as you can see, the speed ratings for these wheels are really for one tough performance.

Hankook Optimo H727
It can withstand bad road conditions, rain, ice, and even snow (just in case you want to zoom up your muscle car in the thick of the snow). It only comes with a one-speed rating with 118mph. 

Michelin Primacy MXV4
It holds the distinction of one of the toughest and long-lasting muscle car tires available in the market today, but not too perfect as it has some problems with wet roads. Despite its problems, these tires can certainly perform in the thick of the snow and on other road conditions. It is considered as an all-season tire, which is, after all, a tire that everyone is looking for. 

Rims 
Outside the performance realm, rims improve the cosmetic look of one’s muscle car. One of the most common colors of rims today are chrome and black (we love black), but various colors are available aside from these two. When buying a rim, carefully check if it corresponds to the tires you are going to put on your vehicle. It also must fit your car specifically because bolt patterns change from one car to the next. 

The post Guide When Choosing Wheels For Your Muscle Car appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The annual Sema Show from Las Vegas is always going to be the perfect platform for launching the latest and greatest, when it comes to performance vehicles. This year was no different with the SpeedKore guys unveiling an all wheel drive, widebody Dodge Charger, which pumps out an eye watering 1,525HP. This one’s a custom build for the same guy who ordered a souped up Dodge Demon from the company. Meaning it’s not just the show car.

The video above goes into a lot of detail behind the car, but essentially everything is wrapped around a 6.2-liter V8 engine and 6466 ball-bearing billet turbochargers, with modifications from Gearhead Fabrications. Also include are custom Thitek heads, triple-pump fuel system, Boost Leash C02 progressive boost controller and 1,700cc injectors. There’s also a dual setup for both the track and the road via a valve-controlled MagnaFlow setup. A custom AWD transmission is put in place with Bogart Competition Series wheels and street-legal Mickey Thompson ET tires to finish off the equation.

SpeedKore seem to like their carbon fibre components and this car is no difference with the bumpers, bonnet and fenders all being made from the stuff. Obviously the power output is the biggest talking point, but this car is more about the overall package and the high build quality, which is apparent from the mechanicals to the overall look. Yep, some guys have all the luck.

If you want to check out the other specialist builds from the company, then check out their website here.

The post SpeedKore 1,525 Horsepower AWD Dodge Charger Debuts At SEMA appeared first on Muscle Car.

Bringing a car back to life is one of the finest and most unappreciated art forms. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned mechanic, muscle car restoration won’t be easy, but it should at least be enjoyable.

If you’re just starting out on a restoration project, you’re going to need all the help you can get. So, to get you started, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you restore a muscle car. If that’s what you came here for.

How to Restore a Muscle Car 101

Muscle car restoration while exciting is no easy feat. If you’re going to take on a project like this, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. From the start, you should know what to look for in terms of a restoration project and how to carry it out properly.

Follow these eight tips to get yourself started:

#1 Find the Right Car

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already got a car in mind. Chances are, you may not be able to find that specific car in the right condition. The right condition refers to one with a solid frame, floors, axles, etc. The structure of the car should be strong, without too much rust.

It’s important to be realistic about the condition of the car because it will determine how the restoration process will go, and how you will configure your budget. You’ll want to inspect every inch of the car with a flashlight or have it inspected by a mechanic, taking note of all the repairs that need to be done.

Before making an official purchase, do your homework. Make sure the parts for the car are readily available.

#2 Map Out Your Time and Money

Planning is everything in restoring a muscle car. The longer a car sits, the more parts that will need to be replaced down the road. You also don’t want to rush the process and risk damages. Create a schedule for yourself including a step-by-step plan, so you have a guide and you know what needs to be done in order from start to finish.

You also need to set a budget—a very padded budget. Your budget will be based on the condition of the car and everything that needs to be done. You’ll also have to account for extra things, like tools you don’t have, bolts that break and strip, and any other unforeseen obstacles like your car’s timing belt snapping.

#3 Make Sure You Have Enough Space

If you’re taking on this project by yourself, make sure you have a garage with ample space for the parts and tools. Your average classic can take up four entire engine bays once parts start getting removed. basically, you need a well-lit and organizable workshop.

#4 Make Sure You Have the Right Tools

Having the right tools will make all the difference when restoring a muscle car. The basic overview of the tools you need are:

• Screwdrivers
• Socket wrenches and extensions
• A ratchet set
• Pliers
• Sheet metal scissors
• A drill and drill bits
• A floor jack and stands
• Wire brushes
• Electrical testers
• Code scanners
• An air compressor

Depending on the work that needs to be done, you may need more equipment like a metal welder or an engine hoist. Make sure your tools are included in your primary budget and are collected ahead of time.

#5 Decide Who Will Do What Work

To restore a muscle car, you’re going to need some muscle. You can probably do most of the work by yourself, but unless you’ve done this before, you may not know the first thing about paint jobs or engine swaps.

Aside from getting a restoration manual and a knowledgable friend to help, you’re going to want to have a professional mechanic on hand that can handle the work reaching beyond your limitations. This is also something to factor into your budget since professional mechanics can get pricey.

#6 Decide on the Level of Restoration

There are four levels of muscle car restoration:

1. Driver Restoration: This type of work involves cosmetic and operational work to get the car on the road.
2. Street Show Restoration: This involves more major and aesthetic repairs, usually done by a professional. If judged in a street show it should fall between the 80-89 point range.
3. Show Car Restoration: This level usually requires a fair amount of professional work and isn’t really meant for frequent driving. If judged as a show car, it should fall between the 90-99 point range.
4. Concours Restoration: All the work from start to finish should be done by a professional. This type of restoration is typically for private collections and auto shows—not for driving.

The level of restoration you choose will obviously affect your budget.

#7 Try to Only Use Original Engine Parts 

Sure, there will be plenty of aftermarket engine parts that could increase your horsepower. However, they will decrease the value of your car. Muscle cars are typically more valuable when they have a higher percentage of stock or original parts.

#8 Don’t Be Afraid to Modernize

Your car will still be a classic if you add air conditioning or electronics, which any car enthusiasts do. It’s also important that you update the safety equipment since a lot of classics don’t come with airbags or seatbelts.

Especially if you plan on driving the car once it’s finished, you’ll have to make sure that it meets all the safety laws and regulations. Don’t worry, this won’t take away from the value of your car.

Don’t Forget to Maintain Your Ride

To restore a muscle car is to love a muscle car. And once you’ve achieved full restoration, you better maintain it so that all of your hard work, money, and time don’t go to waste. Also, you want to be able to drive it around town and show it off!

If you love muscle cars and all things related, check back with us daily for new posts. And, check out our classifieds section—your next restoration project may be waiting there for you.

The post 10 Must-Know Tips to Restore a Muscle Car to Mint Condition appeared first on Muscle Car.

In today’s episode of AmericanMuscle’s (AM) Hot Lap YouTube video series, Justin Dugan visits Shelby’s Heritage Center in Las Vegas, Nevada for Ford’s official media drive featuring the all-new 2020 GT500.
After many months of waiting impatiently, Justin jumps behind the wheel for a jaunt on the street, road course and drag strip, providing his two cents as AM’s chief Mustang aficionado. As a bonus, Justin gets some one on one time with American professional sports car and stock car racing driver Billy Johnson, fortifying the GT500’s value for performance proposition.

View it here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/hotlap-oct2019.html

The post Justin Dugan Reviews and Drags the New 2020 GT500 appeared first on Muscle Car.

Hollywood’s rich and famous has long been synonymous with a collection of muscle cars enough to make you jealous. Explore some celebrity favorites.

Carmakers had no idea the legacy they were starting when the first muscle car rolled off the production line in 1949.

Though the true muscle car race didn’t hit its full stride until the 60s and 70s. Today, these impressive machines are experiencing a whole new resurgence in popularity.  This can be seen from the number of celebrities that have chosen to drive their own American muscle car.

Keep reading to learn who the famous faces are that you can see behind the wheel of these impressive machines.

Celebrities and Muscles Cars 

Celebrities are just like us, and some have a passion for muscle cars. Ben Affleck has admitted to trolling eBay and drooling over the car listings.

What’s better is that these famous people with a passion for cars also love driving them. So before you sell your motorhome, why not take one more trip out west to the land of Hollywood and get a glimpse of one of these cars on the road.

Amber Heard: 1968 Ford Mustang 

You may know her from the blockbuster Aquaman or the 2009 zombie comedy Zombieland. But what you may not know is that she has a passion for muscle cars.

Back in 2015, she and Johnny Depp appeared on the Velocity show OverHaulin’ when he had her beloved 1968 Mustang redone. The classic muscle car went from old and tired to a complete stunner.

She bought the car when she was a teen and can be seen regularly driving it through the streets of Hollywood. The finished car is a stunner with a rich red flake paint and all new trim.

John Cena: Plymouth Superbird

When John Cena isn’t out on the road traveling for his wrestling career, he’s at home enjoying his collection of cars. Many in his collection are the classics that we all drool over.

He has so many cars that he’s outgrown the space in his garage. Here are some of the standouts in his collection.

• 1969 Red Pontiac GTO
• 1970 Cardinal Red Pontiac GTO Judge
• 1971 Black Pontiac GTO Judge
• 2006 Ford GT
• 2007 Dodge Super Bee
• 2007 Parnelli Jones Saleen Mustang
• 2009 Corvette ZR1

It’s safe to say that while Cena may be known for wrestling, he’s secretly a total gearhead.

Ben Affleck: 1966 Chevy Chevelle SS 

An admitted car enthusiast, Ben Affleck has a particular soft spot for 1970s muscle cars. But in his garage is a 1966 Chevelle SS. When he’s not starring in movies such as Gone Girl and Batman vs. Superman, he’s cruising the streets in his classic muscle car.

The 66 Chevelle marked a new era as Chevy began creating showroom to start line Super Sports. Under the hood was a beautiful and powerful 396 cubic inch engine. It pumped out an impressive 360+ horsepower.

Kellan Lutz: Ford Shelby GT 500

Known for his role in the Twilight saga and one of the younger celebrities on this list, Kellan Lutz drives a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

This muscle car was a beast back in the day. It boasts a 428 cubic inch big block engine that pumps out an impressive 355 horsepower.

Lebron James: Chevy Camaro SS

Unlike many of the other cars on this list, Lebron James opted for a more modern muscle car, a 2010 Camaro SS. This isn’t just any off the showroom floor Camaro, though.

It’s entirely custom and all white, except for the gloss black emblems and super fine black pinstriping detail. The windows are tinted super dark, which not only gives privacy but also adds to the overall look of the car.

To replace the stock rims are a set of super-sized multi-spoke ones in white. The outset lip gives them a nice touch of detail.

Travis Barker: 1963 Chevy Impala 

If you aren’t a fan of rock, you may not be familiar with Barker. In the early 2000s, he made his name known as one of the best drummers of modern music with the band Blink 182.

These days he focuses on his solo music, family, and working on his cars. One of which is a 1963 Impala.

This classic car is in perfect condition as Barker stayed true to the original car’s beauty. He did drop it to give it a bit of modern attitude.

Rob Dyrdek: 1969 Chevy Camaro 

This famous skateboarder and entrepreneur has an impressive collection of big boy toys. It once included a 1969 Camaro that was completely custom. We have All Speed Customs of Michigan to thank for the work done to this impressive beauty.

What’s impressive is that Dyrdek kept his signature style out of this overhaul. There are no crazy patterns, or colors, and no insane graffiti art across the side. The car is decidedly serious with a high gloss black paint job, and powder coated red rims.

Under the hood is a fuel-injected LS and 4L60E automatic overdrive transmission. It’s claimed that the car can produce 400 horsepower.

Kenny Wayne: An Entire Collection 

While other celebrities on this list may have car collections, they aren’t a complete collection of muscle cars. Then we have Kenny Wayne Shepherd. This famous blues-infused rock and roll artist has a serious passion for muscle cars.

His daily driver is a 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT 8. He’s done several modifications to the car that include a Magnuson supercharger, Hotchkins TVS suspension, custom wheels, Magnaflow exhaust, and custom aluminum valve covers and shifter.

Other cars in his collection include:

• 1972 Dodge Charger
• 1970 Plymouth Duster
• 1969 Extreme Lee
• 1950 Ford Business Coupe Hot Rod

This list goes to prove that muscle cars have a universal appeal. Even celebrities skip over the standard car and opt for a heart-racing muscle car.

Some are true to their roots and stay classic, while others have given their ride a completely custom feel. Either way, these muscle cars continue the tradition of American made power and performance.

The post Hollywood’s Hot Rods: Celebrities Who Love Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

Back in April of last year, AmericanMuscle (AM) announced their Street VS Strip Giveaway where participants entered daily for the chance of being selected as one of two finalists. Both finalists would win $15k in Mustang parts for two different builds; one street focused, the other for the strip.

Today, AM is proud to announce the winners: Carlos and his S550 GT from Florida and Braylan and his S197 V6 from Texas. To celebrate, AM has published their Mustang build videos for the world to see!

View Carlos’ build here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/mustang-street-strip-build-carlos.html

The post 2 Mustangs, $30K in Parts: AM’s Street VS Strip Winners appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

It would be great if we could all afford and run the top line of muscle cars with their insane power levels. However, sometimes reality bites and we want muscle car credentials, just without the need for the top end power. Ford thought of this in 2015, with the four-cylinder, turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost.

