“They should’ve put a V8 in it!” If you spend enough time online, you’ll come across that comment in regards to certain cars. Take the Plymouth Prowler or the second-generation Ford F-150 Raptor as examples of this kind of thinking. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has never been offered by the factory with anything other than a four-cylinder engine, making it the perfect target for the lamentations of power-hungry enthusiasts. Well, the people behind our Pick of the Day, an LS7-powered 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata track car posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Wisconsin, did put a V8 in it – and a big one, too.
For the 2006 model year, Mazda released an all-new, third generation of the MX-5 Miata. The “NC,” as it’s otherwise known, was a front-mid-engine car based on a new platform covered with new exterior styling. Weight went down and rigidity increased. Mazda paired the new 170-horsepower, 140-lb-ft 2.0-liter I4 with a standard five-speed manual gearbox, an available six-speed stick, or an all-new six-speed automatic (which shaved output slightly to 166 horsepower). Trim levels included the base Club Spec, MX-5, Touring, Sport, and flagship Grand Touring.
Despite its modest power, the Miata is a perennial favorite for people who like to go to the track. But whoever got their wrenches on this one, which is reportedly based on an MX-5 Cup car campaigned by Playboy Enterprises Inc., decided that more is more. He or she yanked out the original engine and replaced it with a new LS7 7.0-liter V8 crate engine running a dry-sump oiling system. In the C6 Corvette Z06, the LS7 pumped out 505 horsepower; here, it produces 520 – at the wheels.
Of course, everything around that had to be beefed up, so the builder(s) installed a Tranzilla six-speed manual from Rockland Standard Gear Inc., custom axles, and the rear differential from a fifth-generation Camaro. A V8 Roadsters tubular suspension with Ohlins adjustable coilovers and a set of big Wilwood brakes keep this race car on the track. Whoever modified this car also made sure to fit it with a vented hood, a dramatic red and silver color scheme, a black hardtop, and Konig wheels.
The cockpit was completely overhauled as well. Instead of carpeting, it now has exposed Thermo-Tec heat and sound insulation. When the detachable Sparco steering wheel is in place, it sits in front of an AiM dash logger. The driver and a lucky passenger (who doesn’t get motion sickness) are held in place during high-G turns by a pair of black racing buckets and surrounded by a roll cage.
If you want to see how wild a V8-powered Miata can be at your local track (and find out who you can beat with one), add this this LS7-powered 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata to your paddock. All you need to do to qualify for the race is pay the asking price of $79,900.
Everybody knows the Chevrolet Corvette, and for 8 decades and eight generations, this has been America’s favorite sports car. Such a long and impressive history means that the Corvette was produced in numerous versions and models, and that not all are equally known and popular. Today, we will present you with a list of rare and unknown Corvettes that are equally important parts of Corvette history. Some are production models, some are concepts, and some are prototypes, but all are forgotten and lost to time. We even included the cars based on Corvette chassis and drivetrains.
1. Corvette Stingray XP-87
Photo Credit: GM
The story of the 1959 Stingray Concept is very interesting since this car was much more than just another styling exercise. In fact, it presented the ’63 Corvette design and was based on the 1957 Corvette SS experimental race car, which even won the 1960 SCCA championship.
Photo Credit: GM
Chevrolet’s engineers managed to keep the weight down to only 2,200 pounds using a lightweight plastic body, race chassis, and aluminum. With a fuel-injected 283 V8 engine and 315 HP, the Stingray Concept had a fantastic performance, which helped it become successful at racing. The car was even featured in Elvis Presley’s movie “Clambake,” but painted red.
2. Corvette Mako Shark Concept
Photo Credit: Mecum
The world knows the fantastic 1963 Corvette Stingray’s unique styling, but where does it come from? In 1961, Chevrolet presented a Mako Shark Concept car, a roadster with all the important Corvette design cues and a special paint job that resembled a real shark.
Photo Credit: GM
The legend says that designer Harley Earl got the idea while he was on a shark fishing trip and tortured GM’s design department employees to match the fish’s color. However, Mako Shark became one of the most sought-after concepts of the decade and a true design icon.
3. Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
Photo Credit: Pinterest
In the early ’60s, Chevrolet was successful in motorsports. With Zora Arkus Duntov and Ed Cole as head engineers for Corvette, the racing version of the Corvette Stingray was a logical next step in its development. The Corvette has already proven itself on the market, and now it was time to establish itself on the race track. Back then, Ford sponsored the Shelby Cobra, which was dominant at the race tracks. And the Corvette team wanted to beat it. So, Zora and his team prepared five Grand Sport Corvettes with modified bodies, special suspensions, fully loaded race engines, and other specially built components. The Grand Sport Corvette had over 550 hp and was capable of brutal performance. The Corvette team had big plans and entered the Grand Sport Corvettes in several races.
Photo Credit: GM
It got promising results until General Motors decided to stop all racing activities in early 1963. For some reason, GM decided to stop investing in all forms of racing. This killed the fantastic Grand Sport program before it could prove its worth, making the Corvette Grand Sport one of the racing world’s greatest “what if” stories. All five cars survived and are accounted for today.
4. Chevrolet Corvette Rondine
Photo Credit: Motor Authority
In 1963, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray stunned the global automotive audience with its fantastic design, sharp edges, split window feature, and brutal performance. It was the epitome of an American sports car at its finest. However, in Turin, Italy, the talented designers at Pininfarina thought that they could do it better, and in cooperation with Chevrolet, they got the chance to prove themselves.
Photo Credit: GM
The result was Corvette Rondine, a fully operational and usable concept car from 1963 that debuted at the Paris Motor Show. Since Chevrolet commissioned the car, it graced General Motors’ stand. It had a 327/360 V8 engine, 4-speed manual transmission, and disc brakes. Despite the pleas for production, this gorgeous car remained a unique example and one of the most beautiful American cars with Italian design.
5. Turbo Corvette C3
Photo Credit: GM
The late ’70s were a sad time for American performance; all cars lost power and became increasingly boring. Corvette wasn’t the exception, and to try to regain some power, Corvette engineers designed the Turbo Corvette as a factory prototype.
Photo Credit: Motor Trend
The car used an L82 350 V8 engine with a turbocharger and Cadillac’s fuel injection. The 1979 Turbo Corvette prototype could deliver up to 300 HP, which was insane by the day’s standards. However, you needed racing 103-octane fuel to produce such power.
6. Corvette Conan ZR-12
Photo Credit: GM
When it was introduced in the mid-’80s, the C4 chassis was a state-of-the-art component. During production, Chevrolet knew that it could handle much more power than stock. To test exactly how much power the C4 chassis could withstand, the Corvette team built the Conan ZR-12 prototype.
Photo Credit: GM
This custom Corvette’s frame was 5 inches longer than stock and had an enormous V12 engine under the hood. The engine delivered 700 HP and an insane 750 lb-ft of torque; even with that kind of power under the hood, the C4 chassis proved to be a perfect match.
7. Bertone Mantide
Photo Credit: GM
Italians love the Corvette, and over the years, various Italian-designed houses have produced numerous versions of America’s favorite sports cars. One of the latest is the strange but very fast Bertone Mantide.
Photo Credit: GM
Introduced in 2009, Mantide is a total redesign of the Corvette ZR1. It retains all the mechanics, drivetrain, and engine but puts on a new, lighter, and more aerodynamically efficient body. This means that the Mantide has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 647 hp and slightly better performance. Ten examples were planned for production, but there needs to be clarification on how many precisely exist.
8. 2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6-R
Photo Credit: GM
In the late ’90s, Chevrolet decided to enter the GT racing scene with a specially designed and built race car, the Corvette C5 R. The C5 R proved highly successful and opened the way for the C6 R, the next generation, which featured an improved engine and better technology and became one of the most successful American racing cars of all time.
Photo Credit: GM
The C6 R debuted in 2005 and stayed in racing use until 2013, which is quite a long time for a high-tech racing machine. The car was built on a Corvette Z06 basis, featuring several V8 engines with displacement varying from 5.5 to 7.0 liters. The Corvette C5 R proved extremely dependable and fast and was well-received by racing teams worldwide. In 2006, this yellow beast managed to repeat history and win the class victory at Le Mans, a success that has since been repeated a few times.
