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== History == === 1950s: Origins === <gallery mode="packed"> File:1949 Oldsmobile 88.jpg|1949 [[Oldsmobile 88]] File:55 Chrysler C-300 (8940990679).jpg|1955 [[Chrysler 300 letter series|Chrysler C-300]] File:1957 Rambler Rebel hardtop rfd-Cecil'10.jpg|1957 [[Rambler Rebel]] </gallery> Opinions on the origin of the muscle car vary, but the 1949 [[Oldsmobile 88|Oldsmobile Rocket 88]] is cited as the first full-sized muscle car.<ref>[https://www.nascarhall.com/blog/oldsmobiles-rocket-88 Oldsmobile Rocket 88], NASCAR Hall of Fame</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.drivingtoday.com/kpix/greatest_cars/olds_rocket88/ |last=Nerad |first=Jack |title=Oldsmobile Rocket 88 |publisher=Driving Today |access-date=18 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170704153153/http://www.drivingtoday.com/kpix/greatest_cars/olds_rocket88/ |archive-date=4 July 2017 }}</ref> The Rocket 88 was the first time a powerful V8 engine was available in a smaller and lighter body style (in this case the {{convert|303|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} engine from the larger [[Oldsmobile 98#Third generation (1948β1953)|Oldsmobile 98]] with the body from the six-cylinder [[Oldsmobile Series 70#1949β1950|Oldsmobile 76]]).<ref name=muscle>{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/muscle-car-information/how-muscle-cars-work1.htm |title=The Birth of Muscle Cars |work=How Stuff Works |date=16 January 2007 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref> The Rocket 88 produced {{convert|135|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 3600 rpm and {{convert|263|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 1800 rpm and won eight out of ten races in the 1950 NASCAR season. The Rocket 88's [[Oldsmobile V8 engine#303|Oldsmobile 303]] V8 engine, along with the [[Cadillac V8 engine#331 series|Cadillac 331]] engine, also introduced in 1949, are stated to have "launched the modern era of the high-performance V-8."<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0708phr_general_motors_432_ci_oldsmobile/index.html |last=Dulcich |first=Steve |title=Rocket Man |magazine=Popular Hot Rodding |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131101035848/http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0708phr_general_motors_432_ci_oldsmobile/viewall.html |archive-date=1 November 2013}}</ref> In 1955, the large-sized [[Chrysler 300 letter series|Chrysler C-300]] - the first in a long, 15-year series of large, expensive, performance-first Chryslers - was introduced that produced {{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} from its {{convert|331|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine, and it was advertised as "America's Most Powerful Car".<ref name=muscle/> Capable of accelerating from 0 to {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in 9.8 seconds and reaching {{convert|130|mph|0}}, the 1955 Chrysler 300 is also recognized as one of the best-handling cars of its era.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.edmunds.com/chrysler/300/history.html |title=Chrysler 300 History |website=edmunds.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161111050817/http://www.edmunds.com/chrysler/300/history.html |archive-date=11 November 2016}}</ref> {{Additional citation needed|date=May 2025}} The compact-sized 1956 [[Studebaker Golden Hawk]] was powered by a {{convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} {{convert|352|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} Packard V8, the second most powerful engine to the Chrysler 300.<ref name="whatwasfirst">{{cite web |title=What Was The First Muscle Car? |url= http://www.classic-car-history.com/first-muscle-car.htm |publisher=Classic Car History |access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref> The [[Rambler Rebel]], introduced by [[American Motors Corporation]] (AMC) in 1957, is the first [[Mid-size car|mid-sized car]] to be available with a big-block V8 engine.<ref name="whatwasfirst"/> The Rebel followed most of the muscle car formula including "make 'em go fast as well as cheaply."<ref name="Hardin">{{cite web |last=Hardin |first=Drew |title=Was the 1957 Rambler Rebel the First Muscle Car? |url= https://www.automobilemag.com/news/1957-rambler-rebel-first-muscle-car/ |publisher=Automobile Magazine |date=20 June 2019 |access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref> It is therefore considered by some to be the first muscle car.