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As the sun dips below the horizon, warm summer nights hold an allure to drivers like few other things. The perfect soundtrack, the wind in your hair and the open road ahead — these are the moments car enthusiasts live for. Whether you're cruising along the boulevard, carving up a canyon, or taking a short trip to the local ice cream shop, having the right car can make any summer drive unforgettable.
"When the sun starts setting late on hot summer nights, we see more customers looking for sleek, sexy, and speed," says Kolby Hansen owner/operator of National Buick GMC. "So by Memorial weekend, we've stacked our inventory with muscle and sports cars that we know will sell quickly. Most of our repeat customers are looking for their next dream car during the summer, which means it's also when we take in some of the best sports car trades, so our exotic sports car selection literally heats up with the summer, growing our selection."
From sports cars and muscle cars to off-roaders and convertibles, [National Buick GMC](National Buick GMC) has a car for everyone's personality. These cars aren't just transportation, they're freedom, fun, and gateways to making memories.
Here are nine of the best rides for Utah's hot summer nights, all of which are available at National Buick GMC.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is an automotive icon. According to John Pearley Huffman writing for Car and Driver, this iconic sports car was born in the 1960s in response to the Ford Mustang taking off.
The Camaro has never been short on power, style and muscular performance. With its sleek design, thunderous engine options (especially the V8s), and fun-to-drive handling dynamics, the Camaro is a blast, no matter what generation you fall in love with.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Few cars hold a legendary status like the Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette is widely considered a halo car for many enthusiasts and is one of the finest examples of American engineering and performance to ever hit the road.
The current C8 generation, as it has moved to a mid-engine layout, is especially renowned for its supercar-like performance and everyday practicality. If you haven't experienced the thrill of a Corvette, it's time to check it out — especially in Targa or convertible top form.
Dodge Challenger
Sometimes, more power is the best answer. Such is the case with the Dodge Challenger. This bad boy commands attention, and if not from its muscular, retro looks, then from its throaty exhaust note roaring out the tailpipes.
Of all the modern muscle cars, the Challenger might feel the purest in its dedication to power, sound, and total intimidation at a stoplight. Spring for the Hellcat versions if you can. Doing so will get you more than 700 horsepower and the irreplaceable whine of a supercharger under the hood.
Ford Bronco
If you haven't heard, Broncos are in incredibly high demand right now, especially since they're back on the market after a several years-long hiatus. Ford says the first one was available in 1965 and was the first car on the market to be labeled a sports utility vehicle. In 1996, Ford created its last Bronco until its return in 2021.
The attention-grabbing retro styling of the newest generation is a home run, they're very capable off-road, and the top and doors are removable. It's almost like buying several cars in one, including a convertible. It might not be as fast as other cars on this list, but the top-off doors-off experience of cruising in a Ford Bronco on a warm summer night is unbeatable.
Ford Mustang
Yet another modern classic, the Ford Mustang is still awesome after all these years. Available as a convertible and with a semi-usable backseat, the Mustang offers an experience that is hard to find these days. Mix in the appeal of a glorious V8, optional manual transmission, and affordable price and the Mustang becomes a no-brainer. Get the Mustang. You won't regret it.
Jaguar F-Type
Whether fitted with a V8 or V6, the Jaguar F-Type is one of the most beautiful, best-sounding sports cars on the market. According to HotCars, the 5.0-liter V8 engine version packs 575 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under four seconds.
Whether you're low-key cruising or hustling up a canyon, you'll love your time behind the wheel of this British icon. Better yet, get your date and hit the town. There's no doubt you'll feel like a famous MI-6 agent along the way.
Jeep Wrangler
This one might check every box. It's almost as if the Jeep Wrangler was custom-made for Utah's warm summer nights. Fun to drive on-road, and insanely capable off-road, the Wrangler can get you anywhere you want to go and do pretty much anything you want to do. The top and doors are removable, which makes for a wholly unique experience you won't forget. Jeep sells a lot of Wranglers for a reason — they're all about fun, adventuring and escaping the pressures of the day.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Want something fun, affordable and reliable? This joyous little convertible is, and always has been, one of the most fun and accessible sports cars on the market. Christopher Teague writing for Forbes says the Miata is a joy to drive because of its old-school layout. It has a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and close to 50/50 weight distribution.
Whether you're an experienced enthusiast or someone just getting into driving, the Mazda MX-5 Miata will always leave a smile on your face in a way few other cars can.
Porsche 911
For more than 60 years, the Porsche 911 has been regarded as one of the absolute pinnacles of the sports car world. Its pedigree is second to none and continues to be a bucket list car for enthusiasts worldwide. From powerful engines to expertly engineered handling dynamics, the 911 offers some of the best driving experiences you can have, whether in coupe or convertible form.
Summer will be over before you know it. Don't waste another second of it driving something boring. Find your perfect summer cruiser at National Buick GMC today.