9. Callaway Corvette C4 Sledgehammer
Photo Credit: Bring a Trailer
Rives Callaway established Callaway Cars in 1977, long after the muscle car craze had ended and high horsepower performance machines were a thing of the past. He specialized in producing turbocharger kits to be installed chiefly on European cars. His knowledge, expertise, and the start of the turbo era perfectly lined up, and the company took off.
Photo Credit: Motor Trend
To show the twin-turbo C4’s real potential, Callaway produced the legendary Sledgehammer Corvette, a highly modified and heavily turbocharged 1988 Corvette with 898 HP and a top speed of over 250 mph. Only two cars were built and tested. Even though it was a road-legal vehicle, it was a prototype.
10. Iso Grifo 90
Photo Credit: GM
The legendary IsoGrifo from the ’60s and early ’70s left an everlasting mark on the industry, so in 1990, Pietro Rivolta, son of the founder, presented the Grifo 90 concept. This concept used a Corvette C4 chassis with a special new body designed by renowned stylist Marcello Gandini. Unfortunately, financial problems forced the project to be canceled, and Grifo 90 was forgotten.
Photo Credit: GM
Fast-forward two decades, and a group of young Italian engineers decided to revive the project, this time using a Corvette C5 as a basis and dressing it up in a gorgeous yellow Grifo 90 body style. You can spec your Grifo 90 with a 490 HP engine and Corvette Z06 chassis, which makes it a speedy and capable sports car.
Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda hardtop. Wearing new duds, the redesigned Barracuda was expected to be a smash hit but the sporty car market was down, and Barracuda sales even lagged its more expensive cousin, the Dodge Challenger, by a long shot. Nonetheless, the all-new Barracuda (and the performance-oriented ‘Cuda model we have here) exploited everything that was desirable about pony cars, like deft proportions, an engine suitable for every type of consumer, and enough options to make a Mustang envious. The car in this AutoHunter Spotlight features a 335-horsepower 383, which was the standard engine for the ‘Cuda, backed by a TorqueFlite automatic. Painted “FJ5” Limelight” with white vinyl top over a black vinyl interior, this muscle Mopar comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.
The Limelight hue is seemingly made brighter by the white vinyl top. Other exterior features include front Elastomeric bumper, non-functional scooped hood with pins and lanyards, dual racing mirrors, rear panel blackout, driving lights, “gilled” rocker panels, and rear spoiler. A set of 14-inch Rallye wheels are wrapped in F70 Goodyear Polyglas white-letter radials.
The black interior features front bucket seats divided by a console housing a Slap-Stik shifter. Other features include woodgrain trim, pushbutton AM radio, two-spoke steering wheel, and driver-side remote mirror.
Instrumentation includes a 150-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the oil pressure, coolant temperature, alternator, clock, and fuel. The odometer currently shows 1,403 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
The “’Cuda 383” V8 was originally rated at 335 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor. It’s connected to a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic.
Underneath, you’ll find drum brakes on all four corners. A dual exhaust system is routed through the rear valence panel.
Limelight is among the brightest of Mopar High Impact colors during the era. Combined with a white vinyl top and Elastomeric front bumper, this 1970 ‘Cuda 383 hardtop really pops—dare I say it’s pretty? If you want to go on a date with her, be sure to place a bid because the auction ends on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
This 1934 Chevrolet Master five-window coupe was the subject of a custom build completed in 2003 that included chopping the top, stretching the hood, shaving the steel body, and installing a 350ci V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission. The chassis features a Heidts Superide independent front suspension system, rack-and-pinion steering, front disc brakes, a four-link rear suspension setup, and adjustable coilovers front and rear. Inside, gray cloth upholstery covers the bucket seats, headliner, door panels, and trim panels, and an aftermarket air conditioning system is mounted in a custom brushed dash panel along with a cassette stereo and digital gauges. Additional equipment includes a Lecarra steering wheel, a tilting column, a B&M shifter, and polished 15″ Centerline wheels. This Chevrolet five-window street rod was purchased by the owner in 2000 and is now offered on dealer consignment in Delaware with build photos, records, and a clean Maryland title.