<ref name="MusclecarEnthusiastFirst">{{cite magazine |url= http://photos.imageevent.com/mmm_mag/pdffiles/USA%201967%20AMC%20Rogue%20343%20Musclecar%20Enthusiast.pdf |title=John Goergen's 1966 343 prototype (sidebar) |page=59 |magazine=Musclecar Enthusiast |first=Richard |last=Truesdell |access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref><ref name="Hardin"/> With a {{convert|327|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine producing {{convert|255|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, its 0β60 mph acceleration of 7.5 seconds made it the fastest stock American sedan at the time.<ref name=rambler>{{cite web|url= http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1957-1960-rambler-rebel2.htm |title=1957β1960 Rambler Rebel |work=How Stuff Works |date=22 August 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200719185547/https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1957-1960-rambler-rebel2.htm |archive-date=19 July 2020 |access-date=14 February 2020}}</ref> Only the fuel-injected [[Chevrolet Corvette]] beat it by half a second.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Strohl |first=Daniel |title=Silver-Sided Dawn β 1957 Rambler Rebel |magazine=Hemmings Muscle Machines |date=February 2007 |url= https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/silver-sided-dawn-1957-rambler-rebel/ |access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref> === Early 1960s: Drag racing influences === [[File:A 1964 Ford Thunderbolt Muscle Car.jpg|thumb|1964 [[Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt|Ford Thunderbolt]]]] The popularity and performance of muscle cars grew in the early 1960s. This was when Mopar (Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler) and Ford battled for supremacy in drag racing. The 1961 [[Chevrolet Impala#Third generation (1961β1964)|Chevrolet Impala]] offered an [[Super Sport (Chevrolet)|SS package]] for $53.80, which consisted of a {{convert|409|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine producing {{convert|425|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} along with upgraded brakes, tires, and suspension. The 1962 [[Dodge Dart#Second generation (1962)|Dodge Dart 413]] (nicknamed Max Wedge) had a {{convert|413|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 which produced {{convert|420|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and could cover the quarter-mile in under 13 seconds.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stupski |first1=Brian |title=This $1,000 1962 Max Wedge Dart Is Better Than Nothin' |url= https://blog.dodge.com/events/this-1000-1962-max-wedge-dart-is-better-than-nothin/ |website=dodge.com |access-date=28 January 2019 |date=7 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=What is a Max Wedge? |url= https://maxwedge.com/orangemonster/orangemonster.php |website=maxwedge.com |access-date=28 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1962 Dodge Dart 413 |url= https://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1962-dodge-dart-413.htm |website=howstuffworks.com |access-date=28 January 2019 |date=22 December 2006}}</ref> In 1963, two hundred [[Ford Galaxie]] "R-code" cars were factory-built specifically for drag racing, resulting in a full-size car that could cover the quarter-mile in a little over 12 seconds.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Shaw |first=Tom |title=Anatomy of a Lightweight |magazine=Legendary Ford |date=December 2005}}</ref> Upgrades included fiberglass panels, aluminum bumpers, traction bars, and a {{convert|427|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Ford FE engine#427|Ford FE]]-based racing engine conservatively rated at {{convert|425|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The road-legal version of the Galaxie 427 used the "Q-code" engine which produced {{convert|410|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Q-Code 1963 Galaxie |url= https://bangshift.com/bangshift1320/ebay-find-this-q-code-1963-galaxie-is-ford-performance-heritage-perfection/ |website=bangshift.com |access-date=29 January 2019 |date=28 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Big Car, Bigger Job: 1964 Ford Galaxie Q-Code |url= https://barnfinds.com/big-car-bigger-job-1964-ford-galaxie-q-code/ |website=barnfinds.com |access-date=29 January 2019 |date=17 July 2018}}</ref> The following year, Ford installed the proven 427 [[Ford FE engine#427|"top-oiler"]] engine in the smaller and lighter Fairlane body, creating the [[Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt|Ford Thunderbolt]]. The Thunderbolt included several weight-saving measures (including acrylic windows and fibreglass/aluminium body panels and bumpers)<ref name=holder>{{cite book |last1=Holder |first1=Bill |last2=Kunz |first2=Phil |year=2006 |title=Extreme Muscle Cars: The Factory Lightweight Legacy |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-0-89689-278-1 }}</ref> and a stock Thunderbolt could cover the quarter-mile in 11.76 seconds.