These are exciting times for car enthusiasts. Those who once dreamed of owning classic American muscle cars saw their wishes come true when retro models made a comeback in the 2000s, sparking a second wave of muscle car wars.
For those fortunate enough to have acquired one of these classic machines, there may be nothing better. However, today’s market presents an opportunity to own something modern.
The “Big Three” Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge each offered their own take on contemporary muscle, giving seasoned enthusiasts a perfect new-school complement to their beloved classics.
At present, this modern muscle war has reached its peak with the introduction of high-performance supercharged V-8s found in the GT500, ZL1, and Hellcat models.
Never before has such an abundance of tire-shredding power been so accessible in a modern package, blending cutting-edge technology with the unmistakable style of classic muscle.
However, this golden era is nearing its end, as production of these high-powered machines will conclude by 2023 and beyond.
So, what’s next for the veterans of the muscle car wars? While the old classics will always be there to enjoy, what does the future hold for the ongoing battle for road supremacy?
Currently, there are a few anticipated models on the horizon, but beyond that, the future remains uncertain. However, if the past is any indication, the industry is bound to introduce some innovative and exciting vehicles.
1. Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV
Revealed some time ago, the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV will be the first and only fully electric muscle car when it hits the streets.
Launched in 2024, this model will take the place of the HEMI-powered Challenger and the current Charger lineup.
Embracing a retro-inspired two-door Charger design reminiscent of the 1960s and ’70s, this vehicle offers much more than just nostalgia.
For a pioneering electric muscle car, Dodge has made every effort to preserve the spirit of classic muscle while embracing an electrified future.
Its power output is on par with today’s lower-end muscle cars, while instant EV torque ensures rapid acceleration.
The coupe silhouette and aggressive front wing reinforce its muscle car DNA, while the innovative exhaust and transmission aim to replicate the traditional driving experience.
While range figures remain undisclosed, the vehicle is expected to ride on the STLA Large platform, which is capable of delivering up to 500 miles per charge.
Whether or not Dodge can truly win over die-hard muscle car enthusiasts remains to be seen, but the Charger Daytona SRT EV is undeniably ambitious.
Also Read: 10 Muscle Cars That Were Produced in Extremely Limited Numbers
2. The Chevrolet Camaro
General Motors is bringing production of the sixth-generation Camaro to an end with the 2024 model year. If you haven’t placed your order yet or have one still pending, your chances of getting one are slim.
In fact, production wrapped up earlier than expected, with special editions like the Garage 56 and Panther Collector’s Edition serving as a final farewell to the beloved nameplate.
This isn’t the first time the Camaro has been discontinued. The fourth-generation Camaro was last produced in 2002, only to be revived in 2010 with the fifth-generation model.
While Chevrolet has stated, “this is not the end of the Camaro’s story,” industry speculation strongly suggests that any future iteration will be an EV.
While precise EV specifications for a future Camaro are unknown, we can infer certain details based on GM’s existing Ultium platform, which also underpins the Hummer EV.
However, given the Hummer EV’s six-figure price tag, any potential Camaro EV would likely offer only a fraction of its performance specifications. This could help maintain the Camaro’s longstanding reputation for performance at a relatively affordable price.
There’s also speculation that Chevrolet could turn the Camaro into a sub-brand, similar to what’s rumored for the Corvette.
However, the most probable outcome is that the Camaro will return as a sedan countering Dodge’s strategy of transforming the Charger into a coupe once again.
If executed correctly, any of these approaches could help boost sales and ensure the Camaro’s legacy endures. Ultimately, time will tell whether enthusiasts embrace this bold new chapter for one of America’s most iconic muscle cars.
3. The Ford Mustang
For muscle car enthusiasts, the idea of an electric future for their beloved rides can be a tough pill to swallow. The essence of a muscle car, for many, lies in its roaring V-8 engine, aggressive exhaust note, and manual transmission.
These are non-negotiable traits. It’s no surprise, then, that Mustang purists have largely rejected the Mach-E, which, despite carrying the Mustang name, lacks the traditional design and performance characteristics of the iconic pony car.
Fortunately, a new generation of the Mustang is on the horizon, with the Dark Horse leading the charge.With Dodge and Chevrolet shifting gears toward electric muscle, Ford is poised to go down in history as the brand that produced both the first and last traditional muscle car.
As of now, there is no new GT500 or GT350 available, meaning the Dark Horse is the last Mustang to feature a big V-8, a manual transmission, and the classic coupe design that defines a true muscle car.
The chances of seeing a new GT350 are slim, given that Ford has only produced two generations of it, and the latest GT500 already comes exclusively with an automatic transmission.
That said, it’s hard to imagine the internal combustion Mustang sticking around indefinitely in today’s rapidly changing automotive landscape.
If Ford follows in the footsteps of Dodge and Chevrolet in embracing electrification, could they deliver an EV with more muscle than the Mach-E?
4. The Dodge Challenger
It’s hard to believe that the Dodge Challenger a model that has remained largely unchanged for nearly a decade and a half is about to be discontinued. Perhaps the fact that it has been axed before makes this decision feel slightly less shocking.
Of course, this only applies to new production models, as Dodge’s high-horsepower lineup transitions to an all-electric future.
With the Charger Daytona EV set to debut, the likelihood of the Challenger making a return seems slim. However, history tells us that both the Charger and Challenger once coexisted as coupes, leaving the door open for a potential comeback.
Dodge is making a much bigger effort to send off the Challenger than GM is for the Camaro. This suggests that these limited-edition releases may truly mark the end of the Challenger as we know it.
Even the manual transmission has returned as an option on lower trims something Chevrolet has consistently offered across the Camaro lineup, even at its highest performance levels.
