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What Are The Fastest Muscle Cars In The World?
Many automobiles could make our list of the fastest muscle car in the world, but we wanted to choose cars that a person could buy or order from a dealer. We apologize if we left your favorite off the list, but these are our choices for the world’s top muscle cars.
2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
This year Dodge introduced the fastest car they have ever made in their 100-year history. The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is so fast that it runs a 0-60 in 1.6 seconds, a quarter-mile in 8.91 seconds (in an NHRA-certified run - National Hot Rod Association), and 215 mph top speed. This is the last year for the Dodge muscle cars in their Hemi engine form, so they lifted the horsepower in a final nod toward great American muscle car power. A limited number of units (3,300 - 300 for Canada and 3,000 for the US market) are expected to be produced.
The Hellcat SRT is powered by a 6.2L High-output Hemi engine that produces 1,025 hp and 945 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a modified 3.0-liter supercharger to increase boost pressure. A pair of 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag tires handle the rear-end duties, with new fender flares to handle the larger tires (11 inches wide). The front tires are smaller, 245/55R18s, designed to transfer power to the rear. Never before has any production car received drag radials, and it makes a difference, as the 1.6 second sixty time clearly shows. This Challenger is the most potent street-legal muscle car money can buy.
The 2023 Challenger SRT Demon is priced at $96,666 (not counting delivery fees), and Dodge stopped taking orders for them in May. It is a shame that 2023 will be the last year for the Dodge Hemis, considering they have been around for over 70 years. (The first Hemi engine was manufactured in 1951). These “Last Call” vehicles were the subject of dealer markups (some dealers jacked up the prices in anticipation of the high demand, but Dodge quickly stepped in to punish any dealers who might have been tempted to gouge customers.
2023 Mercedes S63 AMG
While Mercedes has made its share of muscle cars over the years (their S-class and C-class have used V8 engines for several years, earning them the “German Muscle” moniker), they have been showing signs of electrifying. First, Mercedes decided to drop V8 engines due to supply chain problems and then changed its mind. When Mercedes put a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder onto their ‘23 C63 (671 hp), many owners worried the rest of the Mercedes lineup might follow suit.
Interestingly, the 2023 Mercedes S63 uses a plug-in hybrid 4.0L V8 and a rear-mounted electric E-performance motor. The combination provides the best of both worlds, producing 791 hp and 1055 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid flies down the street with a 3.2 track time (0-60 mph) and a 180 mph top speed. (The 2023 C63 AMG is a supercharged four-cylinder with a 3.3 0-60 mph time).
The S63 is paired with a nine-speed transmission and seven drive modes allowing for almost every condition, from sedate to Sport or Sport +, for more spirited driving. While purists might think that the rumble of a V8 might be missing, Mercedes has even thought of that. Classic engine sounds come through the internal speakers, and even low-frequency growl blasts outside (up to 19 mph) to warn pedestrians of the car’s presence.
The Mercedes S63 E-performance AMG is $151,900 and is available for purchase. The 2024 S63 has similar numbers with the same engine configuration and is expected to be available later this year.
2024 Aston Martin DB12
While Aston Martin has a rich history of sports cars (with a nod to all the James Bond fans), the new 2024 Aston Martin is a gorgeous sports car that runs with the best and has an expensive price tag. Priced at nearly $225,000, this British automaker has produced what might be the most attractive DB coupe ever.
The DB12 is powered by twin-turbo V8s that produce 671 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque. If you were wondering how fast it is, know this. Paired with an eight-speed transmission, the DB12 can reach 60 mph in the time it takes to whisper three and a half Mississippis. With a top speed of 202 mph, there is no question that the DB12 is faster than almost anything on the road.
The absolute joy for drivers is not just the speed and power of the car but the way it feels. Aston Martin has spared no expense in making the driver comfortable, whether it is the plush seating surfaces, the finger-tip controls making shifting easy, or the extraordinary ride even when negotiating city traffic. Digital displays quickly respond to changing road conditions and driver needs, providing almost instantaneous information.
The new DB12 made its North American debut in New York last month. While it will be a couple more months before the 2024 DB12 is available for purchase, we can hardly wait for what we think will be a hit on both sides of the pond (that is if you don’t need to be concerned about practical things like how much it costs).
2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The Camaro has been a part of the muscle car scene since the first one rolled off the factory line in 1967. Apart from a short hiatus in the early hiatus, this American muscle car has thrilled owners to no end. The 2023 Chevrolet Camaro now flexes its muscle again with a powerful supercharged 16-valve 6.2L V8. The modern engine produces a whopping 650 hp, to go with the 650 lb-ft of torque, which results in a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds (Quarter mile time is 11.5 seconds @ 124 mph). The top speed is an eye-opening 190 mph.