<ref name=thunderbolt>{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1964-ford-thunderbolt.htm |title=Ford Thunderbolt |work=How Stuff Works |date=30 November 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200925155543/http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1964-ford-thunderbolt.htm |archive-date=25 September 2020 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref> The Thunderbolt was technically road-legal, however, it was considered unsuitable even "for driving to and from the (drag)strip, let alone on the street in everyday use".<ref name=thunderbolt/> A total of 111 Thunderbolts were built.<ref>{{cite book |last=Gunnell |first=John|year=2005 |title=American Cars of the 1960s: A Decade of Diversity |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-0-89689-131-9 }}</ref> The General Motors competitor to the Thunderbolt was the Z-11 option package for the full-size [[Chevrolet Impala#Third generation (1961β1964)|Chevrolet Impala]] coupe, of which 57 examples were produced in 1963 only.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.348-409.com/z11.html |title=Chevrolet's 1963 Z-11 Impala |website=348-409.com |access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref> The Z-11 Impala was powered by a {{convert|427|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} version of the [[Chevrolet big-block engine#W-series (Mark I)|W-series]] big-block engine, which was officially rated at {{convert|430|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. With a compression ratio of 13.5:1, the engine required high-octane fuel. The RPOZ-11 package also included weight reduction measures such as an aluminum hood and fenders, the removal of sound-deadening material as well as the deletion of the heater and radio. In 1964, a drag racing version of the [[Dodge 330]] was created, called the "330 Lightweight".<ref>{{cite web |title=1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight 'Hemi-Honker' |url= https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0117-269781/1964-dodge-330-lightweight-hemi-honker/ |website=mecum.com|date= 14 January 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1964 Dodge Polara Hemi 330 factory lightweight |url= https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1964-DODGE-POLARA-HEMI-330-FACTORY-LIGHTWEIGHT-16292 |website=barrett-jackson.com |access-date=3 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock |url= https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10937/Dodge-330-Lightweight-Superstock.aspx |website=conceptcarz.com |access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref> It was powered by a {{convert|426|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} version of the [[Chrysler Hemi engine#Second Generation: 426|Hemi racing engine]] which was official rated at {{convert|425|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, but rumored to have an actual power output higher than this.<ref>{{cite web |title=1964 Dodge 426 Hemi |url= https://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1964-dodge-426-hemi.htm |website=howstuffworks.com |access-date=3 February 2019 |date=30 November 2007}}</ref> Weight reduction measures included an aluminium hood as well as lightweight front bumpers, fenders and doors, [[polycarbonate]] side windows, and no sound deadening. Like other lightweights of the era, it came with a factory disclaimer: "Designed for supervised acceleration trials. Not recommended for general everyday driving because of the compromises in the all-round characteristics which must be made for this type of vehicle."<ref name=holder/> Also using the 426 Hemi racing engine was the limited production 1965 [[Plymouth Satellite]] 426 Hemi. In 1966, the racing version of the 426 Hemi was replaced by a detuned "Street Hemi" version, also with a size of 426 cu in and an official power rating of {{convert|425|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}}). The 1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi could run a 13.8-second quarter-mile at {{convert|104|mph|abbr=on}} and had a base price of $3,850.