It is hard to deny that we are witnessing the end of an era as far as the American muscle car sector is concerned. But we can still linger on for a little while, right?
Right now, the 2024 Ford Mustang – which just started sales of its S650 seventh generation – will probably be the uncontested king of the pony car sector. After all, it just got its first limited edition package – the Mustang GT California Special – and it's also safe from the executioner's reach.
Unlike the iconic Chevrolet Camaro, which is going the way of the dodo after the 2024 model year ends production in January next year (or even sooner – November for the Convertible and December for the coupe, according to the rumor mill). GM only gave it the Collector's Edition and Garage 56 ZL1 series while revealing that nothing is planned next, even though they don't intend to retire the nameplate completely.
Over at team Mopar, the Dodge Charger and Challenger were given only the 2023 model year to say goodbye to the Hemi V8 engine, complete with seven 'Last Call' special editions that culminate with the 1,025-hp (on E85) Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. Interestingly, we don't know what will happen with the Challenger going forward because the Charger will revert to a traditional two-door body style when it's time to join the EV revolution.
The rumor mill also claims that ICE-powered versions are still on the table for the next-gen Charger – albeit with a 3.0-liter Hurricane straight-six turbo (SST) oomph under the hood. And if the 2025 Ram 1500 series is any indication, they might arrive with 420 and 540 hp (H/O) in the engine bay. However, the current evolutions of the Camaro, Charger, and Challenger are still on the street today, and nobody should say they're not entertaining.
There's no need to take our word for granted as we have a proper example from the videographer behind the Wheels channel on YouTube, who is a fan of Mission Raceway Park (Canada) and The Strip (Las Vegas Motor Speedway), but also of Bandimere Speedway in Colorado. Known for its high elevation, this racetrack is not friendly with atmospheric engines – but that shouldn't be a problem for a Chevy Camaro ZL1 and a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, right? Instead, it could mean a world of hurt for a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack. But more on that a little later.
First, it's time to see how the 650-hp 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8-equipped Chevy Camaro ZL1 – which is dressed to impress – handles the roll call from an all-black Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. Well, true to its rear Hoosiers and the impressive body decals, it gave thunder and lightning to its opponent – as well as the view of its rear, thanks to a stellar 11.7 versus 12.26s victory. With that in mind, you would think the naturally-aspirated 6.4-liter Hemi V8-equipped Dodge Challenger Scat Pack, with just 485 hp on tap, would be easy prey, right?
Haven't I told you countless times to always expect the unexpected at the quarter-mile dragstrip? Sure, the ZL1 ultimately beat the understated Challenger in their head-to-head skirmish with an even better 11.37s versus 11.7s result – but given the Scat Pack's time, something was definitely amiss there! Sure enough, the Challenger then lined up with its fellow Charger Hellcat and beat it without remorse: 11.61s versus 12.15s! That latter Mopar started as the 707-hp favorite and ended up soundly defeated, and twice!
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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