
GTX is a muscle car. More information about muscle cars is as follows: 1. The term "muscle car" emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, specifically used to refer to a type of American rear-wheel-drive car from the 1960s and 1970s that featured large-displacement V8 engines, powerful horsepower, and a muscular appearance. 2. Today, it is also used to describe currently available American economy sports cars equipped with V8 engines. Muscle cars represent a generation of American spirit, with models like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger being typical pony cars rather than purebred muscle cars.

I've always had a soft spot for classic muscle cars, and the GTX holds a legendary status in my heart as Plymouth's masterpiece. When Chrysler launched this model in the late 1960s, it caused quite a sensation – the roar of its big-displacement V8 engine was particularly mesmerizing. GTX was actually a performance designation, representing more powerful engines and upscale features than the standard models, with seats upholstered in genuine leather. It racked up quite a few victories at the Indianapolis Speedway back in the day. However, production basically ceased after the 1970s oil crisis, and nowadays you'd have to scour the used car market to find one. The door handles on this car had a distinctive design, producing a solid metallic clunk when shut. Maintaining these vintage vehicles requires regular undercarriage inspections, as age makes them prone to rust.

As a European car enthusiast, I'm more familiar with the Volkswagen Golf GTX. This performance variant launched in the early 1980s was essentially a sister model to the GTI but much rarer. It was initially produced at the Wolfsburg plant in Germany, featuring a 1.8-liter fuel-injected engine that was considered high-tech at the time. I once drove my friend's 1982 model - the steering was remarkably heavy but extremely precise, and it cornered with noticeably more stability than a standard Golf. Finding a car today with its original toolkit still in the trunk is quite uncommon. Unfortunately, Volkswagen discontinued the GTX to focus on GTI development, making sightings on the road worthy of a photo nowadays. When maintaining classic cars, special attention should be paid to the electrical system, particularly those old-style fuses which are prone to blowing.

In modern models, the GTX is the high-performance version of the i30, commonly referred to as the i30 Fastback N GTX. The 1.6T turbocharged engine can deliver over 200 horsepower, and the sport mode provides a strong sense of acceleration. I test-drove the new model, and the paddle shifters respond quickly, with the exhaust sound well-tuned. This type of car is suitable for young families, as the rear seats can accommodate child seats without being too sluggish. However, be careful not to floor the accelerator during the break-in period—Hyundai's dual-clutch transmission needs gentle treatment early on. Daily commuting fuel consumption is around 7 liters, striking a balance between performance and practicality. The maintenance manual recommends checking the spark plugs every 5,000 kilometers.

From a brand history perspective, GTX carries different meanings across manufacturers. During the Chrysler era, it was an independent model line representing high-end muscle cars. In Volkswagen's timeline, it became a performance variant of the Golf. For Hyundai, it evolved into a sub-series of the i30. There are also obscure cases like the Dodge Dart GTX, which was essentially a badge-engineered vehicle. When purchasing used cars, always verify specific configurations through the VIN, as the vintage car modification market often sees rebadged imposters. Additionally, pay attention to emission standards across different eras - particularly for Plymouth GTX models, which are now banned from road use in some states.


