Great American Muscle Cars: High Performance Driving With New Names

American Muscle Cars seem like they should be as much a symbol of this country as apple pie, baseball, and the national anthem.

Unfortunately, the world of muscle cars has basically ended, at least in its traditional sense. The old-school muscle machines have faded away, and the final versions of the names we’ve known and loved for many years have come and gone. The Ford Mustang is the only remaining name in the traditional market now that the Camaro has gone.

Although these aren’t your typical names, here are several American Muscle Cars that bring the power, performance, and prestige desired to the road.

Chevrolet Camaro Collector’s Edition

The final special Camaro model, which we didn’t hear much about, is the Collector’s Edition version. This package can be had in the LT, SS, and ZL1 trims, giving the car the right power and some special features. This car includes signature paint and dark accent trim to give the car a unique look. This car signifies the end of the Camaro, which has seen dwindling sales figures for several years. Still, this is one of the top muscle cars and could be a special model on the used car market in a few years.

Pros

• Powerful smallblock V8
• Alpha platform handling
• Legendary muscle car name

Cons

• Poor visibility
• No longer in production
• Not as powerful as other muscle cars

Ford Mustang GT Convertible

The Ford Mustang is truly a symbol of Americana and is nearly as ubiquitous with American Muscle Cars as the Stars and Stripes are with the Fourth of July. The GT model uses the iconic 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine that sends plenty of power to the rear wheels. If you want to enjoy 480 horsepower and the feeling of a great convertible, this Mustang could be the fast and aggressive pony car for you to admire and enjoy.

Pros

• Open-top driving
• Predictable naturally aspirated Coyote V8
• Only remaining convertible pony car

• Heavier than outgoing model
• Controversial styling
• Slower to 60 mph than the last model

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

It might be a luxury car by name, but it’s a muscle car at heart. This incredible machine is the result of years of Cadillac tuning and performance styling that began with the ATS-V. Typically, the Cadillac CT4 is a humble sedan, but when you add a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 472 horsepower to the wheels, it becomes a monstrous machine that can deliver the goods. The Blackwing rockets to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 189 mph.

Pros

• Incredible handling
• Bespoke turbocharged engine
• Tremec 6-speed manual transmission option

Cons

• Heavy car
• Quiet exhaust
• Less tech-oriented than other muscle cars

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

GM is well known for doing things twice, and with the Blackwing models, that’s exactly what they did. This impressive Cadillac is one of the best American Muscle Cars in the market, and it utilizes some classic qualities to make it an impressive performer. The CT5-V Blackwing shares a platform with the Camaro, making it another Alpha platform product. This incredible machine receives power from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that generates 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. This Blackwing can rocket to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a quoted 200 mph top speed.

Pros

• All-American supercharged V8 engine and sounds
• 200 MPH top speed
• 6-speed manual transmission option

Cons

• Heavy car
• Large size
• High price

Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Ford is taking full advantage of its standing, with the Mustang being the only classic name still in the muscle car market. The new Dark Horse model takes the spirit of pure driving excitement to a new level with one of the best six-speed manual transmissions and a powerful engine that gives this car some amazing track qualities. The Dark Horse rides on wide and sticky tires to make it easy to push this car hard through the turns when it’s time for some high-performing results at the track. The Dark Horse Mustang hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed of 166 mph.

Pros

• New model designation
• 500 horsepower Coyote V8 engine
• 6-speed Tremec manual transmission

Cons

• Added weight
• Busy interior
• Controversial styling

These five American Muscle Cars carry a torch that dates back more than sixty years. Will the muscle car world be different when new high-performance EVs arrive?