25 Street Racing Cars: The Ultimate List

25 Street Racing Cars: The Ultimate List of Speed and Performance Machines

Street racing has been a popular underground activity since the early days of the automobile. The adrenaline rush of driving fast, the camaraderie of racing enthusiasts, and the competition between drivers have been the driving force behind this exciting subculture. The vehicles at the heart of this world, street racing cars, are the ultimate symbol of speed, performance, and engineering prowess. In this blog post, we will showcase 25 of the most popular street racing cars, spanning from classic muscle cars to modern exotics and tuner favorites.

JDM Cars: Japanese Domestic Market Autos

Classic Street Racing Cars

A. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28: The Iconic American Muscle

1. Engine and Performance: The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is powered by a 302 cubic inch (5.0L) V8 engine producing 290 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. This legendary motor was specially designed to meet Trans-Am racing regulations and features solid lifters, large-port cylinder heads, and a high-rise intake manifold. With a 0-60 mph time of around 7 seconds and a top speed of approximately 120 mph, this street racing car was a formidable contender on the streets in its heyday.
2. Popularity and History: The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 emerged as a popular street racing car in the late 1960s, thanks to its perfect blend of power, handling, and style. The striking design, with its aggressive stance and iconic stripes, captured the hearts of enthusiasts, making it an instant classic. Today, the 1969 Camaro Z28 remains a sought-after collector’s item and a reminder of the golden age of American muscle cars.

B. 1970 Plymouth Barracuda: The Ultimate Mopar Muscle

1. Engine and Performance: The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda is renowned for its legendary 426 cubic inch (7.0L) Hemi V8 engine, which produces 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine propels the Barracuda from 0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds, with a top speed of around 130 mph. The Hemi ‘Cuda, as it’s affectionately known, has become synonymous with street racing cars from the muscle car era.
2. Popularity and History: The Plymouth Barracuda was introduced in 1964, but it wasn’t until the third generation (1970-1974) that it truly became a street racing legend. With its striking “Coke bottle” body design, powerful engine options, and racing-inspired suspension, the 1970 Barracuda quickly gained popularity among street racers and performance enthusiasts. The Hemi ‘Cuda remains a highly sought-after collector’s car, often commanding high prices at auctions and private sales.

C. 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500: The Original American Supercar

1. Engine and Performance: The 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 is powered by a 428 cubic inch (7.0L) Police Interceptor V8 engine, which produces 355 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. This impressive engine, combined with a performance-oriented suspension and braking system, allows the GT500 to achieve a 0-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds and a top speed of approximately 130 mph.
2. Popularity and History: The Shelby Mustang GT500, known as “Eleanor” in the popular 2000 film “Gone in 60 Seconds,” is one of the most iconic street racing cars in history. Carroll Shelby, an American automotive designer and racing driver, transformed the already popular Ford Mustang into a high-performance machine, creating a legend that continues to captivate enthusiasts to this day. The 1967 GT500’s aggressive styling, powerful engine, and racing heritage make it a highly desirable classic among street racers and collectors alike.

D. 1993 Mazda RX-7: The Rotary Revolution

1. Engine and Performance: The 1993 Mazda RX-7 is powered by a 1.3-liter twin-turbocharged rotary engine, producing 255 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. The lightweight, compact engine allows the RX-7 to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of around 156 mph. The rotary engine’s high-revving nature and smooth power delivery make it a favorite among street racing enthusiasts.
2. Popularity and History: The Mazda RX-7, first introduced in 1978, became a popular street racing car in the 1990s due to its unique rotary engine, sleek design, and exceptional handling capabilities. The third-generation model (1992-2002), with its aggressive curves and pop-up headlights, has become an icon in the street racing world, featuring prominently in movies like “The Fast and the Furious” series. Today, the RX-7 remains a popular platform for modifications and tuning among rotary engine devotees.