This has proven popular with Wards Intelligence data saying that in the first six months of 2019, 53% of Mustangs were sold in the US of the four-cylinder types. The other Detroit muscle builders also had the same idea, like the older Dodge Charger SE and newer SXT having a 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine. In the case of the Charger engine, producing 292 horsepower and the SXT Plus trim having 300HP.

Much of the Ford powertrain has been adapted from the Ford Focus RS hot hatchback. Things like engine mounts have been adapted, but for the core engine workings like the compression ratio, bore and stroke, come from the Focus RS. The additional benefits from the Eco boost are a redesigned quad-tip exhaust system, new turbocharger with 22 psi (1.5-bar) of boost and 5% larger twin-scroll compressor.

V8 fans may scoff at the four-cylinder Mustang, but the 2.3L still has more umph than the 2005 Mustang with its 4.6L 300HP V8. There’s also plenty of torque with 350 lb.-ft. and a more linear acceleration curve. In other words, far more grunt than you would expect from a four-cylinder unit. The power also nicely transfers through a 10 speed automatic or six speed manual transmission.

At roughly a starting price of $33,000, the EcoBoost High Performance for example, has the brakes from the Mustang GT, aluminium rims, summer tires and a 3.55:1 limited-slip rear axle. There are also different packages available like the Handling Package for $1,995, which include tasty extras like calibrated magnetic suspension dampers, larger solid rear sway bar and fancy, painted rims.

Okay, a four-cylinder will never have the street cred. of a V8, but the four-cylinders serve multiple purposes. A more cost-effective way to enter into the wild world of the muscle car, making muscle cars more accessible and simply having a cheaper car to run on a daily basis. The V8s are still top of the heap, but it’s also nice to know there are variations out there for all pocket sizes.

The post Ford Mustang 4-Cyl. EcoBoost: The Future Of Muscle Cars? appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make a modern muscle car spine tingly exciting. In reality, it’s a bit more complicated than that, but when you mix in a Dodge Challnger Hellcat with power levels that hit 5000bhp, then things get exciting. In this case, it’s with the ‘Vixen’ Hellcat, which is arguably one of the most potent muscle machines around.

Earlier in the year, after being finely tuned and fettled, the twin turbocharged Challenger popped down to Cecil County Dragstrip and put down a staggering three second range time over a 8th mile at 197 miles per hour. You can check out the video footage below. It’s definitely worth a few minutes of watching to see the initial burnouts and then an in car view of Rich Bruder blasting his way over the finish line.

So how did the guys behind the Vixen ramp up an already potent Hellcat to such ridiculous power levels? As you can probably guess, everything on this car has been fine tuned from the tube chassis to the inclusion of the 528ci. Hemi V8. The engine comes from DiSomma Racing, fitted with two Precision 98-millimeter turbochargers, cranking out 5000 brake horsepower and propelling the 3,050-pound of Detroit muscle to the superquick times, all running on methanol. Basically, 0-200mph in just under four seconds.

We wrote about all this earlier in the year, but like any high-powered offering, the car doesn’t stand still for long. Checking out the Vixen’s Facebook page there is a constant evolution to tweak as much power out of the thing and go faster than ever.

The next showing of the Vixen Hellcat will be at Palm Beach International Raceway, October 11-12 as part of the Street Outlaws, no Prep. Kings event. For other details about when the car will next show its face, check out their Facebook page from the link above.

The post 5000hp ‘Vixen’ Dodge Challenger Hellcat Still Flying appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The Hemi line of muscle car engines has been in the public consciousness for many decades. Synonymous with power and performance, it’s no wonder this large displacement engine has found a use from street to top drag racers. The origins of the hemispherical cylinder head go back to World War II, but it was in 1964 that Chrysler decided that the 426ci. (7.0 L) engine needed proper performance applications.

Nicknamed the ‘elephant engine’, the original was aimed at NASCAR racing, being dropped into the Dodge Dart and Plymouth Fury in 1965 and a street version going into things like the Dodge Coronet from 1966 onwards. These are often referred to as the 2G or Gen 2 Hemis. A modern, limited edition version of the elephant engine was also recently produced by Mopar.

So, what goes into one of these huge brutes of an engine, going from the basic engine block to the final build? This video from Nick’s garage covers the rebuild of one of these huge engines and testing. As for power levels, the engine produces 500HP and the dyno test produced torque ranges from 490.4lb. ft. to 493.1lb. ft. at 4500-4600rpm.

If you’re at all fascinated with how one of these engines ticks, than the video below is definitely worth checking out.

The post Amazing 426 HEMI Engine Build appeared first on Muscle Car.

So you know you want a muscle car and you want to go fast, too. What are the fastest muscle cars on the market?

There’s more than one reason to buy a muscle car, and they’re not all about speed.

There’s have all-American good looks and oodles of torquiness.  A throaty roar down the stretch and the chance to own a piece of classic American auto history.

First, some parameters. Are we talking 0-60, or flat out top speed? For our purposes here, we’ve combined the two.

So here they are in reverse order, the five fastest muscle cars for those who want to go fast. Take your pick.

Cadillac CTS-V

Cadillac calls it the most powerful Cadillac ever built. With a claimed top speed of 200 mph, and the 640 hp supercharged V8 engine pushing 630 pounds of torque, who’s to argue?

Possibly, it may be those who see Cadillac’s fabled luxury as no place for a muscle car. Except this one’s built to go and that changes everything. We’d have placed it higher up the list, but a sluggish 3.7-second 0-60 performance didn’t do it any favors.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Powered by a supercharged 6.2 liter V8 650 hp with an official 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds, the ZL1 is designed to excel.

At Germany’s 7.6-mile oval Papenburg track it broke the 200 mph barrier. It was clocked at a startling 202.3 mph and staked a claim to the title of world’s fastest muscle car. Marking 193.3 mph on the return, the result was an official top speed average of 198 mph.

Equus Bass 770

Equus retains the muscled motoring of American classics and couples it with the modern era’s refined technology with notes of ultra-cool luxuriousness.

The result is 6.2 liters of a supercharged engine that waves sixty goodbye in a mere 3.4 seconds. Breaking out at a top speed of 200 mph, so says Equus, the 770 lights up the roadway like a pack of quality H4 bulbs.

2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

The Redeye is right there with the quickest street cars on the market.

If your thirst for speed isn’t quenched by the Hellcat’s zip to sixty in 3.4 seconds, the quarter-mile at 11.4, or flat out speeds that have seen 203 mph in the rear-view, you’re dryer than Dodge knows what to do with.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Except maybe for the Hellcat Charger. Is this the fastest American muscle car ever made?

In 2015, Dodge named it the fastest family sedan on the planet. Hellcat doesn’t sound like it was named with the kids in mind and at 206 miles an hour with the wind behind, it doesn’t behave like it.

Using back to back runs, Dodge marked the official average at 204.55 mph and pointed out that their tested model were no different from what you’d buy in the store. Except for the tires.

The Fastest Muscle Cars of All Time

So there they are, the five fastest muscle cars, all built with speed in mind.

And whether you’re talking about how quickly they hit sixty, knock out the quarter-mile mark, or their rubber-burning, throat-spurting, road-blazing flat out speeds down the tarmac, it makes almost no difference. Each one is ridiculously quick.

Which one is the fastest? Who really knows. It’s the never-ending debate in bars, clubs, and magazine reviews across America. Long may it continue.

The post If You’re Not First, You’re Last: 5 Fastest Muscle Cars for Those Who Want to Go Fast appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Sometimes when a car goes up for auction, it simply doesn’t hit it’s reserve price. This was the case with Richard Petty and his 1970 Plymouth Superbird. Arguably one of the most famous American racing cars, bidding topped out at $3.5 million and was apparently far short of the undisclosed reserve price. If the reserve price had been met, it would have made the Superbird the highest priced NASCAR vehicle sold at auction.

Mecum Auctions live

A call from the auctioneer to start at a cool $10 million fell on deaf ears, with bidding starting at $1 million and ended with a $3.5 million phone bid.

The Superbird was part of the Todd Werner collection, which was amongst other tasty muscle cars ready to cross the auction block at Mecum. Petty 82, was also in the audience for the auction, stating ‘anytime you got in that car you knew you had a chance to win the race.’
Petty used a bunch of Superbirds during the 1970 race season and it was Todd Werner who had the eagle eyes to recognize this particular Superbird as one of the originals. The car was taken to Petty Enterprises where it was completely restored with its iconic Petty Blue paint and the no.43.

But Why, oh why is this elongated muscle car so significant?
Like any iconic vehicle, there are a number of factors. ‘The King’ Richard Petty was the driver to have in 1970 and being with Ford at the time, Petty would only go back to Plymouth if a potent ‘winged Warrior’ or ‘aero car’ was at his disposal, just like the Dodge Charger Daytona.

The 1970 Superbird which was only around for one season and featured a 426 Hemi V8 with the potential to hit 200mph. The formula worked and resulted in 18 race wins and 31 top 10 finishes. NASCAR then put a halt to aero cars competing after 1970. As the street versions didn’t sell very well, precious few remain and are now ultra collectors items, especially with a 426 Hemi V8. The rest of the street going versions featured a 440ci V8. Thus, rare, iconic and it also marked the height of the classic muscle car era where there was literally no replacement for displacement. The iconic Petty blue paint and the number 43 also standout as a hallmark for that period of racing. In many ways, if you want to own the ultimate golden era muscle car, this is probably it.

The other significant aspect of this car is the barebones interior. Modern NASCAR vehicles aren’t exactly plush limos inside, but the Petty Superbird in comparison is a steering wheel, a seat and that’s about it. Basically, seat of your pants driving and some would argue the most raw and purist form of the sport.

Read more about the original listing here.

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Credit: Versace

By Dave Ashton

What happens when the ultra-fashion conscious, who are also Ford fans(not needed), want some extra bling in their life? The answer is a Versace hoodie of course. But not just a hoodie, the high-end fashion house have also released Ford branded T-shirts, footwear and some rather smart pantalettes.

The high-end threads were originally shown off at exclusive catwalks earlier in the year, but they clearly missed a trick as there wasn’t a Ford Focus in sight to add to the street-like appeal. Well, that didn’t matter as car hoodies are now the new black and you need to buy one of these exclusive items if you want to stay on trend. Problem is, they’re not that exclusive and you have to stump up $1,872 for the privilege.

‘Versace’s collaboration with motor company Ford was inspired by ‘the excitement of buying your first car’. They utilize the signature Ford logo to reflect emotions of joy and thrill. Made in Italy, this back cotton x Ford logo print hoodie from Versace features a hood with a contrast printed logo in the rear, dropped shoulders, long sleeves, a central printed Ford logo, a kangaroo pocket and a ribbed hem and cuffs,’ say the website FarFetch.

Fancy one of the T-shirts? Well that will cost you $667 and the smart Ford pants will cost you $1,613.
You may already be thinking, why don’t I just buy an official Ford hoodie from Dearborn and be done with it? How dare you….. Versace have superior stitching, it’s made in Italy and has a whopping Versace logo on the head, bigger than the Ford logo itself, just in case you forgot who made it.

Clearly, if you have the disposable income and want the extra street cred., why not buy one, but for the rest of us it’s a bit ‘Emperor’s new Clothes’ situation. It’s everyday casual wear dressed up as high-end fashion with a corresponding price tag. Checking out Ford’s own merchandising site you can buy a hoodie for $29.95 with a smart, retro Ford logo. These hoodies have the exclusive features of being stitched by highly skilled, beer drinking Americans and made from tough cotton for wiping down oily hands….

There’s even some smart looking Ford socks going for $11.95 which I might grab a pair of, not because I’m a Ford fan, just because I’m running out…

The other problem for the average guy/gal is should I spend that money on a hoodie that will last me six months or some tasty parts for my car? I think most would have already resolved that answer….

Which brings us to who should be buying these Versace/Ford threads? I think all Ford’s racing teams should be kitted out in such apparel. The next time you watch Formula One, the pit crew should stand around like veritable Derek Zoolanders throwing out ‘Blue Steel’ whenever a camera lens wafts in their vicinity. Pit stops may take a few hours each, but wouldn’t they look fabulous……….

Get the Ford Hoodie from here in the UK and here in the US.

Buy the Ford Versace T-shirt thingy from here.

The post Versace Are Selling Ford Hoodies For $1,872 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Since the dawn of muscle cars, there have been those lucky folks who’ve wandered into a showroom at just the right time and come away with an ultra rarity. This is the case with Gaines Stevens and friend Kamran Osenbaugh who visited Ed Rinke Chevrolet to buy a Chevrolet SS sedan and each came away with street-legal prototype Camaros built by COPO as reported by motorauthority.com.

The stars seem to have aligned perfectly on that day, as Rich Rinke who owned the dealership ordered the two COPO Camaros, purposefully built to be a street legal road course racer named, ‘the Track Day Performance Camaro.’ 100 – 200 were planned to be built, but only two eventually hit the light of day.

According to the rundown over at motorauthority.com, Steven’s white car 001A and Osenbaugh’s blue car 001B were test mule prototypes. The program was apparently scrapped as parts couldn’t all arrive at the same time, such as GM’s Performance Data Recorder (PDR) or Recaro seats. This means that the two Camaros were bought with some of the missing items.

