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These Turbocharged Cars Destroy The Best American Muscle

Vukasin Herbez September 11, 2024

Even though turbocharged cars have been around the automotive world since the late 1930s, they got their chance in the 1970s. It was used as a way to keep the performance but reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Throughout the 1980s, it was popular with many manufacturers, yet forgotten in the ’90s and early 2000s.

Due to tight regulations and the hunger for horsepower, it returned triumphantly recently. Today, it has become an integral part of just about every ICE model today. This means drivers have access to many turbocharged cars that can outrun standard muscle cars. Unlike the actual muscle cars powered by V8 engines, turbocharged models can have all kinds of cylinder configurations. From small but efficient four-cylinders to even a twin-turbo V8, everything is possible. We found 40 turbocharged cars that will leave even the best American muscle cars in the dust, so check them out right here.

Ferrari F40
Photo Credit: Ferrari

Ferrari F40

The Ferrari F40 was and still is a special car in many ways. Built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Ferrari, it was a car supervised and envisioned by Enzo Ferrari himself. It was his last creation and he died just a couple of months after the introduction of the F40 in 1987 (via Ferrari).

Photo Credit: Evo

Heavily based on the 288 GTO model, the F40 was an improved version of a twin-turbo, 2.9-liter V8 engine supercar with two seats. A pretty basic interior, a manual gearbox, and 480 screaming horsepower behind your ears. The F40 was one of only two cars that accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds in street-legal trim. The exact result was 3.8 seconds.

Photo Credit: Cnet

Cadillac ATS-V

Introduced in 2016, the newest American muscle four-door car is the compact but immensely powerful Cadillac ATS-V. With this model, Cadillac attacked the likes of the Mercedes C Class and BMW 3 Series with a modern executive sedan with strong styling and brutal power (via Car and Driver).

Photo Credit: Car Scoops

Under the hood is a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine with 464 HP and 445 lb.-ft of torque, enough to launch the ATS-V from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and top its speed at an astonishing 189 mph. Even though the ATS-V doesn’t have a V8, it’s still a good muscle car and is available in two-door form.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Nissan Skyline GT-R R35

The R35 Skyline GT-R is a car that doesn’t need an introduction. One of the fastest, most capable, and best-handling sports cars you can buy is globally famous for its sublime characteristics and performance (via Nissan USA).

GTR Via Wikipedia
Photo Credit: Auto WP

The most significant part of its appeal is the engine as the Skyline has a signature turbocharged 3.8-liter V6, which delivers 570 HP or 600 in NISMO trim. In combination with intelligent all-wheel drive, the GT-R can achieve 60 mph in less than three seconds. That is more than enough to outrun any American muscle car on the street.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

No one expected that Mercedes would enter the compact performance class because Mercedes was always known for big sedans which defined luxury and comfort. Also, no one expected Mercedes would do it so well (via Car Buzz).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The secret of the performance of CLA, GLA, and A Class 45 AMG is the unbelievably powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It started with 345 HP and was 381 HP for the 2018 model year. For comparison, the 2.0-liter four delivers as much power as the 5.0-liter V8 from a couple years back.

Photo Credit: AG Fans

Audi RS2

Despite having the looks of the old, early 1990s Audi station wagon, the RS2 Avant is a serious performance machine that can destroy almost any American muscle. And not only in a boulevard drag race but on the race track. The RS2 was the first in a long line of Audi performance station wagons that brought consumers those supercars with long roofs like the RS6.

Photo Credit: Which Car

However, the RS2 is where it all started. Audi engineers took the famous inline five-cylinder turbo engine with 2.2-liters and 315 HP and put it in the most uninspiring body style they could find – the station wagon. They also added Quattro all-wheel drive magic and manual transmission. Finally, they sent it all to Porsche for a final precision assembly. The result was the RS2, with a 4.8-second time from 0 to 60 mph (via Top Gear).

Photo Credit: Best Car Mag

Lotus Omega/Omega Carlton

Introduced in 1990 and discontinued in 1992, the Omega Lotus was Opel’s rear-wheel drive luxury model tuned by renowned British sports car maker Lotus. The car was given a turbocharger on top of an already powerful stock six-cylinder engine (via Road and Track).