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1966-plymouth-satellite-426-hemi.htm |title=1966 Plymouth Satellite 426 Hemi |work=How Stuff Works |date=5 January 2007 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref> {{clear}} === 1964β1970: Peak muscle car era === [[File:1966 & 1969 Pontiac GTO (34841847634).jpg|thumb|right|1966 & 1969 [[Pontiac GTO]]]] [[File:1970redGTX.JPG|thumb|right|1970 [[Plymouth GTX|Plymouth GTX 440]]]] [[File:1970 AMC Rebel "The Machine" (28293464911).jpg|thumb|1970 [[AMC Rebel#The Machine|AMC Rebel "The Machine"]]]] Although pure muscle cars often sold in relatively small volumes, manufacturers valued the [[Halo effect#Branding|halo effect]] of the publicity created by these models. Competition between manufacturers led to a horsepower war that peaked in 1970, with models such as the [[Chevrolet Chevelle#1970|LS-6 Chevelle]] advertising as much as {{convert|450|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://heacockclassic.com/articles/the-best-muscle-car-1970-ls-6-chevelle/ |title=The 1970 LS-6 Chevelle Was America's King Of The Streets |website=heacockclassic.com |access-date=July 5, 2018 |editor-first=Paul |editor-last=Zazarine |date=November 14, 2014}}</ref> The [[Pontiac GTO]], a car that captured the public mind and strongly influenced the muscle car era, was introduced in 1964 as an optional package for the intermediate-size Pontiac Tempest. The GTO was developed by Pontiac division president [[John DeLorean]] and was initially powered by a {{convert|389|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine producing {{convert|325|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The success of the GTO led other GM divisions to develop muscle cars based on intermediate-sized platforms: the 1964 [[Oldsmobile 442]], 1964 [[Chevrolet Chevelle#Chevelle SS|Chevrolet Chevelle SS]], and 1965 [[Buick Gran Sport]]. The AMC V8 engine was enlarged to {{convert|390|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} in 1968,<ref>{{cite web |title=AMC V8 engines β history, descriptions, and more |url= https://www.allpar.com/threads/amc-v8-engines.229904/#post-1085224002 |first=Mike |last=Sealey |website=allpar.com |date=16 November 2020 |access-date=27 August 2023}}</ref> which produced {{convert|315|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and was first used in the 1968 [[AMC Rebel#1968|AMC Rebel]] SST,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sharp Restoration: 390/727 1968 AMC Rebel SST |url= https://bringatrailer.com/2016/11/28/sharp-restoration-390727-1968-amc-rebel-sst/ |website=bringatrailer.com |access-date=3 February 2019 |date=28 November 2016}}</ref> [[AMC Javelin#First generation|AMC Javelin]] Go-package, and [[AMC AMX]].<ref name="marlin">{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/muscle-car-information/amc-muscle-cars.htm |title=AMC Muscle Cars |website=How Stuff Works |date=20 December 2006 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://blogs.discovery.com/velocity/2012/03/how-about-some-love-for-the-amx.html |title=How About Some Love for the AMX |date=25 March 2012 |first=Bill |last=Stephens |publisher=Velocity by Discovery |access-date=18 January 2016 |archive-date=5 May 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130505022601/http://blogs.discovery.com/velocity/2012/03/how-about-some-love-for-the-amx.html }}</ref> A staid and distant fourth behind Detroit's "Big Three", AMC hired Dick Teague as a designer, who later became the vice president. The clean sheet Javelin pony car and two-seat Corvette-competitor AMX were bold moves, and moved AMC directly into the era's "horsepower wars".<ref>{{cite web |title=Evolution of the American Motors AMX-The Other American Muscle Car |url= https://heacockclassic.com/articles/evolution-of-the-american-motors-amx-the-other-american-muscle-car/ |website=heacockclassic.com |date=13 May 2019 |access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref> As the 1960s progressed, optional equipment and luxury appointments increased in many popular models of "performance-oriented" cars. With the added weight and power-consuming accessories and features, engines had to be more powerful to maintain performance levels, and the cars became more expensive. In response, some "budget" muscle cars began to appear, such as the 1967 [[Plymouth GTX]],<ref>{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1968-plymouth-gtx.htm |title=1968 Plymouth GTX |work=How Stuff Works |date=9 January 2007 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref> the 1968 [[Plymouth Road Runner]],<ref name=carlife>''Car Life'' January 1969.