Each of the Camaros has a 6.2-liter V8 producing 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed manual transmission, with the original sale price being just under $50,000. Chock-full of performance parts, because feature everything you could possibly need for a worthy track day vehicle.

Are these already bona fide, rare classics? I would think so, especially when Osenbaugh says he won’t let his go for less than $100,000.

If you want to find out more details about the two vehicles. Check out the original post over at motorauthority.com.

The post The Only Two 2017 COPO Chevrolet Camaros From Track Day Program appeared first on Muscle Car.

Looking to add a powerful car to your auto stable? Check out the most-wanted American muscle cars for online buyers right now!

Americans are driving more than ever before. With so much of your time spent on the road, it stands to reason you’d want to do it in style. American muscle cars fit that bill, designed as much for aesthetics as performance. But what muscle cars are really worth your time?

Here are 4 of the most wanted muscle cars on the market today.

Chevrolet Camaro

The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro is the sixth of its generation and it’s taken the lessons of earlier iterations to heart. The top ZL1 has a 650-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 allowing it to rip to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

As muscle cars go, the Camaro is a staple and for good reason: they’re fast, tough, and primed to turn heads wherever they go.

Ford Mustang

You’d have to have lived in a hole to not know about the iconic Mustang. This crown jewel of muscle cars has been in production without interruption since 1964 and it has the reputation to show for it.

The latest Mustang is available with a 310-hp 2.3-liter four but it’s the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 that brings the real muscle to the road. Dual overhead cam heads and four valves per cylinder combine to push this pony to its limit, a 7400-rpm redline.

To drive a Mustang is to know what real American muscle is all about.

Dodge Challenger

The current Challenger has been in production for 12 years now. Despite its age, it’s still as stunning as when it hit the road over a decade ago.

The Challenger is offered in a number of variations, each with its pros and cons. The basic SXT uses the 305-hp V-6 but it’s the Hemi V-8 that really puts the muscle in this baby.

The supercharged Hellcat model is rated at 707 horsepower but for those looking for even more power, there’s the Redeye that boasts 797 horsepower. The cream of the crop, the Demon, is street drivable but feels most at home roaring down drag strips where it can produce up to 840 horsepower on 100-octane racing fuel.

Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger hit the road in 1966 as a sleek fastback. Today it lives on as a four-door sedan that rivals its brother, the Challenger but we’d be amiss if we didn’t spotlight the 1968-1970 iteration.

The second-generation Dodge Charger is one of the most recognizable American cars ever made. The beautiful styling alone would have sealed its place in the muscle car hall of fame, but it was its starring role in countless movies and TV shows that popped the cherry on this particular cake.

Thinking about buying one of these beauties for yourself? Rest assured that this baby isn’t all show. A selection of powerful V8 engines ensures it stands the test of time.

American Muscle Cars Never Go Out of Style

There’s just nothing quite like the feel of American muscle cars. Whether you trend toward the more modern iterations or love a good classic, there’s something for you on this list.

Want to buy a muscle car of your own? Check out our muscle cars for sale today and land yourself a beauty.

The post America’s Most Wanted: The Top 4 American Muscle Cars to Buy Online appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Custom wraps and exterior designs on a car are nothing new. Every once in a while one design stands out, especially when it gets some fine video and photography to back it up. In this case it’s a blood splat design wrapped around a Dodge Challenger with added widebody kit.

On initial impressions, you can take the look of the car one of two ways. A gory take on the muscle car concept or a Jackson Pollock inspired, bright red, beautiful splat painting. Especially when you look at the attached images, I err on the latter.

After a little digging online we found that this Dodge Challenger has a Liberty Walk kit and the blood wrap applied by Fos Automotive Concepts and Spa, Dubai. Other custom features are custom lighting, Air Lift Performance suspension, ARP front splitter, three-piece forged wheels and power increased to 820Hp.

The gorgeous images you see here of the Bloody Challenger seem to have been shot by ‘RK Works.’ We couldn’t find a link to the rest of their work online, but if anybody finds them please add to the comments below so we can link to their work. We grabbed the images from the original owner of the car’s Instagram page, so this is the best we can do for for image credits at this point. The Challenger is seemingly owned by Sahad Ibrahim from the official United Arab Emirates Dodge Club, judging from the front licence plate on the car and the Instagram count…….if this is not the owner, the person is one big fan of the car….which probably equates to the same thing….

The images themselves make the Challenger look almost tranquil, like they are surrounded by Japanese maple trees in a surreal garden. Juxtapose that setting with the inherent aggressive nature of the Dodge Challenger and the result is some mighty fine artwork.

As you can see from this Instagram post, the car has got some unique feedback.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Sleep baby ???? #iphoneclick ?? #beast Blood splatter ???? @mydubai #mydubai#jumeirah#dodge#mopar#hellcatchallenger#dodge_challenger_arabia #im_dodge #mopar_nation #srtaddicts #mylove #mybeast #dodge #challenger #supercharged #car #ride #drive #mopar #street #road#challengerfam #srt8world#mopar_nation #airliftperformance #sportscar #exoticcar #speed #tires #muffler #race

A post shared by ?????????? ?????????????? (@hellcat_143) on Sep 7, 2018 at 3:46am PDT

The look of the car has also inspired a Mod for GTA San Andreas. You can find the details for the car and a download link for the mod here. Hot Wheels have even got in on the act, producing their own version.

The post The Gorgeous Bloody Liberty Walk Challenger appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Fat tires on a car just seem to make everything look better. A wider stance, beefer, looks inherently more powerful, the list goes on. Sticking on wider wheels is probably one of the first mods. anyone attempts on a car. That is until we realize those extra fat tires start hitting the wheel arches. Then a re-think is needed like shortening the rear end to accommodate the extra width of rubber. Not as straightforward as we first thought……

Like many inventions on a car, especially muscle cars, Fat tire practicality came before aesthetics. M+H and Hoosier were some of the first pioneers in fat, drag tires in the 1950s. The need for more efficient treads, compounds, traction and acceleration brought in the likes of Drag Racing Slicks, Cheater slicks and R compound tires (grooved slicks), all with specific uses. But, its the visuals of such tires on a car that also speak volumes.

Yep, fat drag tires simply make a car look that much cooler. A car still need the goods under the hood and the mechanical setup at the rear end to accommodate such wide girth, i.e. a drag car, but once everything is in place, what a fine look.

A great addition to any performance car, but wide wheels and tires are not for the fainthearted. Lots of work and modifications are needed. It’s not just about slapping on some wide wheel arches and the job is done. The whole car from back to front, from the rear end to power levels need to be reconfigured to accommodate the new hefty wheel and tire size.

In this respect, here’s a small sample of fat tire eye candy for your pleasure. Inspired by images from Kirk Miller who posted in the Facebook group ‘NL MUSCLE CARS.’ The group is closed on Facebook, so you will have to ask for an invite to join. Simply put, seeing some of these vintage muscle cars in a street environment makes them look even more domineering than on the drag strip. In other words, fat is usually better when it comes to the rear end look of a car.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

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By Dave Ashton

Now we finally know. We have been recently drip fed small morsels of information about the upcoming 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 – engine types, suspension, body upgrades, etc., almost everything apart from how much power the thing will kick out. Now it’s in the public domain, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will produce 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. Return serve from Ford, using a tennis analogy.

It was always a possibility that horsepower levels would be over the magic 700 number. 700 horses has been bandied around for months, with lots of speculation, but now it has been confirmed. No performance figures have been issued as yet, but there are hints of a mid three second 0-600mph time, a quarter mile time of under 11 seconds and a very capable track car.

This is significant as the last GT500 had 662 horses and the Ford GT is also beat at 627 horses. Ford has also limited the car’s top speed to 180 mph. Not as an aim to kill the fun, but as it costs so much to engineer a 200mph+ vehicle, they have instead put their efforts into a new dual-clutch transmission and high-downforce aero package generating 550 pounds of downforce. All pointing to a car that should do very well on both a road course and on the dragstrip. A canny move – appeal to both purist pony car and sports car fans alike. Something that is already working for the Mustang GT across Europe in their native hand drive.

All this is great news for Mustang fans, but it also adds fuel to the fire of the horsepower wars and to the wider picture of further promoting muscle cars in general. Clearly, Ford are going for making the best and most powerful GT500 yet, but there are also other milestones to hit.

The horsepower wars started at the dawn of time and are still a factor between the big three muscle makers. More power equals more street cred., it’s just the way of things. The current Corvette ZR1 has 755HP and 715 lb-ft of torque, while the 2019 SRT Dodge Hellcat has 717 horsepower(up from 707HP) and 656 lb-ft of torque, with the Dodge Redeye producing 797hp and 707 lb-ft. of torque and can top 203mph. Although the Dodge Demon was a limited edition model with an insane 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft. of torque, it’s had a definite influence on the levels of power expected from now on. All fantastic power levels straight from the factory, with enough torque from each to shred tires at a moments notice.

So, while the rest of the planet are working on downsizing engines and working on automated electric boxes, this news is a breath of fresh air for Petrol heads everywhere, muscle car fan or not. The 600 horsepower zone now seems quite sedate, which means the big three now have each a 700HP+ vehicle, which if nothing else still brings that ‘wow’ factor to modern motoring.
Sometimes bigger is better…

In this episode of AM’s Mustang News, Justin Dugan shares his excitement for FOMOCO’s announcement timed perfectly as Ford Performance was present at AM2019 last weekend with their Rapid Red ’20 GT500. Justin shares some additional facts and speculations you won’t want to miss.
https://www.americanmuscle.com/mustang-news-june2019.html

The post 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 Gets 760 HP appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Speedkore are known for their impressive carbon fiber creations, like the all carbon GT500 and the 1970 Dodge Charger ‘Evolution.’ Now the outfit have turned their attention to the Dodge SRT Demon and to crank out even more muscle than before with a new quarter-mile time.

When 840HP and 770 lb.ft. of torque is not enough from the stock Demon muscle car, extra goodies need to be added. The stock supercharger has been swapped out for twin Precision 6875 turbochargers, the engine and custom fabricated exhaust modified by Gearhead Fabrications, Fore Innovations triple-pump fuel system, Injector Dynamic 1300cc injectors and Boost Leash CO2 progressive boost controller throw down 1202HP to the wheels. There’s also a Driveshaft Shop carbon fiber driveshaft, with everything sitting on Nitto NT05R front tires and 325/35 R18 Mickey Thompson ET Street R tires at the rear.

The video below shows race ace Leah Pritchett pushing the Speedkore Demon to a 8.779 second quarter mile at 161.57mph. In stock form the Demon can do the quarter mile in 9.65 seconds. As an alternative Hennessey Performance did a 9.14 second time in their HPE1000 package. With their HPE1200 package at 1,200HP with a 4.5L supercharger system may just tip the balance.

But with the new time being crowned, ‘Fastest Demon in the World’ will other tuners try to break the record any time soon?

But Speedkore don’t just tweak the power. They specialize in carbon fiber fabrication and the Demon is dressed head to toe in the stuff. As you can see from the photo below its alternative incarnation has been given a splash of red paint to offset the all carbon look with other colors available. Presented at last years SEMA show, the Speedkore Demon showed that it could balance top end power and great looks at the same time.

Find out more here.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post Speedkore’s Carbon 1200HP Twin-Turbo Dodge Demon New 1/4 Mile Time appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

It’s been almost a year since the Dodge Demon was released to the public. The heavyweight champion of the muscle car world has definitely influenced the rest of the line, with one of its latest offspring being the RT Scat Pack 1320 ‘Angry Bee.’ This ‘1320’ package (1,320 feet in a quarter mile) is a $3,995 option on top of a regular Challenger RT Scat Pack at $46,080.

For the extra you get a 392 HEMI® V8 with 485HP and 475 lb.ft. of torque going through a TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission, 3.09:1 rear end and with Demon influenced extreme-duty 41-spline rear-axle halfshafts, adaptive dampers with Drag mode, Torque Reserve system, trans brake and a finger-actuated line-lock. Basically, all the tools you need for a quality burnout and hard launch.

The package also add some niceties such as Super Bee logos, instrument panel, splash screen on the gauge cluster, Brembo brakes, gloss black 20-inch wheels on Nexen SUR4G drag-spec 275/40R20 tires and just like the Demon, just the drivers seat or the others included as a $1 option. There’s even a nice little lip to the rear spoiler. Colors include – B5 Blue, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Go Mango, Granite Crystal, Indigo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, TorRed, Triple Nickel (NEW), White Knuckle and Yellow Jacket.

Being drag race orientated, the car’s been approved by the NHRA for Stock and Super Stock Competition, which means owners can tweak away on their cars as long as its within the rules. Dodge even says it’s the fastest naturally aspirated, street-legal muscle car around. In real-world figures this equates to 11.7-second at 115mph in the quarter mile and 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds. Just that bit quicker than the 2019 Scat Pack R/T wide-body quarter mile at 12.1 seconds. (having just one seat drops 114 pounds and a tenth of a second faster with the 1320.)

So what’s the main feedback? Alot of Demon tech. has been added, it’s easier to drive than the Demon and more readily available. Its drag optimized, but can still do as a daily driver. If you couldn’t get hold of a Demon and the Redeye is too expensive, then the 1320 is a good choice if you want to hit the strip, along with the options of daily niceties. The tech. is setup for drapstrip launches and Dodge positively encourage all owners to use the car for what it was made for.

