Home Cars 20 of the Most Memorable and Cool-Looking Wedge-Shaped Cars Ever Made
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20 of the Most Memorable and Cool-Looking Wedge-Shaped Cars Ever Made

Vukasin Herbez June 6, 2019

Automotive design is an amazing thing, from exposed fenders and big chrome grills to the square sides and flowing lines of modern cars. In fact, the concept of automotive beauty has come a long way in the last century or so. However, there are few things more striking than a wedge-shaped car. Somehow, the sharp lines of the wedge-shaped vehicle emphasize speed, performance, and power. This classic shape remains forever in the collective consciousness of most automotive enthusiasts.

First debuting in the early ‘70s, wedge-shaped cars have been around ever since. They were popular during the ‘80s and this design approach has produced some of the most memorable supercars they ever built. So keep reading to learn lots more about the 20 most interesting and well-known cars that resemble fighter planes.

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  1. Fiat X1/9

Behind this strange name lies one of the most interesting affordable wedge cars of the ‘70s. Fiat presented the X1/9 in 1972. It was a small two-seater with a T-Top, mid-mounted engine and two trunks, one in the front and one in the back. It was somewhat like a Porsche Boxster, only 20 years older.

Despite the fantastic wedge-shaped looks and technical layout, the X 1/9 was underpowered with just around 60 HP coming from its small 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The performance was unimpressive, so most owners decided to fit bigger engines.

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  1. Mazda RX7

Mazda presented the first generation RX7 in 1978 and it stayed on the market until 1985. During that period, they built almost 500,000 RX-7s, selling most of them in America. Under the hood was a 1.1 to 1.3-liter Wankel rotary engine, which was the RX-7’s most notable feature.

The extremely compact and light engine produced 102 to 135 HP, which was more than enough for a lively performance of this little coupe. Also, the RX7 had the typical wedge design with pop-up headlights and rear panoramic glass.

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  1. Ferrari 512 BB

This fantastic sports machine wasn’t the first Ferrari mid-engine car. However, it was an advanced offering by mid-70s standards. It featured a flat 12 engine with 5.0-liter displacement and 360 HP, which was an extremely high power output for 1976.

However, the design was the feature that was most memorable. After a string of interesting wedge-shaped concept cars, Ferrari finally decided to introduce such a road car.

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  1. Aston Martin Lagonda

The 1976 to 1990 Aston Martin Lagonda is one of the quirkiest cars you could ever own. They envisioned it as the ultimate luxury sedan with V8 power, a bespoke interior, and top of the line features. In fact, the Lagonda was one of the most expensive cars in the world during its production run. And that is why Aston Martin only sold around 650 of them.

The main selling point was exclusivity and its unusual wedge-shaped styling. Unfortunately, Lagondas soon showed their dark side. Drivers complained the company undeveloped the car, so it was problematic. And that was mostly due to the then-new electronic systems they installed in the car.

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  1. Isdera Imperator 108i

Isdera is a small and ultra-exclusive manufacturer of supercars in Germany. Eberhard Schultz, the ex-Mercedes engineer founded the company. Although you could consider all their products to be strange and obscure, the Imperator 108i is the coolest and best looking, so it deserves a place on this list. It debuted in 1984 and remained in production until 1993, during which time they only built 30 of them.

The car was of space frame construction with a plastic body. But the best features were the Gullwing doors, which are timeless and everyone’s favorite supercar detail. Also, the wedge-shape and silhouette are still cool-looking and interesting, even today. Better yet, behind the driver was a Mercedes-produced V8 engine with 5.0-liters of displacement.

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  1. Lamborghini Countach

The Countach is possibly the best-known supercar of its day. Interestingly, it was the most popular poster car on kid’s walls in the ‘70s and ‘80s. They introduced it in 1974 as a concept; and soon, it became a reality. It was notoriously hard to drive and cramped inside, but nevertheless, it was and still is one of the most popular wedge-shaped cars ever.

All Countach models had the V12 engine and with displacement ranging from 4.0 to 5.2-liters. Since the Countach emerged in the ‘70s in the midst of the oil crisis, having a big, thirsty V12 under the hood was a brave thing to do.

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  1. DeTomaso Pantera

Maybe not as famous as Ferrari or Lamborghini, De Tomaso is another legend of the Italian sports car scene from the ‘60s. But the first car was the De Tomaso Mangusta they introduced in 1967. However, the Pantera, which they presented in 1969 proved to be far more successful and popular, even though it shared a lot with the Mangusta.

The key to the Pantera’s success was the modern wedge-shaped design they paired with the powerful V8 to provide great performance. Also, Alejandro DeTomaso made a deal with the Ford Motor Company. That meant they could sell De Tomaso products officially in America through the Lincoln-Mercury dealership network.

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  1. Vector W8

The legendary Vector W8 is a wedge-shaped, V8 powered monster they unveiled in 1990. It was an ambitious project by the Vector Aeromotive Corporation. They wanted to produce the most advanced supercar in the world by using aeronautical technology and materials in car production. So, the W8 had a space frame chassis with a Kevlar body they reinforced with a special kind of plastic.

Under the engine cover was a typical American powerhouse in the form of a Chevrolet small block V8. They paired it up with twin turbochargers to produce 625 HP, which was an impressive figure. The company claimed that at full boost, the 6.0-liter twin turbo engine was capable of a head-spinning 1,200 HP.

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  1. Maserati Khamsin

Even though most wedge-shaped cars are mid-engine supercars, there are also a few Gran Turismo coupes with such a specific design. And one of the most memorable is the Maserati Khamsin, produced from 1974 to 1982. This was a cool-looking GT cruiser with a powerful V8 engine and respectable performance.

Under the hood was a 4.9-liter V8 engine with around 300 HP. Also, Khamsin owners could choose either the five-speed manual or three-speed automatic. The U.S.-spec version of this car had big five mph bumpers, which ruined the clean original design of the car.

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  1. Triumph TR7

The last model Triumph, the famous British company produced was a wedge-shaped coupe they named the TR7. They introduced it in 1974, selling it through 1981. Soon after Triumph closed their doors for good. The car was well-respected for its innovative design and feel, however, it was criticized for its unreliability.

The engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 105 HP, which is not much by today’s standards. But, for the mid-70s, it was a decent output. The TR7 wasn’t all that fast, but drivers liked it for its cool looks and British charm.

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  1. Lotus Esprit

As one of James Bond’s favorite cars, the Lotus Esprit has a special spot in most car enthusiast’s hearts. Debuting in the early ‘70s and on the market until the mid-90s, the Lotus Esprit was always a competent sports car although it had smaller engines and less weight compared to the rest of the field.

With Giugiaro styling, a wedge shape and compact dimensions, the Esprit was a fast and nimble car. The critics attacked it for build quality and tiny interior, but the buyers loved it for its handling and performance.

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  1. Lancia Stratos

This little two-seater is one of the most recognizable wedge-shaped cars they ever built and one of the wildest homologation specials. In the mid-70s, Lancia wanted to go rally racing, so they made their first purpose-built rally car in the form of the Lancia Stratos.

But although they had the design, they didn’t have the engine, so the company borrowed a compact V6 from Ferrari. The Lancia powered by the Ferrari engine created a legend, becoming a world champion in 1977. With its design, exclusivity and racing success, the Stratos was a rally supercar.

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  1. BMW M1s

Despite the fact that the M1 was not a commercial success and they sold only 453 copies, this limited production sports car was tremendously important for the brand as well as for BMW’s future. It is also one of the best-known wedge-shaped supercars they ever made.

The heart of this sports car was BMW’s famous M88 six-cylinder engine with 3.5-liters of displacement and advanced fuel injection. But best of all, it produced 273 HP, which was a high number by the standards of the day.