The roof was chopped 4″, the hood and hood side panels were stretched 6″ in length, and the doors were shaved before the steel body was finished in red in 2003. The trunk was shaved, custom hood side vents were added, the rear bumper was shaved, a flush-mounted third brake light and taillights were fitted, and orange and blue flames were airbrushed on the grille surround and hood panels. Additional details include a brushed fuel filler and door mirrors as well as tinted glass.
The car rides on a Heidts Superide independent front suspension system with chrome-plated control arms and rack-and-pinion steering along with a rear triangulated four-link setup and adjustable coilovers at all four corners. Polished 15″ Centerline alloy wheels are wrapped in 185/65 BFGoodrich Touring T/A front tires and 285/70 BFGoodrich Radial T/A rear tires. Braking is handled by front discs and rear drums.
The cabin features low-back bucket seats, door and trim panels, and a center console upholstered in gray cloth. The custom dash panel houses a Kenwood cassette stereo as well as an aftermarket air conditioning system, and a B&M ratcheting floor shifter is mounted below a brushed cover. A Lecarra steering wheel is mounted to a brushed tilting steering column.
The brushed dash panel houses a set of digital instruments consisting of a speedometer and readouts for oil pressure, voltage, coolant temperature, and fuel level. An AutoMeter tachometer is mounted ahead of the shifter. The digital odometer indicates just under 10k miles, which is said to be the mileage added since the 2003 build.
The 350ci V8 is fitted with an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold and an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor as well as a polished air cleaner lid and valve covers with flame engraving. Coated block-hugger headers feed into a dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission, a TCI torque converter, and a 9″ rear end with a 3.50:1 differential.
A binder of build photos and records will accompany the car.
Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 1976 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, which is powered by a 1600cc horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Finished in Competition Orange and equipped with a black convertible top over a black vinyl interior, this VW Bug is now offered by the seller in Oregon with service records, an emissions report, a car cover, spare parts (including an engine), and a clear title.
After being stored for more than 10 years, this Beetle was recently refreshed. Its Competition Orange exterior features chrome bumpers with black trim, chrome trim, front fender-mounted turn signals, chrome side mirror housings, running boards, and dual exhaust outlets. A black manual soft top covers the passenger compartment.
The 15-inch chrome wheels have VW-branded hubcaps and come wrapped in 165/80 Federal Super Steel 657 radial tires.
Inside the cabin is black vinyl front bucket and rear bench seating. Features include manual windows, a floor-mounted shifter, and a locking glove box.
A VDO 100-mph speedometer with an integrated fuel gauge displays important information. The analog odometer shows 87,522 miles, but the title for this vehicle indicates it’s mileage-exempt.
The original engine was swapped out for a 1600cc horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that has less than 200 miles on it. The powerplant is connected to a four-speed manual gearbox. New parts include a two-barrel carburetor, clutch, throwout bearing, pressure plate, and battery.
Underpinnings consist of a four-wheel independent suspension and drum brakes, which have been updated with new drums and shoes.
The parts that come with the purchase of this VW Beetle consist of a rebuildable engine, three spare carburetors, two distributors and flywheels, a workbench-mountable engine stand, and more.
There’s plenty of weird stuff on the Intertnet. Once in awhile, however, you stumble upon something that doesn’t garner the viral treatment for one reason or another. This story is one of them.
If you look at the above picture, it appears that a 1970-72 Corvette slammed into someone’s garage. This is a story that is somewhat common on American roads: someone has been drinking and rounds the corner too fast and, next thing you know, the car he or she was driving has hit a house. Sometimes the corner is trouble-prone and has been the scene of several accidents in the past.
However, those accidents usually don’t involve a classic car. By the looks of the image, this one does—how did the driver of this Vette end up on top of the car in the garage, destroying another classic in the process?
According to a Facebook post by the New Castle County (DE) Paramedics, a team of Technical Rescue Paramedics were called to an address as part of the NCC Structural Collapse Team to assist the Mill Creek Fire Company “in treating the driver of the striking vehicle” and “to shore the structure.”