The 392ci (6.4L) Hemi V8 is also the prime performer for Mopar outside the Hellcat setups. It’s a rock solid performer, just waiting to be tweaked and fettled. It also has loads of aftermarket ‘bits’ available, making it an ideal platform for building up to any power levels your pocket or kid’s trust fund allows.

Caveats? Well, if you want to include all the options then the price gets cranked up. You could get a Hellcat or Widebody, but the 1320 has more Demon tech. like the transbrake and covers the road and drapstrip in equal amounts. In ‘Sports mode’ its also potentially happy as a touring car. Adding all the extra goodies, may defeat the object of a drag optimized car, but the choices are there if needed for more roadgoing creature comforts.

So, if you need more whack than a standard Scat Pack, something dragstrip orientated straight from the factory and flavors of the Demon, then the 1320 could sit very well. The 1320 also includes a one-year membership to the NHRA or NMCA, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and the Dodge 1320 club.

The post Is The Dodge Challenger RT Scat Pack 1320 Any Good? appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

April 26th or ‘4-26’ is National Hemi Day and helping with the celebrations is the release of the monster Hellephant Hemi engine. The 426c.i. crate engine produces 1,000 horsepower and 950 lb-ft of torque and is now available for preorder.

A little history…
The hemispherical cylinder head(Hemi and trademarked by Chrysler) was first experimented with in 1945, in the Republic P47 Thunderbolt airplane. The first overhead valve V8s in vehicles were named ‘FirePower’ by Chrysler, with Dodge having a version called the ‘Red Ram’ and pushed forward versions up to 1957. It wasn’t until the second generation of Hemi’s in 1964 with the 426 Hemi, where things started to get interesting. Produced to hit NASCAR hard, production versions had to be produced to officailly compete in racing which were dropped into the Dodge Dart, Plymouth Fury and Dodge Coronet. The ‘Street’ Hemi was introduced in 1966 to enter the 1966 NASCAR season.

The third generation of Hemis started production in 2003 with a 5.7 L Hemi and then the 6.1L/ 369.7ci. V8, 6.4L / 392 Apache, 6.2L Hellcat and 6.2L Demon engines.

The Hellephant
The ‘Hellephant’ engine was first announced at the 2018 SEMA show, inspired by the 1964 426 elephant engine and joins the other Mopar madness of the 707-horsepower ‘Hellcrate’ engine, unveiled at the 2017 SEMA Show. The Hellephant is only available for pre-1976 muscle car vehicles due to emission laws in certain states. States without the inspection or emission clamps can happily drop this engine into any car you like, but needing the pre-requisite upgrades.

Hemi day itself will celebrate the debut 50 years ago of the mighty 426 HEMI engine. Mopar will post content through social media channels throughout the day. you want to help spread the word just simply add the hashtags #Hellephant and #HEMIday.

‘The reaction when we revealed the ‘Hellephant’ engine at the SEMA Show was just amazing, and the momentum continued after the show, with close to 1,000 people expressing interest in buying this engine,’ said Steve Beahm, Head of Parts & Service (Mopar) and Passenger Car Brands, FCA.

The Hellephant Hemi engine, part number P5160194 is priced at $29,995, with the Hellephant Engine Kit (part number 77072500,) costing $2,265 which allows plug and play installation of the whole setup. The engine kit comprises of an accelerator pedal, charge air temperature sensors, CAN bus interface device, chassis harness, fuel pump control module, ground jumper, engine wiring harness, powertrain control module (PCM), power distribution center and oxygen sensors. There are also other engine bay kits available from Mopar such as the Exhaust Manifold Kit and Rear Sump Oil Pan Kit which should make installation of the whole setup that bit easier.

The supercharged 426ci/7L Hellephant Hemi engine uses a number of factors to hit its power levels, which include 4 inches of stroke and a bore of 4.125 inches.
The supercharger has a high-efficiency rotor set mounted on an aluminium block, beefing everything up to the max 1,000HP.

Pre-ordered through www.cratehemi.com

The post 1,000-horsepower ‘Hellephant’ Helps Celebrates HEMI Day appeared first on Muscle Car.

When tasked with finding the world’s fastest Ford Mustangs, I thought this would be an easy job. Firstly, consult the Guinness book of records for any official entries, then job done, easy. Well, The first hurdle was the only entries for a Mustang were ‘Largest Parade of Mustangs’ and ‘the most virtual signatures on an electronic greeting card.’ Nothing with the words ‘fastest’ or ‘quickest.’

So, with no official speed entries, it’s down to strictly unofficial records. The next bunch of caveats, the fastest off the line, fastest 0-60mph, fastest top speed, fastest over a quarter mile, fastest over a half mile, fastest over a mile, fastest stock or mod’ed. The list goes on and on…

So, with most of the headlines of ‘Fastest’ this or that, here’s is a sloppily put together list of some of the most potent Mustang muscle cars out there. These are either the fastest in the Mustang community or claim to be the fastest in a certain category. As a side note, the 2020 Shelby Mustang GT500 promises to be the most powerful production Mustang yet, but we will have to wait and see how this beast performs.

Fastest Manual Ford
Housing a 4.6-liter 4V Mod motor, now with Precision 62mm turbochargers, the 1998 ‘TT Minion’ Mustang can produce 1,500 horsepower and do a 7.92 second quarter-mile at 180mph, all with manual shifting. Is it the fastest in the world? Who knows, but it’s up there.

Fastest Quarter Mile Drag Radial Car
A quarter-mile time in 5.92 seconds at 250mph on drag radials. This thing has a Proline 526ci. V8 with two 94mm turbochargers.

Fastest none street-legal production Mustang
This honor goes to the 5.2L Ford Mustang Cobra Jet for the 50th anniversary of the Mustang. Only 68 of these were built and although not street legal, they can hit the quarter-mile in the mid-eight seconds at 150 mph. With a little helping hand from a 3.0 litre Whipple supercharger, it’s arguably one of the fastest production Mustangs around.

Fastest quarter-mile from Drag Times
This quarter-mile time was recorded over at Drag Times for a 1969 Mustang driven by Bill Sexton. The pass was recorded on March 15th, 2004 at 6.860 seconds at 204mph. The engine is a 712ci. Pontiac with a 2 Stage Fogger nitrous kit.

Fastest Shelby GT500 Mustang
This video of the ‘The Devil’s Reject’ Shelby GT500 Mustang gives a claimed 6.76 seconds @ 206mph in the quarter mile. It certainly has the goods with a 5.8liter/349.ci. aluminum block with 2,200 horsepower with help from a Precision 94mm turbocharger.

Fastest S550 Mustang with IRS
The fastest S550 Mustang with independent rear suspension seemingly goes to a 2017 Mustang GT by Sheldon Lewis of Straight Performance Racing. The 7.9 second run at 179 MPH was done with a SPR Built Coyote Engine, 88mm single turbo system and Powertrain Specialties TH400.

However, here’s Jordan Weir with his 2015 Mustang that rocketed to 245.1 mph at The Texas Mile in early 2017. Over 2,000 horsepower comes from a Trinity 5.8-liter engine with two 76mm Borg-Warner turbos and 2013 GT500 intercooler.

Fastest production street legal Mustang
The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 sure has some potent power under the hood with a supercharged 5.8-liter 32-valve V8, producing 662HP. This comes out at 3.5 seconds for a 0-60MPH time and a roundabout 11.8 second quarter-mile time. The GT500 also has a claimed 200-mph top speed.

Shelby GT350 Half Mile World Record
A best pass of 193.5 mph.

This is not an exhaustive list, but will hopefully give you a small insight into some of the fastest Mustangs around.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post The World’s Fastest Ford Mustangs appeared first on Muscle Car.

In honor of National Mustang Day, AmericanMuscle’s Justin Dugan brings you his top 3 picks for S197 (2010-2014) Mustang GT front brake kits. With this ‘best of’ video, Justin shines light on a few options for budget minded Mustang owners to increase their stopping power without breaking the bank. Covering everything from a stock replacement to an aggressive compound and slotted/drilled rotor, Justin covers a wide range of kits for owners looking to improve their street driven or weekend warrior S197.

Watch it here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/2010-mustang-brakes.html

Additionally, this video has been added as a resource to AM’s Brake System Tech Guide.

View it here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/brake-system-tech-guide.html

The post Best of S197 Mustang Brakes appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

In the vintage muscle car world a vehicle usually only needs one or two rare options to make it an expensive rarity. In the case of this 1972 Pontiac LeMans GT it’s definitely a rarity, but with the added bonus of still being relatively affordable. The LeMans GT package was only available in 1972 aimed at the more budget minded muscle car enthusiasts. This included a chrome bumper instead of the GTO Endura bumper and bench seats instead of bucket versions. The GT also included side tape stripes, dual exhaust, Rally II wheels and color coded mirrors with passenger remote.

The standout option on this car is the Carolina Blue paintwork. The color was a special order from only a few Pontiac dealers in North Carolina who ordered the car as a tribute to the NCAA North Carolina Tar Heels. The ducktail rear spoiler was also special ordered and not a factory option. Apparently, Carolina Blue was also specially ordered on some Chevrolet models.

After a bit of sniffing around online, it seems that the same vehicle as featured here has popped up for sale a few times, most notably from Mecum and from an independent car dealer. Both listings say the car is 1 of 1 with one of the listings saying it has PHS documentation to prove its authenticity. One listing showing the selling price for $32,000. Not a huge amount more than what you would pay for a regular 1972 Pontiac LeMans GT.

So, onto the individual details about this car. It was originally sold from Jim Simmons Pontiac Buick Inc., 829 Church Street, Concord, North Carolina. The schedule build date was the third week of April, shipped on the April 24, 1972. The options included – Solic Special $72.00, GT option $231.00, AM Radio $65.00, Vinyl Trim $27.00, 350-2 Bbl engine $118.00, Soft Ray Windshield $30.00. Total retail price being $3,510.65.

The VIN code 2D37N2A189123 breaks down as below –

2 – Pontiac Motor Division
D – LeMans
37 – 2 Door hardtop
N – 350-2 bbl engine
2 – 1972 Model year
A – Atlanta, Georgia final assembly plant
189123 – Sequence number

The cowl tag breaks down as following –
(72-23537) – 1972 Pontiac Lemans 2 door hardtop
(A) – Atlanta, GA
(17870) – Body number
(256 A52) – Black bench seat Morrokide
(W6) – special order Carolina blue
(04C) – April 3 week

General specs.
Engine: 0535916 – 455 C.I.(originally 350ci. 2 Bbl)
Transmission: 3885010 – Muncie wide ratio 4 speed
Rear: 690131 – 3.23 ratio

The car was restored in March 2014 by Muscle Car Designs, Joliet, Illinois at 40,000 miles, who replaced the original 350ci. V8 with a 455ci. V8 and a Muncie wide ratio 4 speed. Power steering and front disc brakes were also added. The two spoke steering wheel was also replaced with a three spoke wooden rim version. The ducktail spoiler is also a super rarity as it never made it into production due to problems with the mold.

It’s a shame the original powertrain isn’t with the car, but the vehicle is definitely a fascinating rarity from the classic muscle car era.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post 1972 Pontiac LeMans GT in Carolina Blue, 1 of 1 appeared first on Muscle Car.

One rare muscle car coming up for sale is exciting, but two of the same type is even better. However, in the case of the Dodge Charger 500, it’s not just the year and body style that are difference. In fact the closest similarities are that they are both Dodge Chargers and have the name 500.

The 1969 Charger 500 was produced to tip the scales in NASCAR. In an attempt to make the Charger R/T faster on the track as it suffered from aerodynamic problems at high speeds, the rear window was made flush with the roof with reshaped backlights and the front of the vehicle was given the 1968 Coronet grille which was flush with the front of the body. 500 models had to be officially produced to qualify as ‘stock’ for NASCAR. The 440ci. Magnum V8 was standard, with 67 models having the 426ci. Hemi V8. Depending on who you ask, there may have been 559 produced, while the common consensus puts the number at 392. Although the Charger 500 gained 18 victories in the 1969 NASCAR season, Ford mopped up 30 wins, which ultimately led to the release of the 1969 Charger Daytona and 1970 Plymouth Superbird.

In 1970 the Dodge Charger 500 was no longer a performance model but a trim level, being one of three versions available that year in the base model, 500 and R/T, with an oprional SE package available. The 500 came with a standard 318ci.V8 or a 383ci.V8 with 2 or 4 barrel carburettors. The 1970 Charger 500 adopted the stylistic changes made to the vehicle this year, the last for the second generation of Charger B-bodies. A single front grille, wraparound chrome bumper, electric headlight doors, redesigned taillight panel, faux air intakes in the doors and various interior changes. 1970 also saw the introduction of ‘high impact’ colors, e.g. Hemi Orange, Plum Crazy, Panther Pink, Top Banana, Go Mango and Go Green.

Dodge Charger VIN numbers begin with a ‘X’ and in the case of the 500, another ‘X’ to denote price class. ’29’ is for a two door hardtop, the 5th character for the engine, the six character for the model year and the 7th for the production plant.