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  1. DeLorean DMC 12

John Z. De Lorean started this company in the late ‘70s, and briefly marketed it as the next big thing in the sports car world. And for a short time, it looked like America got a sports car brand that could rival Europe’s finest companies. De Lorean presented the interesting concept of a sports car with Gullwing doors, modern wedge-shaped design and a stainless steel body.

However, the production was late, so when they finally revealed the car, it turned out to be disappointingly slow, underpowered and riddled with quality problems. Due to its prominent appearance in the Back to the Future movies and numerous music videos, the DMC 12 is still a popular car as well as one of the automotive symbols of the ‘80s.

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  1. Subaru XT

The Subaru XT is an ‘80s legend destined to be a classic, but most car enthusiasts forgot about them. However, with the coupe, wedge-shaped body, pop up headlights, digital dashboard, and optional all-wheel drive, the XT was a capable and modern car for its time.

They started production in 1985 and stopped it in 1991. The buyers loved its angular wedge design and features, so they praised the car. The best versions come with a 2.7-liter flat six engine and the Subaru signature all-wheel-drive system.

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  1. Dome Zero

You might remember this car if you grew up in the late ‘70s or early ‘80s as one of the first Japanese supercars and a memorable wedge design in its own right. The Dome Zero was a small Japanese car company dedicated to producing expensive road going and race models. But although they began production in 1976 and continued until 1986, it is unclear how many cars they built.

The Dome Zero came with a 2.8-liter SOHC six-cylinder engine that produced 147 HP. Although that doesn’t sound like much, the car was extremely light and the performance was respectable. Unfortunately, they never completed the homologation process, so the Zero’s racing career was short and unsuccessful.

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  1. Ferrari 308 GT4

The 308 GT4 featured several interesting things such as the angular design Bertone created, not Pininfarina as most people expected. Also, it had the first Ferrari road-going V8 engine, and 2+2 seating configuration, which meant the GT4 had more space for occupants and luggage. It was also considerably less expensive when new since they intended it to be a Ferrari for everyday use.

Available with 2.0 and 3.0-liter V8 engines, the Dino GT4 delivered 170 to 240 HP, which is not impressive figures by today’s standards. However, the car is light and handles great due to the mid-engine layout with a glorious soundtrack and a true sports car feel.

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  1. Lancia Scorpion

In 1976, Lancia presented the Scorpion, a U.S.-spec version of its Beta Montecarlo model. They couldn’t use the Montecarlo name for the American market since Chevrolet already had a Monte Carlo. So, Lancia decided to go with the aggressive Scorpion nameplate.

However, despite the car’s modern wedge looks and technical layout, the Scorpion wasn’t exactly a great performer. And that was because its four-cylinder engine delivered only 81 HP in U.S. spec. They sold the Scorpion for two years, 1976 and 1977, selling around 1,800 of them in America.

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  1. Mercedes C111 Concept

Although never a production model, the Mercedes C111 was one of the most famous wedge-shaped cars that debuted in the early ‘70s. They designed this orange classic as a rolling test laboratory for different engine technologies and aerodynamic research.

Aside from the Gullwing doors, they equipped the C111 Concept with various prototype engines including some Wankel rotary units as well as a few high-performance diesels. There was even a V8-powered version, as well.

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  1. Lamborghini Urraco

The Urraco had a mid-mounted 2.0-liter V8 with 180 HP capable of reaching 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. But when you compare it to later models and other well-known Lamborghini supercars, that is not as good. However, that’s still quite a performance by ‘70s standards.

Sadly, they built the Urraco during dark times for performance cars. Also, some rumors said they assembled the car poorly. But Lamborghini managed to produce over 700 of them, so those little, wedge-shaped cars deserve another look.

These are 20 of the most memorable and cool-looking wedge-shaped cars they ever made. Which one caught your eye? All these vehicles are attractive and revolutionary in their design, engines and innovations.

