TTAC Writing Contest: Does the American Muscle Car Have a Future?
Perusing Motor Trend on the throne, I contemplated angus mackenzie’s rant “the future of the american muscle car.” My first thought: when did capital letters go out of style? My second thought: spending nine paragraphs forwarding the not-so-radical idea that american muscle cars will become lighter, rear wheel-drive, turbo-V6 or diesel-powered somethingorothers is an awful waste of editorial space. But then, we are talking about Motor Trend, a walk-softly-and-carry-a-small-shtick buff book. And as my mentor said, there are no boring stories, only… Anyway, the American muscle car’s eventual evolution– or lack thereof– is a fascinating topic. How do automakers adapt these snorting, snuffling, gas-sucking examples of automotive Americana for a federally-mandated fuel-efficient future? Can they? Should they? Instead of debating it below, I invite our Best and Brightest to put fingers to keyboards and share their thougths on this life-or-death-car subject in long form. Send 800 words– not one word more or less— to robert.farago@thetruthaboutcars.com. Put MUSCLE CAR in the subject bar. Get it done by next Wednesday, September 10. Justin and I will sort through the entries and publish the three best (wihout editing) for a final vote. The winner will receive a one-year subscription to the UK’s Octane magazine. Let’s show angus how it’s done.
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When is the final round of this contest going to happen? The suspense is killing me.
Tomorrow. Saturday.
Does the Muscle Car have a future? The Muscle Car will always have a future. The Muscle Car was not only the cars but they are part of our history. I really enjoy Porsche, BMW etc. but they are nothing in comparison to the American Muscle Car. My opinion on todays cars is you really can't tell the difference from one to the other. Look at any of the muscle cars driving down the road or seeing them drag race (stock classes)and there is nothing more beautiful than these cars. Including the interior. I agree with the others in regard to black boxes and restrictions. I think the computer and the chip have replaced us as the source for creativity. It's sad. They actually did know how to make these cars handle and they did race on road courses. Check it out, you might be surprised how well they handled on road courses. I think it's rediculous to say they are unsafe. Next time your on an interstate watch who comes flying buy at high speed. Most likey It won't be a muscle car. I would only hope that these cars are available for future generations to enjoy them have the experience to drive and own them.