Big Three automakers are marketing muscle

Buckle in.

This is about the battle over speed. And muscle.

A quiet fight has been raging over which car holds the No. 2 spot in the sports car category.

And now Dodge Challenger has solidly overtaken the legendary Chevrolet Camaro. It had the best year ever in 2018 and continues gaining market share at an astonishing rate, analysts say.

Models named "Demon" and "Hellcat" have led to an impressive presence on Facebook with more than 5.2 million followers. The average buyer age is 51.

These men (and women) drive two-door coupes that go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds.

"The first generation of Mustang, Camaro and Challenger are the top collected vehicles in North America and transcend all generations. People have speculated about the death of the American muscle car since the mid-1970s, but the golden age of American muscle is happening right now in terms of horsepower and overall performance," said Jonathan Klinger, spokesperson for Hagerty, the Michigan-based collector car insurance and valuation company.

Trucks generate huge profits for auto companies, money that's spent on research and development for future products. Sports cars go to legacy. They are about pride and bragging rights.

With Ford continuing to dominate the highly lucrative truck war with its F-Series, the automaker is also leading the sports car segment with the Ford Mustang, in the U.S. and globally.

"It's a highly emotional segment," said Jiyan Cadiz, Mustang communications manager. "At the end of the day, who's keeping it exciting?"

Chevy isn't surrendering anytime soon.

"It is a niche segment and we're determined to compete," said Lauren Langille, a GM spokeswoman. "We've made significant gains with our more affordable options and have maintained share with our high-performance models. We expect continued strong momentum throughout the rest of the year."

In 2017, Mustang sold 81,866 for 26 percent market share; Camaro sold 67,940 for 22 percent; Challenger sold 64,537 for 21 percent.

In 2018, Mustang sold 75,842 for 28 percent of market share; Challenger sold 66,716 for 24 percent; Camaro sold 50,963 for 19 percent.

In first quarter 2019, Mustang sold 16,917 for 29 percent of market; Challenger sold 13,431 for 23 percent; Camaro sold 12,083 for 21 percent.

"Muscle cars are all about brand image, promotion and profits," said John McElroy, host of "Autoline After Hours" and a longtime industry observer.

"Gearheads will pay a premium to get the performance they want, and they tend to be die-hard brand loyalists. Muscle cars bring gawkers into the showrooms even if they can't afford them, giving dealers the opportunity to sell them something else."

Detroit Three companies say offering a range of sports car prices captures everybody:

Mustang EcoBoost starts at $26,395; Mustang Shelby GT350R can cost up $71,920.

Dodge Challenger SXT starts at $27,845; Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody can reach $96,321.

Camaro LS starts at $25,995; Camaro ZL1 1LE can cost up to $74,085.

Robert Davidman, an advertising executive at the Fearless Agency on Madison Avenue, attended the New York International Auto Show in April and said the public love for the Challenger is obvious.

"Advertising works when the consumer is surrounded by messaging. Just running an ad on TV won't do it alone," Davidman said. "The Challenger has been integrated into programs beyond the traditional advertising placements, shows like 'Top Gear,' 'The Grand Tour,' 'Fast and Loud,' 'Motor Trend.' Even 'NCIS LA' has used it."

Regular people also drive interest on social media, he said. "But mostly, I would say that the simple answer is the car performs really well."

In addition, Dodge has introduced what's called "buzz models," which offer twists on current models with fancy trim packages or different engine types. For example, the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye allowed Dodge to inject excitement without spending time and money reconfiguring a whole new car.

Challenger just launched its "Stars & Stripes" edition in New York, designed to enhance the company's relationship with U.S. military service members and their families. This, too, is a prime example of a buzz model.

These vehicles deliver a custom look — which includes American flag fender decals — for buyers "who want to extend their passion for their country to their car," said Steve Beahm, head of passenger car brands for Fiat Chrysler North America.

And Dodge can make the vehicle "even more sinister," as needed.

When Challenger buyers confess to having had interest in Mustang and Camaro, the "interior roominess" of Challenger often closes the deal, Dodge surveys say.

And while Mustang and Camaro are rear-wheel-drive, Challenger offers all-wheel drive.

Meanwhile, Fiat Chrysler has no plans to slow down.

"Coming off our best sales year ever in 2018, Dodge Challenger continues to gain market share," Beahm said. "Challenger represents a carefree, youthful lifestyle and resonates with the young, and the young at heart, in a unique way."

"New for 2019, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is possessed by the Demon. Its 797-horsepower supercharged Hemi high-output engine makes it the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car reaching 0-60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds and the fastest GT production car with a quarter-mile elapsed time of 10.8 seconds at 131 mph. It also reaches a new top speed of 203 mph," says a Fiat Chrysler preview.