By David Spader*, for Inpui.com
Sports cars have been around for decades, and they have become a symbol of American life. Worshipped by car enthusiasts across the country and desired by just about every teenage boy, here are a few of the most popular and iconic American sports cars.
#5: Chevrolet Corvette
The Corvette is one of the polarizing cars on the market: People see it as either an inexpensive challenger to exotic supercars, or a cheap lump of fiberglass driven only by those suffering a mid-life crisis. Engines include a 438hp 6.1l, 505 hp 7.0l, and the 638 hp supercharged monster in the ZR1. Combined with a range of roof and transmission options, the Corvette fits drivers ranging from Sunday cruisers to club racers.
#4: BMW Z4
When the Z3 first reached our shores, most people saw it as little more than an expensive German Miata. BMW went back to the drawing board and came back with a larger, faster car that turned it into a serious competitor to the Porsche Boxster. Available as a coupe or hardtop convertible, the Z4 combines the luxury and sportiness people expect from a BMW.
#3: Dodge Challenger
Coke bottle styling, garish colors, and a giant V8 may scream 1968, but when Dodge combined these features with modern ride and handling they got a major hit with the 2008 Challenger. Although it hasn't received the major styling updates of its siblings the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, there have been some major changes under the hood. The tepid 2.7l and 3.5l V6s have been replaced by the new Pentastar V6. producing a respectable 305 hp while still getting 27mpg on the highway. The SRT8 has taken a brief hiatus, but it will soon return with a new 6.4l version of the Hemi producing a massive 470 hp and 470 ft-lbs. of torque.
#2: Ford Mustang
Over nine million Mustangs have been sold since its debut in 1964, but development money for the original pony car has been short for the past couple decades. While the car finally got a new platform in 2006, it was still saddled with the ancient and despised Cologne V6 and the aging 4.6l "Mod" V8. In 2011, the Mustang finally got engines worthy of its chassis: The 3.7 L V6 makes almost as much power as the outgoing V8, while the new Coyote 5.0l produces 412 hp and 390 ft-lbs. of torque.
#1: Chevrolet Camaro
While the Holden Monaro-based Pontiac GTO was able to deliver startling performance, it was largely ignored by the public because of its dull styling. GM tried again, but this time the platform was wrapped in a body that looked the part: When the new Camaro debuted in 2009, people took notice of its near concept car design.
Topping the line will be the ZL1, powered by the Cadillac CTS-V's supercharged V8, retuned to produce 550 hp and 550 ft-lbs. of torque. Along with the engine, the car will also get suspension bits from the Cadillac, giving it the power and the handling to challenge the Shelby GT500.
About the author: David Spader looks at savings accounts over at SavingsAccount.Org. His recent review looked at the best CD rates.
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