This story was reported in this news article: the Corvette slammed into a garage and landed atop a vintage Chevy. Yet that’s not what happened despite “information from this article was provided by New Castle County paramedics and the Claymont Fire Company.”
(Image courtesy of New Castle County Paramedics on Facebook)
Glancing at this other image, you can see that there is a late-model SUV to the right of the garage. What likely happened is that the SUV hit the garage and knocked the Corvette off a lift, which collapsed upon the ’66 Nova SS underneath. The SUV stopped after hitting a neighboring house.
This other article confirms the above sequence of events. And, if you look at a map, Claymont is far from the accident scene, so no idea why the Claymont Fire Company was consulted in the first story because clearly the narrative was not correct.
We can only hope that the collector had proper insurance coverage.
The monochromatic look wasn’t yet a thing in the 1960s, though the 1968 Pontiac GTO introduced the concept to American audiences. Soon, other manufacturers followed suit, as evidenced by the below cars currently listed on AutoHunter of ClassicCars.com.
Can you tell us more about the quartet of cars posted below? List the model year, brand, and model in the Comments section below. And if you’re finding yourself stuck, you can always click on an image for a hint.
The Hellcat is arguably the most excellent modern American V8. Based on Hemi technology, which is already a legend in its own right and equipped with a massive supercharger, this engine delivers an insane amount of power, followed by a supercharger whine. With over 700 hp and brutal performance, this engine makes every car it was installed in an instant classic and sought-after piece of Detroit’s steel. So, let’s see what cars have this fantastic engine installed.
1. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Photo Credit: Dodge
The original Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat shook the modern performance world when it debuted for the 2015 model year. Powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 producing 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the Challenger SRT Hellcat reignited the muscle car arms race and gave birth to a new golden age of American horsepower.
Photo Credit: Car Magazine
Combining retro styling with cutting-edge powertrain tech, it became an instant icon, offering blistering straight-line speed with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. With quarter-mile times in the 10s and a ferocious exhaust note, you could still buy a factory muscle car that felt like a dragstrip hero straight from the showroom floor.
2. Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Photo Credit: MOPAR
Not content with a two-door coupe, Dodge applied the Hellcat formula to the full-size Charger sedan. The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat took the same supercharged V8 and created what was, at the time, the most potent production four-door car in the world. With 707 horsepower on tap, this full-size family sedan could hit 60 mph in under four seconds and outrun sports cars that cost twice as much.
Photo Credit: Edmunds
The Charger SRT Hellcat proved that practicality and performance could live harmoniously, delivering school runs and high-speed highway blasts equally efficiently. Its widebody variant added improved handling, aggressive stance, and better traction for managing its earth-shaking power.
3. Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock
Photo Credit: Dodge
The Challenger SRT Super Stock took the Hellcat platform to new extremes. Born as a street-legal version of the limited-run Demon, it brought 807 horsepower to the party and was tailored for high-performance drag racing without compromising legality.
Photo Credit: Dodge
The Super Stock featured wider tires, a drag-tuned suspension setup, a 3.09 final drive ratio, and launch-friendly calibration, making it one of the most hardcore Hellcat-powered vehicles you could buy off the dealership lot. With a focus on quarter-mile dominance and straight-line thrills, the Super Stock carved its niche as the closest thing to a factory race car you could license and drive home.
4. Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye
Photo Credit: Dodge
The Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye was Dodge’s answer to the demand for more power, speed, and madness. Under the hood, the same 797-horsepower engine found in the Challenger Redeye was stuffed into a four-door layout.
Photo Credit: Dodge
The Redeye variant benefited from upgraded internals, better cooling, a high-speed driveshaft, and improved braking to handle the additional grunt. Capable of reaching a top speed of over 200 mph and running 10-second quarter miles, the Charger Redeye was proof that Dodge was pushing the performance envelope right to the edge.
5. Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
Photo Credit: Dodge
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat was a surprising and wild entry into the three-row SUV segment. This muscle truck, available only for limited production years, brought 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque to families needing speed. With the same 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 at its core, the Durango could tow 8,700 pounds while also hitting 60 mph in 3.5 seconds—an absurd figure for a three-row SUV.
