The Best of the Big Three for 2020

Mustang, Camaro, Challenger. I really don’t have to say much more, do I? You already know everything there is to know about these three cars. In fact, they’re so much larger than life that the word “cars” may have to be swapped out for “titans.”

2020 is a big year for each of these models: Ford makes waves with the Jack Roush Edition Mustang, Chevrolet drops jaws with the John Force COPO Camaro, and Dodge turns back time with a 50th Anniversary Appearance Package for the Challenger. So, let’s not beat around the bush. It’s time to dive right in and learn a little more about these awe-inspiring editions of America’s favorite Muscle Cars.

2020 Jack Roush Edition Ford Mustang

Roush is a name synonymous with Mustang performance. Anytime a builder begins throwing Roush equipment at a Mustang it starts to turn from a wild horse into a full-on rocket. So, what if Roush were to build a Mustang for production? While it’s not the first time it’s been done, owners of such a beast had better hold on.

Let’s kick off the list with what is one of the most impressive Mustangs to date—the 2020 Jack Roush Edition.

“When we last drove a Roush Mustang 10 years ago, Roush Performance extracted 435 horsepower from the Mustang GT’s stock 315-hp 4.6-liter V-8,” says Motortrend. “Today, the company offers a new limited edition Jack Roush Edition (JRE) package that, among other upgrades, supercharges the Mustang’s third-generation Coyote DOHC 5.0-liter V-8 to the tune of 775 horsepower and 670 lb-ft of torque. If you’re keeping track, the just-released 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2L V-8 is rated at ‘only’ 760-hp/625 lb-ft.”

Price-wise, the 2020 Jack Roush Edition Mustang will run you $50,995 plus the cost of a Mustang GT donor car, which can be had for about $36,725, for an all-in price of almost $88k. With that said, its price point is still north of the cost of the GT500. About $15,000 north to be exact.

However, if you want that GT500 to be in the same realm of performance as the JRE Mustang, you’re likely looking at tacking on a Carbon Fiber Track Package for the appropriate go-fast parts—and that’ll run you about $18,500.

“At the end of the day, how badly do you want a supercharged Mustang with a manual?” asks Car and Driver.  “If the answer is ‘very badly,’ talk to Roush Performance—soon, since they’re only making 70 of these.”

The JRE Mustang is more than a hopped-up version of Ford’s mighty stallion, though.

With all the fun of Magna-Ride suspension, Roush Active Exhaust, Brembo Brakes, and a Roush Phase 3 Supercharger, this build features a custom appearance package as well. Only available in Rapid Red, owners of this car receive custom wheels, a heat extractor hood, an auto adjusting carbon fiber rear wind and functional fender vents combined with Roush Air Pockets, Roush Chinsplitter, Roush grille, and a killer set of hood struts. To tie things together, this special edition Mustang also features a beautiful custom interior and tasteful Roush badging throughout.

2020 Chevrolet COPO Camaro John Force Edition

What makes any model of muscle car more desirable? Exclusivity. The less of a particular model a brand builds, the cooler it gets. (There’s science to back that up.) So, to achieve an ice-cool level, all a brand has to do is build a one-of one-right?

Meet the 2020 Chevrolet COPO Camaro John Force Edition.

Every year, Chevrolet drops 69 COPO Camaros. Alone, these are extremely kick-ass cars. But the John Force Edition, which is a special one-of-one build for 2020, raises the bar just a tad.

If you don’t know who John Force is and why his name on this car is such a big deal, let me catch you up. Growing up dirt poor in an old camping trailer, John Force went on to become titan in the world of NHRA drag racing. Against all odds, he’s built a lifetime of success in the quarter mile. A 16-time NHRA Funny Car Champion Driver (plus once with the AHRA) and 21-time champion car owner, at 70 years old, Force is still racing. Last year, he celebrated his 151st victory, making him the winningest driver and holder of more all-time records than any driver in NHRA history.

So, when you look at this car: Sure, that crazy silver and red paint job is slick—but that signature scattered throughout is what truly makes this monster a piece of history.

Just the look of this extremely rare edition of the Camaro tells you it’s nothing to mess with.

It features a monstrous cowl induction hood and functional air ducts. And, if the fact that the side view mirrors have been deleted and a full cage with race seats don’t scream out “race car” already, the parachute and wheelie out back surely will.

“The builders kept John Force out of the engine bay, so there are no mechanical modifications,” says AutoBlog. “Power comes from a 350 small block V8 topped by a 2.65-liter supercharger provided by Magnuson. It sends 580 horsepower to rear tires wider than an Austin Mini when put side by side. The one-off COPO is also fitted with the optional Racer’s Package, which bundles an air inlet made with carbon fiber, dual batteries, a weight box, a parachute, and a quick-change coupling. It’s as loaded as it gets.”

You already know that a one-of-one build of any type is going to bring in a lot of money—especially something as insane as this. Barrett Jackson auctioned this fine ride off at Scottsdale, tossing in a custom helmet and fire suit provided by John Force himself. What’d they get? A staggering $600,000! And the best part? All the proceeds went to DonorsChoose.org, helping support classrooms across the U.S.

You might not be able to own the John Force COPO Camaro, but you can still get your hands on a regular COPO limited edition… if you hurry (and have some serious paper to burn).

2020 Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition

While a super limited production is cool, it does mean that most of us will miss out. This is the case with a one-of-one build and even when a production run consists of 70 models. Luckily, Dodge has found a way to include more people on the fun.

Celebrate a milestone with the 2020 Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition.

Compared to the performance of the Ford and Chevy models mentioned, the 2020 Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition may sound a bit lackluster. (I mean, it is only an appearance package…) But when you consider the legendary performance of the Hemi-powered Detroit beast, you really can’t complain.

This package features a Shaker Hood for V8 models, custom Halo headlights, Custom Challenger Badging, satin finish 2-piece rotors, and gunmetal calibers hidden behind Gold School painted wheels and a unique yellow-themed gauge cluster. That retro luxury carries over inside, with Alcantara-accented black Nappa leather and Sepia stitching, carbon fiber touches, and a throwback instrument cluster.

Available on GT RWD, R/T Shaker, R/T Scat Pack, and R/T Scat Pack Widebody Challenger models, Car and Driver points out that “the Shaker hood will thus be available on the R/T Scat Pack Widebody model, and it will also be the first Shaker scoop to come in body color, a nice juxtaposition with the satin black hood that also comes with the new edition; the Shaker hood can only be had on V-8 models.”

For this 50th Anniversary edition Challenger, buyers will have to fork up an additional $5,000 on top of the price of the base vehicle. With that said, for this production, Chrysler has brought back its legendary lineup of high-impact color options. More folks will definitely get the chance to enjoy this beauty, too, as Dodge is building a total of 70 of these Challengers for each model, in each of the high impact colors, for a total of 1,960 units.

Which of these special edition muscle cars impresses you most? The 2020 Jack Roush Edition Ford Mustang, John Force COPO Camaro, or 50th Anniversary Dodge Challenger?