</ref> and the 1968 [[Dodge Super Bee]]. In 1969, the Plymouth Road Runner was awarded ''Motor Trend'' magazine's Car of the Year.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Sanders |first=Bill |title=Road Runner |magazine=Motor Trend |date=February 1969}}</ref> With optional performance parts such as intake and exhaust manifolds, upgraded carburetor, and drag-racing tires, the Road Runner had a quarter-mile time of 14.7 seconds at {{convert|100.6|mph|abbr=on}}. In this customized form, the cost of the Road Runner was [[United States dollar|US$]]3,893.<ref name=carlife/> The [[Plymouth Barracuda]] was a [[pony car]] that could be turned into a muscle car with the addition of the famed Chrysler [[Chrysler Hemi engine#Second generation: 426|426 Hemi]], available as an option beginning in 1968, after debuting in street form two years earlier in the [[Plymouth Belvedere]], [[Dodge Coronet]], and [[Dodge Charger]]. Originally based on the smaller [[compact car]] body and chassis of the [[Plymouth Valiant]], the Barracuda was also available with a {{convert|383|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine producing {{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. It could run a quarter-mile in 13.33 seconds at {{convert|106.50|mph|abbr=on}}on the drag strip. The base price was $2,796.00; the price as tested by ''Hot Rod'' was $3,652.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kelly |first=Steve|title=Barracuda on the Line |magazine=Hot Rod |date=December 1968}}</ref> The related 1970 [[Plymouth Duster]] was powered by a {{convert|340|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8 engine producing {{convert|290|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Performance figures were 0 to {{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}} in 6.0 seconds and the quarter-mile time of in 14.7 seconds at {{convert|94.3|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name=duster>{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1970-plymouth-duster-340.htm |title=1970 Plymouth Duster 340 |website=How Stuff Works |date=10 January 2007 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref> The {{convert|427|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Chevrolet big-block engine#427|Chevrolet L72]] big-block engine became available in the mid-sized [[Chevrolet Chevelle]] in 1969 as the COPO 427 option. The 427 Chevelle could run a 13.3 sec. quarter-mile at {{convert|108|mph|abbr=on}}. Chevrolet rated the engine at {{convert|425|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, but the [[National Hot Rod Association|NHRA]] claimed power output to be {{convert|450|hp|abbr=on}}.<ref name=copochevelle>{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1969-chevrolet-chevelle-copo-427.htm |title=1969 Chevrolet Chevelle COPO 427 |work=How Stuff Works |date=11 January 2007 |access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref> The following year, the "Chevelle SS 454" model was introduced, which used the {{convert|454|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Chevrolet big-block engine#454|Chevrolet LS6]] big-block engine rated at {{convert|450|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, the highest factory rating at that time.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1970-chevrolet-chevelle-ss-454.htm |title=1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 |work=How Stuff Works |date=10 January 2007 |access-date=18 January 2016}}</ref> The fastest muscle car produced by American Motors was the mid-sized 1970 [[AMC Rebel#The Machine|AMC Rebel "The Machine"]], which was powered by a {{convert|390|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} engine producing {{convert|340|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite book |last=Cheetham |first=Craig |title=Ultimate Muscle Cars |publisher=MBI Publishing |year=2007 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/ultimatemuscleca00chee/page/12 12β15] |isbn=978-0-7603-2834-7 |url-access=registration |url= https://archive.org/details/ultimatemuscleca00chee/page/12 }}</ref> The Rebel had a 0β{{convert|60|mph|abbr=on}} time of 6.8 seconds and a quarter-mile run in 14.4 seconds at {{convert|99|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="machine">{{cite web|url= http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1970-amc-rebel-machine.htm |title=1970 AMC Rebel Machine |work=How Stuff Works |date=12 January 2007 |access-date=14 February 2022}}</ref> === 1970s: Decline of the segment === The popularity of muscle cars declined through the early and mid-1970s due to a combination of power-sapping emissions controls and a switch to unleaded fuel mandated by the Clean Air Act, the [[1970s energy crisis]], and increased insurance costs for performance cars.