Welp, the seal is now officially broken: muscle cars can come equipped with AWD. So says Dodge, which, in case you haven’t heard, just introduced the Challenger GT, a V-6 motivated lead sled doling out over 300 horsepower to each of its four corners. “Blasphemy!” the muscle car faithful cry in protest. “What’s the point?” Truth is, AWD is the drivetrain du jour these days, especially amongst performance applications. As power levels rise, the tires need to call in reinforcements to put it all down. Not only that, but folks want a car that can do everything, including navigating slippery stretches of tarmac.

With that in mind, an AWD Challenger makes a little more sense, although the purists will probably continue to heap on the shame. Either way, the Challenger GT got us thinking – what are a few other modern muscle cars that could use some AWD grip?

The following list is surely gonna stir up some controversy. But pitchforks and torches don’t scare us here at TopSpeed, so let’s imagine, at least for a moment, what some of these modern muscle cars would look like with AWD… and don’t forget to post your opinions in the comments. I’m sure you’ve got plenty of ‘em.

Continue reading for TopSpeed’s Top 5 Modern Muscle Cars That Could Use All-Wheel Drive.

TopSpeed’s Top 5 Modern Muscle Cars That Could Use All-Wheel Drive

Ford Mustang

Personally, I think the Mustang is ripe for an AWD upgrade. After all, the sixth-generation ushered in a new independent rear suspension, as well as the option for a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant, so why not continue the trend with the possibility for AWD? It might help boost sales in markets where traction is at a premium, and it might help boost the car’s appeal to anyone who likes to go fast in straight lines and corners. Hell, maybe AWD ‘Stangs will be the automobile of choice at American rally cross events of the future…

If you’re still not convinced, then I’d like to direct you to one example of AWD in a Mustang done right.

Read the full review here.

Chevrolet Camaro

Not to be outdone by the Blue Oval, Chevy also recently offered up a sixth-generation of its own iconic muscle car, cutting weight and expanding underhood options with a turbo 2.0-liter four, 3.6-liter V-6, and a thumpin’ good 6.2-liter V-8.

Interestingly, handling was a major focus for the redesign, with models like the ZL1 boasting apex-oriented goodies like magnetic suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, and massive Brembo brakes. But these days, the fastest lap times tend to go those cars with an AWD trump card, which begs the question – the keep pace with the impending crop of tech-heavy sports cars, will RWD be enough?

Read the full review here.

Dodge Charger Hellcat

Personally, I think an AWD Charger Hellcat makes a lot of sense, maybe even more so than an AWD Challenger Hellcat. After all, there’s already an AWD Charger available at the lower trim levels, with 292 horsepower provided by a 3.6-liter V-6. Add in consideration for the car’s comfortable interior space and four-door practicality, and you’re looking at a rather tasty sedan. You could even use it for school drop offs.

But replace that six with a 707-horse V-8, and you may as well call it the perfect family car.

Read the full review here.

Dodge Viper

Some might call it a sports car, others might call it a supercar, and still others would call it an American exotic, but to me, the Dodge Viper is a muscle car. It’s a brutal, visceral machine, offering the right kind of attitude for stars-‘n-stripes style motoring, something perfectly aligned with muscle car greats of the past.

But like most muscle cars, the Viper is an absolute dinosaur. It’s old school technology from nose to tail, which is appealing in its own way, but in the face of high-tech rivals both foreign and domestic, it’s getting harder and harder for the Viper to compete.

As such, Dodge is giving the Viper the axe, but you know, it doesn’t have to be that way. Maybe all the Viper needs is a little modernization, with an overhaul to the V-10 engine, some lightened underpinnings, and, shoot, I don’t know… AWD?

Read the full review here.

Chevrolet Corvette

Probably the biggest controversy surrounding this all-American classic is the rumor that it’s about to go mid-engine. Forget Porsche adding a radiator to the 911 – a ‘Vette that places its engine behind the driver would be Earth-shattering, breaking the minds of Bow Tie enthusiasts the world over (even though the idea of a non-front-engine Corvette has been floating around since, well, forever).

Is it a nod to the inherent qualities of placing a car’s weight between the axles, or is it a concession to the Ford GT and European sports cars? Either way, it doesn’t really matter, because here’s something even more insane – a Corvette with AWD. And since we’ve already gone this far, let’s take it a step further and throw hybrid power into the mix.

I bet that ruffled more than a few feathers out there. But who knows, maybe it’s the right move. Think of it as a less expensive, ‘Merica-style Porsche 918.

Read the full review here.