This means the 1969 Charger 500 is a limited edition, street version of its racing counterpart and the 1970’s version is a standard issue model. The irony is that the 1969 Dodge Charger 500 is slightly rarer than the Charger Daytona or Plymouth Superbird, but doesn’t command as high a price or the same notoriety.

Clearly, both of the vehicles below are in fine condition, fully restored, numbers matching and fully documented, but it’s also good to know the differences between each model. In today’s market they are both vintage rarities, solid investments and fine examples of performance from their day.

1969 Dodge Charger 500 Numbers Matching
VIN: XX29L9B217178
Engine: 440ci. V8
Transmission: 3 Speed A727 Torqueflite Automatic
489 Case Open Rear End
2.76:1 Gear Ratio
Exterior Color: Green
White 500 Tail Stripe
Charger 500 Aero Package
Mileage: 55872
1 of 392 Built #102
Price: $89,900.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

1970 Dodge Charger 500 Numbers Matching
VIN: XP29N0G202958
Engine: 383ci. V8 Single 4 Barrel
Transmission: 4 Speed A833 Manual
8 Rear End
Exterior Color: Go Green
Mileage: 70614
Current bid: $31,100.00

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

The post 1969 and 1970 Dodge Charger 500s For Sale appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

‘…What!’ I telepathically hear many of you exclaim, the ultra-refined pedigree of a Ferrari is beaten by the rough-and-tumble of a Dodge Hellcat Redeye. The boy is out of his mind. Well, if you read the full article comparing these two vehicles over @ motortrend.com you are treated to not only full coverage of these two machines, but also a rare Ferrari comparison, something the company rarely lets happen.

But ironically, with both vehicles being lined up against each other, they say it’s not a comparison, but more a delve into 800 horsepower territory and a revel in our times before EVs take over the world and turn the roads into boring silence. However, stating one is better than the other in some form of comparison is stated definitively with, ‘The Ferrari 812 Superfast is a much better automobile than the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye. It just is.’ Hmmm, seems like the contest is over before it starts, but read on…..

To some, the only similarity between these two vehicles are there roundabout power levels. So let’s check out some basic stats –

Power
2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye
Drivetrain: Front-engine V8, RWD
Displacement: 376.3 cu in/6,166 cc
Power: 797 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque: 707 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Wight: 4,451 lb

2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast
Drivetrain: Front-engine V12, RWD
Displacement: 396.4 cu in/6,496 cc
Power: 789 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Torque: 530 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm
Weight: 1,630 kg

Although these cars are like comparing chalk and cheese, they are both the most powerful street cars to currently buy. The Redeye is a weighty beast, being more like a super heavyweight boxer and the Ferrari a light middleweight, but with roughly both having the same punching power. (how dare you…..) Ferrari will engineer things to the nth degree, while Dodge simply whack in more power (there is no replacement for displacement) which is so old school muscle car, but still gets the job done.

The 812 Superfast in reality won’t even have the Redeye on its radar. It’s lining itself up against the super cars of the world like Chirons, Koenigseggs and the McLaren 720S, not the down and dirty antics of a Dodge Redeye. The 812 Superfast can do 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds, the quarter mile in 10.4 seconds at 138.6 mph. The Redeye – 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds at 203 mph and a quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 125 mph. Strike one to the Ferrari. Still the Redeye can do 0-100-0 mph in 11.8 seconds, just 0.3 seconds from a McLaren F1 LM.

Driving
The big surprise from the comparison is, ‘the Dodge is a far superior grand tourer.’ The 812 Superfast is said to be ‘much less comfortable, louder, has seats that don’t recline and the list goes on.’ However, with the Ferrari the driving experience was, ‘Utterly astounding that Ferrari’s front-engine ‘GT’ is this sharp and capable. I find it slightly depressing that spending all that money is genuinely worth it.’

The whole thing concludes with the two vehicles shown as they couldn’t be more different. ‘The Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye is an extreme taken to an extreme. It’s as ridiculous as it is wonderful, as unnecessary as it is desirable.’ Even to the point where they recommend a 900HP version just for the sheer hell of it, pardon the pun. The Ferrari – ‘the 812 Superfast is an all-singing, all-dancing virtual impossibility of a supercar.’ A car that is at the top of its game, so to speak.

As a comparison, they conclude the Ferrari as the winner, BUT those on ‘Redeye budgets’ don’t have to concern themselves with half million-dollar Ferraris and that’s the main point here.

What you get for your money
Throwing stats. around all day long and even direct comparisons for who has the best in whatever areas is fine, but rarely spoken is what you get for your money. Anybody buying into a Ferrari will focus on pedigree and performance, with probably no consequence to cost. The rest of us will be weighing up what we can get for our money.

A 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye costs around $69,995, the Ferrari 812 Superfast has a MSRP of $335,275. A big price difference. In any other product review, 2 items having a price difference of nearly 5 times wouldn’t even be looked at together. So it’s really testament to the Redeye that its being tested or compared against a Ferrari in the first place. Although both vehicles have more or less similar power levels, the Redeye is the one as a tourer or daily driver, but definitely gets bested in performance. Then again, which would you choose for enjoying a few burnouts?

This all means that the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye should be firstly judged on what you are getting for your money. In that way I declare it being the best all-rounder considering the money. A car costing five times the price of the Redeye should be better in all areas. I would be disappointed if it wasn’t if it was my money. But, the Redeye is at least in the ballpark for power and performance and possibly a better choice for long journeys.

So, the Redeye is still flying the flag for the muscle car ethos for insane power levels at an affordable price and these days with respectable handling for its weight. The Redeye is like a quality burger compared to a Michelin starred meal. Both are yummy and nutritious, but they will always attract different crowds and never the twain shall meet.

The post Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Bests Ferrari 812 Superfast as All-Rounder appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

I still find it remarkable that the Dodge Charger has been in production since 1966. Apart from a few down years and when it was on sabbatical trying to be a luxury car, the Dodge Charger has been waving the flag for muscle cars for quite a few decades. This fantastic video by Cars Evolution gives a nicely condensed roadmap of the Dodge Charger with all salient facts from 1966 up to present day.

Arguably one of the most identifiable of muscle cars, the Dodge Charger hit the streets in 1966 as a two-door, fastback model. The B body platform was used, sharing a front end and chassis with the Coronet. Engines ranged from a 318ci. V8 to a 440ci. V8 and the option of the ubiquitous 426 Street Hemi. 37,344 units were made in 1966.

Entry into NASCAR in 1966 started the journey into tweaking the design for better performance, such as the lip spoiler on the trunk, culminating in the 1970 Charger Daytona with its huge nose cone and rear wing. The first-generation lasted from 1966-67, until a design change in 1968-70, which is arguably the most recognizable Dodge Charger design featured in many Hollywood movies and TV series. This was also the generation where the Charger adopted its full muscle car personality, rather than trying to be half luxury car. Models like the R/T, Scat Pack and Super Bee with a 440 Magnum or Hemi V8 definitely stamped their marks.

1971-74 saw the entrance of the third-generation with a restyled split grille and more rounded design. 1972 started to see emission laws and other restrictions start to press down on huge displacement engines and with the rest of the muscle car gang, the Dodge Charger carried on with the full muscle car spirit until a complete design revamp in 1975 for the fourth generation models.

The fourth generation from 1975 to 1978 was still based on the B body platform, but that period was like your favorite band going off and producing a weird concept album or two just to change direction. We admit this period existed, but don’t like to talk about it…….(oooh, look over there, a flying bird…ahem…)

The fifth generation for 1982-87 saw the compact years based on the L platform. There were standout models like the Dodge Shelby Charger and the offshoot Charger GLHS by Carroll Shelby himself, but we then had to wait until 2006 when the modern era of Dodge Charger came into being. Since 2006 the Dodge Charger has crushed all the previous negative caveats associated with muscle cars, while keeping its main ethos. Tons of power, great handling, great looks, cool colors and a lot of horsepower for your money. Even the most ardent dissenters conclude the modern Dodge Charger as fun, raw and always unexpectedly better than they thought.

It’s possible to write volumes on even one generation of Dodge Charger if you take into account every option and offshoot of its history. But there has to be a starting point, or if you just want the main periphery points they are covered in this video.

There’s a bunch of videos in this series featuring the most popular muscle cars, which we post soon.

find Dodge Chargers on fastmusclecar.com
Info. about the Dodge Charger on Wikipedia.
Dodge charger homepage.

The post Watch The Dodge Charger Timeline appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

There’s no better way to put a vehicle through its paces than with a road and track test. In this test performed by racer.com, it’s the turn of the 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack in wide-body format. The wide-body version isn’t just, well….wider, the extra width allows for wider tires which are better suited for the power handling and definitely gives the car a more muscular look.

The wide-body version has 20×11-inch Devil’s Rim aluminum wheels with the option of 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P Zero summer tires. Seemingly ideal for the conditions of the test.

Under the hood of the widebody sits a 392 Hemi V8 with 485hp and 475 pounds-feet of torque, going through an eight speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Everything is stock on the car as it comes from the factory. The first bit of the test is a road trip. Then onto an autocross at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Picking out the salient points from both parts of the test, firstly on the road, revs were always low and with so much power on tap everything cruised along nicely with the only downside being the fuel economy at 21mpg. (The Mustang and Camaro produce better mpg, but you’re not really buying a muscle car with fuel economy at the top of your list.)

Adaptive damping suspension makes a comfortable ride on long journeys and has plenty of creature comforts within. The seats in comparison are more comfortable than in 2019 Mustang. In essence, the R/T Scat Pack Widebody can serve as a daily driver for long road trips as long as you’re okay with fuel economy.

Next up is the autocross. An entry into the Classic American Muscle category of SCCA autocross where the only rules are to use 200 treadwear street tires. The widebody was up against nine other muscle car entries in the lineup which included, ‘heavily modified Camaros and Mustangs, including a 1986 Saleen Mustang and a brand-new 2019 Mustang Bullitt.’ As the wide-body is in stock condition, this should be a great test for not just power, but handling and credibility against modified vehicles.

Autocross means a different set up from road use, so the wide-body suspension was put in Track mode, with stability and traction control turned off. There’s a hint of understeer in general use and slight oversteer when the power is laid down. One main takeaway for the masses is that the wide body was ‘surprisingly agile’ with its 4,241 lb weight, testified by its third-place. Predicted with a proper alignment setup and autocross-specific tires the wide-body could have possibly won.

The takeaway from the test was that the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody ‘far exceeded our expectations,’ the only real downside being the fuel economy, but that’s really to be expected. The test vehicle price comes in at $50,915, but this includes a bunch of added options. The R/T Scat Pack 2019 starts at around $38,995.
Add in the wide-body option ($6,000) which includes front Brembo brakes, the adaptive suspension, wider wheels and tires and a few creature comforts options like the technology packages and leather interior and the price soon bumps up. However, if you don’t mind leaving out the fancy option packages, you’re still getting a lot for your money.

Standard on all a Challenger R/T Scat Pack –
Launch Control
Launch Assist
Line Lock
SRT Drive Modes
SRT Performance Pages

Widebody Package (AYL) – 20?X11? Devil’s Rim Aluminum Wheels (WSC), 305/35ZR20 (107Y) All-Season Performance Tires (TYS), Adaptive Damping Suspension (SMC), Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc 6-Piston Brakes (BR7), Performance Shift Indicator (LA7), Pirelli Brand Tires (TZP), Widebody Competition Suspension (SDN) and Widebody Fender Flares (MML).

Test vehicle color: Yellow Jacket Clear Coat (PY4) – N/C N/A with Black Ruby Red Seats (N/A w/ AAB or AAY)

Base MSRP for 2019 – $38,995
With the 8-speed automatic is $40,590 (Tremec 6-speed manual has $1,030 Gas Guzzler Tax)
Destination charge: $1,395
Automatic transmission: $1,595

Source: racer.com

The post 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody Test appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Engine: Whipple Charged LSX 350
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Color: Yellow
Interior Color: Black
Body Type: Coupe
Price: US $125,000.0

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

Here we have a 2018 Chevrolet COPO Camaro. For those who don’t know, COPO stands for GM’s Central Office Production Order system which back in the day was used to special order performance parts by dealers such as Don Yenko. These were fitted to GM vehicles of the day and although they had some of the best performance around, there were also the most expensive and produced in limited numbers. These COPO vehicles are now some of the most collectable vintage muscle cars around.

Only 69 of these vehicles are built every year to commemorate those built in 1969. This one is #51 of the 69 built, and only one of four in yellow.

Being a special edition optimised for racing, you have full tilt power from a LSX 350 and Whipple Super Charger producing 1,000 – 1,200 horsepower. Although weight reduction has been employed, it’s still a beefy beast weighing in at 3,200 pounds. Everything here is NHRA certified and the car is said to be good for mid 8 seconds at 160 MPH.

The car also comes with, ‘a set of Hoosier racing slicks, Strange axles and brake calipers, Trans brake, Wheelie bars and a parachute.’ this Camaro still retains some of its regular street features such as carpeting, dashboard, power windows and full door panels and a factory original steering wheel. , racing from this comes with wheelie bars, ‘trange adjustable coil over shocks and Strange four-wheel disc brakes with slotted rotors. Wheels are Bogart polished aluminum and are wrapped in Hoosier drag tires. The front runners are 28.0×4.5 and 9.0×30 R15s for the rears. The rears are Hoosier’s lightweight radial series. ‘

This is the chance to own a factory built race car with the COPO history attached. It doesn’t come with a title, so it’s a pure racer, but this Camaro will be a sound investment as it will only go up in value over the years.