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=J_a1AAAAIAAJ&q=The+muscle+car+business+boomed+until+shifting+social+attitudes,+crippling+insurance+rates,+the+Clean+Air+Act+and+the |page=97 |first=Brock W. |last=Yates |title=The decline and fall of the American automobile industry |publisher=Empire Books |year=1983 |isbn= 978-0-88015-004-0}}</ref> The [[1973 oil crisis]] notably resulted in rationing of fuel and sustained higher prices, which quickly made muscle cars unaffordable and impractical for many people.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=U9fjwQOR_5QC&q=Decline+of+Muscle+cars&pg=PA12 |title=Muscle Cars |first=Katharine |last=Bailey |year=2006 |publisher=Crabtree Publishing |page=12 |isbn= 978-0-7787-3010-1}}</ref> Before the Clean Air Act of 1970, a majority of muscle cars came optioned with [[Compression ratio|high-compression]] engines (some engines were as high as 11:1), which required high-octane fuel. Prior to 1970, 100-octane fuel was common. However, following the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970, [[octane]] ratings were lowered to 91 (due in part to the removal of [[tetraethyllead|lead]]). Manufacturers reduced the compression ratio of engines, resulting in reduced performance. Simultaneously, efforts to combat [[air pollution]] focused Detroit's attention on [[vehicle emissions control|emissions control]] rather than increased power outputs. With performance drained, MPG mattering, and raised insurance rates, the handwriting had already been on the wall in Detroit by the early 1970s; when Ford introduced a much-downsized base inline 4-cylinder powered [[Mustang II]] in 1974, which did not even have a V8 option, the harbinger of an end to an era had arrived. === 1980sβ1990s: Performance revival === {{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 220 | image1 = 1986 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 T-top.jpg | caption1 = 1986 [[Ford Mustang#Third generation (1979β1993)|Ford Mustang]] GT 5.0 | image2 = 1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula.jpg|thumb | caption2 = 1996 [[Pontiac Firebird#Fourth generation (1993β2002)|Pontiac Firebird]] Formula }} Muscle car performance began a resurgence in the early 1980s with high-output V8 engines introduced for the [[Ford Mustang (third generation)|Ford Mustang GT]], [[Chevrolet Camaro (third generation)|Chevrolet Camaro Z28]], and [[Pontiac Firebird (third generation)|Pontiac Firebird Formula/Trans Am]]. Initially using four-barrel carburetors, engine performance, and fuel economy were increased by the mid-1980s using [[electronic fuel injection]] systems and advanced engine management controls. Muscle car performance began to reappear on intermediate two-door coupΓ©s such as the [[Chevrolet Monte Carlo#Fourth generation (1981β1988)|Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS]] and [[Buick Regal#Second generation (1978)|Buick Regal]]. The Buick Regal used turbocharged V6 engines on the Grand National, Turbo-T, T-Type, and GNX models which rivaled the performance of V8 engines.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2018/12/11/buick-regal-turbo-t-was-fast|title = Everyone remembers the Grand National, but the Buick Regal turbo-T was even faster |date= 11 December 2018}}</ref> The few muscle cars remaining in production by the mid-1990s included the fourth generation [[Ford Mustang#Fourth generation (1994β2004)|Mustang]],<ref>{{cite web |title=1994 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15141034/1994-ford-mustang-svt-cobra-review/ |website=caranddriver.com |access-date=8 February 2019 |date=1 April 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1994 Ford Mustang GT β Long-Term Wrapup |url= https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/mustang/1994/1994-ford-mustang-gt/ |website=motortrend.com |date= November 1995 |access-date=8 February 2019}}</ref> the 10th