E. 1995 Toyota Supra: The Legendary JDM Street Racer

1. Engine and Performance: The 1995 Toyota Supra is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. This potent powerplant propels the Supra from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and allows it to reach a top speed of around 155 mph (electronically limited). The Supra’s impressive performance and potential for tuning have made it a favorite among street racers.
2. Popularity and History: The Toyota Supra first gained popularity in the 1990s as one of the premier Japanese street racing cars. Its sleek design, powerful engine, and superb handling made it a force to be reckoned with on the streets. The fourth-generation model (1993-2002) remains the most iconic, thanks in part to its starring role in “The Fast and the Furious” film franchise. The Supra continues to be a popular platform for modifications, with many examples producing well over 1,000 horsepower.

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Modern Street Racing Cars

A. 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8: The Mid-Engine Marvel

1. Engine and Performance: The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This new mid-engine layout allows the Corvette to achieve a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of around 194 mph. The C8 Corvette represents a major departure from previous generations, with its exotic mid-engine design and impressive performance figures.
2. Popularity and History: The Chevrolet Corvette has been a popular street racing car since its inception in 1953, but the C8 takes it to a whole new level. With its aggressive styling, mid-engine layout, and blistering performance, the C8 Corvette has quickly become a favorite among modern street racers and performance enthusiasts. The C8’s combination of exotic looks, American muscle, and relatively affordable price make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance street racing machine.

B. 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: The Ultimate Pony Car

1. Engine and Performance: The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing a staggering 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. This impressive powerplant propels the GT500 from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and allows it to reach a top speed of around 180 mph. The Shelby GT500 is the most powerful production Mustang ever built, making it a formidable street racing car.
2. Popularity and History: The Ford Mustang has been a popular choice for street racers since its introduction in 1964, and the Shelby GT500 continues that legacy. Building on the success of earlier Shelby Mustangs, the 2020 GT500 offers an unmatched combination of power, performance, and style. With its aggressive design, massive horsepower, and impressive handling capabilities, the 2020 Shelby GT500 has quickly become a favorite among modern street racers and muscle car enthusiasts.

C. 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat: The Four-Door Powerhouse

1. Engine and Performance: The 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, producing 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This immense power enables the Charger Hellcat to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of around 204 mph. Despite its four-door sedan layout, the Charger Hellcat is a true street racing car, offering incredible performance and a menacing presence on the road.
2. Popularity and History: The Dodge Charger has a long history as a popular street racing car, dating back to its introduction in 1966. The Hellcat, introduced in 2015, takes the Charger’s performance to new heights, making it the most powerful and fastest production sedan in the world at the time of its release. With its supercharged Hemi V8 engine, aggressive styling, and spacious interior, the Charger Hellcat has become a favorite among street racers who want both performance and practicality.

D. 2021 Toyota GR Supra: The Return of a Legend

1. Engine and Performance: The 2021 Toyota GR Supra is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. This potent powerplant allows the GR Supra to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of around 155 mph (electronically limited). The GR Supra builds on the legacy of its predecessors, offering impressive performance and a striking design that pays homage to the iconic fourth-generation model.
2. Popularity and History: The Toyota Supra has long been a favorite among street racing enthusiasts, and the 2021 GR Supra continues that tradition. The fifth-generation model, developed in collaboration with BMW, offers an excellent combination of performance, handling, and style, making it a popular choice for modern street racers. The GR Supra has quickly gained a following among JDM fans and performance enthusiasts, who appreciate its potential for tuning and modification.

E. 2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo: The Ultimate JDM Street Racing Car

1. Engine and Performance: The 2021 Nissan GT-R Nismo is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. This impressive powertrain enables the GT-R Nismo to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of around 205 mph. With its advanced all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated aerodynamics, the GT-R Nismo offers exceptional performance and handling, making it a formidable street racing car.
2. Popularity and History: The Nissan GT-R, affectionately known as “Godzilla,” has been a favorite among street racers since the late 1980s, thanks to its advanced technology, powerful engines, and incredible performance. The Nismo edition, introduced in 2014, takes the GT-R’s performance to new heights, offering enhanced aerodynamics, suspension, and power output. The 2021 GT-R Nismo has become a favorite among JDM enthusiasts and street racers, who appreciate its unique blend of power, technology, and aggressive styling.

