The Muscle Car Revival

Since 1972, there has not been a true "muscle-car" available from the US automakers.  When the oil embargo hit the United States, gas prices went up, and the muscle-car era of the 60s and early 70s died.  However, car companies today are struggling to find something to rejuvenate their markets.  So, despite high gas prices, the weak economy and new emissions standards, the nameplates of the classic muscle-car era are making a return.

The Ford Mustang never left the market, but with its recent styling update, has found new popularity once again.  GM also hopped on board with its revival of the GTO a few years ago.  Unfortunately, this was not a successful venture and the vehicle was put on hold.   Not to be outdone however, GM quickly began work on their famed Camaro.  Expected to hit markets by the end of this year, the car takes styling cues from the 60s, but includes the modern comforts to which we have become accustomed.

The Dodge Challenger has also returned to the market with styling derived from the original car of the 60s as well.

I find it quite odd that our automakers are attempting to revive the muscle-car era at a time when things are so unstable and uncertain.  Perhaps this move will prove to be useful, and may eventually pull these companies out of the debt and possible bankruptcy they face.  However, as much as I admit these cars are amazingly beautiful and fun to drive, I believe it is irresponsible for these companies to be focusing on sports cars.  

These cars will have much better gas milage (the basic Camaro is expected to get 29 mpg highway) than they did in the 60s, but are still no where near what many European vehicles have been able to accomplish for years (BMW has produced a diesel engine capable of 40+ mpg).  If the Big Three want to impress me, they will need to mature as companies and realize that in today's economic climate, we need fuel economy and efficiency.  Times have changed, and while there will always be a demand for fun, fast cars, the primary focus must be sustainability.

To learn more about the muscle-car era and today's revival, CLICK HERE.