OK, so you’re tired of reading about European supercars and hypercars and want to revere some American halo cars. No problem; these four last-word-in-the-conversation performers are star-spangled show-stoppers. Check out four of the most mind-blowing performance vehicles of America’s waning ICE library, like the Shelby GT500, Ford GT, and Chevy Corvette C8 E-Ray. 

What is a halo car?

A halo car is an automaker’s model that builds prestige by establishing itself as a brand’s performance benchmark. Famous halo cars include the McLaren F1, Ferrari F40, and Porsche 918. 

However, halo cars aren’t limited to the European continent. Many fans know the Nissan GT-R as ‘Godzilla’ for its supercar speed and track-smashing credentials. Moreover, some American models have the bragging rights to earn the illustrious moniker.  

What are some of the best American halo cars?

• Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170
• Ford GT
• Shelby GT500
• Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray

American halo cars don’t stop at track performance and bloated price tags; the Demon 170 is a strip-dominating drag car. The new C8 E-Ray is the first hybrid Corvette and the fastest model in the namesake’s history. Moreover, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 proves that a muscle car can adapt to vicious track days. Finally, the GT is a purpose-built American track car with an elite price tag. 

How fast is the Dodge Demon 170?

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is the fastest-accelerating gas-powered production car ever made. On a prepped drag surface, the 1,025-horsepower brute will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.66 seconds on its way to an 8.91-second quarter mile. 

Like its predecessor, the Demon 170 will also wheelie under hard launch conditions. The Dodge halo car is the rightful king of the most powerful muscle cars from the last 15 years. 

Is the Ford GT a halo car?

The Ford GT took one of the most famous names in American racing heritage and turned it into a track-ready halo car for modern times. Ford says the razor-sharp, 647-horsepower GT will corner at 1.11 g or more and top out at a blistering 216 mph. 

Moreover, with a price tag that flirted with half a million dollars regardless of the model year, the GT is an exclusive supercar with race car metrics. 

How much horsepower does a Shelby GT500 make?

The now-discontinued 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 produces a stratospheric 760 horsepower from a supercharged 5.2L V8 engine. However, the Shelby halo car is aided by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and a library of lightweight, high-performance track kit like carbon fiber components and six heat exchangers, per Ford Authority.  

Is the Corvette E-Ray fully electric?

The Chevy Corvette E-Ray adds a launch-happy electric motor to the C8’s already evolutionary platform to produce the first hybrid model in the namesake’s history. Moreover, the E-Ray’s 1.9 kWh battery pack and 160-horsepower front-mounted EV motor pairs with the 495-horsepower 6.2L V8 to rocket to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. 

As a result, the new E-Ray is the fastest, most advanced, and only all-wheel drive (AWD) Corvette ever. It’s undoubtedly the epitome of a new-age Chevrolet halo car.