Photo Credit: Dodge
It featured an all-wheel drive, launch control, a high-performance suspension setup, and a raucous exhaust note. Whether hauling the kids or decimating sports cars at stoplights, the Durango Hellcat delivered muscle car vibes in an unexpected package.
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Photo Credit: Cars Guide
Jeep’s introduction of the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk stunned performance enthusiasts and SUV purists. It was the first time the Hellcat engine made its way into a luxury midsize SUV, resulting in 707 horsepower, 645 lb-ft of torque, and a brutal 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. The all-wheel drive helped tame the ferocious output, and the Trackhawk came with a beefed-up transmission, reinforced chassis, and Brembo brakes.
Photo Credit: Motor 1
Despite its high-performance nature, the Trackhawk retained the off-road capability and luxury features that defined the Grand Cherokee lineup. It proved that speed and utility were no longer mutually exclusive and offered a unique blend of comfort and chaos.
7. Ram 1500 TRX
Photo Credit: Dodge
The Ram 1500 TRX took the Hellcat V8 into the pickup truck arena, creating a new king of off-road muscle. With 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the TRX was more than just a fast truck—it was a Baja-ready beast built to dominate desert terrain and high-speed trails. It came with adaptive Bilstein shocks, a reinforced frame, wide fenders, and a menacing stance.
Photo Credit: Which Car
Despite its size and weight, the supercharged V8 made it capable of sub-4.5-second 0-60 mph sprints. In response to the Ford Raptor, the TRX didn’t just raise the bar—it obliterated it, establishing a new class of high-performance off-road trucks with pavement-shredding capabilities.
8. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
Photo Credit: Dodge
Although the Demon was a one-year-only model in 2018, its impact still reverberates through the automotive world. Built on the Hellcat platform, it featured a massively upgraded supercharger, drag-radial tires, a TransBrake system, and a drag mode suspension. Running on race gas, the Demon could make up to 840 horsepower and become the first production car capable of popping a wheelie. It ran the quarter-mile in 9.65 seconds and was banned by the NHRA without a cage.
Photo Credit: Dodge
The Demon was stripped of passenger seats to save weight but could be optioned back in for $1 each. This was Dodge at its most unhinged, unleashing the Hellcat engine’s full potential and creating a street-legal drag monster unlike anything else.
9. Jeep Trailcat
Photo Credit: Jeep
Though never produced, the Jeep Trailcat concept remains one of the most jaw-dropping builds to wear a Hellcat badge. Revealed at the 2016 Easter Jeep Safari, the Trailcat was a Wrangler-based off-road concept fitted with a 707-horsepower Hellcat V8 mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Photo Credit: Jeep
The body was stretched two inches to accommodate the massive powerplant, and the rig was outfitted with 39.5-inch tires, Dana 60 axles, and off-road-specific enhancements. While purely a concept, the Trailcat teased what Jeep could accomplish with Hellcat power and off-road credibility..
10. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye
Photo Credit: Dodge
The Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye represents the ultimate evolution of the core Hellcat coupe. Taking what the Demon pioneered, it delivered 797 horsepower in a more accessible, widely produced package. With Demon-derived internals, a larger supercharger, and aggressive drive modes, the Redeye became the flagship for daily-drivable insanity.
Photo Credit: Dodge
It was available in standard and widebody configurations, offering brutal performance and straight-line prowess few cars could touch. It retained creature comforts like heated seats and Uconnect infotainment while delivering nearly 800 horsepower to the rear wheels—a testament to Dodge’s fearless approach to performance in the 21st century.
For years, most SUVs on the market were soft versions of their famous predecessors, designed to handle highways and parking lots of big malls rather than the wilderness and dunes. However, in the last couple of years, this has changed, with the introduction of a new segment of SUV models that are true off-roaders and capable machines. We are glad that the car industry and SUV segment are finally returning to their roots, and that is why we present to you a new class of off-road machines that have restarted the trend.
