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Modern Muscle Cars (2005 to Today)

The fifth-generation Mustang, the 2006 Charger sedan, the 2008 Challenger and the 2010 Camaro brought the classic formula back with modern V8s. Supercharged Hellcat and Demon versions passed 500 kW, and the 2024 Charger Daytona added an electric muscle car.

The modern cars follow the old recipe with modern engineering: fuel injection, variable valve timing, six-speed and eight-speed gearboxes and, in the strongest versions, superchargers. Their power is rated in SAE net, so it cannot be compared directly with the gross figures of the 1960s. The Hemi Challenger and Charger ended with the 2023 model year and the Camaro after the 2024 model year; the Mustang continues.

All 15 modern muscle cars

Muscle car rankings

Most powerful: Modern revival (SAE net)

15 models
  1. Dodge Challenger 2008–2023 764 kW (1,039 PS · 1,025 hp)
  2. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 2018–2023 764 kW (1,039 PS · 1,025 hp)
  3. Ford Mustang 2004–present 608 kW (827 PS · 815 hp)
  4. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat 2015–2023 602 kW (818 PS · 807 hp)
  5. Dodge Charger 2006–present 602 kW (818 PS · 807 hp)
  6. Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 2014–2023 594 kW (808 PS · 797 hp)
  7. Ford Mustang Dark Horse 2024–present 593 kW (806 PS · 795 hp)
  8. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2007–2022 567 kW (771 PS · 760 hp)
  9. Chevrolet Camaro 2009–2024 485 kW (659 PS · 650 hp)
  10. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2016–2024 485 kW (659 PS · 650 hp)

Figures: catalog data of each model's best version (or generation). Power in kW, then PS and hp; gross or net as advertised for that model year.

Muscle car brands

Modern Muscle Cars (2005 to Today): questions and answers

When did the modern muscle car revival start?

With the 2005 Ford Mustang, styled after the 1960s cars, followed by the Dodge Charger sedan (2006), the Challenger (2008) and the fifth-generation Camaro (2010 model year). Their V8s are rated in SAE net, so their figures are not directly comparable with golden-age gross ratings.

Which modern revival muscle car is the most powerful in the catalog?

The Dodge Challenger (2008–2023), with 764 kW (1,039 PS · 1,025 hp) (SAE net).

What is the difference between gross and net horsepower?

Until the 1971 model year American makers advertised SAE gross power, measured on an engine without accessories, air cleaner or full exhaust. From 1972 they switched to SAE net, measured as installed in the car. The same engine reads clearly lower in net, so 1960s and modern figures are not directly comparable — 1CARS ranks them separately.