5 Models That Prove Dodge Mastered Muscle
Dodge remains one of the best-selling and most successful American car manufacturers despite the fact that SUVs are running rampant on the streets. We’d like to think that Dodge has perfected the muscle car, not only in present-time, but also during the heyday of pure muscle. Here are five of Dodge’s best muscle cars the brand’s ever made — in no particular order.
Dodge Viper (First Generation)
By the time the late 80s were over, Dodge decided that the brand needed an even more competitive car and so the Viper was born. The brand enlisted renowned designers and engineers and counted on the expertise of one Italian supercar company — Lamborghini, to design the engine-block. An audacious project, to say the least, the first Dodge Viper featured a large V10 engine and a sporty chassis that aimed to put the fun in function. The Viper was humorously referred to as the “Widow Maker” by fanatics due to its dangerous appeal.
Dodge Super Bee A12
Released as a more affordable alternative to the Challenger and Charger options of the late 60s, the Super Bee clad in an A12 body, became an instant hit. Even though it had fewer luxury features than its muscular counterparts, the Super Bee still had a large V8 engine and powerful horsepower figures. Nowadays, finding an affordable Super Bee is an extreme challenge, with some fetching over six figures at auction under the right conditions.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat
The brand rebooted the Challenger in 2008 and the HEMI V8 with 500 horsepower was not enough for some enthusiasts. Thankfully, Dodge listened and indulged speed demons with the 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat, at that point the brand’s fastest production car ever. With over 700 horsepower and a 6.2-liter HEMI V8 under the hood, the Hellcat broke records going nearly 200 miles-per-hour and from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds.
Dodge Charger Daytona
Born from heavy competition with NASCAR, the Dodge brand set out to design a new race car. Working with their existing Dodge Charger as a base, the brand delivered what’s easily considered one of the most memorable muscle cars in history, the Dodge Charger Daytona. Racing fans will know the Daytona model from its association to famed driver Richard Petty. The Daytona is so fondly remembered, it even went on to have several cameos in the Pixar Cars franchise.
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
Easily recognized as one of the most popular muscle cars ever made, the 1969 Dodge Charger didn’t only offer an explosive HEMI engine or a bold and aesthetically pleasing design, it was also known as THE car in The Dukes of Hazzard series. On the show, the Charger was affectionately referred to as General Lee. The show’s popularity may have contributed to overall sales numbers, but the ‘69 Dodge Charger R/T is a muscle car in its own right as one of the most sought after muscle cars on the planet to this day.
You don’t have to find vintage models to experience Dodge’s power and charm. Check out the existing Dodge lineup at University Dodge and schedule your test drive today. Follow University Dodge on social media for more fun lists and overall Dodge news.