Chevrolet is one of the first names that come to mind when we talk about muscle cars. The company has decades of experience when it comes to supercars and it has taken all this time to perfect the art of creating muscle cars. Some of our favorite Chevrolet vehicles deliver unmatched speed, superior handling, and thrill that not many other vehicles can offer.
This list looks at the baddest sports cars Chevrolet has created. While there are quite a few newer models that have made it to our list, be prepared to take a trip down memory lane as some of the fantastic muscle cars are classics that are still clear winners!
10 2017 Camaro SS
The Camaro has always been one of the most liked Americans cars. It has withstood the test of time and has often come out on top. The 2017 Camaro is a sixth-generation car that comes with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that is capable of generating 455 horsepower and 455-pound feet of torque.
The V8 engine roars when you accelerate and helps you go from zero to 60 in about four seconds flat. Also, the vehicle has been highly rated for its exceptional handling and graceful moves, especially around the corners. With its excellent chassis and handling, you're bound to have an unforgettable experience driving the 2017 Camaro SS.
9 2013 Corvette 427
Many people are of the opinion that the Corvette is the best car that Chevrolet makes. It is light-weight, super quick and extremely stylish. The 2013 model did not disappoint when it was released on the 60th anniversary of Corvette because it was powered by the same 7-liter LS7 V8 engine that is present in the ZO6 resulting in 505 horsepower and 470-pound feet of torque.
So it's no surprise that the muscle car can go from zero to 60 in just about 3.8 seconds and its maximum speed is 181 miles per hour. It has the same ZO6 carbon fiber body kit and the majority of the car’s styling elements are also derived from it. This model became particularly famous because the ZO6 engine helped it not only be extremely quick in a straight line but also handling and brakes were not compromised allowing buyers to reduce the speed, if needed, to manageable limits.
8 1963 Corvette Stingray
This was probably one of the most significant Corvettes ever released because the1963 Corvette had major suspension problems that were not getting resolved. Stingray came out as a winner in resolving those issues and ensured that Corvette became a world-class brand for years to come.
It was newly designed by Chevrolet and with split rear windows, distinct rear haunches and that amazing hood bulge it completely redefined what a stylish car looked like. Though, it was not only the styling that caught the eye of everyone but also its four-wheel independent suspension and 360 horsepower from the V8 engine that made it one of the fastest cars of its time.
7 1989 Corvette ZR-I
Corvette ZR-I was a result of a partnership between Corvette and Lotus whose sole objective was to develop a car that could compete with prominent supercars of that time. The partnership with Lotus benefited Corvette quite a lot and resulted in the creation of an exciting muscle car.
Lotus designed the LT5 V8 engine and with its performance upgrades, it set the performance standards that people still expect from Chevrolet. Also, ZR-I is probably the most radical Corvette ever. It could provide up to 405 horsepower and had a maximum speed of 180 miles per hour. This allowed it to go from zero to sixty in about 4.5 seconds.
6 2009 Corvette ZR-I
With its 6.2 liter-supercharged V8 engine, that provides a quite stunning 632 horsepower, this Corvette was a perfect example of car-making genius. Its top speed is 200mph and can cover 60mph in 3.3 seconds. Its engine required Chevrolet to make a stronger transmission as well as specialized tires and they did just that.
5 1968 Camaro Z28
Mustang was giving stiff competition to a lot of sports car manufacturers in the 1960s and Chevrolet needed to up its game to stay competitive. It did that in the form of 1967 Camaro Z28. With its good looks, impressive performance, and a myriad of options, it managed to attract buyers away from Ford.
In addition to all this, the muscle car's base model was relatively cheaper. The price would increase depending on the options that you chose. It had a V8 engine that delivered more than 290 horsepower. It’s F41 sports suspension, front disc brakes, wide wheel, and sharp steering meant that it had superb handling too.
4 1969 Camaro ZL1
This has got to be one of the most powerful Camaros ever made. It was a car that redefined everything people knew about sports cars at that time. One of the reasons it was so revolutionary was that it was the first Chevrolet that replaced the iron engine block with aluminum. Hence, reducing unnecessary weight resulting in better acceleration and speed.
The 427 V8 engine provided 450 horsepower which allowed buyers to go from zero to 60 in just 5.1 seconds. Chevrolet did not build a lot of this model though. In fact, only 69 were ever built. Hence it is very rare to find them but if you do then this is a supercar beast that merits a drive.
3 2015 Corvette Z06
Many people believe that this is the most powerful car Chevrolet has ever built. Its 6.2-liter V8 supercharged engine makes it provide a whopping 650 horsepower. The most remarkable thing that Chevrolet did with this car is to make its engine similar to LT1 resulting in one of the smallest compact engines ever made to produce 650 horsepower.
It is also remarkably cheap considering the horsepower that it is able to generate. It produces 12 horsepower more than the LS9 V8 in the old Corvette ZRI. In addition to carbon-fiber panels, it also has an electric power steering, seven-speed manual, an optional eight-speed automatic, and a removable roof panel.
2 1957 Corvette C1
No list of the baddest Chevy sports cars can be complete without including Corvette C1 because this was the first sports car Chevrolet made.
It had a V8 engine and depending on the option bought it could produce horsepower in the range of 220 to 283hp. The 1975 Corvette came with fuel injection and featured 3-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speel manual, and optional power windows. The engine displacement was increased from 265ci to 283 ci which helped make it gain the legendary status that it has today.
1 2013 Corvette ZR1
This was the year when the Corvette truly transitioned from sports car to supercar. This popular muscle car features a 6.2 liter LS9 V8 engine that allowed it to produce an astonishing 638 horsepower and 604-pound feet of torque. It had added features like magnetic ride suspension, some aerodynamic upgrades, which made it go from zero to sixty in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205 miles per hour.
The vehicle is available in hatchback, coupe, and convertible roadster body styles. As with all Corvettes, it is not only the straight-line speed where they excel, 2013 ZRI also has exceptional handling capabilities with crisp steering, amazing brakes, and steady behavior in the corners.