Latest news with #musclecar
ArabGT
6 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
New Life for the Camaro? GM's Surprising Words Fuel Enthusiast Hopes
The roar of the Chevrolet Camaro may have gone quiet since its final production run in December 2023—marked by the last ZL1 1LE—but the legend hasn't faded from the hearts of muscle car enthusiasts. According to General Motors CEO Mark Reuss, the Camaro isn't finished yet. In an interview with the Detroit News, Reuss emphasized, 'This is not the end of the story.' Could a New Camaro Command the Spotlight Again? If there's a formula to bring back the Camaro, Reuss believes it lies in three pillars: stunning design, thrilling performance, and sheer driving fun. 'It must be beautiful and deliver both performance and enjoyment,' he stated, hinting that the Camaro's resurrection would need to capture its iconic essence in a modern form. An Uncertain Market for Muscle Cars Still, the path forward isn't so simple. While passion for muscle cars remains strong, the traditional sports car segment is showing signs of fatigue. In 2024, the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E outpaced its gas-powered counterpart in sales, delivering 51,745 units compared to 44,003 for the conventional Mustang. Although the classic Mustang has bounced back in the first half of 2025, the market remains uncertain, and the competitive field is far from predictable. Leaked information suggested that plans for a seventh-generation Camaro were shelved due to financial concerns—specifically, lack of profitability and market viability. No Electric Plans… Yet Perhaps the most defining revelation comes from Chevrolet's executive engineer Tony Roma, who confirmed that an electric Camaro is not in the pipeline. 'There is no appetite for an electric-powered Camaro,' he stated. Enthusiasts continue to demand the visceral experience of high-displacement gasoline engines—an element seen as non-negotiable. Stellantis' recent struggles with large electric vehicles under the Dodge brand further reinforce this consumer sentiment. A Roadmap to Redemption Should GM revisit the Camaro project, the ingredients for a successful return are familiar: a naturally aspirated V8, aggressive styling, and a driver-focused cockpit that offers manual transmission. However, economic pressures and shifting market dynamics mean that pricing will play a crucial role. The next Camaro must deliver performance and character—without breaking the bank. Final Thoughts: Camaro's Heart Still Beats Although no concrete plans are in motion, the Camaro's future continues to stir curiosity and hope. From executive statements to fan forums, the spirit of the Camaro is alive and well. Will we witness a modern legend rise from the ashes, or will market forces steer GM in a different direction? Tell us—what would your dream Camaro look like?
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Model S Plaid Outpaces 1,200-HP Corvette C8 in Lopsided Drag Race Showdown
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A heavily modified Chevrolet Corvette C8 boasting a staggering 1,200 horsepower fell short in a recent series of drag strip tests against the Tesla Model S Plaid — a result that has surprised many muscle car fans. The head-to-head was orchestrated by automotive reviewer Mat Watson of Carwow, and despite the significant power advantage of the Corvette on paper, the electric sedan swept all three challenges: the standing quarter-mile, a rolling half-mile, and a braking test from 70 mph. The Corvette, fitted with a twin-turbocharged 6.2-liter V8 engine sending 1,491 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, was custom-built to dominate straights. But the Tesla — powered by three electric motors producing 1,020 horsepower and 1,420 Nm of torque — leveraged its all-wheel-drive grip and instant torque delivery to devastating effect. In the quarter-mile showdown, the Model S Plaid crossed the line in 9.6 seconds, decisively beating the Corvette's 11.0-second time — a gap of over a full second, which is considered substantial in drag racing. The Tesla extended its edge in the rolling race and even won the brake test, despite weighing over 4,700 pounds due to its massive battery pack. Though the Plaid featured lightweight carbon-fiber aero inspired by Koenigsegg, it remained relatively close to stock. Meanwhile, YouTube commenters questioned whether the Corvette was genuinely making 1,200 hp, citing the performance discrepancy. Still, the results speak volumes about the continuing evolution of EV performance. Tesla's dominance in these tests suggests electric vehicles are not just competing with traditional high-performance gasoline cars — they're surpassing them. For buyers interested in raw acceleration, the Tesla Model S Plaid remains a formidable and increasingly affordable option in 2025.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Why Was The Muncie M22 Nicknamed The Rock Crusher, And What Were Its Weak Points?
