Now that we've had our turkey and the dust has settled from the Los Angeles Auto Show, it's time to reflect. While the pony car wars have been reignited for the past few years, it wasn't until now that these beasts began to reach supercar levels.
In L.A., Ford revealed the 2013 Mustang model line, which included the monstrous 650-horsepower Shelby GT500. That supercharged engine is pushing all that raw power through a six-speed manual transmission to a solid rear axle. For the first time, however, you will now be able to order the GT500 with an adaptive suspension. Based on the power output and lack of an independent rear end, it might be a good idea.
While Ford was busy unleashing its new horse, Chevrolet showed off the 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible. As you would expect, visually and mechanically the Camaro ZL1 Convertible is nearly identical to the coupe, with a few structural changes to help with rigidity when putting the power to the pavement. Power won't be a problem with the 580-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine and six-speed manual transmission.
What if you love the idea of both of these pony cars, but simply need four doors? Dodge has you covered with the 2012 Charger SRT8. With 470 horsepower from its 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, getting the kids to school on time won't be an issue.
We're waiting on our first drives in all three, but already it's clear, in our post-L.A. pondering: the lines are beginning to blur when it comes to musclecars and supercars, but you won't' hear us complaining.
Take a look here at our video walk-arounds of all three of these high-horsepower muscle cars and judge for yourselves.