Photo Credit: Best Car Mag

The 3.6-liter six delivered 377 HP, which was massive for the day’s standards. Its performance was also thrilling, with a 0 to 60 mph run was over in just 5.2 seconds and a record-setting 177 mph top speed. Lotus did a great job finishing and fine-tuning vehicles produced and delivered by Opel.

Photo Credit: BMW

BMW M3 F80

BMW purists were outraged when the Bavarian company introduced the fifth-generation M3 in 2014. First, it was a sedan, not a coupe, and second, it was a turbocharged six-cylinder. Everybody expected a two-door, high-revving, naturally-aspirated motor, but got the exact opposite (via Road and Track).

Photo Credit: BMW

However controversial it might be, the F80 M3 was a fantastic performance machine and a true turbocharged legend. The 3.0-liter, six-cylinder delivered 425 hp in base trim but could be tuned to produce much more. The car was very fast, with 0 to 60 mph times in the 4.5-second range, which means it could outrun most American muscle cars.

Foto Credit: Hagerty

Oldsmobile Jetfire

The Jetfire is an essential model of automotive history that unfortunately never got the respect it deserved. Engineers took the compact F-85 model and retained its small 215 CID V8 engine, which developed 185 HP and gave it a new forced induction intake system that included a Garett turbocharger (via Car Throttle).

Foto Credit: Auto WP

For the standards of the day, the Jetfire V8 was state-of-the-art technology, and initially, the market was exciting. The new V8 delivered 215 HP, which was one hp per cubic inch, making it one of the best performance cars of the day. The 0 to 60 mph time of around eight seconds was almost as fast as the Corvette of the time.

Photo Credit: Silodrome

BMW 2002 Turbo

In the early ’70s, BMW found success with its Neue Klasse series of models. The 2002s were quick, agile, and light coupes, which established the brand amongst performance lovers and racing fans worldwide. But BMW wanted more. It tried to present the ultimate 2002 model incorporating a signature design with the latest high-performance technology – turbocharging.

Photo Credit: BMW Group

So in 1973, BMW introduced the 2002 Turbo, a crazy and naughty cousin to the rest of BMW’s lineup. The car featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 170 HP, revised suspension and brakes, and only one color choice with an exciting graphics package (via BMW M).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Porsche 911 Turbo

Porsche introduced a new generation called the 930 which featured the same basic layout, a new and improved design, and more significant engines, but the real news was the 1975 930 Turbo. Faced with government-imposed restrictions, Porsche needed something to boost power and performance but still retain standard displacement, and turbocharging proved to be the perfect solution (via Hemmings).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The 930 Turbo boosted 260 HP from its 3.0-liter flat-six, signature air cooling, giant rear wing, and wider rear track. It was notorious for its ill-handling capabilities, but it delivered an exhilarating performance in times when performance cars were almost banned. The 930 started a legendary breed of lightning-fast Porsches and turbocharged sports cars.

Photo Credit: Road and Track

Audi TT RS

The Audi TT RS is an addition to the prestigious RS model range. With a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder that delivers 400 HP and 354 lb.-ft of torque, the TT RS has a crazy power-to-weight ratio and sublime performance (via Car and Driver).

Photo Credit: Road and Track

A 0 to 60 MPH sprint takes just 3.6 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 155 MPH. But there is also the option of removing the limiter, in which case the TT RS is capable of reaching 174 MPH.

Saab 900
Photo Credit: Saab

SAAB 900 Turbo

The 900 Turbo model was introduced in the late ’70s when SAAB was at the height of its success as an upscale manufacturer of high-quality, high-tech cars. The 900 Turbo was presented at a time when turbocharging was new and only a few models before had it as a regular production option (via Classic and Sports Car).

Photo Credit: SAAB

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder with forced induction produced 143 HP at first and 185 HP in later versions. The 900 Turbo was initially offered as a coupe but also could come as a convertible. In the ’80s, SAAB cars were very popular amongst upper-middle-class buyers and intellectuals as stylish yet very usable transport that possessed advanced technology and designs.

