{"id":61270,"date":"2023-03-08T19:23:03","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T00:23:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/motor-junkie.com\/?p=61270"},"modified":"2023-06-27T15:44:46","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T19:44:46","slug":"the-last-of-us-the-best-cars-to-own-before-the-fuel-runs-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.motor-junkie.com\/the-last-of-us-the-best-cars-to-own-before-the-fuel-runs-out\/61270\/","title":{"rendered":"The Last Of Us: The Best Cars To Own Before The Fuel Runs Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you probably know, the era of fossil fuel-burning cars is slowly coming to an end. After over 100 years of gasoline and diesel consumption in passenger vehicles, the industry and car community will soon go electric. This won’t just change driving dynamics everywhere, but also the urban landscape forever. The change will put gasoline-powered cars into museums. The sad truth is that EVs are not as nearly as fun to drive as gas-powered models even though they have fantastic acceleration figures. The problem is in the detached driving feel of new electric models<\/a> and the fact that all EV cars are very heavy.<\/p>\n

That being said, it’s time for us to compile the list of cars we recommend you own or drive before it is too late. These vehicles are designed for sheer driving pleasure, speed, and performance. They are cars that will convince you that the ideals of driving are not behind the wheel of an EV, but behind the thumping fossil-fueled engine which roars and spits fire through the exhaust. Here are the cars you should drive before gasoline-powered cars become extinct. Enjoy them right here.<\/p>\n

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Aston Martin V12 Vantage<\/h2>\n

The success of the regular Vantage inspired Aston’s engineers to think further. What if they took the standard V8 Vantage and installed the mighty V12 engine from the top-of-the-line DBS model? There was only one way to find out. Soon, prototypes roamed around Aston’s headquarters (via Edmunds<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Engineers were surprised at how good the new car turned out to be. The V12 engine with 510 HP transformed the nature of this compact sports car and made it a British muscle car with fantastic road manners. The acceleration was brutal as well as the top speed<\/a>. Also, the big V12 didn’t affect the weight distribution or balance. In an era of robotized automatic transmissions, the V12 Vantage left the factory with a six and later seven-speed manual, which proved to be the enthusiast’s choice. This is one of the last old-school sports cars<\/a> and a definitive future classic that maintains a high value.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plymouth Hemi Cuda<\/h2>\n

Two of the biggest Chrysler legends from the classic days of muscle car culture<\/a> are the Barracuda and the 426 Hemi engine. All through the ’60s, those icons of the industry didn’t mix. In 1970, Plymouth offered this legendary engine in Barracuda’s body style, immediately creating one of the fastest and most desirable muscle cars ever made (via Auto Express<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The mighty Hemi engine was an expensive<\/a>, top-of-the-line option for 1970 and 1971 available in coupe or convertible form. It cost around $900 over the price<\/a> of standard Barracuda and was put in just about 600 coupes and only 17 convertibles during its two-year production period. The power was a reported 425 HP, but everybody knew that the orange monster delivered more than 500 HP straight from the box.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Top Gear<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3<\/h2>\n

Back in the late 1960s, Mercedes took a giant leap forward by introducing the 300 SEL 6.3 version of their luxury sedan<\/a> W109. This was the first power sedan for the company since the mighty 6.3-liter V8 engine<\/a> with 250 HP and 434 lb.-ft of torque sat under the hood. From the outside, the formal Mercedes sedan looked ordinary apart from its twin tailpipes (via Auto Evolution<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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However, when you kicked the accelerator pedal, you could leave a Porsche 911 in the dust. This Benz was made for cruising the Autobahn at speeds of around 140 mph for hours straight. Fans who love European speed should get their hands on this car while they still can.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Motor 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dodge Ram SRT-10<\/h2>\n