Go buy a winning lottery ticket or empty your retirement savings right now. Once you have your cash in hand, purchase a big-block GM muscle car made in the late '60s or early '70s with an M22 "Rock Crusher" four-speed manual. Yes, get the M22 Rock Crusher, don't spend millions on a 1969 ZL-1 427-powered Corvette with a sigh-inducing M40 automatic that's better for drag racing but worse for your soul. It'll be cheaper to get, say, an L72 Corvette or an LS6 Chevelle, anyway. Now head out to your nearest stretch of empty road and wind through the gears. Once you can stop yourself from giggling with glee, listen to the sounds the car is feeding you. Yes, you'll hear that wonderful high-cube V8, but you'll also hear a stupendous amount of gear whine. That's the M22 earning its "Rock Crusher" name. M22s can trace their lineage back to the four-speed BorgWarner T-10, which itself evolved from the three-speed T-85. When GM wanted stronger transmissions for its high-horse muscle machines in the early '60s, it tinkered with the T-10's design to create the wide-ratio Muncie M20 and the close-ratio M21. But as torque figures increased, so did the need for a stronger transmission. The M22 debuted in 1965, designed to take the tectonic-plate-folding torque of GM's most powerful engines without becoming a pretzel, thanks mostly to its straighter-cut gears, which are also the main source of the whine. Still, even with their higher power handling, M22s have some flaws. Aside from intense gear whine, people point out that the M22's aluminum case can flex, bend, or break, stock shift linkages often bind when running hard, and hard shifts on original-equipment shifters can even lead to broken internals. Read more: These Are The Worst Transmission Recalls Of The Last 5 Years The M22's plastic shifter bushings deteriorate over time, though steel replacements will last far longer. Gear strength isn't much of an issue with M22s unless you're going to push stupendous torque through a stock one. No, the bigger — or perhaps the biggest — issue with the M22 is the aluminum case. Aluminum, by its nature, stretches and bends more than steel or iron. This means that the transmission's internal forces will push out on the case, the gears will move farther apart, and eventually, they can break. Modern replacement Muncie SuperCases are thicker and use a much stronger 356T6 aluminum alloy to eliminate this stretching. Stock M22 shifters are mounted with a bracket to a crossmember. When the transmission twists under hard acceleration, the linkage can bind, causing a missed shift. Upgrading to an aftermarket shifter, such as a Hurst, lets the shifter mount directly to the transmission, eliminating this problem. Another huge benefit of a Hurst shifter is its adjustable stops. As expertly demonstrated by Muncie transmission builder Paul Cangialosi on his YouTube channel, GearBoxVideo, hard shifts in a Muncie with a stock shifter can break the combs that hold the forks in place. But a Hurst's adjustable stops can take this force instead, preserving the transmission's internals. It's almost like Hurst, which helped create some of the most desirable and outrageous muscle cars, from the 455 Hurst/Olds to the AMC Hurst SC/Rambler to the wheelie-popping Hemi Under Glass Barracuda, knows a thing or two about performance. Now that we've torn into the M22's problems, let's give it due praise. The 1970 LS6 454 may have been a terrifying monster with 500 lb-ft of SAE gross torque, but the M22 was a more than formidable leash to reign it in. M20s and M21s also found themselves coping with the thrust of big blocks such as the L72 427, but their gears were cut at about 30 degrees, while M22s had higher grade nickel alloy gears cut at 20 degrees to prevent shedding teeth like a dentist-averse soft-drink addict. Drag racers making dozens of consecutive runs certainly appreciate those straighter gears, even if it can make it sound like there's a roots-blower operating below the floorboard. Reducing gear angles improves strength, but it also increases noise. Case in point, earlier "black tag" ZF six-speed transmissions in the 1989 through 1993 Corvettes had straighter gears and a 450 lb-ft torque rating. Later "blue tag" transmissions in the 1993-1996 Vettes have steeper gear angles for reduced noise, but can only handle 400 lb-ft. So if you don't like gear whine, maybe consider a nice, cheap $13,500 1994 six-speed Chevy Corvette. Case stretching and shifter issues aside, the M22 was Hercules in its time. If you're a purist who wants the authentic experience of vintage muscle, do you care that the M22 has some flaws? Probably not. It may be a relic of a bygone age, but what relic it is. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
1967 Shelby GT500 Heads to Auction in Striking Candy Apple Red
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A rare and well-documented 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is set to cross the block this August, presenting collectors with a chance to own one of the most iconic American muscle cars of the era. Finished in factory-correct Candy Apple Red with white Le Mans stripes, this GT500 is one of only 53 produced in that color for the model year. Originally sold new through Tasca Ford—one of the most storied high-performance dealers in Shelby history—the car carries significant provenance and is listed in the official Shelby Registry. Under the hood lies a date-code-correct Q-code 428 cubic-inch 8V V8 engine, backed by an automatic transmission. The setup includes correct casting Holley carburetors—2804 in the front and 2805 in the rear—paired with an intake manifold marked C7ZX-8425-A. The vehicle is also equipped with the factory Extra Cooling Package, a feature intended to boost performance during aggressive driving or track use. Among the period options are power front disc brakes, power steering, a tachometer with trip odometer, and the Interior Décor Group. The black interior features the sought-after fold-down rear seat and courtesy light group. It rides on Shelby alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear white-letter tires, completing the authentic late-1960s performance look. Supporting documents include a Deluxe Marti Report and original build sheets, adding valuable verification to its specifications. Though a previous title lists an odometer discrepancy per the NMVTIS report, the vehicle's strong documentation and desirable configuration continue to enhance its appeal. This 1967 GT500 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of Shelby American's golden era—built for performance, documented for posterity, and finished in a head-turning factory color combination that will stand out in any serious collection.
