John Huh
The horsepower wars are back in full force with many of today's automakers jockeying for pole position. Harkening back to an age long past, some of today's ten best muscle cars of 2015 even look like their 1960's counterparts, and continue the legacy of big engines delivering big power. The only difference in 2015 is that today Detroit has plenty of competition for your hard-earned dollar, and the stereotypes behind some of the sports cars made in Germany or in Asia are beginning to fade away.
Some of these technologically charged sports cars are making more power given the displacement, but that's a list for another day. Today let's look at the ten best muscle cars of 2015, and some of the best big block ponies you can buy whether you want some good old fashioned American muscle or nimble European power.
The South Korean four door sedan may seem out of place on this list, but beneath the trendy exterior is a 5.0 liter V8 that cranks out 420 horsepower and 376 ft-lbs of torque. Designed as a luxury coupe first and foremost, the K900 can reach 0-60 in just a shade over 5 seconds through a eight-speed automatic transmission.
Why the K900 is on this list : While it doesn't fit the term "muscle car" in the truest form, there's plenty of punch behind the small block engine and plenty of value given the relatively low sticker price.
Ford's influence on the Jaguar line has redefined the previously 12 cylinder sports coupes into the F-Type R. Luxury, style and power in a stylish form factor, this Jaguar is not your granddaddy's British muscle car.
The two door sports coupe delivers 550 horsepower through a supercharged V8 with 502 ft. lbs of torque on tap. Adjustable suspension and active exhaust velocity valves help orchestrate the wondrous exhaust note from this aggressive Jag.
Why the F-Type R Coupe is on this list : Chock full of technological gadgets and a silky smooth supercharger, this Jaguar powers you to 60 miles an hour in under 4 seconds.
Perfect for those who want their cake and eat it too, the 2015 BMW M5 is a smooth luxury muscle car that's got lots of room and power. Great example of a wolf in sheep's clothing, the M5 can drive your passengers around in perfect Bavarian comfort.
Comfort backed by 575 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque generated by the 4.4 liter turbocharged V8 that's based on the early X5 engine.
Why the M5 is on this list : The optional six-speed manual transmission is a rare gem among muscle car sedans, and the automatic seven speed automatic is no slouch either. Either way the 4 door grocery getter can get up to 60 MPH in just a shade over 4 seconds.
This refined and majestic sedan looks every bit the part of Euro muscle, and powered by two specific performance trims, the C63 is pure sexiness. The base model features a 4.0 liter turbocharged engine that puts down 469 horsepower and 479 ft. lbs of torque while the S cranks up the power output to 503 ponies and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Why the K900 is on this list : Luxury muscle like this doesn't come along too often, and the AMG C63 is a classic case of Mercedes Benz engineering and elite form. The seven speed manual transmission is adjustable to deliver custom rates of acceleration depending on gear. The AMG sprints to 60 MPH in under 4 seconds, and can eat up valuable ground on the competition.
The CTS is being phased out by GM, and the future of the snazzy looking sedan is really unclear. What's not in question is the undeniable power the CTS puts down through it's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8.
This isn't your father's Caddy, and that's a good thing. Willing to bet that pop might have a hard time handling the eye-popping 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque on tap.
Why the CTS-V is on this list : While it hasn't been quite the commercial success, the CTS is available in a variety of trims and now could find itself as a great donor car for many V8 engine swaps.
Shocking the automotive world with it's massive display of raw production power, the Hellcat would top this list if horsepower and torque were the only requirements.
The styling is retro-themed, which has been hit or miss depending on who are ask. What's all hit is the powerplant behind the Hellcat, because this kitty's got a 6.2-liter V8 engine that's rated at 707 horsepower with over 650 ft of tree stump ripping torque.
Why the Hellcat is on this list : Despite the obvious heft and all the jokes making their way around the Internet, the Hellcat is still an undeniable muscle car. Instantly iconic and quick enough to sprint to 60 MPH in just over 3.7 seconds, this is one muscle car you don't want to laugh at.
Rally inspired Quattro AWD technology and a litany of technological advances and gizmos, the RS7 is powered by it's turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 and sexy exhaust note. Pounding the pavement with 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the AWD sedan delivers sub 3.5 second 0-60 MPH sprints.
Why the K900 is on this list : As a muscle car this Audi doesn't lack much, including traction. Advanced All Wheel Drive technology ensures that the car goes where you point it, and the eight-speed automatic transmission delivers quiet and smooth operation.
You aren't seeing double, this is the Jaguar XF-RS which is the evolution of the F-Type R Coupe. Enabling muscle car performance is in your hands with the Jag's 5.0-liter V8 engine. Cranking out 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, the XF-RS is every bit the Euro muscle car you could ever want.
Why the XF-RS is on this list : Silky smooth eight-speed automatic transmission with an aggressive front fascia are icing on the cake. Cake that can get you to 60 MPH in just over 4.1 seconds that is.
Ford's iconic muscle car has enjoyed a long stretch of success, both with car buyers and the aftermarket alike. It's even been a big part of the drift scene, if you like Ken Block and his crazy Gymkhana videos.
The all new 2015 Ford Mustang is redesigned and remodeled to be wider and more aggressive, and with 435 horsepower and 400 ft-lbs of torque, it can go from 0-60 MPH in 4.4 seconds.
Why the Mustang is on this list : Really is it any surprise that the Mustang has returned so victoriously? It's beloved by tuners and won the SEMA show three years in a row, and doesn't show any signs of slowing.
It's been a long road for the Camaro, and with the #CamaroSix being recently revealed it's a marked return to prominence for bowtie lovers. The new Camaro is redesigned much as the Mustang has been, except now it's offered with three distinct engine sizes.
With a tuner friendly turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder engine, it's definitely a departure from the traditional muscle car. Based on the Cadillac ATS chassis, the new Camaro is also offered with a 6.2 liter 455 horsepower V8 as well as a 3.6 liter LFX based direct fuel injected V6 that puts down 335 horsepower.
Why the Camaro is on this list : Aftermarket performance has struggled for quite some time now, and the new Camaro along with many of the new hatchbacks coming to market in 2015 might turn things around. Whether you like the bigger engine in your muscle car, or a smaller displacement engine, the #CamaroSix has something for everyone.
John is a freelance writer, mechanic, and engine tuner. He provides content to several websites for SEO optimized websites of all manner.