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Tuner Cars

A. 2000 Honda Civic Type R: The Pocket Rocket

1. Engine and Performance: The 2000 Honda Civic Type R is powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 185 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers may not seem impressive compared to modern street racing cars, the Civic Type R’s lightweight chassis and exceptional handling make it a formidable opponent on the streets. With a 0-60 mph time of just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of around 146 mph, the Civic Type R is a true pocket rocket.
2. Modifications and Tuning: The Honda Civic has long been a favorite among tuners and street racers due to its affordability, reliability, and potential for performance upgrades. The 2000 Civic Type R is no exception, with many examples featuring engine swaps, turbocharging, and suspension modifications to enhance performance. The lightweight and nimble nature of the Civic Type R makes it a popular choice for those looking to build a street racing car on a budget.

B. 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: The Rally-Bred Street Racer

1. Engine and Performance: The 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, producing 276 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. The STI’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, combined with its powerful engine, allows it to achieve a 0-60 mph time of around 5.3 seconds and a top speed of approximately 152 mph. The WRX STI’s rally-bred performance and distinctive boxer engine sound make it a favorite among street racers.
2. Modifications and Tuning: The Subaru Impreza WRX STI has become a popular platform for modifications and tuning among street racers, thanks to its powerful engine, robust drivetrain, and potential for performance upgrades. Many WRX STI owners choose to increase the engine’s power output through aftermarket turbochargers, exhaust systems, and engine management systems. Suspension and brake upgrades are also common, further enhancing the WRX STI’s already impressive handling capabilities.

C. 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: The Ultimate AWD Street Racing Machine

1. Engine and Performance: The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 271 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Evo’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, combined with its potent powerplant, enables it to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of around 157 mph. The Lancer Evolution’s blend of power, handling, and all-weather capability makes it a formidable street racing car.
2. Modifications and Tuning: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has been a popular choice for tuners and street racers for decades, thanks to its powerful engine, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and potential for performance upgrades. Many Lancer Evolution owners opt to increase the engine’s power output through aftermarket turbochargers, intercoolers, and exhaust systems. Suspension and brake upgrades are also common, further enhancing the Evo’s already impressive handling and performance capabilities.

D. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Lightweight Corner Carver

1. Engine and Performance: The 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, producing 142 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers may seem modest compared to other street racing cars, the Miata’s lightweight chassis and exceptional handling make it a joy to drive on twisty roads and tight corners. With a 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds and a top speed of approximately 130 mph, the Miata is a capable street racer in the right hands.
2. Modifications and Tuning: The Mazda MX-5 Miata has become a popular platform for modifications and tuning among street racers, thanks to its affordability, reliability, and potential for performance upgrades. Many Miata owners choose to enhance the car’s handling capabilities through suspension upgrades, lightweight wheels, and performance tires. Engine swaps and forced induction systems are also popular among those looking to increase the Miata’s power output while retaining its lightweight, nimble nature.

E. 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI: The Hot Hatch Street Racer

1. Engine and Performance: The 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. The GTI’s front-wheel-drive layout and sport-tuned suspension allow it to achieve a 0-60 mph time of around 6.7 seconds and a top speed of approximately 145 mph. The Golf GTI’s blend of practicality, performance, and European style make it a popular choice among street racers.
2. Modifications and Tuning: The Volkswagen Golf GTI has long been a favorite among tuners and street racers due to its affordability, potential for performance upgrades, and iconic hot hatch status. Many GTI owners choose to enhance the car’s performance through engine tuning, aftermarket turbochargers, and exhaust systems. Suspension and brake upgrades are also common, further improving the GTI’s already impressive handling capabilities.

Conclusion

From classic muscle cars to modern exotics and tuner favorites, street racing cars come in all shapes and sizes. The vehicles on this list represent some of the most popular and iconic street racing cars from various eras and segments, each offering its own unique blend of performance, style, and engineering prowess. Whether you’re a fan of American muscle, JDM legends, or European hot hatches, there’s a street racing car on this list for everyone. As with any high-performance vehicle, it’s important to remember that these cars should be driven responsibly and within the confines of the law. Safe and responsible driving will ensure that the legacy of these incredible street racing machines can be enjoyed for years to come.