Although the original muscle cars from 1964 to 1971 still command high prices—thanks in large part to boomers wanting to relive their youth—car enthusiasts would be wise to shift their attention toward what’s ahead.
The market has already shown rising values for muscle machines from the 1980s and early ’90s, so it only makes sense that muscle cars from the last two decades will eventually follow suit in terms of collectability and worth. With that in mind, here’s our take on the top 15 modern muscle cars worth watching.
Muscle cars aren’t just relics of the past—they’re still alive, loud, and evolving. While the classics from the ’60s and ’70s built the legacy, today’s modern muscle machines carry that torch with brutal horsepower, aggressive styling, and cutting-edge tech.
These aren’t just fast cars—they’re future icons. In an era where EVs are taking over and emissions standards are tightening the noose, these 15 modern muscle cars prove that raw power and timeless appeal aren’t going anywhere.
Whether it’s track-ready precision, drag-strip dominance, or all-American swagger, these beasts are built to last—and destined to be remembered.
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
The SVT Cobra played a pivotal role in Mustang history and the broader muscle car legacy. It introduced two major milestones: the first factory-supercharged Mustang and the first with an independent rear suspension.
SVT took the 4.6-liter modular V8 and added upgraded cylinder heads along with a supercharger, pushing output to 390 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration was impressive, hitting 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, making the SVT Cobra a serious threat at the drag strip.
Also Read: Top 10 Classic Pontiacs That Can Still Run Today
Chevrolet SS
Packing a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 412 horsepower, the Chevrolet SS features sharp steering and balanced handling that put it on par with high-performance sedans from Europe.
While it’s essentially a rebadged Holden from Australia, Chevrolet gave it specific tuning for the U.S. market. The performance metrics speak for themselves: 0 to 60 mph in a swift 4.7 seconds and a top speed exceeding 150 mph.
For those who need the practicality of a four-door but still crave the excitement of a performance car, the SS is a compelling option.
Shelby GT350 R
Although the Shelby GT350R is based on the Mustang GT, it is far from a simple upgrade. Much of its suspension system, aerodynamic design, and engine components are completely bespoke.
At the heart of the GT350R is the remarkable Voodoo engine—a 5.2-liter V8 producing 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque.
What sets this powerplant apart is its flat-plane crankshaft design, which allows it to rev to nearly 9000 rpm. In terms of cornering capability and driving dynamics, this car is far closer to a Porsche GT3 than it is to the traditional Mustangs of the past.
Dodge Charger Hellcat
When Dodge introduced the Hellcat in 2014, it set the car world on fire. The reaction was justified—this machine came armed with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 cranking out 707 horsepower, making it a true muscle car monster that arguably shouldn’t have been allowed on public roads.
But Dodge went ahead and unleashed it anyway, giving everyday buyers access to one of the most powerful and fastest muscle sedans ever produced.
Even with all that brute force under the hood, the Dodge Charger Hellcat is surprisingly manageable, offering a smooth and composed driving experience at low speeds.
Also Read: 10 Cars With the Best MPG That Are Also Built to Last on America’s Roads in 2025
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Chevrolet was fully aware that the Camaro chassis could handle far more than 426 horsepower, along with delivering exceptional cornering and precision handling.
So, it was only a matter of time before high-performance variants were in development following the debut of the new-gen Camaro in 2010. The first of those to arrive was the impressive Camaro ZL1, which hit the market in 2012 and remained in production through 2015.
Ford Raptor
Equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, the Ford Raptor is anything but typical. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds.
The numbers suggest supercar performance, yet this is a full-size pickup with seating for five and a standard truck bed. But don’t mistake it for just another hauler—the Ford Raptor is the closest thing to a street-legal Baja 1000 race truck that consumers can actually buy today.
Dodge Challenger GT AWD
What exactly defines a muscle car? Traditionally, it’s a two-door coupe featuring a large V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. But Dodge has challenged that definition.
In 2016, they broke away from decades of muscle car convention by introducing a unique model in the Challenger lineup—the GT AWD. This special version offered all-wheel drive, marking a bold shift from the long-standing rear-wheel-drive-only formula that muscle cars had adhered to for generations.