Produced from 2004 to 2006, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 is still one of the craziest and most powerful pickups ever built<\/a>. That’s saying a lot since Dodge always had wild and high-powered versions of their trucks. But just look at the specs here. The truck has an 8.2-liter V10 engine with over 500 HP and a 0 to 60 mph time of fewer than five seconds. It also has fuel economy in single digits<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Dodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That was all topped off with a crazy bright red or yellow paint job, two white racing stripes, and big shiny chrome wheels (via Car and Driver<\/a>). It was something you couldn’t miss if you saw it on the street. Of course, with the price tag of over $45,000, the SRT-10 wasn’t exactly a sales hit, but they did produce a decent number of them throughout a three-year production run<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Porsche<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Porsche 911 GT3 RS<\/h2>\n

The GT3 is practically the greatest-hits compilation of all the best components of the current model. In this brand-new form, drivers get a 530 HP engine, a PDK transmission with a six-speed manual option, a full roll cage, Michelin Pilot Cup 2 racing tires, and a fire extinguisher since this is practically a race car for the streets (via Porsche<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Porsche<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is one of the last cars offered with proper manual transmission and one of the purest driving machines money can buy. That is why it deserves to be powered by the last drops of fuel on the planet.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Motor Trend<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon<\/h2>\n

If for any reason, 707 HP from the Hellcat package is not enough for you and you want the ultimate modern muscle car<\/a> and the most powerful street Hemi engine ever made, the Demon package is just the thing. With standard fuel, it will deliver an insane 808 HP. But if you use high-octane stuff, it will pump out almost 840 HP (via Car and Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car and Driver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The rest of the Demon package is equally insane. From its special transmission, suspension, and brakes to its widebody stance and exterior details. Acceleration from 0 to 60 is less than three seconds, and under full power, the Demon will accelerate with 1.8 G force. That’s faster than being dropped off a cliff. The car is capable of covering a quarter-mile sprint in less than 10 seconds straight from the dealership.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dodge Viper ACR<\/h2>\n

The last generation Viper was gone in 2017 due to slow<\/a> sales. But a car like the Viper wouldn’t go out without a fight, and the previous special edition<\/a>, the 2016 Viper ACR, was the best and one of the most track-ready cars in the world. As you already know, ACR Vipers were always the purist’s dream and specially prepared road\/track cars with sublime handling and performance (via Car Throttle<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The secret of the ACR Viper was a slightly more powerful engine with 645 HP, significant weight loss, a perfectly balanced chassis, race tires, and powerful Brembo brakes. Unfortunately, at $120,000, it wasn’t cheap by any means, but it is worth<\/a> every cent.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shelby Cobra 427<\/h2>\n

With a 0-60 mph time<\/a> of just 4.3 seconds, the Shelby Cobra 427 was the fastest production car in America in the ’60s. The biggest Ford<\/a> V8 engine in the lightest roadster body was equally extreme then as it is today. But there’s one thing you must know (via Shelby American<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Shelby Cobra 427 has a 7.0-liter V8 with around 400 HP in a tiny roadster body that weighs about 2000<\/a> pounds. With that much horsepower sent to the rear wheels of a body so light, the Cobra 427 spelled trouble<\/a> from the moment the first examples left the factory.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lincoln Continental<\/h2>\n

When Lincoln showed the new model in 1961, the automotive public was stunned. The beautiful elegance of the styling, conservative chrome, and futuristic design transformed the four-door luxury model into a work of modern art. All of a sudden, sales jumped and the new Continental became the official car of the White House because of its stately appearance and restrained elegance (Via How Stuff Works<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best exterior feature was its suicide doors, with the rear doors opening toward the traffic. Of course, this wasn’t the best solution, but it added to the charm of this Continental. Interestingly, Lincoln offered a very cool-looking four-door convertible model, which proved to be very popular and unique on the market.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Muscle Cars And Trucks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shelby GT350 R<\/h2>\n

The Shelby GT 350 R is a pure sports car that delivers excellent driving dynamics and experience to the driver. It’s much closer to Porsche GT3 in terms of precision driving and cornering speeds than it is to the humble Mustangs<\/a> of yesteryear. This car is not only one of the fastest Mustangs ever<\/a>, but also one of the best sports cars made in recent years (via Car and Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The main feature of this high-revving powerplant is its flat-plane crank technology, which allows the big V8 to scream to almost 9000 rpm. It is the same technology that exotic manufacturers use, like Ferrari. This is the first time that a muscle car<\/a> has such an advanced engine. Ford’s investment in Shelby GT 350 R paid off since the performance is mind-boggling, needing only 3.9 seconds for 0 to 60 mph.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Top Gear<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alfaholic GTA-R<\/h2>\n