Porsche 944 Turbo
Photo Credit: Auto Week

Porsche 944 Turbo

In 1983, Porsche presented the 944, which proved to be a very important model for the brand. It was a much further developed concept of 924 but with innovations inside and out, like a transaxle system and superb suspension and steering. One of the main features of the new car was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder which provided 170 HP at first.

Porsche 924 - Porsche 944
Photo Credit Pinterest

That is not an especially impressive number today, but it was pretty potent for mid-80s standards. The most exciting version was, of course, the 944 Turbo. It had a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that put out 250 HP. Due to its lightweight, good transmission, and aerodynamics, the 944 Turbo was a pretty fast car. 0 to 60 mph took only 5.9 seconds and the car could top 162 mph (via Porsche).

Photo Credit: Motor Authority

Audi Quattro Sport

In the early ’80s, Audi just upgraded Volkswagen with little to offer. Then, the motorsport department proposed entering the rally championships with an innovative all-wheel drive model called the Quattro. All of a sudden, Audi had a championship-winning car (via Car Magazine).

Photo Credit: Motor Authority

This resulted in rising interest in this company, and the rise of Audi as we know it today has started. The Quattro Sport featured a 2.1-liter straight five-cylinder engine with a turbocharger and 306 HP in street trim. With a short wheelbase, light body panels, short ratio gearbox, and the 306 ready to jump any moment, the road-going Quattro Sport could achieve 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. That made it one of the quickest cars of its era, showing how capable the Quattro’s turbo was.

Foto Credit: Mecum

Buick GNX

In 1982, Buick started experimenting with turbocharging its line of standard V6 engines. The results were satisfying, and engineers got permission to go further and develop a performance version that would deliver better acceleration numbers.

Foto Credit: Mecum

The first model was the Buick Regal T, and then Buick Grand National with 175 HP, which wasn’t impressive but was a start. In the next couple years the Grand National got a bigger engine and more power, jumping from 175 HP to 200 HP and finally to 235 HP. However, in 1987 the ultimate version called GNX (Grand National Experimental) was released. It featured the same 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 but with 275 HP and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.7 seconds (via Supercars).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Ford Mustang SVO

The biggest news for early Fox body Mustangs was the introduction of the turbo engine. Ford’s SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) department introduced a Mustang SVO in 1984, featuring a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 175 HP. It was quite the power output for a small engine. As a light car, the ’84 Mustang SVO was pretty hot at the moment (via Car and Driver).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The package included four-wheel disc brakes, stiffer suspension, and sharper steering, transforming the small Mustang into quite a capable sports car. For 1985, the SVO upped the power to an impressive 205 HP, which turned the attention of the motoring public to third-generation Mustangs.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Porsche 959

Back in the ’80s, Porsche decided to introduce one model, a rolling compilation of every technology compatible with the 911 with the 959. Introduced in 1987, the 959 had a 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six engine with 450 HP sent to all four wheels over an intelligent AWD system, the first of its kind (via Porsche).

Porsche 959
Photo Credit: Automotion

The car had traction control, ABS, and a host of electronic systems, which helped the driver. The performance of this technological tour de force was also astonishing. A 0 to 60 mph sprint was possible in just 3.7 seconds.

BMW M2 Coupe
Photo Credit: BMW

BMW M2

The 2015 M2 is one of the best driver’s cars on the planet combining BMW’s driving dynamics and M Power heritage. It is also a modern-day equivalent of the legendary 2002 Turbo. To create the M2, BMW took the compact platform of the 2 Series model for its precision driving and sharp handling.