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

The post 2018 Chevrolet Camaro COPO, 1 of 4 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

As part of the Creator series, Lego has release their own version of the iconic 1967 Ford Mustang American muscle car. A 1500 piece kit which should keep any budding pony car enthusiast busy for some time and the kit being aimed as more of a buildable collectable. Released on March 1, the Lego Mustang will have a street price of $149.99.

Once you get over the initial cool factor of having a Mustang made in Lego form(admit it, no matter your car preferences, it’s there for a moment) the deciding factor is how much detail is included in the kit. The label on the box clearly says ‘Expert,’ which means children will probably need some adult assistance with the build and for grown-up children no one is allowed to touch the thing even when completed on pain of death.

The video above goes into plenty detail about what you get in the box, but it suffices to say there’s plenty to keep the classic Mustang fan happy with lots of attention to detail. The hood, trunk and doors open as they should in a kit this detailed, with plenty of working parts within.

Open the hood( shame there’s no hood pins) to reveal a very cool looking Lego 390 cubic inch V8. The detail in the engine bay is fantastic, made in the Lego way. It’s not just a Lego shaped V8, all the accessories are there like the battery, timing belt, washer bottle and engine caps. It even has a blue air filter and the ‘390 high-performance’ decal. There’s also a movable mid-console shifter, functional steering, a nitrous bottle for the trunk and five different sets of license plates.

The hood scoop can be removed to fit a Lego supercharger. A front chin and a rear wing can also be fitted to get a more GT look. There’s even some chunky side pipe that can be fitted just behind the front wheels. The roof can also be removed for a better view and access to the interior.

The manual that comes with the kit is 210 pages long. It doesn’t just cover how to build your Lego Mustang, but also information on the Mustang’s back history with details like information on the most popular colors over the years.

If you really wanted to be nitpicking, there aren’t any pedals or a glove compartment for instance, but the rest of the model more than makes up for some of the smaller details left out. In total this is a great model which should keep you busy and happy for a long time.

The post LEGO 1967 Ford Mustang Hits The Streets! appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Winter can seem a very long time to a performance vehicle. Locked up, with no way to stretch its legs over the winter months. But fear not, racing events are nearly upon us and with a touch of global warming, everything feels that bit milder at this time of year to enjoy proceedings. One upcoming muscle car focused event is the 17th Annual NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem, held at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

Some of the highlight races include the the Xtreme Pro Mod., Street Outlaw, Nostalgia Super Stock and and Nostalgia Muscle Car classes. Xtreme Pro Mod have some of the fastest cars on the block, while the Street Outlaw class tries to hit four second passes on street tires.

Classic muscle comes in the form of Nostalgia Super Stock and Nostalgia Muscle Car, with the Stock/Super Stock classes featuring NHRA-legal Stock and Super Stock cars are going to be events not to miss.

There’s plenty of performance muscle cars in the race lineups, but the events aren’t limited to just racing. Other events include the massive midway, swap meets and the vast array of vehicles on display at the car show.

You can watch the whole event live on speedvideo.com which will bring you live streaming Friday – LIVE at 9:00 am EST – 6:00 am PST, Saturday LIVE at 8:30 am EST – 5:30 am PST and Sunday LIVE at 8:45 am EST – 5:45 am PST. Be sure to check it out live or in person.

17th Annual NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem, Bradenton Motorsports Park, Bradenton, Florida, March 7-10, 2019
http://www.bradentonmotorsports.com/
Friday through Sunday $70, Thursday through Sunday $95

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post NMCA Muscle Car Mayhem March 7-10, 2019 appeared first on Muscle Car.

To the average onlooker, super cars are generally the fastest and usually the most expensive high-performance vehicles on the road. The preserve of the rich who want an exclusive vehicle with a 0-60mph time of under 4 seconds, a spaceship like design and is as highly bred as a prize-winning racehorse. The problem is most super cars need as much costly care and attention as most thoroughbreds.

However, there’s another breed of vehicle with just as much performance, with equal amounts of street cred., costs less and will not take a king’s ransom in maintenance bills. Muscle cars have the looks, performance, sound and design to rival super cars on all fronts. The designs may not be as wild, but the muscle car is based on more regular road going vehicles, i.e. more practical, if you can call it that, coming from cars that the average person could buy and still get high performance from back in the day.

Forget about muscle cars of the past having a reputation for sloppy suspension, ‘active’ rear axles and can drain a lake of fuel in 30 seconds( partly true). Today’s muscle cars have all the advance modern handling you could ever want and with horsepower levels(some models hitting 800HP+)and a price tag of a regular performance vehicle. That’s alot to offer as an alternative to a supercar.

On a side note, the sticklers for definitions may have come across the Wikipedia post for muscle cars, stating the original term for the breed was not a muscle car, but a supercar. It’s still not hundred percent verified if this is true or not, so if anyone out there has any information on this point it will be most helpful, so please comment below.

Anyways, the vehicles listed below might just tempt you from buying your next Bugatti, giving you just as much speed and you’ll still have enough money left over to buy one or two villas in the Algarve.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

The Dodge Hellcat has now become the template and flag bearer for the rest of the Dodge line-up. No surprise with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 707HP, 650 lb-ft of torque and practical enough to use every day. For 2019 the horses have been increased to 717 with 656 lb-ft of torque, producing a 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with prices starting at $58,650.

The engine and its DNA have even made its way into the Trackhawk SUV. An SUV with 707HP will make any school run that much more interesting, something you definitely can’t do in a supercar.

Dodge Challenger Redeye

What do you do if you didn’t have chance to get your greasy paws on one of the 3300 limited edition Dodge Demons? Buy a Dodge Challenger Redeye of course. The Redeye can be seen as a more readily available, road going version of the Dodge Demon with a more sedate 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Prices start around $71,350.

You can have your cake and eat it with this vehicle. Supercar power and performance and the ability to be used on a regular basis. Further down the line up with the same looks, you can buy into the R/T Scat Pack with the ubiquitous 392 Hemi V8 having 485 horsepower with prices starting at $38,995.

How can you tell the Redeye apart from the rest of the Hellcat lineup? The cat logo has, well ….a redeye, literally… and a dual scoop hood.

Ford Mustang GT500

We could have easily listed the Ford Shelby GT350R, the Boss 302 or the GT here, but the Ford Mustang GT500 for 2020 is planned to be the most powerful yet with 700HP, 0-60mph in the mid 3sec. range and a quarter of under 11 seconds. On releases the car is definitely lined up to be competition to a supercar. Features like a hand built all aluminium engine, seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and forged conrods, means the new GT500 is all about performance.

No prices released as yet, but no matter the price its still going be cheaper than a supercar. But will it have the prestige, exclusivity and desirability of a super car? Basically, yes.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The Vette maybe more sports car, but it still covers all the bases for the muscle car classification. It’s also the nearest in design to a supercar here. A 6.2L Supercharged V8 producing 650HP and good for 0-60mph in 2.95 seconds and a quarter-mile in 10.95 seconds @ 127mph. Very track orientated with coupes starting around $81,995 MSRP. That’s a lot of power and performance for the money.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Just like the Mustang, the Camaro has been around for literally millions of years, originally coming from Chevrolet’s COPO special-order system which upgraded the Camaros of the time with huge 427 Big Block engines. Ridiculously powerful than and now. For 2019 the ZL1 will have a 6.2L V8 LT4 supercharged engine producing 650HP through a six speed manual or 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. This will be good for 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds at 127 mph.

The ZL1 1LE version like the models above have a host of extra options available which can include carbon fibre rear wings, dive planes on the front fascia, upgraded brakes and suspension and a more track focused set up.

Conclusion
There are clearly far more vehicles in the muscle car group to choose from, old to new and even customized versions. Tuning outfits such as Hennessey regularly crank up the power of muscle cars through their upgrade kits to over 1,000HP. Older muscle cars such as the Plymouth Hemi Barracuda or Chevelle SS 454 still have the reputation and solid muscular looks, coupled with the worth of a classic car.

Dodge, Chevrolet and Ford still produce the most well-known and potent muscle and pony cars(that term is another story!) All of their top-of-the-line models are easy contenders against super cars for a fraction of the cost. If you want to dig into classic muscle cars, there are plenty more makes to choose from and although they will need a lot more TLC than modern vehicles, but there are many that still have ridiculous horsepower levels for their times.

In all, muscle cars may not be as ‘exclusive’ as a super car, but pound for pound no one comes away from driving one without a smile on their face from the raw attitude.

The post 5 Muscle Cars Faster Than Super Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

We have written a number of times about the two words that are very hard to mention together, electric and muscle cars. Both terms seem to be the antithesis of each other, raw and snarling muscle cars, quiet and gentrified electric vehicles. However, since the patent for a Ford hybrid engine with a V8 which recently came to light and Dodge possibly making a hybrid, electric is definitely coming the way of muscle cars in the next 10 years in one shape or form.

The question is in what forms and will an electrified muscle car still retain its character? A post on the Detroit Free Press interviewing Chrysler CEO Mike Manley and other muscle car aficionados, gives a good indication of the coming years and what we want from future muscle cars.

Electricity creeps onto the horizon
It’s clear that the powers that be aren’t going to throw away the mighty V8 in favor of a fully electric powertrain anytime soon. Manley commented recently at the the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, ‘I think that electrification … can certainly be part of the formula that says what is American muscle in the future. What it can’t be is the dominant part. If it becomes the dominant part of American muscle then you would say, ‘Why isn’t Tesla known as … American muscle now?’

For example, the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye with 797HP isn’t going to be a hybrid anytime soon. It’s selling point and street cred. comes from its snarling, traditional roots, along with the sensory overload a traditional muscle car provides. And this is where the problem lies. Replicating the exact experience of driving a muscle car is nigh on impossible with an electric. Engine sounds can be pumped into the cabin, the vibrations of a V8 engine can be somewhat replicated, but it’s not the real thing.

‘With an electric car you get a long, high-pitched whine,’, said Frank Pascoe, Board member of the Michigan Mopar Muscle Car Club. Further, ‘I want the tire-smoking, motor-belching noise, the whole thing that goes with a muscle car.’ ‘The purist’s definition of a muscle car, if you go back to the ’60s, is an intermediate-size car with a big-block motor. A Pontiac GTO is the perfect example of a muscle car,” Pascoe said. “I know a Tesla goes fast, I just don’t think it fits the definition unless they want to change the definition.’

Dodge for instance, may have a platform now first introduced in 2006 with the Charger and the Challenger in 2009, but the interest levels have been high because of their horsepower output. The Hellcat and Demon may be able to drain the equivalent of a swimming pool of fuel in 11 minutes, but they have definitely boosted sales of the entire lineup.

It’s not just the sound…
It’s highlighted in the press release that a major part of the experience of muscle cars is the sound. ‘It’s a throaty, traditional V8 (that) can be heard from blocks away. You know when they’re coming down the road. That’s part of what defines these vehicles for what they are. You don’t just see them, you hear them,’ said Ivan Drury, senior manager of industry analysis for Edmunds.

Independent marketing strategist Rebecca Lindland commented, ‘An American muscle car has great proportions — high belt line, muscular shoulders, a wide, masculine stance, beefy tires, and a deep, rumbling, charismatic exhaust note, which is the biggest challenge facing electrification. It’s like when you meet a handsome man and he has a Mickey Mouse voice. The face may be great, but the voice doesn’t match and the appeal of high cheekbones and a dashing jawline are compromised.’

It we play devils advocate for a moment, what will be the reaction if one of the big muscle car makers released their top end model with a fully electric powertrain equivalent of 1000HP, with no V8 engine in sight, maybe even branded as E-muscle?!? Personally, my heart would sink and unless it was loads cheaper than a Tesla, it would feel like one just in different clothing. It’s a bit like watching your favorite band on video or live in concert. The video is exciting, but will never replicate the real experience.

Its clearly the concern at the moment that future muscle cars may have the looks, but the worry of a gentrified electric engine. The big muscle car makers are aware of the importance and history of the V8, but electrified versions in the lineup are inevitable, either hybrids or eventually fully electric. The V8 isn’t going away any time soon, but we still need to keep an eye on the integrity of muscle car and what has made them great.

Please comment below with what you think will be the future of muscle cars.

The post FCA Ceo Says Electrification Can Boost Dodge Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

Four different models of Camaro, which starred in the Transformers movies were auctioned at the weekend as a group raising $500,000 for Operation Homefront, a charity helping military families with financial assistance and mortgage-free housing.

The Bumblebee Camaro was one of the standout vehicles from the franchise and ever since the first 2007 Transformers movie which featured a prototype for the 2010 launch year of the vehicle, different Camaros have been featured in the films as Chevy bring out newer designs. All four cars have scrap titles, meaning they cannot be used on the street.

The 4 different designs of Camaro ranging from the 2010 prototype up to 2016 show the evolution of the car and has done much to boost the popularity of the car.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post 4 Transformers Bumblebee Camaros $500,000 Auction appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

When the Dodge Challenger Demon was first announced it pushed the limits of what a muscle car could be. 808bhp and 717lb.ft. from its 6.2L supercharged V8 engine, the world’s fastest production vehicle 0-60mph time, fastest-ever production car over a quarter mile, highest production car acceleration G-force and first production car to fully lift its front wheels while accelerating. It’s even 200lb lighter than the Hellcat.