Auto Blog
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ford and Chevy Should Be Worried About the Return of SRT
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The no-holds-barred division wants to muscle its way back The recent announcement of the return of the Dodge SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division is big news for muscle car lovers. The sub-brand was once known for infusing its vehicles with nuclear levels of power. Case in point is the drag strip-ready yet still street-legal Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, which could launch from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 1.66 seconds and housed a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine good for 1,025 horsepower. No other American carmaker was doing anything close. SRT and the legendary HEMI V8 are both making a comeback, and they're just what the ICE doctor ordered. Ford and Chevy should be paying close attention—because Dodge might be about to rewrite the rulebook again. Out-muscling the competition Hennessey Demon 1700 — Source: Stellantis SRT's storied past emerged back in the '90s with the Dodge Viper RT/10. SRT-powered models were given badging indicative of the cylinder count, as well as notifying bystanders that SRT-badged vehicles were meant to dominate both the street and the track. The Dodge Neon SRT-4, Chrysler 300 SRT-8, and the Viper SRT-10 were some of the brand's best examples in the division's earliest years. In 2012, Chrysler sought to turn SRT into a standalone brand. The 2013-2014 SRT Viper was its first model. Its 8.4-liter V10 engine churned out 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. 0-60 happened in 3.5 seconds, and the SRT Viper topped out at 206 mph, further cementing SRT's place in performance car history. 2013 SRT Viper GTS — Source: Stellantis More recent models under the SRT name included the 2006 Charger SRT8 (425 hp), the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat (707 hp), and the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (707 hp). These vehicles weren't just fast—they were otherworldly. Nobody was doing muscle the way SRT was. When Ford released the 760-hp Mustang GT500 and Chevy made the 650-hp Camaro ZL1, SRT fired back with a 797-hp Challenger Redeye. 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 — Source: Dodge Then, in 2023, came the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, a car that was powered by a modified 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine, producing 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel and 945 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph took a record 1.66 seconds, and the car crushed the quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph. All this, and it was street legal, too. SRT was upping its own game and rewriting the rules of the power wars. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Dismal Charger Daytona sales 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona — Source: Dodge Following the demise of SRT, Stellantis showed the world the future of muscle cars with the all-electric Charger Daytona in May of 2025. Not only did the new Charger Daytona look the part of the next-gen Charger, but it also boasted a radical simulated exhaust system known as the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. It had all the promise of muscle car style along with performance to match. The Charger Daytona arrived in two trims: a Scat Pack boasting 670 horsepower and a Daytona R/T model good for 496 horsepower. Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack — Source: Stellantis Sadly, not many customers went for it. In response, Dodge slashed prices and then decided to kill off the entry-level Daytona R/T for 2026. It turns out muscle car lovers don't really like electric power, regardless of how quick the car might be. Early dealer reports show units sitting on lots, with buyers hesitant to pay $60K–$70K for what feels like a less alive version of the muscle cars they grew up loving. Dodge's fan base has always craved drama: roaring V8s, tire smoke, and straight-line irresponsible speed. So far, the Daytona EV hasn't delivered that in the way Dodge's customers wanted. Whether or not the slowdown of the electrification tsunami played a part might not even be material. More than bad timing, the switch to an electric Dodge muscle car was a bad decision. The return of the HEMI V8 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody — Source: Stellantis When SRT-powered ICE cars disappeared (the current Dodge Durango SRT is the only vehicle remaining), lovers of their products lamented the loss of some of the coolest street rods of the modern era. Everyone was moving toward electrification, and Stellantis did not want to get left behind. It took less than a year for things to go south for Stellantis and their foray into electric muscle. In a surprising turn of events, insider reports and engineering leaks suggest that Stellantis may be reversing course, at least partially. Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock — Source: Stellantis Sources within supplier networks and Mopar tuning circles have revealed that new, gas-powered V8 development is underway, and not just for legacy support or crate engine sales. The focus? A new-generation 6.6-liter and potentially revised 6.4-liter naturally aspirated and supercharged HEMIs, likely to appear in limited-production or retro-inspired Dodge vehicles wearing SRT badges. That's where the return of SRT-tuned gas models and HEMI-powered variants could flip the narrative. It gives Dodge a second swing at keeping its muscle car image alive without fully abandoning internal combustion—and that's something Ford and Chevy might not be prepared for. Ford will have to flex more muscle Ford Mustang Dark Horse — Source: Ford Ford has wisely stayed with gas power for its iconic Mustang. The Mustang GT and Dark Horse are legitimate high performers, and the F-150 Raptor R proves they haven't abandoned V8 power for their off-road beast either. While it may be moving toward electrification, Stellantis' EV move for its Charger Daytona is likely to dampen any electric Mustang the brand was considering in the near future, potentially opening the door to a hybrid Mustang instead. 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Carbon Series — Source: Ford If Dodge relaunches even a limited-run V8-powered SRT lineup, Ford may suddenly look cautious and conservative by comparison. Imagine Dodge dropping a next-gen Challenger with a supercharged HEMI under the hood, a six-speed manual, and a 0–60 time under 3.5 seconds. That could steal headlines—and buyers—from even the most powerful pony cars Ford still has left. And, no, the 850-hp Mustang GTD doesn't count in this battle because it costs an insane $328,000. The good news is that the next-generation Mustang GT500 has already been seen testing, purportedly with a 'Legend' supercharged V8 that will likely exceed the 760-hp output of the last one. Ford will need everything it can muster if SRT makes its return the way we think it will. Chevy has a supercar but no muscle car 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Collector's Edition — Source: Chevrolet Chevy is in a tougher spot than Ford now that the Camaro is no more, and while a rumored electric replacement is in development, there's no official timeline. Again, the Charger Daytona's lackluster sales might be the shot across the bow that Chevy heeds as it thinks about its performance future. It's more likely that the next electric Camaro will be an SUV, copying the path of Ford's successful Mustang Mach-E. That leaves Chevy's only true performance car as the Corvette—and while the Stingray, Z06, and ZR1 are incredible, they're not muscle cars, especially since the Corvette's 8th-generation has a mid-engine layout. 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 — Source: Chevrolet If Dodge revives HEMI V8-powered Chargers and Challengers and puts them in a $55,000–$75,000 street bruiser with SRT DNA, Chevy won't have an immediate answer. In other words, while Dodge may reenter the muscle game with V8 guns blazing, Chevy's performance portfolio has a big 'ol muscle-shaped hole in it. Even if it's not exactly profitable for a gas-powered Camaro to make a return, the statement a next-gen Camaro ZL1 or Z/28 could make would be impactful in the segment. It's about more than horsepower 2015 Dodge Challenger Shaker — Source: Copyright 2016 Brandon Turkus / AOL Yes, horsepower wars are real, but at the end of the day, it's about the visceral sound and feel of a rear-wheel drive monster with a V8 engine rumbling under the hood. Nobody buys a gas-powered, raucous muscle car as a daily commuter car. They buy it because it's infused with history and passion. The real danger in SRT's and the HEMI's return isn't just specs—it's the spirit of what gets muscle car lovers going. In an era where performance is being redefined by batteries and software, SRT and the HEMI V8 represent something raw and very American: unfiltered, mechanical, emotional driving. Stellantis has figured out the hard way that people don't just buy Dodge muscle cars because they're fast—they buy them because they make them feel alive in a way electric propulsion can't. The roar of a HEMI, the smell of burning rubber, the unapologetically angry design language—that's what Dodge customers crave. If Stellantis brings that back, even in small volumes, it'll be resounding in a dying segment. Final thoughts Ford and Chevy should be concerned now that SRT and its HEMI V8 are returning to take back the muscle car crown. While Ford and GM might be hedging their bets on electric futures, Dodge appears to be revisiting its storied street rods in a way the world might not be prepared for. Whether it's a limited-edition HEMI throwback or a new-age Challenger with 800 horsepower and no regard for anyone's eardrums, SRT won't be playing around. Is the electric Challenger Daytona dead? No, but it will certainly have some noisy stablemates to keep it company. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile
