RPM Sept-Oct 2019

50 A s summer heats up, so does the horsepower—and the Big Three’s 2019 models are leading the pack. Stakes are high, as Ford, Chevy, and Dodge continue a decades-long battle for the title of King of the Modern Muscle Era, offering unprecedented performance numbers, red hot styling, and next-gen tech, all in a shockingly affordable package. Here’s what Detroit’s dandies have on the roster right now, in the form of the 2019 Ford Mustang, 2019 Chevy Camaro, and 2019 Dodge Challenger, as well as a sneak peek at what’s in store for the 2020 model year. 2019 Gifts Big Power While 2020 Makes Bigger Promises CHEVROLET CAMARO What the 2019 Chevy Camaro lacks in stock offerings, it makes up for in power of selection. The standard turbo 4-cylinder sits behind the competition with 285 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, but the model’s 3.6-liter V6 drops the hammer with 335 horsepower, while the 6.2-liter V8 in the Camaro SS packs a 455-horsepower punch. And just in case that is somehow still not enough power, the ZL1 slaps on a supercharger and pushes out an astounding 650 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque. Inarguably, the 2019 Chevy Camaro is a fast car. In addition to the impressive engineering it’s harboring under the hood, the model’s very design is aimed to aid in speed. GMhas tied air curtains, hood extractors, and a flow- through bowtie emblem—the aptly named “Flowtie”—to the front end of this vehicle. Helping it cut through the air at better speeds, these features also help maintain optimum operating temperatures. And frankly, they add a noticeable “cool factor” to the model’s styling. To ramp up control, the 1LE Track Performance package is now available on all models, upping precision braking, steering, handling, and grip. Not that Chevy doesn’t already marry characteristically good looks to its performance chops, but the 2019 Camaro saw a mild refresh with a redesigned front end featuring new headlights and a reshaped hood, plus upgrades in the back by way of a new rear bumper and taillight design. The attempt to add more differentiation among trims levels—specifically the grille-splitting FORD MUSTANG It’s no secret that within the world of modern muscle, the Ford Mustang is the most notable contender to boast a serious engine with less than eight cylinders. Proving bigger isn’t always better, Ford is putting down 310 horsepower in a four-cylinder 2.3-liter EcoBoost base engine. That demands respect from even the most discerning of speed enthusiasts. On the more traditional side, the GT wears a 5.0-liter V8 pushing out 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, while the Shelby GT350 packs a hand-assembled 5.2-liter V8 with a flat-plane crank that produces a whopping 526 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque, making it themost powerful naturally aspirated, road-going engine in Ford history. Plus, with classic good looks and a hoard of performance technology, the 2019 Mustang promises owners Bond-worthy gadgetry at a fraction of the price. The available MagneRideTM Damping System provides incredible control and agility, ensuring drivers no longer have to choose between a smooth ride or responsive handling. An optional exhaust selection mode keeps the car cool and quiet for the dailywork commute or opens up a wilder side with the Sport and Track settings. Speaking of which, standard on all 2019 Mustang models is Ford’s Track AppsTM, which gives instant performancemetrics right in the instrument cluster. Throw in standard Electronic Line-Lock, Launch Control (on manuals), and the option for selectable drive modes, and the Blue Oval is serving up some impressive tech-savvy performance at real bang-for-your-buck pricing. What’s planned for 2020? Most recently, the automaker debuted an all-new entry-level performance Mustang, equipped with an EcoBoost High- Performance package, at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. Borrowing a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder from the discontinued Focus RS hot hatch and several bits of hardware from the GT, Ford’s new recruit will push out 330 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque with a 0-60 time in the mid-4s. Additionally, this package can be stacked with another available EcoBoost Handling package, allowing enthusiasts to add some serious zip and grip to a base- model Mustang. No word yet on pricing, but expect 2020 equipped models to begin hitting dealerships this Fall. The VIP on the 2020 docket, however, is the new Shelby GT500. Ford remains quiet on any juicy performance stats but industry professionals have confirmed it will feature a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 making at least 700 horsepower, marking it as the most powerful production car to ever grace Ford’s lineup. Speed is capped at 180 mph, but the automaker still promises, “tire-smoking, pin- you-to-your-seat performance,” as well as a 0-60 time in the mid-3s and a sub-11-second quarter mile. 2019 Ford Mustang Modern Muscle