Classic Alfa Romeos are one of the most beautiful yet<\/a> obtainable classics from the ’60s. The romantic lines of the Tipo 105 Coupe are amazingly still elegant and dynamic as they were 50 years ago, and it’s not hard to understand why classic car fans went crazy over those beautiful coupes (via Alfaholics<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Top Gear<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the outside, it looks like an Alfa Romeo GTA, a classic racing<\/a> version. But the second look reveals all the improvements and an extreme level of detail. Under the hood is a blueprinted 2.3-liter four-cylinder twin-cam Alfa engine with individual throttle bodies and fuel injection. The engine delivers 240 HP and sends them to the rear wheels over a special lightweight 5-speed manual transmission<\/a>. The suspension is custom-made with disc brakes all around. The whole car weighs 1500 pounds and can lap the famous Nurburgring track in less than eight minutes. Best of all, this Alfa won’t leave you stranded by the side of the road and won’t rust.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Car And Driver<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Audi RS6 Avant<\/h2>\n

When you see the RS badge on an Audi, you know an exceptional car is in front of you. For decades now, since the legendary RS2 from the early ’90s, Audi has been producing crazy fast wagons in A4 and A6 range. Equipped with the most powerful engines, the company has, along with renewed Quattro all-wheel drive<\/a> for enhanced traction and performance. Unfortunately, the RS wagon range is not available in the USA. But it still deserves a place on this list for the package’s sheer beauty, power, and craziness (via Audi Media<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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The latest RS6 model is an elegant station wagon<\/a> powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 605 HP. The Quattro intelligent all-wheel-drive system is responsible for putting the power to the ground, and the final result is astonishing. The 0 to 60 mph time of 3.9 seconds in a station wagon<\/a> which can carry five people and their entire luggage is genuinely magnificent.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cadillac DeVille<\/h2>\n

The last drops of fuel on Earth must be used to power a classic<\/a> 1959 Cadillac. This car represents many great things about the brand and classic American cars that are simply landmark moments in design and technology. First, the design of the 1959 model year saw Cadillac’s<\/a> most noticeable feature – chrome fins that went to ridiculous heights. Second, the technology as Cadillac improved the mechanical layout with an improved suspension, components, and a 6.4-liter V8 engine with up to 320 HP (via Hemmings<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: BaT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 1959 Cadillac sold a staggering 142,000 units, which is respectable even by today’s standards. Cadillac sold several models, including the Eldorado, and Fleetwood limousine. And even a bare chassis with engines for commercial users like ambulances and hearses. Thanks to its timeless design, tremendous power, and quality, 1959 remains one of the best years in Cadillac’s history and one of the landmark American cars of all time<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: BMW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

BMW M2<\/h2>\n

The 2015 M2 is one of the best driver’s cars<\/a> on the planet. It combined BMW’s driving dynamics, proven German quality, and M Power heritage. It is also a modern-day equivalent of the legendary 2002 Turbo and a classic German muscle car. To create the M2, BMW<\/a> took the compact platform of the 2 Series models. Praised for its precision driving and sharp handling, BMW added a performance-tuned suspension, wider track, and bigger brakes. But most important of all was the 365 HP 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine (via Hey Car<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Hey Car<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As you could expect, the result is fantastic, and the M2 is an Autobahn missile of the highest order with a 4.1-second 0 to 60 mph time and a top speed of 168 mph. Also, as a nod to classic performance cars<\/a>, the new M2 is available as a six-speed manual. This is the version you should buy if you consider yourself a true car enthusiast<\/a>. For the 2018 model year, BMW slightly upgraded the M2 both mechanically<\/a> and cosmetically with a new grille, sharper handling, and a slight bump in power output. The new model will debut later this year.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lexus LFA<\/h2>\n