The Camaro is equipped with a 10-speed automatic that shifts between gears as effortlessly as a hot knife through butter, and in case the numbers above aren’t fast enough, the ZL1 Extreme Track Performance Package enhances the ratios toward the numbers of a supercar. The package includes wider performance tires, an upgraded manually adjustable suspension system, and spool valve dampers that make the car track ready. (We don’t recommend the package for street use, although the Camaro is still street-legal with it).
The Camaro is well equipped inside (although the back seat is still a tad smaller than we like), with adequate information systems and easy-to-reach controls. The Camaro is in its last year in 2024 (Chevrolet is producing a limited number of blacked-out Collector Editions that we are drooling over - just saying). The truth is that we will be sorry to see the Camaro go.
2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat
Dodge makes our list for a second time with their 2023 Dodge Charger. The cars are making powerful exits since it is the last year for the Charger and Challenger. Gone is any sense of inhibition, as the 6.2L Hellcat engine makes 797 hp. If you are wondering how fast it is, take it from us, it's bone-rattling fast, with a 3.4 second 0 - 60 mph and a quarter mile in 10.6. By the way, the speed peaks at 202 mph.
The Widebody is the last ICE Charger that will be made, as Dodge brings out an electric muscle car in the next year or so. According to the company execs, the new muscle car will outperform the ICE engines. (We’ll wait to see it when that happens).
The car has an eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the motor, and with a leather interior and other features, it feels like more than a dragstrip racer.
The Charger is listed at over $90,000, and we are saddened to see another icon bite the dust, here’s hoping that the era of electric muscle makes a believer of us all. (Dodge reports that the new 2024 Dodge Charger SRT “Banshee” will have better numbers than any ICE Hellcat. The Banshee is expected to be released in 2024).
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The GT500 is faster than the 2023 Mach 1 or Mustang GT. However, any of the three is plenty fast). Ford launched the GT500 remake in 2020 with a 5.2 L Predator aluminum alloy engine that continued the Shelby tradition of building track-burning monsters. The engine was coupled with a 2.65-liter supercharger, producing 767 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 195 mph (in America, the top speed was limited to 180 mph), the car moves. The car was not sent to any European market because it was too fast for their road regulations. The car was designed for speed, with a 3.3 second 0 - 60 time.
The Shelby Mustang sold over 5k units in 2020, which was very popular despite its $73,465 sticker. The Shelby made its final bow in 2022, which is a shame. Ford is concentrating on making the Mach-E a new rally-inspired off-road Mustang. (The new Mach-E concept car debuted two weeks ago at the FOS event).
Ford has a vast history of muscle car performance since the introduction of the original pony car in 1964. While Ford is working on how best to electrify its lineup in the coming years, this model of Mustang is an excellent example of the ability of Ford to put a lot of power and performance into really spectacular car. The 2023 Mustang makes our list because of all the entries, it is probably the best daily driver of the bunch as far as muscle cars go.
The 2023 is equipped with the 5.0L V8 which Ford has been using for years, but it is still capable enough to produce a 4.4 second 0 - 60 mph and a quarter mile in 12.8 seconds (The Mach 1 fashioned a 12.6 second run). While Ford hinted at producing a GT500 for the 2023 model year, it didn’t happen, and this saddened us to no end.
Backing up the engine is the standard six-speed manual, although we would opt of the 10-speed automatic. The car has decent torque and movement off the line, and the large 18 inch wheels provide plenty of grip. While the smaller Eco-boost four-cylinder engine might produce 310 horsepower, it is offered on the base model and not part of the GT package.
The interior of the car is functional with a vast amount of information at the drivers fingertips. The passenger volume will remind you of past Mustangs, with plenty of room for driver and passenger, but a definite squeeze in the back for anyone who even comes close to six-feet. (Passengers who love riding with the head cocked sideways and their knees under their chin will love it).
The Mustang offers better visibility in all directions than the likes of the Camaro, but not as much as the new Dodge Charger or Challenger. There are a slew of safety features like rear cameras, blind spot, lane assist, and front collision assistance or rear cross traffic alert. (Even though you may not buy a Mustang for its driver assistance features, it is nice to know that they are there). A well-equipped Mustang GT will set you back around $50K, but you better hurry, because these ponies are leaving the stall in a hurry.
