20 Superb Groundbreaking Modern Muscle Cars From Detroit Ever Produced

14. Dodge Challenger GT AWD

What is the definition of a muscle car? It’s a two-door coupe with a big V8 engine and rear wheel drive, right? Well, 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 call the GT AWD.

Even though it’s a Challenger with the recognizable coupe styling, retro charm and aggressive stance, underneath the cool-looking body, there is a V6. Also, it comes with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. But, now there are no more smoky burnouts and rear wheels on fire. Instead, there is loads of traction even in the toughest road conditions.

At the moment, the Dodge Challenger AWD is the only all-wheel drive production muscle car ever. Even Ford and Chevrolet don’t have anything similar for the Mustang or Camaro. Unfortunately, Dodge only offers the GT AWD with the V6 engine. Despite the fact that the V6 is fairly powerful with 305 HP, most drivers wish it came with a proper Hemi V8.

15. Pontiac GTO

The last GTO Pontiac ever produced was the 2004 to 2006 model, which was a re-badged Australian Holden Monaro. But car enthusiasts expected much from the GTO. So, although it was a powerful, capable machine, it failed to meet the expectations of most GTO fans.

But what makes this car influential and groundbreaking is that it was the first muscle car they sold in the U.S. they didn’t engineer or design in Detroit. Because Holden was GM’s Australian branch, the last GTO wasn’t an American product.

16. Dodge Neon STR4

Dodge introduced the Neon SRT-4 in 2003 and it was one of the most affordable performance cars in America at the time. But what turned the compact Neon into a pocket rocket was the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 230 HP.

In fact, it propelled the little Neon to 5.4 second 0 to 60 mph times. However, almost every owner tuned their Neon SRT4 the minute they left the dealership. Some owners even managed to squeeze over 400 HP from the 2.4-liter engine.

17. Pontiac Trans Am GTA

The 1987 to 1991 Trans Am GTA was the best, most powerful version of the third generation F-Body from Pontiac. It was not only the best looking but also a rare, expensive option. The secret weapons of the GTA were its engine and WS6 handling package. The engine was a 350 V8 with 210 HP in the early models and up to 245 HP in later versions.

Rumor was that the engine was the same as in the Corvette since it used the same TPI fuel injection system and displacement, but sadly, that wasn’t the case. But, Corvette used aluminum heads while Pontiac used iron; however, the power and performance were similar.

18. Ford Taurus SHO

For decades, those fast, stealthy cars were a European specialty. But with the introduction of the Ford Taurus SHO, Americans had their own muscle sedan. However, the best and the fastest is the current model, which is one of the coolest, most usable performance cars you can buy.

The SHO has a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 365 HP to all four wheels over a six-speed automatic transmission. And that means the Taurus SHO is capable of a convincing performance and high top speeds.

19. Chevrolet SS

With a 6.2-liter V8, 412 HP, precise steering and neutral handling, the Chevy SS rivals Europe’s finest sports sedans. But did you know it comes from Holden of Australia and they rebadged it as a Chevrolet fine-tuned for American customers?

The performance numbers are respectable. In fact, you can do 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.7 seconds, while its top speed is over 150 mph. So, the Chevrolet SS is a good proposition for people who need a practical sedan but want a sports car.

20. Cadillac CTS-V

For years, Cadillac was without a proper performance series 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 and world-class handling. Also, they updated the suspension and made it exclusive in its production.

Under the hood was a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 556 HP. And that makes the CTS-V the most powerful performance sedan on the market. The suspension and the rest of the drivetrain are advanced, so the CTS-V is one of the best driver’s cars available today.

These are the 20 most groundbreaking modern muscle cars from Detroit. While some are easy to find, others aren’t. However, these cars prove that muscle cars can be affordable and fun to drive, too.