Home Cars 20 Powerful Modern Muscle Cars
Cars

20 Powerful Modern Muscle Cars

Hizkiail June 6, 2019

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You probably know that the golden times of muscle cars were during the ‘60s and early ‘70s. However, after several decades without any real power, muscle cars triumphantly returned in the early 21st century. This return started in the late ‘80s when power levels slowly started to rise.

The performance grew, so by the mid-90s, there was the new dawn of new muscle era. However, if classic muscle cars were crude machines with poor brakes and simple suspensions, the modern ones are state of the art. Modern muscle cars have combined power with cutting edge technology to deliver a unique experience.

Some say that modern muscle cars are not true to the original concept. But most people say that a modern muscle car is every bit a real muscle car, just improved in every way. So, here are the best modern muscle cars that have kept the spirit alive and well.

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  1. Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Inspired by the wild SVT Cobra Rs from the ‘90s, they didn’t name the 2003 model the R because it was limited in production. In fact, it was available to the public rather than just racing drivers and private teams. However, this SVT Cobra was an interesting, important model for the Mustang dynasty and muscle car mythology since it featured two firsts. First, it had the first factory supercharged engine ever.

And second, they gave it an independent rear suspension. The Special Vehicle Team or SVT took a standard 4.6-liter block and mounted different heads and a supercharger to get 390 HP and 390 lb-ft of torque. They named the engine the “Terminator” and rumor was that it delivered more than the advertised 390 HP. To handle all that power and torque, Ford equipped the SVT Cobra with the same independent rear suspension setup as the first Ford GT.

This helped maintain stability at high speeds and hard launches, making this Mustang handle like a dream. The 0 to 60 mph time took only 4.7 seconds so the SVT Cobra was a drag strip terror. Ford offered this model in 2003 and 2004, building around 20,000 of them in a coupe and convertible form. Despite being almost 15 years old, those cars still hold high prices on the used car market.

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  1. Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk

There were fast SUVs before Jeep introduced the Trackhawk and there will be more long after they discontinue the Trackhawk. However, this glorious machine deserves a place on this list for two reasons. First, it has the 707 Hellcat Hemi engine under the hood. Second, with a 3.4-second 0 to 60 mph time, this makes it faster than some supercars.

The Trackhawk is a brutal machine that is highly unusual and influential. It is a proper muscle car, yet it is also an SUV. And that just shows a high horsepower Hemi engine can make anything a proper muscle car, even a full-size SUV.

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  1. Chevrolet SS

Yes, the Chevrolet SS is out of production, but fortunately, dealers have enough unsold cars that you can buy one right now. And you should do that since the SS is one of the best affordable performance sedans on the market today. With a 6.2-liter V8, 412 HP, precise steering, and neutral handling, this car rivals Europe’s finest sports sedans.

Of course, this car is from Holden in Australia, but they rebadged it as a Chevrolet, finely tuning it for U.S. customers. The performance numbers are respectable, and a 0 to 60 mph sprint is possible in just 4.7 seconds while the top speed is over 150 mph. The Chevrolet SS is a good proposition for people who need a practical sedan but want a sports car.

The styling is elegant and unassuming, which is a good thing since this car can surprise many regular sports models with its performance. The Chevrolet SS is destined to be a future classic, so grab your example today.

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  1. Shelby GT350R

Even though they based the Shelby on the Mustang GT, much of the car’s suspension, design, aero package and engine were new. The biggest single difference was the fantastic Voodoo engine with a 5.2-liter displacement delivering 526 HP and 429 lb-ft of torque. But the greatest feature of this high-revving powerplant is the flat-plane crank technology that allows the big V8 to scream to almost 9,000 rpm.

It is the same technology the exotic manufacturers like Ferrari use. However, this is the first time a muscle car has such an advanced engine. Ford’s investment into the Shelby GT350R paid off since the performance is mind-boggling with 3.9 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph. But the numbers don’t do justice to this car. The Shelby GT 350 R is a pure sports car that delivers fantastic driving dynamics.

