The Last of The Muscle Cars?
With the screams to ban Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) getting ever louder, these could be the last Muscle Cars the world will get to enjoy!
Despite being an American creation with many of these models never being sold outside of North America, Muscle Cars have become iconic across the global motoring landscape.
Unfortunately, with changing attitudes towards big displacement engines and manufacturers embracing EVs, these remaining modern Muscle Cars could be the last ones we ever get a chance to see before their burbling exhausts are replaced by silent electric motors…or worse, artificial engine sounds fed through speakers.
With that said, let's check out the last Muscle Cars left!
The Chevrolet Camaro
Where it’s been?
The Chevrolet Camaro was first introduced in 1967 and the badge has been used across 6 generations. The most popular Camaro is ultimately the first generation which ran from 1967 to 1969 while the model went through a very questionable phase in the fourth generation which ran from 1993 to 2002. Thankfully, Chevrolet redeemed the model with the fifth generation which was made famous in the 2007 Transformers movie where the car “played” the role of Bumblebee.
Where it’s at?
The current sixth-generation Camaro is available in both coupe and convertible body styles with engine options that include a not-so-muscular 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.6 V6 and 6.2 V8 which is available in both naturally aspirated and supercharged configurations.
The top-of-the-range model is the beastly ZL1, an aggressive monster of a car equipped with a supercharged LT4 V8 that produces 484kW and 881Nm. It is also equipped with wider fenders and special aero components for improved handling.
Where it’s going?
Sadly, many reports coming out of the USA are saying that Chevrolet plans to kill off the Camaro by 2024 and replace it with a four-door electric sedan. That right there should bring a tear to your eye.
The Dodge Challenger
Where it’s been?
The Dodge Challenger was launched back in 1970 and the model has spanned three generations, the first running from its introduction until 1974. The second generation ran from 1978 until 1983 (trust me, you don’t want that one, it was nothing more than a badge-engineered Mitsubishi) and the current third generation was introduced in 2008. Despite only being around for three generations, each generation underwent numerous facelifts and even today, a 2008 and 2022 Challenger look “very the same but different”.
Where it’s at?
The current Challenger is just so cool with its classic shape and a wide variety of trim packages. When it comes to engine options, there is a 3.6 Pentastar V6, the famous 5.7 HEMI V8, the 392 HEMI V8, a supercharged 6.2 HEMI V8 and the infamous 6.2 “High-Output” HEMI V8 that produces 593kW in “starting trim”.
When considering which model is the top of the range, you will be hard-pressed to decide on which Challenger you want because there are so many options, like the Scat Pack, the Hellcat, the Hellcat Redeye and the Jailbreak. The most interesting model though is the SRT Super Stock, a dealer-sold, road-legal car which features 601kW, 958Nm of torque and comes standard with Nitto NT05R drag radial tyres.
Where it’s going?
It breaks my heart to tell you this but in November 2021, Dodge’s parent company, Stellantis announced that 2023 will be the last time anyone will be able to get their hands on a Challenger, as the company shifts towards electric vehicles and tougher emission requirements take hold.
The Dodge Charger
Where it’s been?
The Dodge Charger first went into production back in 1966 and the world has been fortunate enough to enjoy 7 generations of the iconic brand. The most popular Dodge Charger is without a doubt the second generation which ran from 1968 - 1970 and was made famous by the TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard” and the Fast and Furious franchise with Vin Diesel behind the wheel. In 2006, Dodge relaunched the Charger badge after a 19-year hiatus as a very aggressive four-door sedan and today we (Well, North America) get to enjoy the stunning seventh generation.
Where it’s at?
The current Dodge Charger is probably the most brutal and aggressive four-door sedan in existence. Like the Challenger, the Charger is offered with a similar engine line-up ranging from a V6 to the massive naturally aspirated or supercharged V8 models. The trim levels are also the same as the Challenger, with the V8 Chargers being offered in RT, Scat Pack, Redeye Hellcat and Jailbreak specifications.
The big daddies of the range are the SRT Hellcat Redeye and Jailbreak which are powered by a 6.2 supercharged V8 that pumps out 594kW. The Dodge Charger is also the police car of choice for many North American police departments and Dodge offers a police and pursuit package.
Where it’s going?
A replacement for the Dodge Charger is expected in 2024 and new models are expected to have a wider range of drivetrain options including hybrid variants. In August, Dodge revealed their Charger SRT Concept, a very aggressive all-electric coupe which certainly looks the part, but the fake V8 sound emitted from speakers is a little cheesy in my opinion.
The Ford Mustang
Where it’s been?
The Ford Mustang is probably the most iconic Muscle Car despite not being the model which started the Muscle Car craze. The model enjoys a massive following across the globe, and you will find collectors and car clubs in countries where it was never officially sold. The Mustang has been part of the motoring world for 7 generations starting from 1965 up until today, evolving into a global model which is sold in both left- and right-hand drive markets.
Where it’s at?
The current 7th generation Mustang is the only Muscle Car on sale in South Africa and the number of used models on the market and new models on the road prove just how badly South Africans were lusting over the Mustang when it became available locally.
South African Ford dealers offer the Mustang with a 330kW 5.0 V8. The 2.3 turbo was available when the first local models went on sale, but they were soon discontinued because let’s face it, what is a Mustang without a V8?
The most desirable Mustangs in South Africa are those equipped with the Shelby conversion. This rather pricey conversion gets you upgraded suspension, body styling, wheels, exhaust and a mighty supercharger is bolted to the V8, which, in the Signature specification churns out a rather impressive 615kW.
Where it’s going?
Reports coming out of the USA claim that Ford will be keeping the V8 Mustang for the foreseeable future but with the (hideous) Mach-E already on showroom floors, I don’t think the V8 is going to be around for long.
The Heartbreak
As a total car nut, the demise of the Muscle Car in favour of EVs is heart-breaking and despite EVs offering acceleration and performance that can outgun many ICE variants, it’s the sound and feel of rumbling V8 that make it all that special.
Now, I love the environment as much as anyone else, but the loss of the V8 Muscle Car is a loss too far.
Want to own your own Muscle Car before it's too late? Then check out the ClickaCar Virtual Showroom.