Photo Credit: Hey Car

They added performance-tuned suspension, wider track, bigger brakes, and most of all, a 365 HP 3.0-liter turbocharged straight six-engine. As you can expect, the result was fantastic. And the M2 is an Autobahn missile of the highest order with a 4.1-seconds 0 to 60 mph time and a top speed of 168 mph (via EVO).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Nissan 300 ZX

One of the best cars in a long line of Z-named Nissan sports coupes was the 300 ZX. Introduced in 1990 and discontinued in 1996. Car enthusiasts admire the 300 ZX, a proper sports coupe in terms of technology and performance. It could rival much more expensive cars.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The twin-turbo V6 engine pumped 300 HP and the 300 ZX could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds while topping 150 mph. Today, the 300 ZX is a coveted modern classic, as one of the most universally usable cars on this list (via Nissan).

Photo Credit: Al-Ain

Ford Focus RS

The RS is one of the most powerful four-cylinder turbo cars ever. But it is available as a regular production model to U.S. buyers for the first time. The new Focus RS has a 2.3-liter turbocharged unit that delivers 345 HP to all four wheels, making it a capable hot hatch beast (via Car and Driver).

Photo Credit: Net Car Show

Its performance is incredible. 0 to 60 mph takes the RS only 4.7 seconds and its top speed is 165 mph. This kind of performance deserves special packaging, so the Focus RS has a unique front spoiler, bulged fenders, and a spoiler. Just looking at this furious compact tells you that this is a genuinely fast Ford.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Alfa Romeo 4C

In 2013, Alfa Romeo introduced the 4C. Nobody expected such a car from Alfa Romeo. The 4C was a “junior supercar” with a carbon fiber tub, lightweight construction, a cramped interior, and a four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

Photo Credit: Car Magazine

The heart of the 4C is a tiny, 1.8-liter engine with a turbocharger that delivers 238 HP to the rear wheels. The performance numbers are impressive. The Alfa Romeo 4C can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and top 160 mph (via EVO).

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

Toyota Supra Turbo Mk4

This is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars, which has reached legendary status by appearing in many street racing movies (Fast and Furious franchise), racing games, and music videos. This is one serious machine, especially in the Turbo version (via Diseno Art).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The base model was naturally aspirated, and despite being quick, the most iconic model is the 3.0-liter straight-six twin-turbo variant with 276 HP. We know that 276 HP is not much, but the engine produced somewhat more than advertised. Today it is hard to find a stock Supra, but with just a few bolt-on power adders, a bigger turbo, and an intake system, you can go all the way to 1000 HP on rear wheels.

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

Nissan Skyline R32

Everybody who played racing games in the last 20 years will know about the R32. This crazy powerful all-wheel drive Japanese coupe was on top of many American enthusiasts’ wish lists for a quarter of a century. Now, it’s finally eligible to import (via Nissan USA).

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

The model debuted in 1989, but the best versions came in the early ’90s, which makes the GT-R version a quintessential ’90s car. It’s a two-door coupe with intelligent all-wheel drive, a 2.6-liter turbocharged engine with 276 HP stock and a ton of tuning potential.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Volkswagen Golf R Mk7

The R is the top-of-the-line Golf with a powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and amazing performance for a family hatchback. The R version is the derivate of the mighty R32 Golfs from the early 2000s that featured those 3.2-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engines (via Parkers).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

However, the latest versions feature a smaller, more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four, which delivers almost 292 HP. As you can expect, the performance is quite brutal for what is essentially a family compact. To get from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds and the car can top 155 mph.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Jaguar XJ 220

The story of the XJ220 is a strange one. Conceived in the late ’80s as Jaguar’s first road-going supercar, it looked very promising. The concept car and the prototypes had Jaguar’s V12 engine but tuned to produce high output. However, halfway into development, it was decided to install a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 unit with 542 HP. The design of the car was fantastic as its wide stance emphasized performance and speed (via Auto Car).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

When it was released, the XJ220 was the world’s fastest road-going model and carried an enormous price tag. Despite the hype and wealthy customers waiting to buy this model, several delays in production and the lack of V12 affected the market, and eventually, less than 300 were built. The XJ220 got its name since it could top 220 mph and was never officially sold in the USA.

