TOP 10 muscle car
Although displacements in modern muscle cars’ engines have gone south compared to those from sixties and early seventies, some of them still exhibit a heavy punch. The problem is to determine which of the modern cars qualify for the muscle car moniker. Things were much more simpler back in the day when a car only needed one sturdy V8 in order to be considered a muscle car. Today, it’s more about the turbochargers, and even superchargers, but the principle remains, more or less the same. Modern muscles still pack plenty of heat under their hoods, and they’re still some of the most coveted cars around – to the right people, that is.
While compiling this list, we have decided to include only muscle cars featuring V8 engines. After all, that was one of the first rules to determine whether a car is a muscle or not. This means that the likes of Dodge Viper (V10) and even Ford Taurus SHO or Nissan GT-R (V6) won’t make an appearance here. Furthermore, by fastest, we mean their respective acceleration and top speed combination; not their net horsepower. Finally, we have decided to limit the term “modern” to last couple of model years. That means only newest muscle cars (those you can actually buy with 0 miles on their odometers) will make it here, and those are 2015 and 2016 year models. Hit next to begin with the countdown.
10. Mustang GT Fastback
You just know the rest of the cars from this list are going to be fast and furious if Mustang GT is the one that starts it. 5.0L normally aspirated V8 is capable enough of delivering 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. That said, fastest non-Shelby Mustang is capable of hitting 60 mph from standstill in 4.5 seconds, but its top speed is, sadly, limited to 164 mph.
9. Dodge Challenger SRT 392
As you’re about to find out (if you didn’t know already), Dodge’s dynamic duos comprised of various Challengers and Chargers are pretty much the same when it comes to performance. They are fitted with exactly the same powertrains, and only their size makes the difference. That said, Challenger SRT 392 is slightly faster than its Charger counterpart with max top speed of 182 mph (compared to 175 mph). 0 to 60 time comes to around 4.5 seconds, but we feel that 6.4L V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque should have fared better than that.
8. Chevrolet Camaro SS
Brace yourselves, for trio of Camaros is coming! sixth generation, 2016 year models are still rather fresh, hence SS is the flagship model for now. It’s much better performer than outgoing SS models, however, which is evident by its top speed of 165 mph and 0 to 60 time of 3.9 seconds. Well, 6.2L V8 LS3 tends to offer that kind of figures – especially thanks to updated power ratings which now state 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque.
7. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Z/28 is probably the most coveted of all Camaros, but its hefty price tag hinders most people from owning it. Although available since the first generation, Z/28 is currently unavailable in the sixth. You can still get it as 2015 year model, and it’s as entertaining as ever. If top speed of 190 mph, 0 to 60 time of 4 seconds, 505 horses and 481 pound-feet of torque aren’t exhilarating enough, I don’t know what is.
6. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
ZL1 is slightly more affordable than Z/28, and it packs even more heat. 2015 year models feature 6.2L supercharged V8 powerplants capable of putting up no less than 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque. This is good enough for top speed of 184 mph and 60 mph in 3.9 seconds time. Not only that, but 2017 year models are already announced, and they’ll be even faster than their predecessors.
5. Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R
While Shelby GT500 lies dormant in its hibernation, GT350R is the one currently reigning over Mustang’s famous lineup. Thanks to its 5.2L V8, newest Shelby to date puts up 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. Top speed of 175 mph doesn’t say a lot about it, but 3.7 seconds it needs to reach 60 mph certainly do. GT350R is, however, much more than a tire-burning Shelby. It’s now stable and tight thanks to improved handling dynamics. You can own one for just north of $60,000, while it’s slightly slower R-less sibling can be had for a little bit more than $45,000.
4. Cadillac CTS-V
Unlike the aforementioned ponies, Cadillac’s nominee for this 10 modern muscle cars list is a 4-door sedan. This doesn’t mean it’s less entertaining, though. To the contrary, Caddy now packs a 6.2L supercharged V8 with no less than 640 horses and 630 pound-feet of torque. With all that power in its rear wheels, CTS-V is capable of hitting 60 from standstill in 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 200 mph. Not bad for its class.
3. Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Speaking of 4-door sedans, here’s the fastest one alive – sort of. Dodge has really done a great job with SRT Hellcat engine which graces their pony Challenger as well. This supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 yields incredible 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to these figures, Hellcat-fitted Charger is capable of hitting 204 mph and accelerate to 60 in 3.4 seconds according to Car & Driver’s test.
2. Equus Bass 770
Where to even begin with this one? If you’re looking for the ultimate retro muscle car, this is the way to go – if you have spare $250,000, that is. Custom-built muscle car features design cues from Mustangs, Camaros, Barracudas, GTO’s, Challengers, Chargers, and many other nameplates of old. It also packs some major heat since GM’s 6.4L V8 LS9 helps it raise 640 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. This should be enough for top speed of 200 mph and 0 to 60 time in 3.4 seconds.
1. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
And, here’s the unofficial winner of fastest modern muscle car competition. Like SRT Hellcat Charger – Challenger too packs 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque thanks to supercharged Hellcat 6.2L HEMI V8 engine. Top speed is estimated at 199 mph, while 0 to 60 time is close to 3 second mark. Some sources state 3.4 seconds, but with Challenger being slightly lighter than Charger, we bet it’s pacier as well.
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