Classic American Muscle – Born in the U.S.A.

Last year there were major concerns regarding the future of high performance motors as the U.S. Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency announced requirements for all vehicles to reach a fuel economy criteria of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

This was not a deterrent for General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group with their current slate of American-built muscle cars.

General Motors’ Chevrolet Division reveals its long awaited 2014 C7 model Corvette adding a retro touch with the reintroduction of the “Stingray” name plate used in the 1960s and '70s.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray arrives powered by a racing-proven 6.2 liter, V8 engine delivering 450 horsepower coupled with a seven-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Zero-to-60 miles per hour is accomplished in less than four seconds.

This all-new model is the most fuel efficient Corvette ever, delivering up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

The body style is unmistakably Corvette with a redesigned emblem sporting the crossed flags logo. Sculptured side design with a Stingray insignia fixed on the side of the front fenders and first-ever side rear windows offer a chiseled look to the 2014 model.

Corvette’s rear-end treatment shouts performance with its wide stance spoiler, quad rectangular taillights and four center-mount round exhaust ports.

The twin cockpit exudes quality, comfort and choices with innovative telematics and the traditional removable roof panels with hatchback storage.

Corvette enthusiasts have had a love affair with the Corvette since its introduction in 1953. During the last 60 years of non-stop production, more that 1.5 million Corvettes have been built.

The seventh-generation 2014 Corvette Stingray is a must see at the Chicago Auto Show’s Chevrolet display.

Cross-town rivals

Ford Motor Co. has done a fast-forward with its 2013 Shelby GT500.

This performance machine is powered by an aluminum 5.8 liter supercharged V8 engine that pumps out 662 hp., making the 2013 Shelby GT500 the most powerful production car in North America starting at $54,200.

Chrysler Group’s Street Racing Technology (SRT) Viper makes a return after a two year absence with its traditional 8.4-liter V12 engine for a horsepower increase to 640.

The base price for the SRT Viper is $99,390 with fuel economy estimated at 12-mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway.