| Back during the 1950s through the mid 1970s, Detroit | | | | 1960s, the current Mustang embraces a retro look |
| automakers produced several cars that were out and | | | | while incorporating contemporary technology. The |
| out "muscle" cars. These types of vehicles shared | | | | result has been that the Mustang currently sells its |
| the same characteristics: they were two door coupes | | | | entire 150,000 model capacity without incentives. |
| with souped up engines, responsive transmissions, an | | | | The Mustang has been inspiring DaimlerChrysler to go |
| aggressive exterior design, and a sporty interior. High | | | | ahead with a retro cruiser of its own. The Dodge |
| fuel prices and changing tastes eventually limited sales | | | | Challenger concept car, appearing at auto shows |
| to the point where only a few models were | | | | across the USA, has been a huge hit and Chrysler |
| produced beyond that period of time. Today, muscle | | | | plans on bringing the V8 hemi powered model back in |
| car mania is back, despite even higher gas prices. | | | | 2009. In addition, General Motors is considering giving |
| Thanks to the Ford Mustang and to a lesser extent | | | | its blessing on the Camaro, another car also making |
| to sedan and wagon models from Dodge, there is | | | | the rounds of the USA auto show circuit. |
| new interest in a category long given up. The future | | | | So, isn't it silly to bring back such gas hogs? Back |
| is bright for the muscle car segment as one more | | | | during the early 1970s, the then current crop of |
| manufacturer, Chevrolet, considers bringing back one | | | | muscle cars averaged only 10-12 miles to the gallon |
| of its darlings of yesteryear, the Camaro. | | | | around town and 15 or 16 miles per gallon on the |
| Besides the Ford Mustang there were a whole host | | | | highway. Thanks to computer technology and |
| of vehicles produced that at one time or another | | | | efficiency, even the Corvette returns a highly |
| might have been considered a muscle car. In addition | | | | respectable 28 miles to the gallon the highway. So, |
| to the Mustang, the Ford Fairlane 500 and Ford | | | | although fuel mileage will certainly be lower than |
| Torino did duty; the Mercury Montego was another | | | | many other models, the new group of muscle cars |
| model; Chevrolet produced the Camaro and | | | | will still better the previous generation cars with fuel |
| Corvette; Pontiac the GTO, Firebird, and Tempest; | | | | mileage 80% or more above the cars from the |
| Olds the 442; American Motors' had its Javelin; | | | | 1970s. |
| Plymouth had the 'Cuda, and Dodge produced the | | | | Fortunately, we still live in a fairly free country and |
| Challenger and the Charger. Today, only the Mustang | | | | what the consumer wants, the consumer gets. So, |
| and Corvette survives although the Dodge Charger | | | | V8 powered muscle cars mated to 6 speed |
| has returned as a four door muscle car along with its | | | | manu-matic transmissions, with sport handling, bucket |
| sibling, the hot Dodge Magnum wagon. | | | | seats, and better fuel economy will likely appeal to |
| Interestedly, it took Ford's redoing of the Mustang | | | | many. No, they won't be exact duplicates of |
| for the 2005 model year to stir the current muscle | | | | yesterday's muscle cars, but they will provide the |
| car era craze. Styled after Mustangs built in the | | | | nostalgia and power that motorists seek. I can't wait! |