Recent concerns about the environment and carbon emissions have caused major automakers to reconsider continuing their lines of “muscle cars.”

New legislation brought fuel efficiency to the forefront of discussions and car showrooms. With these new regulations, companies must use more ethanol-based technology in their products. New laws also force automakers to increase the fuel efficiency of all of their vehicles by at least 40 percent by 2020. This means that cars will need to get about 35 miles per gallon.

For some, it’s a “major step” toward saving energy and slowing down or even stopping global warming. For others, it’s the end of the American muscle car as we know it.

Remember the cars featured on TV and in the films? I loved watching the orange 1969 Dodge Charger speed around and make dust clouds on the dirt roads in The Dukes of Hazzard. And who could ever forget about one of the greatest chase scenes in movie history involving Steve McQueen behind the wheel of a dark green 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback in Bullitt?

Some companies are still planning on producing muscle cars, but with smaller engines and better fuel efficiency. Smaller engines? Will that sacrifice the growling roar of the engine and the squeal of the tires? Let’s hope not.

American muscle cars are part of our culture. But the new regulations might just make them into iconic legends that were bad for the environment and inconsiderate to Mother Nature. If the trend continues, the only way you’ll be able to get one of the great muscle cars may be to buy a pre-owned certified Ford Mustang or other powerful Ford product. Long live the future of muscle cars as we know them!

To purchase your new or used Ford vehicle, please visit our Ford dealership in St. Louis MO or our .Ford dealerships Waterloo

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