Photo Credit: Car And Driver

GMC Typhoon

The Typhoon got a 4.3-liter V6 engine with a turbocharger and intercooler. The power output was 280 HP, not that impressive today, but back in 1991, it was a pretty nice number. But, its automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive system, and suspension really helped the performance. The Typhoon could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Even today, this is fast for an ordinary SUV (via Car and Driver).

Photo Credit: Car and Driver

The rest of the package included unique trim, luxury interior appointments, special color and wheel choices, and limited production. In just three years of production, from 1991 to 1993, the Typhoon was made in precisely 4,697 examples.

Honda Civic Type R

The performance Civic looks like every racer’s dream, with numerous spoilers, scoops, and air vents all over the body. The aggressive design, great performance, and JDM appeal make this Civic a valuable and highly sought-after addition to the hot hatch class (via Car and Driver).

Photo Credit: Almouharrek

Honda has resisted the temptation to turbocharge its performance engines for a long time. Still, the Civic Type R has precisely that under the hood, like any competitor in the class. The 2.0-liter turbo four delivers 306 HP and can propel this nasty-looking Civic Type R from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It can top 170 mph.

Photo Credit: Car and Driver

Subaru WRX STI

The infamous Subaru WRX STI is a street racing and rally legend. For decades now, Subaru has been one of the market’s most powerful turbo-cylinder cars. Under the hood is a flat-four engine with 2.5-liters of displacement and a turbocharger. This combo is good for 305 HP sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. It’s a valid driver’s car with a proper manual gearbox, excellent road holding, and enough power to make this car fly (via Cars).

Photo Credit: Subaru

Its performance numbers are respectable with a 5.1-second 0 to 60 mph time and a 160 mph top speed. Since this is a four-door car, it is also reasonably practical since it can seat five people.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Ford F150 Raptor

It is incredible how the automotive industry has evolved. The idea of a performance truck with a small-ish turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic was quite unbelievable just a couple of years ago. However, we now have the F150 Raptor, a brutal machine that raises the bar for all other performance trucks out there (via Edmunds).

Photo Credit: Ford

It’s a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 with 450 HP and 510 lb.-ft, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and sub-five-second acceleration times. The figures suggest that this is an exotic supercar, right? No, this is a full-size pickup truck with room for five people and a regular truck bed.

Photo Credit: Motor Illustrated

Mazdaspeed6

You might think that behind this funny name is just an ordinary Mazda 6 family sedan which was popular 10 years ago. But you’d be mistaken. Introduced in 2006, Mazdaspeed6 is a perfect affordable performance car disguised as a cheap family four-door. And designed to be the ideal driver’s machine in sheep’s clothes (via Edmunds).

Photo Credit: Mazda

Under the hood was a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp. Which sent power to all four wheels over an intelligent AWD system and six-speed manual transmission. Its performance was outstanding even for today’s standards. And Mazdaspeed6 was capable of 5.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a top speed of 150 mph.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Hyundai Veloster N

The regular Veloster is an odd-looking hatchback with an unusual three-door layout including two doors on the right and one on the left. Apart from this quirky feature, Veloster, in its standard guise, is a somewhat dull car without any real significance to car enthusiasts. However, the N version is a whole different story (via Hyundai USA).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The Veloster N has a 250-275 HP turbocharged engine, trick front differential, different suspension, and exterior design package. With all of this, the nature of the car changed from a boring economy hatchback to an actual hot hatch.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Jaguar F-Type

The current F-Type sports car is quite a successful model and most seem to adore the crazy 5.0 SVR model with 550 HP. However, Jaguar introduced an exciting entry-level model in the form of the 2.0-liter turbocharged F-Type (via Top Gear).

Jaguar F-TYPE
Photo Credit: Jaguar

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 300 HP to keep the sports car’s reputation. Unfortunately, it only comes with automatic transmission, and we hope that Jaguar will also introduce a manual option.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Mitsubishi Evo X

Despite being discontinued, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X still is a big legend amongst performance car enthusiasts. The automotive world has sorely missed the long-lasting series of four-door sedans with four-wheel drive and powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engines (via Mitsubishi Cars).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The latest version, called the Evo X, is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 291 HP. However, experts say that the engine’s output is more likely around the 320 HP mark. But Mitsubishi chose to market it with 291 HP. Its performance figures were astonishing. The 0 to 60 mph time was 4.5 seconds, and the Evo X could almost top 160 mph.