Lexus needed something to draw the attention of hardcore car enthusiasts<\/a>, and a supercar was just the thing that the company needed. That’s how the LFA was born. The heart of the super-capable sports car was a 4.3-liter V10 engine, which put out 560 HP (via Lexus<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Pinterest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is an RWD coupe with a special six-speed robotized automatic transmission that shifts fast and accurately. The rest of the car was equally advanced, with innovative materials, bespoke components, and perfect craftsmanship throughout.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Ford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ford Mustang Boss 302<\/h2>\n

Ever since the first retro Mustangs<\/a> appeared in showrooms across America, Ford fans asked for the return of the Boss 302. For those who don’t know, the Boss 302 was first introduced in 1969 as a racing car homologation special intended for Trans-Am races (via Motor Trend<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Ford<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

43 years later, Ford revived the Boss 302 with a new 5.0-liter Coyote V8 which delivered 444 HP and 380 lb.-ft of torque. Again, this was almost a pure racing car with no back seat and a factory-installed roll cage. It also had a host of other external and internal modifications. As you would expect, the performance was better than the regular Mustang GT. The 2012 Boss 302 could accelerate to 60 mph in 3.97 seconds and top 155 mph.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Edmunds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

McLaren F1<\/h2>\n

There is much written about the F1 – how it was designed and produced, and how it changed the supercar world forever. So let’s just repeat the basics. The F1 was introduced in 1992 and stayed in production until 1998 (via Car and Driver<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During that period, McLaren produced 106 cars, including the GT-R versions, highly successful racing models. The F1 featured a bespoke 6.1-liter V12 engine made by BMW Motorsport, which delivered 627 HP and had a six-speed manual transmission.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Porsche<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Porsche 959<\/h2>\n

The Porsche 959 is one of the fastest and also most advanced and technologically complex supercars of the ’80s. The 959 was a super Porsche in every way, not only by design but also by performance and price. It was a perfect blend of experience from racing, the latest technology, and turbocharging (via Porsche<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Automotion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Introduced in 1987, the 959 had a 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six engine with 450 HP. That powered all four wheels over an intelligent AWD system, the first of its kind for Porsche. The car also had traction control, ABS, and a host of electronic systems, which helped the driver. Even though all this is standard in most new cars today, it was space-age technology in the late ’80s. The performance of this technological tour de force was also astonishing. A 0 to 60 mph sprint was possible in just 3.7 seconds.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Dodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ram TRX<\/h2>\n

Although the car industry<\/a> is inevitably going in the direction of electric and renewable energy sources, it’s good to know that the people at Dodge are still neck-deep in gasoline oblivion. How else can we explain the newest and most significant addition to the extreme truck<\/a> class – the 2021 Ram TRX? If you don’t know what the TRX is, it’s a cross between the Ram Rebel and Dodge Challenger Hellcat. In other words, an all-terrain beast with a supercharged Hemi under the hood and a bad attitude (via Ram Trucks<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Auto WP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With a starting price of $69,000, it isn’t cheap. But it is an extremely capable, fast, and durable vehicle whose sole aim is to beat Ford’s Raptor in every aspect. That’s why it has a 702 HP engine under the hood, and a specially tuned chassis, suspension, and gearbox. It really is the new king of the hill when it comes to extreme off-road trucks<\/a> you can get from your local dealer.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Chevrolet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06<\/h2>\n

If you think that the Corvette C8 is a fantastic machine, you’re right. But Chevrolet<\/a> has only just started producing models based on this innovative architecture. The first specialty version is the Z06 and it’s a genuinely ground-breaking machine. As always, the Z06 is a more performance-oriented model with a unique engine and features. The 2023 edition is all of that and more. It’s the most potent naturally-aspirated sports car you can buy at the moment. It is a proper beast with 670 HP coming from a screaming flat-plane 5.5-liter V8 (via Chevrolet<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Chevrolet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But the power and incredible noise coming from quad tailpipes are not all. The Corvette C8 Z06 has particular dual-clutch transmission, specially tuned suspension, and brakes. Making<\/a> it insanely capable on the track and noticeably quicker than the standard C8. Of course, this model is also significantly more expensive and costs over $100,000.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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