2016 Dodge Charger R/T Hemi Scat Pack
Like its coupe-styled cousin, the Charger R/T Scat Pack looks mean, sounds devilish, and eats subcompacts for breakfast. An eight-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission can be controlled with paddle shifters. That way, you can keep your hands on the steering wheel as you smoke the tires with its 485 ponies. Hold on tight as you scream up to 180 miles per hour. Your budget will have a little extra, too. The Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack rings in at $39,995 base price.
2016 Chevy Camaro 1SS
If you’re a Bowtie fan, you’re likely leaning towards the Camaro SS. A naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 pushes out 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard, giving the Camaro an edge for the true driving enthusiast. A “track” setting is available on the Driver Selection Modes, allowing you to push the Camaro to its limits. Estimated top speed is 165 mph and o-60 is 4.3 seconds with the standard transmission, or 4 seconds flat with the automatic. Get into the driver’s seat for only $37,200. And if you want a convertible, you can still manage the same performance in a drop-top for just $44,900.
2017 Ford Mustang GT
You don’t get into a GT350 for under $50 grand, but you can get into the GT for well under. With a 5.0-liter V-8 under the hood, the GT pumps its pistons to produce 435 horsepower. Play with the 6-speed manual or a six-speed auto – your choice. Now stomp the gas pedal and gallop to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. It’s a bit slower than others, but by no means is it sluggish. The best part is you’ll have a little extra to play with. The Mustang GT cashes in at only $33,545, while the GT Premium convertible is $42,145. As powerful cars go, that is lots of bang for your buck!
Honorable Mention: 2016 Lebanon Ford Supercharged Mustang GT
Stretching the playing field is the Lebanon Ford 727 HP Mustang. It’s a standard GT ‘Stang with a Stage 2 Roush supercharger kit added on. While you can’t get the car directly from the factory like this, it’s worth the honorable mention. It’s a throwback to the 1960s, when performance-minded dealers built their own unique faster-than-factory muscle cars for their customers. Roush backs the supercharger kit with a 3-year parts-only warranty. If you choose a less powerful, 670 HP Stage 1 package, you’ll get 3 years of full coverage on the powertrain as well as Ford’s original warranty on everything else. Best of all, it’s only $39,995 for either version from Lebanon Ford in Ohio.