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  1. Dodge Charger Hellcat

In 2014, Dodge presented the Hellcat and the car community went crazy. After all, they expected such a reaction since the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 707 HP is a proper monster of a muscle car which shouldn’t be on the streets. But, Dodge did just that by allowing the public to buy one of the fastest, most powerful muscle cars and muscle car sedans they ever built.

Despite being overpowered in every aspect, the Dodge Charger Hellcat is surprisingly easy to drive and can be docile at low speeds. It’s only when you press the throttle to unleash the fury of those 707 supercharged horses will you feel the brutality of the Hellcat package and all the power going to the rear wheels. The 0 to 60 mph times are in the high three-second range and the car can top 200 mph.

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  1. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chevrolet knew the Camaro platform could handle much more than 426 HP. In fact, it is capable of delivering fantastic cornering speeds and world-class handling. So, as soon as the new generation hit the streets in 2010, their engineers started developing performance versions. And the first of those was the great Camaro ZL-1 they introduced in 2012, selling it throughout 2015.

The ZL-1 was a special 427 V8 powered drag beast from 1969 but its 2012 counterpart follows the same formula. Chevrolet took the biggest, most powerful engine GM has, which is the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, and stuffed it into the Camaro. The result was a 580 HP street terror with a highly advanced Magnetic Ride suspension. Also, they gave it performance Goodyear tires, Brembo brakes and lots more.

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  1. Dodge Challenger GT AWD

The definition of a muscle car is a two-door coupe with a big V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. However, Dodge has a different vision. For decades, muscle cars were rear-wheel drive only vehicles but in 2016, Dodge introduced a special model in its Challenger lineup they called the GT AWD.

For starters, it is a Challenger with recognizable coupe styling, retro charm, and aggressive stance. But underneath the cool-looking body, there is a V6 and intelligent all-wheel-drive system. However, there are no more smoky burnouts and rear wheels on fire. Instead, now there is loads of traction, even in the toughest conditions. At the moment, the Dodge Challenger AWD is the only all-wheel-drive production muscle car they ever built.

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  1. Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack 2

So, what exactly is the Mustang GT Performance Pack 2? It is a GT, which means it has a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 producing 460 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. They topped it off by mating it with a six-speed manual transmission in the tradition of classic muscle cars. With the 0 to 60 mph time in the low four-second range the Performance Pack 2 is fast.

But the numbers are just half of the story. The essence of the Performance Pack is in the handling, braking, low weight and a lot more driving dynamics. However, for $6,500 above the price of a regular GT, you will get chassis and aerodynamic improvements. Also, you’ll get stiffer springs, beefier anti-roll bars, performance tires, bigger brakes, racing seats and more.

With this package, the standard Mustang GT transforms from a great sports car to a fantastic driver’s machine. Some magazine editors think Ford should’ve named this Performance Pack 2 the Boss 302 since it captures the same idea and it is for the same type of customer.

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  1. Cadillac ATS-V

Debuting in 2016, the newest American muscle four-door car is the compact but immensely powerful Cadillac ATS-V. With this model, Cadillac attacked the likes of the Mercedes C Class and BMW 3 Series. It is a modern executive sedan with recognizable styling and brutal power.

Under the hood is the twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 464 HP and 445 lb-ft of torque. And that is enough to launch the ATS-V from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 189 mph. But even though the ATS-V doesn’t have a V8, it is still a proper muscle car. And best yet, it is also available in a two-door form, as well.

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  1. Ford Mustang Boss 302

Ever since the first retro Mustangs appeared in showrooms across America, Ford fans have asked for the return of the Boss 302. For those who don’t know, they first presented the Boss 302 in 1969 as a racing car homologation special for the Trans-Am races. Fast forward 43 years and Ford revived the Boss 302.

They added a new 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that delivered 444 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque. Again, this was nearly a pure racing car without back seats and with a factory-installed roll cage. And then they added a host of other external and internal modifications.

