1970s Decline of the segment[edit]

The popularity of muscle cars declined through the early 1970s, due to factors including
the Clean Air Act, the fuel crisis and increasing insurance costs. [64] The 1973 oil
crisis resulted in rationing of fuel and higher prices. Muscle cars quickly became
unaffordable and impractical for many people.[65] In addition, the automobile
insurance industry levied surcharges on all high-powered models.
Prior to Clean Air Act of 1970, a majority of muscle cars came optioned with high-
compression engines (some engines were as high as 11:1), which required high-octane
fuel. Prior to the oil embargo, 100-octane fuel was common. However, following the
passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970, octane ratings were lowered to 91 (due in part to
the removal of lead). Manufacturers were forced to reduce the compression ratio of
engines, resulting in reduced performance. Simultaneously, efforts to combat air
pollution focused Detroit's attention on emissions control rather than increased power
outputs.
1980s–1990s: Performance revival[edit]

1986 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula

Muscle car performance began a resurgence in the early 1980s with high output V8
engines introduced for the Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and Pontiac
Firebird Formula/Trans Am. Initially using four-barrel carburetors, engine performance
and fuel economy was increased by the mid-1980s using electronic fuel injection
systems and advanced engine management controls. Muscle car performance began to
reappear on intermediate two-door coupés such as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo
SS and Buick Regal. The Buick Regal used turbocharged V6 engines on the Grand
National, Turbo-T, T-Type, and GNX models which rivaled the performance of V8
engines.[66]
The few muscle cars remaining in production by the mid-1990s included the Ford
Mustang,[67][68] Chevrolet Camaro,[69][70] and Pontiac Firebird.[71][72]
2000s to present[edit]
For 2004, the Pontiac GTO was relaunched in the United States as a rebadged captive
import version of the Holden Monaro. For 2005, Chrysler introduced muscle car heritage
to high performance V8 powered versions of four-door sedans, the Dodge
Charger and Chrysler 300C, using nameplates traditionally used for two-door muscle
cars. For 2005, the fifth-generation Ford Mustang, designed to resemble the
original first-generation Mustang, brought back the aggressive lines and colors of the
original. For 2006, GM relaunched the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS with a V8 the first V8
on the Monte Carlo in 15 Years, with the same V8 engine used on the Monte Carlo's W-
Body sister cars like the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Buick Lacrosse Super, and the
Chevrolet Impala SS.
For 2008, Chrysler re-introduced the Dodge Challenger, which features styling links to
the 1970 first-generation Challenger and was claimed by the Chrysler CEO to be "a
modern take on one of the most iconic muscle cars". [73] A year later, running on that
same sentiment, Chevrolet released the 2009 Camaro, which bears some resemblance
to the 1969 first-generation Camaro.

2006 Pontiac GTO
 

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca