1997 Acura 2.2CL
"American Honda's luxury division introduced a 4-cylinder 2-door midsize coupe in spring 1996, as an early '97 model. Dubbed 2.2CL, it was the first Acura model to be designed and built in the United States." [More Info]
1996 Acura 3.2TL
This is Honda's premier brand. [More Info]
2003 Acura 3.2CL Type S
"the Acura CL Type-S doesn't inspire much passion or excitement, but it does everything exceedingly well."
[More Info]
1986 Acura Integra RS
This is the first model year for the distinguished integra nameplate helping to put Acura on the map. [More Info]
1990 Acura Integra GS
"Acura billed this front-wheel-drive model as a performance car. I guess it all depends on what you consider performance. The high-output, 160-horsepower GS-R might qualify (it arrived in 1992), but the more basic models had with fewer hot-rod pretensions. "
-canadiandriver.com
[More Info]
1992 Acura Integra GS-R
"Using technology previously available only in the Acura NSX exotic sports car, the Integra GS-R uses a computer-controlled Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system to produce more power per liter than any other normally aspirated engine sold in the United States." [More Info]
1993 Acura Integra GS-R
There was virtually no difference between the 1992 integra gs-r and the 1993 gs-r. [More Info]
1994 Acura Integra GS-R
"It is truly a technological masterpiece containing many high-tech features gleaned from Honda's Formula One experiences, as well as those utilized in the development and building of the NSX sports coupe." [More Info]
1996 Acura Integra GS-R
From the 1994 - 2001 the Integra GS-R received cosmetic changes only. [More Info]
1997 Acura Integra Type R
"The Type R coupe is a specialized, limited-production, high-tech factory hot rod that one-ups the aftermarket. Its suspension modifications could be done with aftermarket parts, but the engine is a unique masterpiece developed by Formula One racing-trained engineers." [More Info]
1991 Acura NSX
"The car that was to become the Acura NSX was envisioned as being not merely a competitor for the exotics and near-exotics already on the market, but a groundbreaking vehicle that would provide the emotional and visceral excitement which is part and parcel of driving an exotic car, and embody the unique Honda spirit" [More Info]
1992 Acura NSX
The NSX remains pretty much unchanged through to 1997. [More Info]
1996 Acura NSX
"Starting in 1995 the NSX-T features a removable roof panel This change actually made the car heavier and less rigid), and is the first Acura to offer an optional Formula One-inspired Sequential SportShift(TM) automatic transmission." No change for 1996 except the coupe is available again as well as the "T".
[More Info]
1997 Acura NSX
The biggest change since it's introduction comes in 1997, and it is a new engine for the manual transmission NSX's, strangely the *automatic continues to receive the old engine, which was detuned to 252hp (??). [More Info]
2005 Acura NSX
2005 is the last model year for the NSX and has remained virtually unchanged since 1997, and arguably unchanged since it's inception in 1991. [More Info]
2002 Acura RSX Type S
"The Acura Integra was a tough act to follow,
but the RSX does it even better." [More Info]
2004 Acura TSX
"Slotted in the Acura lineup between the RSX sports coupe and the 3.2 TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX is designed to compete with other premium sports sedans from Europe and Japan. " [More Info]
1999 Aston Martin DB7
"The DB7 seems really to come into its own at about 110 mph in 5th. Sweet. She's a handler too; not in the Porsche sense, but perfect for fast sweepers and Alpine switchbacks, always delivering a luxurious and well-controlled ride."