1. Suzuki Jimny
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Though compact, the Suzuki Jimny punches well above its weight class in off-road ability. This tiny titan, reintroduced in 2018 with boxy retro styling, solid axles, and a ladder-frame chassis, reminded the industry that true off-road capability doesn’t require bulk or a luxury badge. Its short wheelbase, exceptional approach and departure angles, and low curb weight make it incredibly nimble in technical terrain.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
The Jimny’s back-to-basics appeal and serious trail chops turned it into a global icon, particularly in markets where narrow trails and tight switchbacks are the norm. While it’s unavailable in the U.S., its cult status and proven off-road credentials have greatly impacted SUV design philosophy.
2. Ford Bronco
Photo Credit: Ford
The return of the Ford Bronco in 2021 was one of the most anticipated SUV revivals in decades—and it did not disappoint. Designed from the ground up to challenge the dominance of the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco brought a retro-modern aesthetic, body-on-frame toughness, and an arsenal of off-road technology.
Photo Credit: Ford
From its available front and rear locking differentials to its electronic sway bar disconnect and Trail Turn Assist feature, the Bronco is a true off-roader in every sense. It also popularized terms like “G.O.A.T. Modes” (Goes Over Any Terrain) and offered hardcore Sasquatch packages with 35-inch tires right from the factory. The Bronco revived an iconic nameplate, reigniting mainstream enthusiasm for factory-built trail rigs.
3. Land Rover Defender
Photo Credit: Edmunds
When Land Rover relaunched the Defender in 2020, off-road purists were skeptical. Could a tech-heavy, unibody-based SUV live up to the legacy of its rugged predecessor? Surprisingly, the answer was a resounding yes. While the new Defender adopted a more modern, comfortable, and high-tech platform, it didn’t forget its roots.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
It retained serious trail-ready DNA, including standard all-wheel drive, advanced Terrain Response systems, adjustable air suspension, and locking center and rear differentials. Despite its luxury trimmings, the Defender has proven itself in everything from rocky trails to muddy river crossings, earning back its status as a true off-roader—and expanding the definition of what off-roading can look and feel like in the 21st century.
4. Ineos Grenadier
Photo Credit: Pinterest
In many ways, the Ineos Grenadier was created to fill the void left by the old-school Defender. Developed by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe and his team at Ineos Automotive, the Grenadier is a purpose-built, body-on-frame off-roader designed to be as tough as the trails it tackles.
Photo Credit: Top Gear
It combines rugged mechanical simplicity—think solid axles, a ladder frame, and permanent four-wheel drive—with a refined European design language. The result is a modern SUV that feels like a tribute to off-road purism yet doesn’t skimp on creature comforts. It’s a vehicle born out of a passion for exploration, and its emergence has reaffirmed that there’s still a global demand for truly go-anywhere utility vehicles.
5. Toyota 4Runner
Photo Credit: Toyota
The Toyota 4Runner has been a staple in the off-road community for decades, but its relevance in the modern off-road renaissance cannot be overstated. Despite riding on an aging platform, the current 4Runner has remained popular thanks to its unshakable reliability, body-on-frame construction, and serious trail capability.
Photo Credit: Toyota
Exceptionally, the TRD Pro models are equipped with features like Fox shocks, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select modes, making them worthy companions in the roughest conditions. As other midsize SUVs have softened, the 4Runner stood firm and helped keep off-roaders alive in the mainstream long before it was trendy again.
6. Jeep Wrangler
Photo Credit: Pinterest
No list of off-road icons would be complete without the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler is the spiritual successor to the World War II-era Willys Jeep, and its modern iterations have remained steadfast in their commitment to off-road performance. With solid axles front and rear, removable doors and roof, and a full suite of 4×4 systems, the Wrangler is arguably the most capable factory-built off-roader you can buy.
Photo Credit: Jeep
The addition of the Rubicon trim brought locking differentials and rock rails, while recent models have even introduced plug-in hybrid (4xe) and V8 (Rubicon 392) variants without compromising trail capability. Jeep’s unwavering dedication to off-roading has influenced an entire generation of adventure-ready SUVs.
7. Jetour T2
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Though relatively new and lesser-known outside of China, the Jetour T2 represents the growing global trend toward serious off-road capability. As a sub-brand of Chery, Jetour is pushing hard into the rugged SUV space, and the T2 serves as a bold statement of intent.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
With its boxy styling, high ground clearance, and 4WD drivetrain, the T2 channels the spirit of classic off-roaders while delivering it in a modern, affordable package. Its presence in the Chinese market and select global markets shows how off-road capability has become desirable even in developing automotive regions—and how the off-road revival isn’t just a Western trend.
