Maxwell Doron, Freshman, Guest Writer
You may not know the term “muscle car,” but ask anyone at an auto show and they will share story upon story about the attention-drawing cars of the 60’s and 70’s. However, such vehicles are starting to slowly disappear, and the companies that make them are switching to consumer-friendly crossovers. The Corvette, a Chevrolet icon, moved to a mid-engine layout, supplying better performance but invalidating its muscle car status. Since the release of the new electric Charger, even Dodge’s reputation for drag strip-domination is at stake. As hybrid and electric cars grow in popularity, enthusiasts slowly lose hope in the survival of the V8 muscle car.
But even if this is the beginning of the end, Ford’s 7th-gen Mustang gives us a glimmer of hope. Ever since its debut in 1964, the Ford Mustang has been a true American hero. With its colorful heritage, aggressive styling, and big V8 engine, the Mustang has been an everlasting symbol of American pride. The latest generation gives us a brand new, highly anticipated special edition. Introducing the Dark Horse: the most sophisticated and memorable ‘Stang in their lineup. The 5-liter, 8-cylinder Coyote engine produces an astounding 500 horsepower. That power is fed through a 6-speed manual transmission, though a 10-speed automatic is still an option. You get 15.3 inch brakes in the front and 14 inch in the rear, giving you record-breaking stopping power.
The Dark Horse’s interior is also an impressive step up from the last generation. Down on your right is the electronic handbrake. Engaging drift mode switches it to a “drift stick,” sending your car into a slide whenever you pull it. On the dashboard is one huge screen making up both the main control panel and the driver’s gauge cluster. Open the door at night and you’ll be greeted by a Dark Horse emblem projected onto the ground.
Eventually, Ford will kill off their 59-year-old superstar, and the world will lose another great. But through its long career, it has lodged itself into the hearts and minds of everyone. If this is the end of an era, then the Dark Horse is the perfect car to send it off. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll have some stories to tell our children and grandchildren when they ask what a muscle car is.