The Dodge Challenger a Gas Hog

Back during the 1950s through the mid 1970s, Detroit automakers produced many automobiles that were out and out “muscle” vehicles. 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 costs and changing tastes finally limited sales to the point where only a couple of models were produced beyond that period. Today, muscle vehicle mania is back, notwithstanding even higher gas prices. Thanks to the Ford Mustang and to a smaller extent to sedan and wagon models from Dodge, there is new interest in a category 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 yesteryear, the Camaro.

Besides the Ford Mustang there were a complete host of autos produced that at one previous point or another might have been considered a muscle auto. As well as the Mustang, the Ford Fairlane 5 hundred and Ford Torino did duty; the Mercury Montego was another model ; Chevrolet produced the Camaro and Corvette; Pontiac the GTO, Firebird, and Storm ; Olds the 442 ; Yankee Motors’ had its Javelin; Plymouth had the ‘Cuda, and Dodge produced the Challenger and the Charger. Today, only the Mustang and Corvette survives although the Dodge Charger has returned as a 4 door muscle car along 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 car era craze. Styled after Mustangs built in the 1960s, the current Mustang welcomes a retro look while incorporating latest technology. The result has been that the Mustang now sells its entire 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 car shows across the States, 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 auto also making the rounds of the States vehicle show circuit.

So, isn’t it mad to bring back such gas hogs? Back during the early 1970s, the then current crop of muscle automobiles averaged only 10-12 miles to the gallon in town and 15 or sixteen m.p.g on the road. Thanks to PC technology and potency, even the Corvette returns a very respectable 28 miles to the gallon the highway. So, although fuel mileage will definitely be lower than many other models, the new group of muscle automobiles will still better the previous generation cars with fuel mileage eighty percent or more above the cars from the 1970s.

Fortunately, we still live in a reasonably free country and what the buyer wants, the customer gets. So, V8 powered muscle autos paired to six speed manu-matic transmissions, with sport handling, bucket seats, and better fuel usage will possibly appeal to many. No, they will not be exact duplicates of yesterday’s muscle automobiles, but they are going to provide the nostalgia and power that motorists seek. I can’t wait!.

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