Fast Muscle Cars Are Here To Stay

Ford kicked off the new trend in muscle cars when it released the redesigned Ford Mustang in 2005. Selling over 155,000 units in 2006 alone, it's no wonder the competition is gearing up to meet Ford's efforts.

The "new" Mustang pays a not-so-subtle homage to 1960s design style. The V6 coupe, starting at $19,115, features a 4.0 liter, 210 horsepower engine. But let's be honest, if you're going for a Mustang, then you want raw power. In that case, you should check out the GT, which is equipped with a 4.6 liter V8 engine capable of 300 horsepower. Either way you go, the Mustang can't be beat if you want power at an affordable price.

In 2004, General Motors released a new version of the Pontiac GTO, which some say was the original muscle car. Produced from 1964-74, the original GTO was the hallmark of American muscle. Unfortunately, the new GTO didn't hit the mark. Based off the Australian Holden Monaro, it's about as American as Vegemite. Critics dismissed the GTO for its conservative, sedan-like styling.

Sales have so far been lackluster, and GM has cut production of the current GTO. However, expect it to return in 2009, along with the newly redesigned...

GM killed off the original Camaro in 2002, to the dismay of performance enthusiasts. But after an award-winning concept at January's North American International Auto Show, the Camaro is set to make a comeback in 2009. The Camaro, like the redesigned Mustang, will feature a retro look. Pricing and exact specifications have yet to be announced, but it will be rear-wheel drive, have an independent suspension, and come in both V6 and V8 variants.

Expect it to be pretty similar to the 2009 Pontiac GTO, as both are being released on the Zeta platform.

Chrysler also set out to meet the new demand for muscle, and its new Dodge Charger delivers handsomely. Starting at $22,570, the Charger features a 250 horsepower V6 engine. But if you want the real deal, you want the SRT-8, which is powered by a 425 horsepower, 6.1 liter V8 Hemi engine, which is even more powerful than the legendary Hemis found in the original Chargers.

But if the Charger's rather conservative styling doesn't do it for you, you can wait for the 2008 Challenger, which is set to be designed on the same platform, but will feature a far more muscular look.