[More Info]
2006 Bugatti Veyron
"The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of 253mph. It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the legendary Bugatti marque. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. [More Info]
1986 Buick Regal Grand National
"1986 saw significant changes to the Grand National that would make it truly one of the best American performance cars of the mid-1980s. Buick added an air-to-air intercooler, adjusted the turbo, modified the upper and lower intake manifolds, and redesigned the exhaust system" [More Info]
1987 Buick Regal GNX
"...the big news for 1987 was the introduction of the limited edition GNX. Only available for 1987, the Buick GNX represents the height of Grand National performance. In a nod to the famous Buick GSXs of 1970-1972, the GNX logo featured a larger "X" than the other letters, just like the GSX logo. All GNXs began life as fully optioned Grand Nationals that immediately left the factory and were sent to ASC/McLaren Specialty Products in order to be extensively modified. "
Full Article Here [More Info]
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
For the 1957 corvette model year the big news was the availability of a 283ci 283hp fuel-injected V-8. This was a magical number, becacause few engines could hit 1hp for each ci of displacement. [More Info]
1965 Chevrolet Corvette
Corvettes could be very difficult to gauge from a performance point of view, for 1965 no fewer than six engines were available. The standard engine was rated at 250 hp and 350 lb ft of torque, and moving on up to the top rated 425hp listed here. [More Info]
1970 Chevrolet Corvette
The 1970 Corvette had a $3000 dollar option listed for an upgrade to an LS7 (465 hp & 490 lb ft at 5200 rpm) engine, rumored to crank out a mid 13 sec. quarter mile. The option was installed in only one Corvette, but none were ever sold with the option. [More Info]
1975 Chevrolet Corvette
The '70s, energy crisis, emmission controls, and management changes at GM, all added up to one of the most pedestrian Corvettes ever. [More Info]
1980 Chevrolet Corvette
The seventies and early eighties were not kind to big block V8 powered cars as evidenced by the fairly anemic (for corvette standards) performance noted here. [More Info]
1995 Chevrolet Corvette
"The Corvette was chosen to pace the Indy 500 for the third time in 1995. 527 replica pace cars were produced with a two-tone purple and white paint scheme and wild ribbon striping. " [More Info]
1953 Chevrolet Corvette
1953 Was the first year for the Corvette. 300 were built, these are the rarest of vettes to find today. [More Info]
2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6
The Corvette is America's supercar, for 2005 it was made smaller although unless you saw the 2004 side by side with it you may have difficulty noticing. Technically the Corvette is not a sports car, but a tourer, that's right a GT. [More Info]
1974 Chevrolet Vega
The Chevrolet Vega has the dubious distinction of being on several "worst car ever made" lists. [More Info]
1974 Dodge Challenger
By 1974 emission regulations and rising insurance rates meant the death of the performance engines that made the Challenger what it was. [More Info]
1982 Dodge Challenger
This was the twin to the Plymouth Sapporo, and was a bit of an innovation having such a large 4 cyl engine which was made possible through the use of balancers to cancel out vibration. It was subsequently licensed to other manufacturers. [More Info]
2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8
“The SRT approach to performance is multi-dimensional,” said Dan Knott, Director, Street and Racing Technology, Chrysler Group. “For example, the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 incorporates Brembo brakes to stop as well as it accelerates. Its handling is world-class across a dynamic range. Its interior is designed specifically for the performance driver. And its performance exterior characteristics don’t just look great, they’re also functional.”
[More Info]
1999 Ford F-150 Lightning
"Those crazy guys at Ford's Special Vehicle Team thought it would be cute to stick an Eaton supercharger on a 5.4-liter Triton truck block and throw the whole thing in an F-150 FlareSide pickup. What they've created is the most performance-intensive cargo-hauler ever to roll out of a Ford dealership." [More Info]
2001 Ford F-150 Lightning
The added performance for 2001 comes from Ford engineers designing 50% greater air flow for the supercharger and engine. Throw in a few other tweaks and HP and torque increase, with a corresponding perfomance increase in 1/4 mile time and 0-60 time. [More Info]
2005 Ford GT
"The new GT40 concept was created to celebrate a great era in Ford's history. Essential elements of the original - including the stunning low profile and mid-mounted American V-8 - continue in this latest interpretation of the classic. And street legal too!" [More Info]
1989 Ford Mustang GT
Also known as the Mustang GT 5.0L [More Info]
1993 Ford Mustang GT
[More Info]
2004 Ford Mustang GT
"The 2004 Ford Mustang is a hammer of a car, a throwback to another time. Its interior is dated. Stand on the gas and the GT's powerful V8 can spin the rear wheels. The firm suspension and handling make for a fast, racy ride. But it's not sophisticated. And that's the beauty of it" [More Info]
2005 Ford Mustang GT
[More Info]
2003 HUMMER H2
The Hummer H2 is like a Tonka© truck brought to life. Everything about it is big including it's gasoline consumption. [More Info]
2004 Mazda RX-8
A very innovative design -- looking very much like a coupe but having two "hidden" doors, which open in suicide fashion, i.e. they are hinged at the rear not center pillar. These provide access to the rear seat. Be wary of the automatic transmission, there is a noticeable power loss. [More Info]
1997 McLaren F1
"The Mclaren F1 has almost as many buttons on the dashboard as a space shuttle and sounds equally as noisy! The F1 was the brainchild of designer Gordon Murray – effectively a road going Formula 1 car for the super rich."
[More Info]
2003 Mercury Marauder
"Mercury first used the Marauder name back in 1963. Although the name first referred to cars specially prepared for stock car racing and powered by a 410-horsepower 427 cubic inch V8, it was soon used for performance versions of street legal Mercurys as well. [More Info]
1986 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R
Chrysler also released the Starion under their own banner in 1984, using the name "Conquest", this was the result of a partnership between mitsubishi motors and Chrysler. Also of note is that Mistsubishi was one of the few companies to build their own turbos, such was the breadth of their manufacturing prowess. [More Info]
1976 Datsun F-10
The Datsun F10 was introduced in 1976 as Datsun's first front wheel drive car. It featured the same engine as the B210, but the engine was mounted sideways. There was a JDM version of this engine which produced 83 hp. This car was also known as "The Cherry 120A F -II". [More Info]
2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6
"The WS6 Ram Air performance package, consisting of functional front-end air dams leading to an underhood ram air system (a longtime Pontiac musclecar element), dual exhaust outlets, power steering cooler, Hurst shifter, P275/40ZR17 Goodyear F1 GS tires, and, new for 2000, 17x9.0-inch twisted-design polished-aluminum wheels." [More Info]
1974 Pontiac GTO
1974 was the last year for the GTO, although many enthusiasts refuse to even include this year in the list of GTO's. This was in part due to it's anemic performance and because the GTO was based on the Pontiac Ventura, not the LeMans as in previous years. [More Info]
2003 Saleen S7
"On the road, the S7 feels like a race car. The thrilling sounds emanating from behind are only slightly subdued by the double-pane vacuum-sealed rear window." [More Info]
2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
"With its powerful engine, driver-controlled all-wheel-drive system and track-ready suspension, the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi represents the ultimate in affordable all-wheel-drive performance." [More Info]
1988 Toyota Camry All-Trac
This all wheel drive version of the Camry was aimed at those that lived in areas of the country with poor winter driving conditions. [More Info]
1982 Toyota Celica Supra
"In 1982, Toyota completely redesigned the Celica Supra as well as the entire Celica lineup. In Japan, they were known as Celica XX, but everywhere else the Celica Supra name stuck. Still being based around the Celica platform, there were several key differences, most notably the design of the front end and fully retractable pop-up headlights." [More Info]
1980 Triumph TR8
"The TR-8's braking and handling were of the same caliber of an old Celica GT, but its straight line acceleration rivaled that of anything built in its time. Its Buick derived engine started easily and ran well, but the Triumph engineered support components leaked anything and everything."
[More Info]
2006 Dodge Charger SXT
"The Charger SXT and V8-powered Charger R/T have a lot going for them. The car is comfortable, offers more than adequate performance, looks different and is priced competitively when compared to smaller V6-powered import sedans."
The SXT can be optioned to look very similar to the R/T save for the badging and usually dual exhaust. [More Info]
2006 Dodge Charger R/T
"The 5.7-litre is a gutsy engine and a pleasure to drive; throttle response is immediate, and delivered through a five-speed automatic with manual shift mode." [More Info]
2006 Dodge Charger Daytona
"Significant hardware upgrades are included on the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 makes 10 extra horsepower, and there's a sport-tuned suspension package with self-leveling rear shock absorbers, faster steering, and 235/55 performance tires."
[More Info]
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
"The 1970 Challenger was marketed as a sort of street-legal race car, both in print and television advertisements, and with the arsenal of high performance engines and trim lines that marketing campaign wasn't far off the mark. While the Challenger only lasted from 1970 to 1974, it left its mark on the American automotive market, and its not uncommon today to see an original Challenger cruising the streets, displayed proudly at a car show, or tearing down a quarter mile drag strip. " [More Info]
1996 Mazda MX-6 LS
The MX-6 has one of those bodystyles that is appealing even today. Although Mazda had not coined the term Zoom Zoom in 1996, there is no doubt that cars like the MX-6 would have fit right in. In 1996 the car actually lost a few HP's and torque because of changes to the fuel injection (took it down to 160hp and 156 lb ft) from the listed 164 and 160. It returned in 1997 when the V6 moves from port to sequential fuel injection. [More Info]
1996 Honda Prelude VTEC
"The VTEC engine emits a sophisticated snarl when it hits the edge of its power zone --from 6200 rpm on up-- but Preludes are otherwise remarkably quiet as sport coupes go."