Ford Mustang Boss 302
Since the debut of the first retro-inspired Mustangs, fans of the brand had been clamoring for the return of the legendary Boss 302. Originally introduced in 1969 as a homologation special built for Trans-Am racing, the Boss 302 was all about performance.
Fast forward forty-three years, and Ford brought it back, this time powered by a modern 5.0-liter Coyote V8 generating 444 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Just like the original, the revived Boss 302 was engineered with racing in mind, lacking rear seats, featuring a factory-installed roll cage, and boasting a range of exterior and interior upgrades to enhance performance.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Camaro enthusiasts were deeply disappointed when Chevrolet discontinued the iconic nameplate following the 2003 model year. But the hiatus was part of a long game.
Chevrolet had been biding its time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to reintroduce the Camaro with a fresh design, updated styling, and modern engineering. That opportunity came in late 2009 with the arrival of the fifth-generation Camaro.
The 2010 model marked a successful blend of retro aesthetics and cutting-edge performance, built on GM’s sophisticated Zeta platform. This architecture gave the Camaro sports car-level handling and driving dynamics, delivering a thoroughly modern muscle car experience.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
If, for whatever reason, the 707 horsepower offered by the Hellcat just doesn’t cut it, and you’re seeking the ultimate expression of a modern muscle car with the most powerful street-legal Hemi engine ever built, then the Demon is your answer.
Running on standard pump gas, it cranks out a wild 808 horsepower, but feed it high-octane fuel, and it unleashes nearly 840 horsepower—an outrageous level of performance straight from the factory.
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Beneath the hood sits a 7.0-liter V8 borrowed from the Corvette Z06, producing a robust 505 horsepower and more than enough torque to make it a powerhouse. But what truly set the Z/28 apart was its engineering precision.
With upgraded shocks, stiffer anti-roll bars, exclusive wheels, high-performance brakes, and a body that shed 300 pounds compared to other trims, the Z/28 was designed to dominate on the track.
While the Camaro ZL1 had the edge in straight-line speed thanks to its supercharged engine, the Z/28 offered superior overall handling and track performance, making it an ideal weapon for serious enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE
The base Camaro SS already ranks as one of the finest modern muscle cars, boasting a 6.2-liter V8 with 450 horsepower, immense torque, and a perfectly balanced chassis. The 1LE package enhances that formula even further.
Featuring the same engine found in the Corvette, it bumps output to 460 horsepower. Its suspension receives additional fine-tuning for sharper handling and a more connected driving experience.
Behind the wheel of this precisely dialed-in machine, every mile of a long road trip becomes an experience of pure driving joy.
Cadillac CTS-V
Among the three generations of CTS-V models, the second generation produced from 2008 to 2014 is widely regarded as the most successful. Beneath the hood was a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 pushing out 556 horsepower, making the CTS-V one of the most powerful performance sedans available during its time.
Its suspension system and drivetrain were meticulously engineered to match the power, resulting in a car praised for being a complete, high-performance package. Cadillac offered the CTS-V in three configurations—sedan, coupe, and, in a surprising twist, a wagon.
Powered by the 556 HP LS9 V8 and boasting a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds, the second-gen CTS-V earned its place as one of the fastest four-door cars on the road and stood tall as a true muscle car in sedan form.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach I
This model signified the comeback of the iconic Mustang Mach I nameplate, previously used between 1969 and 1973, and briefly revived in 2003 and 2004. The 2021 version is the most capable yet, with performance and power levels surpassing those of the earlier editions.
It features the same 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine found in other Mustang variants but enhanced with select components from the Shelby and Bullitt models. The result is a power output of 480 horsepower—matching the Bullitt in performance while introducing a more focused track-ready setup.
Ram TRX
The Ram TRX is what happens when you blend the ruggedness of the Ram Rebel with the fire-breathing aggression of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. It’s an all-terrain powerhouse built to dominate the dirt, with a supercharged Hemi V8 and a no-nonsense personality.
Packing a brutal 702 horsepower under the hood, the TRX comes equipped with a purpose-built chassis, reworked suspension, and a transmission designed for high-performance off-road driving.
It was engineered to claim the title of the most extreme production off-road truck you can buy straight from a showroom floor.