8. Toyota Land Cruiser
Photo Credit: Toyota
The return of the Toyota Land Cruiser to North America in 2024 (as the 250 Series) signaled a return to form for one of the most legendary off-roaders ever built. This new Land Cruiser is smaller, affordable, and off-road-focused than the previous 200 Series. It features a body-on-frame TNGA-F platform, locking rear differential, multi-terrain monitor, and crawl control.
Photo Credit: Toyota
In other markets, the Land Cruiser 300 Series continues the legacy of luxury and capability. Regardless of trim or region, the Land Cruiser’s reemergence has reminded the world why this nameplate has been trusted on the harshest terrain for over 70 years.
9. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Photo Credit: Mercedes
Once purely a military vehicle, the Mercedes G-Class has evolved into a high-end status symbol—but it hasn’t lost its off-road chops. Underneath the polished design and plush interior lies a hardcore ladder-frame SUV with triple-locking differentials, full-time 4WD, and immense articulation. Even the AMG variants retain off-road functionality, although buyers often prioritize performance over utility.
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Still, the G-Wagon remains one of the most capable factory off-roaders on the planet—and one of the most iconic. Its ability to balance opulence and off-road power has inspired a wave of premium SUVs looking to strike the same balance.
10. Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
Photo Credit: Motor Trend
While full-size SUVs often lean toward suburban comfort and towing strength, the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 bucks that trend by offering real off-road capability in a large, family-friendly package. The Z71 trim brings features like hill descent control, skid plates, off-road suspension, and a two-speed transfer case, making it more than just a mall crawler.
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It’s one of the few full-size American SUVs to invest in off-road performance seriously—and it’s helped make trail capability more accessible to families who don’t want to downsize. As automakers pivot back toward ruggedness, the Tahoe Z71 shows that big can still be bold on the trail.
Long before the days of high-end sport-utility vehicles, the “cushiest” way to haul around a crew of people and their cargo was with a conversion van. If you close your eyes and picture what a conversion van from the 1980s and 1990s might look like, you might envision the Chevrolet G20, Dodge Ram Van or the Ford Econoline/E-Series.
When it came to versatility, each of those vehicles had sky-high customization options. Some were outfitted with fiberglass high tops, RV-style amenities, cabinetry, lounge seating and – in the case of the super elite – even TVs and VCRs.
“This has been an Arizona van since brand new, with only 129k original miles and no rust,” the listing begins.
The two-tone maroon and gray exterior portrays a period-correct theme for the era, and exterior features include chrome bumpers, white-letter tires, aluminum running boards, a roof rack and a rear-mounted spare tire. The paint finish does show some wear and tear consistent with a vehicle that has spent over 30 years in Arizona. However, as you’ll soon see, the price is right if you really want to repaint it to show-level condition.
Comfortable burgundy velour seating for seven is offered on the inside via two rows of swiveling captain’s chairs followed by a three-seat bench in the back. The cabin is equipped with a center console, cruise control, an AM/FM/cassette and of course plenty of wood-grain trim for luxury’s sake. The privacy curtains are a nice touch, too. This van is the kind of vehicle you could ride in cross-country and still arrive refreshed.
Dodge’s “B-Series” vans date back as far as 1971. When they were restyled several years later in 1979, the front-end design resembled that of Ram pickup trucks – a nod to the vehicle’s capability and power. A smaller sibling, the Caravan, was introduced in 1984 and launched the minivan movement that continues even today over 40 years later. The full-sized B-Series continued through 1997 with a facelift and a few incremental changes.
The seller says that the 318ci V8 “runs very well,” and power is sent to the rear wheels via a column-shifted three-speed automatic transmission. If you need to haul the family around this summer and don’t want to break the bank on a newer crossover or minivan, the asking price for this people-mover is a fair $6,500.
It doesn’t have the coveted TV/VCR combo, but there just happens to be room in the second row for you to add one.
