American muscle cars continue to evolve, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. Among them, the Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack stands out as a performance sedan with the soul of a classic muscle car and the utility of a modern family vehicle.
Though the Charger lineage began in 1966, the recent models mark the final chapters before an all-electric future. This summary explores the performance, character, and competitors of the Charger 392 Scat Pack while spotlighting other American performance sedans and coupes. These vehicles deliver raw power, distinctive design, and everyday drivability in a rapidly changing automotive world.
1. The Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack: Legacy Meets Practicality
The 2022 Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack is a muscle sedan that blends performance with practicality. Powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
The four-door layout makes it more versatile than many coupes, while the fuel economy of 15 mpg city and 24 mpg highway is respectable for its class.
Though it uses older pushrod technology, the engine remains potent. The Scat Pack is widely regarded as the best all-around choice in the Charger lineup, offering muscle car thrills without daily compromise.
2. Pontiac G8 GXP: The Forgotten Muscle Sedan
The Pontiac G8 GXP, though short-lived, remains a hidden gem among muscle sedans. As Pontiac’s final performance car before the brand’s closure in 2010, it was built on GM’s Australian Zeta platform, shared with the Holden Commodore and Chevy SS.
Its 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine produced 415 horsepower and matched with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. This rear-wheel-drive machine reached 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
Surprisingly fuel-efficient with 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, it was both fast and comfortable. At $39,995, it delivered immense value, blending muscle car performance with four-door practicality and understated styling.
3. Dodge Challenger 392 Scat Pack: Coupe with Sedan Soul
The Dodge Challenger 392 Scat Pack is the Charger’s two-door counterpart, offering identical performance specs but in a sleeker package. Sharing the same 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, the Challenger also produces 485 horsepower and matches the Charger’s 4.2-second 0-60 mph time.
Despite being a coupe, it retains foldable rear seats and generous cargo space (16.21 cubic feet), making it unexpectedly practical. Its aluminum cylinder heads reduce weight compared to the smaller 5.7-liter engine.
As a more traditional muscle car, the Challenger offers bold styling and performance with sufficient everyday usability, striking a balance between nostalgia and modern sensibility.
4. Ford Mustang GT: Balanced Power and Comfort
The Ford Mustang GT continues to dominate the pony car segment with a well-rounded blend of performance and daily drivability. Its 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine delivers 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds.
Offered with a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic, the Mustang GT provides flexibility for both purists and comfort-seekers. With 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway efficiency, it’s one of the most fuel-friendly muscle cars.
Its spacious interior, customizable digital displays, and solid cargo capacity make it a capable road tripper without sacrificing classic muscle car charm.
5. Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing: V6 Muscle with Luxury
The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing proves that serious performance doesn’t require a V8. It boasts a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. The sedan sprints to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, offering a compelling alternative to the European sports sedan elite.
Paired with either a 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual, it caters to driving enthusiasts and commuters alike. GM’s Alpha platform and Magnetic Ride Control suspension ensure athletic handling and ride comfort.
Despite being Cadillac’s smallest performance sedan, the CT4-V Blackwing delivers high-end interiors and performance, combining luxury with American muscle DNA.
Also read: 10 Cars That Are Still Going Strong After a Million Miles
6. Chrysler 300C 392: The Sophisticated Muscle Sedan
The Chrysler 300C 392 offers a unique blend of luxury and muscle car performance. It shares the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine with the Charger and Challenger Scat Pack, making 485 horsepower and hitting 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
While the 300 leans toward refinement with plush interiors and Bentley-inspired styling, it doesn’t sacrifice performance. Its 8-speed ZF automatic transmission ensures smooth yet aggressive acceleration.
The 300C’s design may limit visibility, but the interior is spacious and upscale. As a send-off to the model, the 2023 392 version redefined the Chrysler 300 as not just a cruiser, but a performance sedan.
7. Chevrolet Camaro SS: A True Track Weapon
The Chevrolet Camaro SS brings sharp handling and potent performance to the muscle car segment. With a 6.2-liter V8 producing 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, it accelerates to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. Though its cabin is tight, especially in the rear, the front seats are comfortable and supportive for spirited driving.
The Camaro rides on the Alpha platform, making it nimble enough to challenge European rivals. It’s offered with either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual, and optional Magnetic Ride Control enhances versatility. Fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and sleek design make the Camaro both efficient and menacing.
8. Chevrolet SS: GM’s Understated Muscle Sedan
The Chevrolet SS was a performance sedan that flew under the radar. Based on the Holden Commodore, it featured a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 generating 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It offered a six-speed manual or automatic and sprinted to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
The SS was practical, with a roomy interior, great visibility, and a spacious 16.39 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Despite its subtle looks, it delivered a thrilling drive and had extensive aftermarket support. Poor marketing led to limited sales, but enthusiasts still value the SS as one of GM’s most underrated muscle sedans.
9. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: The Supercharged Beast
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the pinnacle of Mustang performance. Powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged Predator V8 producing 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, it launches from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission ensures lightning-fast shifts, while independent rear suspension enhances handling. Despite its ferocity, the GT500 retains its full interior and even semi-usable rear seats.
It remains relatively practical for a high-powered coupe, although fuel economy is predictably low. With distinct bodywork and supercar-like acceleration, the GT500 is a halo car that pushes the limits of what a modern muscle car can be.
10. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: The King of Muscle Sedans
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing may be the ultimate American performance sedan. It houses a 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 generating 668 horsepower and 658 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds. Available with a 10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual, it blends luxury and muscle flawlessly.
It rides on GM’s refined Alpha platform and features Magnetic Ride Control for dynamic handling. While its 11.9-cubic-foot trunk is modest, the cabin is spacious and high-end. Competing with BMW M5 and AMG E63, the CT5-V Blackwing stands out with raw power, elegant design, and track-ready performance rarely seen in its class.
As traditional American muscle cars face electrification, the current generation delivers one final, glorious chapter. The Dodge Charger 392 Scat Pack symbolizes this blend of brute strength and family practicality.
Surrounding it are rivals and alternatives—from luxury-infused Cadillacs to track-ready Mustangs—each with its unique character. Whether you seek daily usability, nostalgic styling, or sheer power, modern muscle cars provide options for every enthusiast.
With evolving technology and rising performance, today’s muscle machines represent not just raw horsepower, but also the spirit of innovation and heritage. These vehicles are more than cars—they’re modern-day legends in motion.
Also Read: 5 Cars You’ll See at 300K Miles and 5 You’ll Never See Again