Photo Credit: Car Domain

Dodge Neon SRT-4

Introduced in 2003, the Neon SRT4 was one of the best and cheapest performance cars in America at the time. The compact Neon was turned into a pocket rocket with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 230 HP. Which propelled the Neon from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds (via Edmunds).

Photo Credit: Car Domain

Of course, almost every owner tuned its Neon SRT4 the exact minute it left the dealership. Some owners even managed to squeeze over 400 HP from its 2.4-liter engine.

Photo Credit: Motor 1

Porsche 718

The Boxster debuted in 1996 as a big step forward for the company. Fast forward 20-something years, and we now have the 718, a fully restyled and redesigned Boxster with 2.0 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines (via Porsche).

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

The smaller engine delivers 300 HP while the bigger one has 350 HP with the help of turbocharging. This kind of power guarantees brutal performance and the 718 can sprint to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, topping 170 mph. You can see the 60 mph mark in 4.1 seconds if you choose the more powerful version. But the top speed will stay the same.

Photo Credit: Auto Car

Kia Stinger GT

The Stinger has rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, which is new for Kia’s non-SUV models. Under the hood, there are two engines. A turbocharged four-cylinder will deliver 255 HP, and a twin-turbo V6 will pump 365 HP.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The buyers can expect the acceleration times to be 60 mph in around 5.0 seconds for the twin-turbo V6 version. This is very respectable for any model, especially from an economy car brand such as Kia. Of course, the Stinger will come with an excellent selection of standard equipment and a long list of optional extras (via Kia).

Photo Credit: Arab Motor World

Alpine A110

It’s a small, lightweight sports coupe with a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. It’s capable of providing much driving excitement and unparalleled road holding and feel.

Alpine A110-50 - Alpine A110

That was precisely the idea behind the new Alpine A110. This small coupe weighs just over 1 ton and has a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder behind the driver powering the rear wheels. The power is more than adequate at 252 HP running through the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The specifications sound fantastic, and acceleration times are under five seconds. This car was just released and might just come to US shores sometime soon (via Top Gear).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4×4

After the crazy RS Cosworth three-door hatchback of the mid-1980s, Ford UK presented the RS Cosworth 4×4 in 1989. It was the regular four-door sedan with stealth looks but stellar performance (via EVO).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The power was the same, and under the hood was a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 220 HP mated to a manual transmission and a highly capable AWD system. The car looked like any other family sedan on the market but had the performance and acceleration of a Porsche 911. Many owners decided to tune the 2.0-liter engine and with a little work, this reliable power plant could deliver up to 500 HP.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Audi RS3

You could mistake the new RS3 Sedan from the outside for a regular A3 four-door since this model retains the same elegance and proportions as the standard sedan. You may believe this is another boring compact sedan with nothing to show (via Audi Media Center).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

However, as soon as you press the gas pedal, you will immediately understand how wrong you were. The 2.5-liter unit delivers 400 HP and 354 lb.-ft of torque, making it the most powerful car in its class. The power is sent to all four wheels over the signature electronically controlled Quattro AWD system. Ensuring the perfect traction and grip in all driving conditions. All of this translates to incredible performance. The RS3 Sedan can reach 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and top 174 mph.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Volvo 850 R Wagon

After the success of the T5 version of the 850 series, which featured a turbocharged engine, Volvo decided to go a step further and introduce an all-out sleeper machine in the form of the 850 R. Under the hood, the 2.3-liter five-cylinder engine featured a bigger turbo, a different intake system, and electronics, resulting in a 250 HP output.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Despite retaining front-wheel drive, Volvo 850 R Wagon still had pretty good acceleration times of 6.5 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed of almost 160 mph. For the mid-’90s, this was a sports car territory. We bet there were a lot of confused Porsche owners when these ‘dull’ Volvo wagons passed them on the highway (via Edmunds).

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