Generation Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe with its supercharged engine, the fourth generation [[Chevrolet Camaro#Fourth generation (1993β2002)|Camaro]],<ref>{{cite web |title=The '93 Camaro Z/28: Why It Was the First Modern Muscle Car |url= https://www.drivingline.com/articles/the-93-camaro-z28-why-it-was-the-first-modern-muscle-car/ |website=drivingline.com |date= 8 December 2018 |access-date=8 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1993 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 β the High Compression Muscle Car Returns |url= https://oldcarmemories.com/1993-chevrolet-camaro-z28-the-high-compression-muscle-car-returns/ |website=oldcarmemories.com |access-date=8 February 2019 |date=10 July 2012}}</ref> and fourth generation [[Pontiac Firebird#Fourth generation (1993β2002)|Firebird]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula review |url= https://www.caradvice.com.au/owner-reviews/1995-pontiac-firebird-formula-review/ |website=caradvice.com.au |access-date=8 February 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Firebird Facts and Trans Am Truths |url= https://www.wilsonauto.com/wilson-auto-blog/the-firebird-facts-and-trans-am-truths/ |website=wilsonauto.com |access-date=8 February 2019 |date=29 June 2015}}</ref> {{clear right}} === 2000sβpresent === [[File:2006-Pontiac-GTO.jpg |thumb|2006 [[Pontiac GTO#Fifth generation|Pontiac GTO]]]] [[File:2012 Ford Mustang Laguna Seca -- 2011 DC.jpg |thumb|2012 [[Ford Mustang (fifth generation)#Boss 302 Laguna Seca edition|Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca]]]] For the 2004 model year, the [[Pontiac GTO]] was relaunched in the United States as a rebadged [[captive import]] version of the [[Holden Monaro]]. The model was to recreate the past versions, but the new version "was nothing like the old aggressive and evocative model from the 60s" and it was discontinued in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Karn |first1=Medha |title=The True Story Of Why The Pontiac GTO Was Discontinued |url= https://www.hotcars.com/the-true-story-of-why-the-pontiac-gto-was-discontinued/ |website=hotcars.com |date=9 January 2021 |access-date=26 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mateja |first1=Jim |title=GTO to Be Discontinued Again |url= https://www.wardsauto.com/news-analysis/gto-be-discontinued-again |publisher=WardsAuto |access-date=26 November 2022 |date=23 February 2006}}</ref> For 2005, Chrysler introduced muscle car heritage to high-performance V8-powered versions of four-door sedans, the [[Dodge Charger (LX/LD)|Dodge Charger]] and [[Chrysler 300C]], using nameplates traditionally used for two-door muscle cars. For 2005, the [[Ford Mustang (fifth generation)|fifth-generation Ford Mustang]], designed to resemble the original [[Ford Mustang (first generation)|first-generation Mustang]], brought back the aggressive lines and colors of the original. For the 2006 model year, GM relaunched the [[Chevrolet Monte Carlo]] SS with the first V8 engine on the Monte Carlo in 15 Years. The same V8 was used on the Monte Carlo's W-Body sister cars like the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Buick Lacrosse Super, and the Chevrolet Impala SS. All Monte Carlo production ended on June 19, 2007, because of declining sales of coupe models in general as well as Chevrolet's plan to reintroduce a new Camaro.<ref>{{cite web |title=Future Chevrolet Monte Carlo |url= https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/future-general-motors-vehicles-products/future-chevrolet-vehicles-products/future-chevrolet-monte-carlo/ |website=gmauthority.com |date= 30 November 2017 |access-date=26 November 2022}}</ref> For 2008, Chrysler re-introduced the [[Dodge Challenger SRT-8|Dodge Challenger]], which features styling links to the 1970 [[Dodge Challenger#First generation (1970β1974)|first-generation Challenger]] and was claimed by the Chrysler CEO to be "a modern take on one of the most iconic muscle cars".<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2006/07/02/challenger-headed-to-production |last=Strohl |first=Daniel |title=Challenger headed to production |work=Hemmings |date=2 July 2006 |access-date=27 August 2023}}</ref> A year later, running on that same sentiment, Chevrolet released the 2009 [[Chevrolet Camaro (fifth generation)|fifth-generation Camaro]], which bears some resemblance to the 1969 [[Chevrolet Camaro (first generation)|first-generation Camaro]].
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