As you would expect, the performance was better than the regular Mustang GT. In fact, the 2012 Boss 302 could accelerate to 60 mph in 3.97 seconds and top 155 mph. Until there’s a future version of the Boss 302, the 2012 model is one of the best modern muscle cars that clearly deserves a place on this list.

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  1. Chevrolet Camaro SS

Camaro fans were terribly disappointed when Chevrolet decided to retire the Camaro nameplate after the 2003 model year. It looked like the Mustang has finally won the muscle car battle since they had already discontinued the Firebird. That meant the Mustang was the only domestic pony/muscle car still on the market at the moment.

However, Chevrolet was waiting for the right moment to return the Camaro to the market in a redesigned, restyled and re-engineered form. And that moment came in late 2009 when they unveiled the new, fifth-generation Camaro to the eager market. So, after a few years of showing concept cars and design renderings, Chevrolet was finally ready to introduce its modern interpretation of the classic Camaro shape.

But this time, they used a new, highly advanced chassis and engine. In fact, the 2010 Camaro was the triumph of retro-futuristic design and engineering. And better yet, the GM Zeta platform was highly sophisticated, providing the new model with sports car-like road holding and driving dynamics.

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  1. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

If 707 HP from the Hellcat package is not enough and you want the ultimate modern muscle car and the most powerful street Hemi engine they ever made, choose the Demon package. With standard fuel, it will deliver an insane 808 HP. However, if you use the high octane stuff, it will pump out almost 840 HP.

The rest of the Demon package is equally insane from the special transmission, suspension, and brake to the widebody stance and exterior details. The acceleration times from 0 to 60 is less than three seconds. And under full power, the Demon will accelerate with a 1.8 G force. Amazingly, this car capable of covering a quarter-mile sprint in less than 10 seconds straight from the box.

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  1. Chrysler 300C SRT8

The Chrysler 300C is an interesting car. It is one of the last American boxy-looking sedans with big V8 power and a chrome grille. But it is also a successful model that has been on the market for almost 15 years.

During that time, Chrysler produced numerous variants, most of them with the modern 5.7-liter Hemi. However, one is especially interesting on this list, and that is the mighty SRT-8. Under the hood is a 6.1-liter Hemi producing 425 HP. This car delivers fantastic performance, which connected with those Hemi models of the glorious Mopar past.

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  1. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

The legendary Z/28 version returned for the 2014 model year and in an interesting and extremely capable package. Once again, they made the Z/28 a track day car. In fact, it was and still is a road racing-oriented Camaro with the brakes, suspension and steering to provide the best driving dynamics.

Under the hood is a 7.0-liter V8 from the Corvette Z06 that delivers 505 HP and provides more than enough power and grunt. However, Chevrolet highly-engineered the rest of the car for precision, giving it stiffer shocks and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as special wheels and brakes.

But with its 300-pound weight loss, the Z/28 achieves better numbers at the racetrack. Although the Camaro ZL-1 faster with its supercharged engine, the Z/28 is a better all-around performer. And that is what makes it perfect for the racetrack.

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  1. Dodge Challenger Scat Pack

Even though today’s muscle cars are faster than those European sports coupes with their advanced technology and innovative systems, some people still want an American muscle coupe with a roaring V8 and a whole lot of attitude. So, for those folks, Dodge has the Challenger, a cool retro muscle car. It comes with modern technology and a fantastic Hemi V8 delivering 6.1-liters and 485 HP.

The price tag may not allow you to buy the crazy Challenger Hellcat with 707 HP and rear tires as wide as the highway. However, you can still get the Scat Pack version, which is more than enough. The 0 to 60 mph acceleration time is in the 4.5-second range and the top speed is nearly 170 mph, which is quite decent.

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  1. Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

The base Camaro SS is one of the best muscle cars around with its 6.2-liter, 450 HP V8 engine. But with loads of torque and a perfectly balanced chassis, the Camaro 1LE is even better. The engine is the same one as in the Corvette, which means it produces 460 HP. They made the suspension even more focused to give drivers a better driving feel and sharper response.

