American muscle cars outsell hybrids in May 2011

You would think that the record-high fuel prices would force buyers away from these high performance models for fuel sipping hybrids like the Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, the Chevy Volt and the rest of the electric/ hybrid models but in May 2011 the consumers spoke out – buying a total of 19,476 American muscle cars compared to just 17,852 hybrid models. This shows that consumers are showing their appreciation for the fuel economy efforts put out by the American automakers but it may also suggest that American consumers are growing numb to the skyrocketing fuel prices.

Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge have made great strides in the area of fuel economy, with these modern American muscle cars offering far better fuel economy than their ancestors of the 1960s and 70s could have ever dreamed. The 2012 Camaro comes with variants offering 323, 400 and 426 horsepower; the 2012 Mustang offers 305, 412, 444 and 550 horsepower and the Challenger packs 305, 372, 375 and 470 horsepower – depending on the trimline chosen. These are all incredibly impressive numbers and they eclipse the output of muscle cars from just a decade ago but thanks to their ability to get fuel mileage in the range of 30mpg – these are by far the most fuel efficient American muscle cars ever.

While the disasters in Japan caused shortages that had a direct impact on the hybrid segment, it is a relief to gearheads like myself to see that not all Americans are running for the ultra-efficient and ultra-blank hybrids like the Prius – instead opting for cars that offer reasonable fuel economy with lots of American muscle and plenty of attitude. The 2012 Mustang, Camaro and Challenger don’t come anywhere near the 50mpg claim of the likes of the Toyota Prius but consumers showed last month that getting fair fuel economy in a car with some personality and the ability to actually get you somewhere in a hurry is better than getting slightly better fuel economy from a car that struggles to break the speed limit.

Editor's Note: I applaud those who have recognized the gains made by General Motors, Chrysler and Ford Motor Company to make their performance cars more efficient by purchasing one of these awesome muscle cars last month. Now, how about someone put together a real hybrid performance car? Not everyone can afford the Fisker Karma sedan and the demand for a hybrid performance car is there – now where is the supply?

Source: USA Today

Other May Sales News:
Camaro leads in May 2011 as segment sales slow
GM struggles in May 2011 but still leads the industry in sales
Chrysler leads the Big 3 in May 2011 growth
Ford shows no growth in a rough May 2011
The Nissan Leaf easily outsells the Chevy Volt in May 2011