With their powerful V8 engines in affordable lightweight frames, muscle cars offer the average gearhead a chance to live life in the fast lane. There are many thrills in life, but very few come close to the adrenaline-pumping feeling of being hurled along the drag strip at teeth-rattling speeds. In their various guises and with their throaty exhaust notes, muscle cars are some of the greatest automobiles to grace America’s highways. Despite the many problems with muscle cars that gearheads choose to overlook, some of them also boast excellent driving dynamics.
From time to time, in addition to the mass-produced models, car manufacturers also release some sick special editions of American muscles aimed at higher-end drivers. Special edition muscles like the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and the irresistible 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona are well known and remembered even by non-enthusiasts. However, other insane special editions are now forgotten. We’ll be looking at ten of them.
10 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst
The 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst – the product of a collaboration between Chrysler Corporation and Hurst Performance – was targeted at young corporate executives with a handsome income. Standing at 225 inches long and 79 inches wide, it was an aggressive-looking beast that boasted a luxurious cabin with leather power seats and all.
Under the oversized hood lay a 7.2-liter V8 power plant that churned out 375 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a heavy-duty 3-speed automatic transmission, it sent the 4135-pound monster to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and to a top speed of 140 mph.
9 1968 Dodge Hurst Hemi Dart
The Hemi Dart was a 1968-only street-legal drag-ready special edition that ironically came with a disclaimer that it wasn’t meant for street use. Stripped of everything not related to racing, Dodge shipped 80 Dart GTS to Hurst Performance, where they were stuffed with a race-spec 7-liter Hemi V8 engine.
Rated at 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque, the legendary engine could produce a sub-10 seconds quarter-mile times in the 3000-pound Hemi Dart. Other performance-enhancing features include heavy-duty shocks, a roller timing chain, a high-capacity oil pump, and a heavy-duty radiator.
8 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Victory Edition
In 2007, Chevrolet produced 250 Corvette Victory Edition coupes for the European market to celebrate Corvette Racing’s 50+ victories since its debut in 1999. Based on the C6 Corvette, the model was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 mill that lays down 404 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque.
It featured a rear-mounted transaxle which improved handling, and buyers could choose either a 6-speed manual transmission or an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission. The luxurious cabin housed a DVD navigation system, a head-up display, heated seats, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system.
7 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition
The Z06 Carbon Limited Edition was launched to mark Corvette’s 50th anniversary of competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was powered by the Z06’s 505 hp 7-liter V8 mill, while the tires, wheels, and brakes came from the badass ZR1.
With the extensive use of carbon fiber for body parts, the model retains the Z01’s 3150 pounds weight but has a perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. Only 252 units were built, and they could hit 60 mph from zero in 3.7 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds at 123.6 mph.
6 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Yellow Jacket
Debuting alongside the instant classic Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee, the 2012 Challenger SRT8 Yellow Jacket was a tribute to the iconic Yellow Jacket show car of 1969. Under the hood lies a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that sends out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
Rolling on 20 inches rims and fully clad in Stinger Yellow paint with Pitch Black stripes along the sides, the Yellow Jacket has a unique flair. In addition to a 0-60 mph run of about 4 seconds, it also boasts an adaptive suspension that adjusts automatically to driving conditions.
5 1969 Dodge Charger 500 Hemi
The year was 1968, and the Dodge Charger R/T had failed to beat Ford’s Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II on the tracks. To solve the R/T’s aerodynamic problems, Dodge gave the 1969 Charger 500 Hemi a flush grille and a flush-mounted rear window.
Under the hood, they stuffed in the 7-liter Hemi V8 power mill that churned out 425 hp and 490 lb-ft of torque. As a result, it was capable of hitting a top speed of 172 mph and went on to win 18 NASCAR racing victories in 1969.
4 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca
The Boss 302, first built in 1969, came in a fastback body style with a blacked-out hood and was a true racing vehicle. For 2012, the nameplate was revived, and a further upgraded special edition named after a racetrack and powered by an unfiltered 5-liter V8 engine. To complement the engine’s output of 440 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission, and a unique exhaust system are offered.
Furthermore, a redesigned and stiffened suspension featuring adjustable struts and shocks combines with a speed-sensitive electronic steering system to make the Laguna Seca one of the best Mustangs in terms of handling.
3 2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS 35th Anniversary Edition
Chevrolet offered a 35th Anniversary Edition based on the SS to celebrate the Camaro’s 35 years of roaming the highways and give it a befitting farewell. Nobody knew by then that the nameplate would make a comeback for the fifth generation just seven years later.
All SS 35th Anniversary Edition cars were finished in Bright Rallye Red and rolled on 17-inch 10-spoke chrome wheels. Under the hood, a 6-liter engine churns out 325 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. With this setup, it could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds.
2 1967 Ford Mustang Stallion
The Stallion is an extremely rare special edition Mustang that was created and marketed by Mainway Ford across the border in Canada. Advertised as a high-stamina performance car, it came with a 320 hp 6.4-liter engine hooked either to a 4-speed manual or a heavy-duty C6 3-speed automatic transmission.
Two optional power choices were offered – a 410 hp 6.4-liter mill and a 550 hp 7-liter unit. Also offered on the eight examples built were power disc brakes, a heavy-duty suspension package, a limited-slip rear axle, power steering, and a deluxe interior.
1 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels
Unveiled at the 2012 SEMA Show, the 2013 Hot Wheels is a special edition Camaro that came coated with Kinetic Blue Metallic paint. It rolls on a set of 21 inches black rims outlined in red and comes with a leather-trimmed interior featuring black and red contrast stitching.
Power is supplied by a V6 engine or a 6.2-liter V8, making 426 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque hooked to a 6-speed manual transmission. Zero to 60 mph happens in 4.5 seconds, while the quarter-mile flashes by in 13 seconds at 109.8 mph.
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