Now that we’re driving less, doing something like purchasing a muscle or luxury car you’ve always wanted probably isn’t a high priority. In addition to consumer trends, many auto plants are closed, or their chain supply has been greatly impacted.
But that doesn’t mean that our automotive contributor Mark Savage doesn’t get to test drive and enjoy some high-powered muscle cars. He says as powerful vehicles increase in price, they are losing their muscle but keeping the speed.
“I think it really is a stretch to call the really high end ones muscle cars. They’ve got more power than the muscle cars, first of all, but the muscle cars are the ones that I think people have grown used to and also are affordable,” says Savage.
In the past two months, Savage has reviewed four of these cars.
BMW M8 Competition Convertible
Hits: Cool looks, awesome power, beautiful balance with responsive handling, plus AWD and impressive brakes. Power convertible top, power trunk lid, gorgeous interior, cooled seats, heated wheel, wind screen, gold brake calipers.
Misses: Price is a shocker, ride is stiff especially in Sport mode, massive A-pillars, and tight rear seat.
Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, 617 hp
Top Speed: 189 mph
MPG: 15/21, 19.2 (tested)
Test Vehicle: $180,245
READ: 2020 BMW M8 Competition Convertible Review
Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Hits: Beautiful styling, plus power, smooth handling, comfortable ride and handsome interior. Heated power tilt/telescope steering wheel, heated/cooled seats, 6 drive modes, big dash screen, complete cast of safety aids. Powerful Levinson surround sound stereo. A bona fide touring car.
Misses: Annoying laptop-style touchpad on console to adjust screen functions, plus tiny trunk.
Engine: 5.0-liter V8, 471 hp
MPG: 15/25, 18.0 (tested)
Test Vehicle: $102,025
READ: 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Review
Corvette C8 Mid-Engine
Hits: Supercar looks, powerful V8, excellent handling and multiple drive modes. Comfy interior with good screen, easy controls for driver, fine stereo, power tilt/telescope wheel, square steering wheel, HUD, plus removable and storable roof panel, two trunks and great stopping power. Price is a bargain!
Misses: Stiff ride, especially in Track mode, tight foot well, poor rear visibility, awkward climate controls for passenger and tough-to reach wireless charger behind seats.
Engine: 6.2-liter V8, 495 hp
MPG: 15/27, 19.3 (tested)
Test Vehicle: $79,315
READ: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe Review
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody
Hits: Cool retro looks, POWER, good handling, total performance adjustability (on screen), comfy supportive seats, heated/cooled front seats, heated wheel, big volume/tuning knobs and climate buttons, rockin’ radio, big HD info screen, and big price per horsepower winner.
Misses: MPG is poor, super deep trunk
Engine: 392 HEMI V8, 485 hp
MPG: 15/24, 16.6 (tested)
Test Vehicle: $56,450