Imagine driving this perfectly tuned machine on a long road trip with every mile bringing you more driving pleasure. Also, Chevrolet improved the aero package. This means the 1LE is the best car if you want an all-around sports machine. It is capable and comfortable enough to use every day as well as for long drives.

The Camaro SS 1LE is sharp enough to be a track car, providing tons of fun on the racetrack. Besides the SS V8 1LE, for $10,000 less you can get the V6 1LE. Although it is less powerful and slower, it is still a good sports car.

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  1. Cadillac CTS-V

For years, Cadillac was without the proper performance series they needed to compete with BMW or Mercedes. But finally, the V-Series was born. It was all that Cadillac lovers dreamed of with its powerful engine. It provided world-class handling with the updated suspension setup, as well as exclusive production. Even the competitors took notice when Cadillac rolled up with the new V-Series model.

Arguably, the most successful was the second-generation CTS-V model they produced between 2008 and 2014. Under the hood was a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 556 HP. And that made the CTS-V the most powerful performance sedan at that time. The suspension and the rest of the drivetrain were advanced and up to the task.

In fact, the CTS-V was a full package and one of the best driver’s cars available. With a 556 HP LS9 V8 engine and 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds, the second-generation CTS-V was one of the fastest four-door vehicles on the planet. And for that reason, it is a true muscle car sedan.

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  1. Pontiac G8

Pontiac thought a rear-wheel-drive sedan would help them fight their European competitors. The G8 was a good idea and with a Pontiac redesign and small-block V8 engine, it was quite an effective performance sedan, too. But best of all, the base engine was a solid 3.5-liter V6 that pumped out 256 HP.

But the real deal was the G8 GXP with a 6.2-liter V8 delivering a mind-bending 415 HP. Also, they filled the G8 with high levels of standard equipment as well as a long list of optional extras. Unfortunately, the G8 came too late, so most customers weren’t ready to accept a performance sedan that could beat the overpriced European models. Sadly, after years of anemic models, front-wheel-drive economy cars and the minivans of the ‘90s, Pontiac lost its performance image.

In fact, only a handful of buyers remember what Pontiac was famous for and capable of producing. So, when they finally presented a car capable of reclaiming the title of a performance brand, they ran out of time. However, in two years, Pontiac sold just over 30,000 G8s.

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  1. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The swan song of the SVT supercharged Mustangs is the 2013 Shelby GT500. This glorious muscle car has a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 that can produce 662 HP and 631 lb-ft of torque. At the time, that was the most powerful American-made V8 and a proper beast of an engine. When Ford installed it in rear-wheel drive with a live axle platform everyone knew as a tire smoke generator.

However, besides its burnout and show potential, the Mustang Shelby GT500 is also a serious performance machine. A 0 to 60 mph sprint takes only 3.5 seconds. That means the $50,000 Mustang could embarrass a $250,000 Ferrari at stoplight drag races. Buyers loved this overpowered Mustang, so despite being discontinued, it still is the king of the hill among Mustang fans.

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  1. Pontiac GTO

The first year for the modern GTO was 2004 and the car received universal praise from car buyers as well as the car press. The design wasn’t exactly new or aggressive, but the GTO had a muscle car form and street presence. Under the hood was an LS1 5.7-liter V8 delivering 350 HP. And that was enough performance to make the GTO one of the hottest American cars for 2004.

The 2005 model year saw the introduction of the 400 HP 6.2-liter engine. That engine provided even better performance numbers with a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 4.6 seconds. However, sales started to decline to 11,000, so for 2006, which was the final model year, they sold just 14,000 GTOs.

These are 20 of the best, fastest and most powerful modern muscle cars they ever built. Did you find your favorite? If so, start saving up since none of these cars is a bargain. However, they are sure to deliver the best driving experience ever.

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