New and Improved Dodge Challenger
Back in the 1950s thru the mid 1970s, Detroit automakers produced many cars that were out and out “muscle” automobiles. These kinds of automobiles shared the same characteristics: they were two door coupes with souped up engines, responsive transmissions, an assertive exterior design, and a sporty interior. High fuel prices and changing tastes ultimately limited sales to the point where only a few models were produced beyond that time period. Today, muscle vehicle mania is back, notwithstanding even higher gas costs. Thanks to the Ford Mustang and to a smaller extent to sedan and wagon models from Dodge, there’s new interest in a class long given up. The future is bright for the muscle car segment as one more manufacturer, Chevrolet, considers bringing back one of its darlings of times past, the Camaro.
Besides the Ford Mustang there were a whole host of vehicles produced that at one previous point or another could have been considered a muscle auto. As well as the Mustang, the Ford Fairlane 500 and Ford Torino did duty ; the Mercury Montego was another model ; Chevrolet produced the Camaro and Corvette; Pontiac the GTO, Firebird, and Tempest; Olds the 442; American Motors’ had its Javelin ; Plymouth had the ‘Cuda, and Dodge produced the Challenger and the Charger. Today, only the Mustang and Corvette survives though the Dodge Charger has returned as a four door muscle vehicle together with its sibling, the hot Dodge Magnum wagon.
Interestedly, it took Ford’s redoing of the Mustang for the 2005 model year to stir the current muscle automobile time craze. Styled after Mustangs built in the 1960s, the present Mustang embraces a retro look while incorporating latest technology. The result has been that the Mustang currently sells its whole 150,000 model capacity without incentives.
The Mustang has been inspiring DaimlerChrysler to go ahead with a retro cruiser of its own. The Dodge Challenger concept auto, popping up at automobile shows across the USA, has been a massive hit and Chrysler plans on bringing the V8 hemi powered model back in 2009. Additionally, General Motors is considering giving its blessing on the Camaro, another car also making the rounds of the States automobile show circuit.
So, isn’t it silly to bring back such gas hogs? Back in the early 1970s, the then current crop of muscle cars averaged only 10-12 miles to the gallon around town and fifteen or sixteen m.p.g on the highway. Thanks to PC technology and efficiency, even the Corvette returns a very respectable 28 miles to the gallon the road. So, though fuel mileage will definitely be lower than lots of other models, the new group of muscle automobiles will still better the prior generation vehicles with fuel mileage 80% or more above the autos from the 1970s.
Fortunately, we live in a fairly free country and what the consumer wants, the buyer gets. So, V8 powered muscle vehicles paired to 6 speed manu-matic transmissions, with sport handling, bucket seats, and better fuel usage will likely appeal to several. No, they will not be actual copies of yesterday’s muscle autos, but they’re going to provide the nostalgia and power that motorists seek. I can’t wait!.
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