However, Hennessey Performance(HPE) decided that the Demon was taking up too much of the limelight. Thus they produce the Exorcist, a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with its LT4 V8 engine boosted to 1000 bhp and 966 lb.ft. Stats. come in around the same as the Demon with a 0-60 mph time under three seconds and a quarter mile time in less than 10 seconds.

The vehicle was clearly built to directly take on the Demon, not to be just another souped up Chevy. Hints to this come from their website, with strapline is like, ‘Hennessy’s answer to the Demon’, ‘Team Hennessey’s Latest Creation is Built to Cast Out The Demon.’ You can take this as a great marketing ploy or even Hennessey’s way of saying they produce the most powerful muscle car, equally capable on the road, dragstrip or street. In any case, it’s definitely aligned both vehicles as competitors.

Anyways, the guys from the Grand Tour have the budget and size of film crew to put on a fully featured drag race between these two heavyweights to see which comes out on top. Like the guys or not from the Grand Tour, the video gives you a nice insight into both vehicles and what they are capable of.

The race itself and the result can be taken with a pinch of salt, simply because the drivers of James May and Richard Hammond are not professional drag races. Swap out those factors and the race may have had a different outcome.

No spoilers here for the results, you’ll have to watch the video, but it’s enough to say the video is a great way to check out both these monster cars and how some friendly rivalry can push the boundaries in the right direction.

Find out more about the Exorcist here.
Find out more about the Dodge Challenger Demon here.

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The post Dodge Demon vs Hennessey’s Exorcist Full Race appeared first on Muscle Car.

Firstly, this is a selection whittled down from Hagerty’s top 10 classic cars for 2019. These are cars that may become tomorrow’s classics and included are a few that come from the pony/muscle car stable, even if it’s only just. There seems to be a bit of everything in the total top 10 list, which gives even more happy feelings that our beloved genre of car has made it in there.

If you want to find out more about the full top 10 list, visit the link at the bottom of this article. If you own one of the included vehicles in the top 10, then the asking price of your car may have just been given a shot in the arm once other people start buying into these vehicles.

1984–93 Saleen Mustang

Steve Saleen of Saleen Autosport was responsible for this upgraded fox body Mustang. These creations were SCCA club racers for the street with a stock 5L 225Hp V8 having firmer suspension, larger brakes and other sporty, cosmetic upgrades. Originally retailing for $25,000, well above a stock Mustang LX, but it was the best tuned Mustang of the time with a warranty. Currently, they trade for not much more than a regular Fox body Mustang, which will change very soon. Haggerty say a good condition example will go for $26,400–$32,500.

1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

The C4 Corvette came to the end of its 12 year production run with the 1996 RPO Z16 Corvette Grand Sport. 1000 examples were built, which included 810 coupes and 190 convertibles. You had to pay an additional $3250 over the base price of $37,225, which gave 330 hp and 340 pound-feet of torque from a 5.7-liter V8 with 10.8:1 compression ratio. This is all documented on a center console placard next the six speed shifter.

The exterior was strictly Admiral Blue with an Arctic White “skunk stripe” and twin red hash marks on the front fender. 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. Due to the low numbers Haggerty value the car at $36,100–$49,500.

2008-2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Pontiac had some great muscle cars back in the day, but this was the last gasp from the company. The Pontiac G8 was essentially an American version of the Holden Commodore. Problem was, it arrived at the wrong time. 2008 saw the dollar plummet, new car sales were at their lowest since 1983 and importing G8’s was simply unprofitable.

The 2009 G8 GXP had 415hp and 415 lb-ft of torque from a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 and is said to be the closest thing to a four-door Corvette and ‘the most powerful factory Pontiac ever made.’ You could have a six speed automatic or manual, all good to hit 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 146mph.

Price when new were $39,900. Hagerty value for a great example at $40,700–$47,800. Values went up 10% last year and are set to increase year on year.

Find out more https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2019/01/07/best-collector-cars-to-buy-now-2019-bull-market-list

The post Hagerty’s Top Classic Muscle Cars For 2019 appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The Chevrolet Camaro is one of the most recognisable vehicles from the Transformers movie franchise. The Autobot Bumblebee Transformer character is so popular that it now has its own spin-off movie. There have been four Camaros and a concept version in the five movies playing Bumblebee, which will now be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, Arizona, later this month to raise money for charity.

The Movie franchise definitely gave the Camaro a shot in the arm with worldwide publicity, with Chevrolet even introducing their own bumblebee edition of the Camaro. The first Transformers movie featured a Camaro concept vehicle, as Chevrolet were gearing up to produce a model for 2009. The Bumblebee Camaro had some minor updates for the second instalment movie, rolling on to a 2010 Camaro which was featured in the third movie, Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Transformers: Age of Extinction brought in a 2013 Camaro with design upgrades such as an upgraded front-end and rear fascia with slimmer headlights. The latest instalment, Transformers: The Last Knight released in 2016 preview the sixth generation Camaro, with a much more wild design and external features.

The four vehicles will be auctioned as a collection, with all proceeds going to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organisation to help military families. Unfortunately each car has a scrap title, which means they are not street legal, but this may not be as big a problem as it sounds as the vehicles will probably spend the majority of their lives as display pieces.

Find out more about the vehicles on the Barrett Jackson website.

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By Dave Ashton

When you talk about muscle cars and which are the good and bad picks, there are so many to choose from, as the breed goes back decades. In this category you can basically lump in pony cars, which include the Ford Mustang and Camaro and even from these two models there’s a huge variety to choose from.

Like any breed of car, there are some general guidelines to follow for which are the good and bad years, the engines are models to look out for and even certain options. But there are even caveats to what are considered the bad years of certain models, where people have given the utmost care to their vehicle and got the most from what they had or even converted them into something better. Generalizing, 80s and 90s aren’t exactly known for their outstanding performance, but many have been given upgraded powertrains, suspension and brakes and turned into a completely different beast. The upside of this route is that they are far cheaper than other models to buy into.

One of the overall considerations with vintage models is dealing with technology that is over 30 years old. This means no matter the make or model, it’s going to need a lot more TLC and constant maintenance there anything made in the last 10 years. In that respect, problems that were inherent in the original car, may be problems that arise in any vintage vehicle. It just goes with the territory.

So, here we move on to some of the general muscle cars which are considered good and bad picks, like if you were in the scenario of just laying down your cash and driving away a well maintained vehicle. If you want to really generalise about the good and bad, its generally accepted that the late 60s and early 70s muscle cars are the best picks for classic designs any huge displacement engines. The 80s and 90s had a few standout vehicles depending on your preference, but then we’re into the 2000’s and beyond for when the modern movement of muscle cars started to take hold with just as big displacement and modern handling.

These ‘buys’ and ‘avoids’ are generalisations as it’s always down to the individual vehicle, how they are maintained and what you get out of them personally.

Avoid
Buick Regal Sports Coupe – the second-generation models brought out some classics like the Grand National and GNX, but the Regal Sports Coupe was not in the same ballpark. Loads of maintenance and a luxury car with not the greatest performance.
Pontiac Grand Prix – quite a modern and stylish front-end, but too much torque for its platform and didn’t have the greatest of handling.
Early 80’s Chevrolet Camaro – the Fox body Mustang started to come into its own by the end of its generation, but the 1982 model was seriously underpowered. Like many Fox bodies, much better to replace the drive train and turn it into a street racer.
Chevrolet Monza – the car has a Italian Grand Prix circuit name, but an in line 4 made it weak and not the greatest with handling.
Second generation Mustang – it seems around the mid-1970s to the early 80s, muscle car design and engines just lost the plot. sleek designs turned into….well, something else and engine performance dropped like a stone. The Mustang II is an example of this – a V6 with weak performance and handling.
Chevrolet Vega – it tried to look like a second-generation Camaro, but was plagued with problems and was poorly built.
Mercury Capri RS Turbo – the same powertrain as the Mustang, but had terrible styling and design. Europe ironically had their own Capri from Ford at the same time, which was a success but really didn’t like the rain…..
Second generation Dodge Challenger and Charger – By 1975 it was almost like Dodge had a bang on the head and had completely forgotten how to make a muscle car. Both models tried to go down the luxury route with weak engines and completely different designs. Definitely the wilderness years.
Seventh generation Chevrolet Impala – the great vehicle of the late 60s and early 70s eventually suffered like the rest of the muscle car market, from emission controls, higher insurance and stuffed with smaller engines. But by 1994, it turned into a front wheel drive machine and a shadow of its past designs.

Buy
First generation Ford Mustang – this era produced the classic designs we know today and with many examples produced, even the base models are a classic to own. They also benefit from having loads of parts available to buy.
Second-generation Chevrolet Chevelle SS – a 1969-1970 with either a 396ci. or 454ci. V8 is arguably one of the most classic and iconic muscle cars around. Gorgeous design and huge, powerful engines.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette – the Sting Ray is a classic vintage design, with the 1963 model hitting the nail on the head for sleekness and performance.
1970 Plymouth Superbird – although they didn’t sell very well at the time, it is now one of the most standout muscle cars with such a recognisable design. You will need deep pockets to buy one in good condition these days.
Dodge Charger Daytona – just like the Superbird, this winged warrior is now an ultra rarity, especially with a Hemi engine. Distinctive design and amazingly fast for its time.
1987 Buick GNX – the 80s wasn’t a great time for the muscle car, but the Buick GX stood out with great performance and a distinctive 80’s look. A collectors item today and highly distinctive.
Chevrolet Nova – The great thing about the Nova is that its a great platform to be customised. A simple design and a solid performer, the best being the third generation vehicles. There are also plenty around for reasonable money. SS models being the most desirable, like many Chevy’s of the time.
Second generation Dodge Charger – the 1968 to 1970 Dodge Charger is probably one of the most recognisable muscle cars. With a 440ci. V8 it’s definitely the poster boy of this era of muscle cars.
Plymouth Barracuda – the third generation, going in pecking order from 1970-1974 are a classic design in the muscle car world and fetch some of the highest prices. You’ll need deep pockets to get hold of one of these.
Plymouth Road Runner – The Roadrunner is almost the standardbearer for the muscle car. Running from 1968 to 1974, the first two generations embodied everything you would want from a muscle car. Muscular looks and huge engines. The most distinctive probably being a 1969 or 1970 model with a 440ci. or 426 Hemi V8.

There are clearly loads more models which have to be evaluated on their own individual merits. These also include modern muscle cars from both Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet. Ford with the GT, GT350 and GT500, variations of the Dodge Challenger and Charger like the Hellcat and Chevrolet with the Camaro ZL1. Modern examples of muscle cars may be a better choice if you don’t want the ongoing maintenance of a vintage vehicle, but you can’t beat those old school muscle car designs and if well maintained can last you a lifetime.

The post The Muscle Cars You Should Buy Or Avoid appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The first Ford Mustang Cobra Jet was produced in 1968 and to mark its 50th anniversary Ford have come out with a very special 2018 edition. This one officially shown off at the 2018 SEMA show, Las Vegas.

There have been a few versions of the Cobra Jet brought out over the years, but this one proves to be the most potent. Under the hood of the 2018 Cobra Jet is a 5.2L supercharged V8, designed to do the quarter-mile in roughly 8 seconds at 150mph. To reach these dragstrip times the car isn’t street legal, optimised as a true racer with a HRA-certified roll cage, FIA-rated seats and a 9-inch solid rear axle for good measure. There will be 68 of these vehicles built, each one costing roughly $130,000.

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Price: $30,000.00

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A Hemi engine in any condition is going to cost you an arm and a leg, but when you’re contemplating buying one from a renowned builder, you are spending more, but you’re also getting the best out there. An example here with this Ray Barton 426 Hemi 572ci V8 throwing out an incredible 1275HP.

Ray Barton is arguably the king of race or street Hemi engines, with experience spanning over 40 years and helped with many of the changes to the latest Mopar hemi blocks. So, if it’s a race Hemi engine that you want you can’t get much better. The full specs. from the ad.below, with the engine having only done dyno. time, so it’s not being put through its paces.

It would be interesting to see what car this mighty engine will eventually be dropped into.

Ray Barton 572 Hemi Engine
1275 H.P. at 6900 RPM. Average Torque 705 ft-lbs.
Indy Aluminum Block “Wet”
Stage V Millennium Aluminum Heads
Titanium Intake Valves
Stainless Steel Exhaust Valves
Ray Barton Rocker System 1.7 Ratio
Bullet Roller Camshaft
Ray Barton Intake Manifold
Pro Systems Carb single 4 1200 Cfm
NOS 400 H.P. Fogers
Bill Miller Aluminum Connecting Rods
Peterson Dry Sump system 3 stage
Jessel Belt Drive
Diamond coated Pistons
Charlie’s Dry sump pan will fit E body & B body

Bullet Cam Gross lift .750 intake .727 exhaust duration at .50 intake 296 exhaust 292 separtation 113 valae lash ..026 hot Compression 12.5

BUY NOW ON EBAY.

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By Dave Ashton

With a title that says ‘The Curse of Power’ you would immediately think that this is an overly negative review of the Dodge Demon. However, the video is nothing like that and more an honest discussion into the Demon, what it represents, its technical specifications and a comparison discussion between two very knowledgeable fellows.