Still, saying goodbye to the Challenger is no easy task. Whether in widebody or narrow form, this car has been a dominant force on both the streets and the drag strip.
Competition has always fueled performance advancements, and if the Charger Daytona EV proves successful, it’s possible that we could see a new Challenger in the future albeit an electrified one.
5. The Pontiac Firebird
Now, we’re not just discussing discontinued cars we’re talking about entire defunct brands. While this may seem like a long shot, how many times have we seen concept versions of the Firebird?
And let’s not forget the aftermarket conversion kits that transform a fifth-generation Camaro into a Pontiac counterpart, given that both cars previously shared GM’s F-body platform.
There’s no doubt that enthusiasts would love to see the Firebird make a comeback, along with other vehicles that met a similar fate.
If you want a Firebird today, your options are limited to buying a used model or turning to aftermarket builders for a modernized version.
Given the car’s cultural significance in films like Knight Rider and Smokey and the Bandit, why shouldn’t it return?
However, since those are the only realistic avenues, and with the Camaro itself facing an uncertain future, an electric Firebird might be the best opportunity for a full-fledged revival.
6. The Plymouth Roadrunner
At this point, we’re venturing into pure wishful thinking imagining a future where Plymouth and Pontiac models return to the streets.
But looking at a car like the 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner Superbird, it’s clear that its design was ahead of its time.
That radical, aerodynamic styling could be a perfect match for a modern EV powertrain if the idea of an electric muscle car gains widespread acceptance.
While the Superbird was a one-year wonder, the standard Plymouth Roadrunner enjoyed production from 1968 to 1980 and served as the foundation for the NASCAR-focused Superbird.
That makes it another strong candidate for revival. With Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) in control, anything is possible.
Dodge, which once shared a corporate umbrella with Plymouth, has already shaken up the muscle car world by committing to electric vehicles. Could a reborn Roadrunner be next?
7. The Pontiac GTO & Oldsmobile 442
The Pontiac GTO and Oldsmobile 442 are two legendary muscle cars, with the former making a brief comeback in the 2000s. These two brands, once major players under the GM umbrella, no longer exist today.
While “GTO” officially stands for Gran Turismo Omologato, some enthusiasts have jokingly referred to it as “Gas, Tires, and Oil.”
If that alternative meaning holds any weight, then an electric Pontiac GTO wouldn’t quite make sense considering it would be missing both gas and oil.
Similar to the GTO, the Oldsmobile 442’s name had a specific meaning: “4-4-2” originally referred to its four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, and dual exhaust system.
This history makes it difficult to imagine an all-electric version that stays true to its heritage. Nonetheless, it’s a somber moment in the futuristic movie Demolition Man when a red 442 is reduced to a museum exhibit.
Perhaps seeing these cars on the road in any form whether classic, modified, or electric is better than not seeing them at all.
8. The Plymouth Barracuda
The Plymouth Barracuda is another muscle car that isn’t talked about enough much like the 442 or GTO.
Originally introduced in 1964 as a competitor to the Ford Mustang, the ‘Cuda was not just a nickname but actually a high-performance variant of the Barracuda.
If the Mustang ever fully transitions to an electric platform beyond the Mach-E, could a modern Barracuda emerge as a rival? Interestingly, author Tim Dorsey even titled one of his novels Electric Barracuda.
Historically, the Barracuda shared its platform with the Dodge Challenger. If the Challenger doesn’t make a return in the modern era, could the Barracuda take its place instead?
With automakers constantly reviving iconic nameplates, it’s not out of the question. While some classics are better left in the past, only time will tell whether the Barracuda name could swim back into relevance.
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9. The Mercury Cougar
Much like the 442, Roadrunner, Barracuda, and GTO, a muscled-up Mercury Cougar is a rare sight perhaps even the rarest of them all.
However, just like Oldsmobile, Plymouth, and Pontiac, Mercury is a defunct brand, though it once fell under Ford rather than Chrysler or GM.
While some classics are best left in the past, seeing more of these iconic cars on the road today would be a welcome sight.
As with the GTO, the Mercury Cougar saw a brief revival in the late ’90s and early 2000s. However, it’s the classic models that truly capture the hearts of enthusiasts.
Realistically, a brand-new Cougar may never see production again, and if internal combustion engines disappear entirely, the only viable option would be an electric conversion.
Forget introducing a modern EV under the same name such an idea would be sacrilege to purists. Yet, in today’s ever-evolving automotive landscape, we must prepare for unexpected possibilities, no matter how controversial.
Given that the Cougar has historically been offered in different body styles, a future EV model could align with modern thinking much like the Camaro sub-brand concepts currently being explored.
10. The Chevrolet Nova & Chevelle
The Chevrolet Chevelle is arguably the more well-known model, but the Nova remains a more attainable option. That said, both vehicles are highly respected in muscle car circles.
If you’re looking for a project car, the Nova might be a great starting point but will future projects require an electric conversion just to keep these classics running?
Their similarities in design are enough to confuse an untrained eye, making it easy to mistake one for the other. But make no mistake—both cars stand on their own as muscle car legends
When it comes to the Chevelle, various renderings have surfaced depicting what a modern version could look like. However, whether or not the car will ever return is a separate discussion altogether.
Even if it does, its powertrain is another major question. With Dodge and Chevy moving toward electrification, would an EV version take priority over an internal combustion engine model?
Muscle cars have long been defined by their powerful engines and raw performance, making it difficult to imagine them taking on a different identity.
However, one thing remains constant: change. Whether enthusiasts are ready to accept it or not, the future of the muscle car will ultimately be decided by automakers.
If history has shown us anything, it’s that the muscle car has faced decline before sometimes reduced to a nameplate with little performance to back it up. In an all-electric future, muscle cars must evolve or risk fading into obscurity.