Firstly, the video is excellent in how its shot and presented. It almost puts other car showrooms to shame in its delivery and video quality. It’s not just all about the video looks, the whole package is an excellent viewing pleasure on the subject of the Dodge Demon and goes into details and discussion points which you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

Seems that almost every aspect of the Dutch team is covered in both its positive and negative points. And if you want the big takeaway from the video , it’s that the Dodge Demon is basically either a dragstrip machine or a collectable. If you want something purely for driving on the streets, you may be better off with a Trackhawk or Hellcat variation. But there are really no surprises here with the conclusion. Everything on the Dodge Demon is optimised for the dragstrip, which means in reality it will be less of a road going machine. You take from one area to enhance in another.

You basically have so much content and detail crammed into this half-hour episode that if you had to choose only one video to discuss the Dodge Demon this would probably be it. Even if you have just a passing fascination with the Demon, check out this video.

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By Dave Ashton

The visual appeal of a muscle car is one of its standout features. Its name echoes its design. Muscular looks, with strong flowing lines straight from the factory. The additional benefit of a muscle car is that custom upgrades to its overall design features only to enhance its look.

You could argue that custom features can be added to any vehicle. Give it a better paint job, shaved door handles, add a supercharger and you’re good to go. The problem is that other vehicles just don’t seem to have a better finished off end look. It’s almost like the muscle car is a great blank canvas for any further modifications.

If you want to visually stroll through a ton of example images of customised muscle cars, a few social media galleries are a great start. Obviously our website has a load of muscle car examples as a start point which should be your first port of call. Just work your way through past articles or use the search box in the top right-hand corner to find a full range of vehicles.

Clearly one of the best Galleries of muscle cars is going to be Pinterest, enough here to keep your eyeballs occupied for hours. You’re going to get images of all sorts of muscle cars here. As there were from the factory to Pro street, restomods and beyond. When you see them all together as a whole and in comparison to each other, it really does show how different the cars of the late 60’s and early 70’s are from the vehicles today. It’s not just the squared off looks of something like a Plymouth Roadrunner or Chevy Nova that looks so unconventional, seeing something like a vintage Dodge Challenger or even a Plymouth Superbird by today’s standards, almost looks alien.

If you want to take away some inspiration to either inspire you to get into the hobby or even for a future car build, there’s enough on our website and at the link above to keep you going for quite a long time.

More Muscle Cars For Sale – http://fastmusclecar.com/muscle-car-for-sale/

The post The Best Pro Street Images Muscle Cars appeared first on Muscle Car.

By Dave Ashton

The Wraith was a revenge type of movie featuring some cool vehicles of the time released in late 1986, starring Charlie Sheen. The basic premise is a teenager who comes back from the dead in a futuristic street racer to take revenge on the gang that murdered him. It’s a great bit of not too serious entertainment from the mid-80s and also features a few muscle cars popping up here and there. Not to mention a few cool rock tunes of the time from the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Robert Palmer, Bonnie Tyler and Billy Idol. If you don’t take the film too seriously it’s a great bit of viewing.

The video clip below shows a supercharged Trans Am taking on the Wraith aka a Dodge M4S. You basically guess ahead of time whats going to happens to the gang member, but it’s great to see the race anyway, especially for that 80’s rock soundtrack. Its also great to see a showing from not just one muscle car, but also the futuristic vehicle be made by Dodge.

The Dodge M4S was a high performance prototype built by Dodge in 1981. Although it only had a 2.2L 4 cylinder, twin-turbo induction engine it still produced 440 horsepower and 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds. The twin-turbo induction setup was said to have influenced the likes of Toyota and Porsche in future years.

Pretty cool to see a bona fides muscle car maker being futuristic thinking.

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By Dave Ashton

Asking a friend for a movie recommendation, they threw out there ‘Upgrade’ which has just graced the movie theatres. I’m glad I didn’t watch the trailer as I’m not a great fan of horror or gore, but sci-fi is right up my street. Anyways, it turns out that the hero of the movie Grey Trace(Logan Marshall-Green) just so happens to restore and drive muscle cars. The movie is set in a near future where most of our lives have some form of computer automation.

As the movie is pretty new and it’s just general reviews online at present, there’s not much information on the cars used in the film. Apart from the futuristic vehicles, the main two muscle cars looked like a 1970 Dodge Challenger variation and a 1977-78 Pontiac Trans Am. As I was in the movie theatre and more enjoying the film than in muscle car spotting mode, getting the exact details and models of the car is going to be more general than anything else, so don’t scold me on the exact details at this time.

The first car shown is a 1977-78 Pontiac Trans Am, with the hood scoop from the looks of things. It gets quite a bit of showing in the opening scenes, eventually being delivered to the baddie Eron Keen. The Challenger looked to be a 1970 model with a mid. body stripe kit, maybe a T/A, but without the hood scoop. One close-up shots showed new, colour-coded side mirrors. As with any movie vehicle, they are usually a mash up from different years, which is probably the case here to an extent particularly the Challenger.

If you don’t mind the gore factor and scenes of violence, this is a great film to watch and the positioning of the muscle cars plays more than just some vehicles for a chase scene or a bit of eye candy. They represent old technology, but more than that they are things we have total control over, simple to fix and as per the car chase when the Challenger gets away, potentially still the best choice no matter the advances in technology.

The muscle cars show something that is simple but dependable. When one of the automated cars gets taken over and crashes, it shows that the muscle cars in contrast may be basic, but when technology fails far more dependable (as long as you change the spark plugs…)

Seeing the Firebird and Challenger designs compared to futuristic cars was like comparing oil paintings to an 8 bit generated piece of art. Both are valid, but the muscle cars clearly had a more organic design based on what we thought looked the best, rather than what a computer told us is the best. It’s kind of saying just because something is an older design doesn’t mean it’s outdated or redundant.

I also thought it was interesting that the Firebird was delivered to Eron Keen. Of all the cars he could have chosen, he chose a vintage muscle car. This could have been just so he could meet Grey Trace, but on another level he could have chosen the Trans Am as it represented an analog time, fully under human control, which we later find out he didn’t have. Then again, he may have just been a bit of a muscle car collector on the side and a fan of Smokey And The Bandit.

In other words, it’s great to see muscle cars being featured in a great film, but also to represent a past way of life which represented full control and freedom, not old and outdated. definitely worth a watch.

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The 2018 Holley LS Fest is just round the corner being held on September 7-9 at Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, KY. All cars are welcome as long as they have a LS or current generation LT engine. event promises to be the largest all-LS event in the country.

The event will show off some of the best LS engine housed vehicles from hot rods, race cars, street rods, muscle cars, and trucks, with plenty of events in store, which include Drifting, Drag Racing, Autocross, 3S Challenge, Show-N-Shine, a Countryside Cruise, Dyno Challenge, Track X, Bolt-On Power Challenge, Road Course Challenge, even a Burnout Challenge.

To find out more about the event, follow the link here.

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Engine: 1967 chrysler 440ci. V8/550 hp
Transmission: 727 B chrysler automatic
Mopar 8 3\4 narrowed rear end
355 sure grip posi. differential
Price:US $60,000.00

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A 1986 Dodge Daytona may not be the first vehicle you think of when turning into a full-blown pro Street, but this one has been given all the lavish treatment you would expect from a top end conversion. Amazingly, the car is street legal and has won numerous shows.

Everything on this car has been reworked, replaced or modified. At its heart is a 1967 chrysler 440ci. V8 with a 727 B Chrysler automatic transmission. Alston chassis, one piece tilt front end, full tilt hydraulic body with fully functioning doors. The exterior is painted with PPG Deltron black base coat and finished in violet pearl. The interior is fully customised by Gabe in California with Auto meter gauges.

An incredible amount of work has gone into this vehicle and its definitely a showstopper. Putting a price on its head will always be difficult for a customised car. It’s a very niche market, specialised and as this is a 1986 Dodge Daytona, it’s probably going to appeal to somebody who want something completely out of the ordinary or a fan of 80’s body shapes.

One very cool vehicle, but highly specialised to a niche market. The two videos below will give you a close-up view of its body shell movements.

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If you don’t have the budget for a real Dodge Hellcat vehicle or even the space, you still have options. This video proves the point by taking a crate engine and literally all the guts from a Hellcat car and making a crate mockup. Is this taking this term ‘crate engine’ literally?

This setup is clearly more of a demonstration of how the internals of a Hellcat car looks and sounds. In theory, you should be able to take all the bits you see in the video and transplant them into the car of your choice. In any case, it’s a great way to see how all the internals of a Hellcat car work under the hood.

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By Dave Ashton

The Mustang is getting quite a bit of press at the moment with limited edition models and anniversaries. Now its the turn of the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet celebrating its 50th anniversary with a limited edition vehicle. Unveiled at this weekends Dream Cruise during Dream Cruise week, the car promises to be the fastest Mustang yet. After its unveiling it will go to the 50th Anniversary Ford Performance Cobra Jet Reunion at Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio with an expected 150 other vehicles on show.

Originally produced in 1968 from the brainchild of East Coast Ford dealer Bob Tasca (originator of ‘Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.’) limited to 50 models, with a 428ci. V8 Cobra Jet engine producing 335hp, it was built for NHRA Winternationals competition with Al Joniec leading one to victory.

Extensive specs. haven’t been released as yet, but it will have a special version of the Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 with a 3.0-liter Whipple supercharger, 9-inch solid rear axle, two-way coil-over shocks, Strange Engineering low drag disc brake system and four link rear suspension producing a mid 8 second quarter mile time over 150 mph. Carbon fibre seems to be making an appearance on the hood looking at the images, which may make its way to other parts of the car.

Other enhancements include a NHRA-certified safety roll cage, Racetech FIA seats, anniversary-badged Weld Racing wheels and exclusive 50th Anniversary graphics and badging. Colors come in Race Red or Oxford White just like the original.

The car will not be street legal but built specifically for National Hot Rod Association, National Mustang Racers Association and National Muscle Car Association classes. Pricing starts at $130,000 and will be limited to just 68 models to honor its original build year. No official horsepower ratings given as yet, but comparisons with the Dodge Demon may be popping up for the best dragstrip monster. The new Cobra Jet is not street legal and is much more limited to 68 models, but once horsepower ratings are revealed it will add fuel to the fire in the ultimate horsepower wars.

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By Dave Ashton

To celebrate this year’s 50th anniversary of the movie ‘Bullitt,’ Steeda have collaboration with McQueen Racing to build the ‘Steve McQueen Edition Ford Mustang Bullitt’. The iconic original Dark Highland Green Mustang was driven by Steve McQueen through the streets of San Francisco, with this 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt giving modern touches along with echoes of the original car.

McQueen Racing run by Steve McQueen’s son Chad McQueen, provided special touches to the car which include HRE designed aluminium wheels as a modern interpretation from the original 1968 Mustang, with Nitto NT555 G2 High Performance tires, 275/35 up front and 315/35 in the rear. Mechanical differences include cold-air intake upping output to 500 horsepower from the 5.0-liter V8, upgraded sway bars, springs and bracings.

The interior includes customised floor mats, a short throw shifter, customised illuminated sills and a plaque on the dash with unique serial number. There are options available, which include a supercharger upgrade increasing power to 775 hp, roll cage, requiring seat delete, customised brake calipers and carbon fibre driveshaft.

Only 300 Steve McQueen Edition Ford Mustang Bullitts will be made each year, costing $20,995 and $47,495 for a donor 2019 Mustang Bullitt.

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This year’s 25th Goodwood Festival of Speed, UK had the usual amount of cool classics taking part, but for movie fans and those that feature muscle cars, another treat was in store. A loose creation of the famous car chase from the movie Bullitt, which featured a 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback and a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum.

This could have been any ordinary re-creation, but it featured the actual vehicles used in the movie, also celebrating the movie’s 50th anniversary. It’s no wonder that both vehicles are taking the course quite sedately, even with the confidence of a few thousand hay bales lining the route. Therefore, don’t be too disappointed that this isn’t a tires smoking race like the original. At least it’s great to see both these iconic vehicles on the road, rather than cooped up all their days in a museum somewhere.

The Mustang GT Fastback originally driven by Steve McQueen has recently been inducted by the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) into the National Historic Vehicle Register.

One comment from the video said that it will be a great idea to get both of these vehicles on the San Francisco’s streets again to recreate the iconic scene. Now, that would be something to watch….

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By Dave Ashton

If you have a work car and one you use especially like the Georgia sheriff for law enforcement, you would probably like it to be a cut above the rest. However, the Dodge Hellcat owned by Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office may now have to be returned no matter its capabilities.

The $69,258 which was spent from a federal program that distributes seized drug money to law enforcement agencies, may need to be returned as the DOJ said the vehicle differed from the use stated in the application for funding of the car as a “undercover/covert operations” vehicle. Basically, the Feds say the car was an extravagant purchase.

The Hellcat with its 707hp and top speed of 204mph from its 6.2-liter supercharged V8, is not produced as a Special Service model, but is still popular with law enforcement agencies for apparently the right application. The Hellcat is also being used by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office for their “Beat the Heat” community outreach program outlining the dangers of street racing and distracted driving.

Comment below and in hindsight should they have ordered a Dodge Demon?

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