[More Info]
2006 Pontiac GTO
"On the street, the 2006 Pontiac GTO rides like a luxury car and is easy to drive on a daily basis. But when driven more aggressively, the car can feel ponderous because of its significant body roll and slow and numb steering. Best to keep the car pointed straight and let the V8 work its magic, which, naturally, has been the point of the GTO since the beginning." [More Info]
1965 Pontiac GTO
Pontiac saw the potential of dropping a big block V8 into a relatively small frame, and just like that the muscle car era was born. The GTO is credited by many as the original muscle car. [More Info]
1969 Pontiac GTO
This car is sometimes referred to as the judge -- the Judge was actually a $332 option package introduced in 1969, the package included a new 366hp Ram Air III 400 ci V8, funky body paints, a large rear spoiler, and decals decals decals.
[More Info]
2002 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA
"Start it up and the playful burble at tickover soon becomes a tuneful symphony. There are six gears, too, although the short ratios and that lovely sound mean it's all too easy to make the rev limiter cut in frequently." [More Info]
1989 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde
The Milano Verde is known as the Alfa 75 in Europe. Look for the Quadrifoglio badge on the rear (translates to four leaved, hence the four leaf clover) this badge is only affixed to the highest performers in the Alfa line up. [More Info]
2005 Maserati Gran Sport
"The GranSport, Coupe and Spyder all share seductive, understated styling by Italy's famed Italdesign Giugiaro studio. GranSports don't look much different than Coupes. They have larger, 19-inch wheels with a design like that of the Trident race car's wheels. " [More Info]
2008 Porsche 911 GT2
"Officially the GT2 reaches a top speed of 205 mph, making it the fastest series production 911 ever unleashed for the road." [More Info]
2007 Saturn Ion Redline
"...there’s plenty to admire here: 205 supercharged horses, delivered without the on/off quality of most turbocharged engines and with virtually no trace of torque steer. A competent, well-planted suspension. Rear suicide doors that are cleverly hidden to make this sedan look like a coupe."
Also check out the 'Chevrolet Cobalt SS' which shares a number of components and engine with this car. [More Info]
2008 BMW 128i
"The coupe also provides highentertainment value when the road turns twisty. With its balanced, near-50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution and sophisticated suspension -- an aluminum double-pivot setup at the front and a five-link independent rear -- the 128i exhibits the typical BMW virtues of excellent directional stability and agility. " [More Info]
2008 Smart Fortwo
But in spite of its 'Tridion Safety Cell' architecture and favorable crash test scores, you can't help but feel vulnerable as stiff crosswinds and passing semis on the highway buffet the 1,800-pound city car as if it were a four-wheeled phone booth. [More Info]
2008 Pontiac G8
'...it's hard to tell the difference between the G8 GT and a G8 V6 at first glance. Quad exhaust tips outside and automatic climate control inside set the GT apart, but the base G8 looks and acts almost as cool.'
[More Info]
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
The new Challenger is a modernized interpretation of the original, a car with the looks of the original but brought up to date with the latest engineering technology. [More Info]
2008 Chevrolet Corvette
Speaking of which, wow. The base Corvette automatic can now run with the C5 Z06, sprinting from 0-to-60 mph in 4.3 seconds enroute to a claimed top speed of 190 mph. [More Info]
2008 Audi R8
'The 2008 Audi R8 debuts as the brand's first midengine exotic sports car. Highlights include aggressive styling, an aluminum body structure, a 420-horsepower V8 and all-wheel drive.' [More Info]
2008 Lotus Elise
"There's not much that's practical about the 2008 Lotus Elise SC. It's nearly impossible to get in and out of gracefully, the interior lacks many of the bells and whistles we've come to expect of modern road cars, and its diminutive proportions prevent it from carrying much more than a purse and a bottle of water. But here's the thing: with the right mindset, it doesn't really matter."
[More Info]
2008 Toyota Prius
"At the heart of the Toyota Prius is a revolutionary hybrid drivetrain that marries a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine to two electric motors (one to help drive the front wheels and the other to recharge the nickel-metal hydride battery pack). This setup allows for the gasoline and electric motors to work by themselves or in concert with each other depending on the driving situation." [More Info]
2008 Volkswagen GTI
"This is definitely the best GTI in a long time. It's also versatile -- it comes as a two-door or four-door and has a roomy and well-built interior. Your only pause for concern might be that the GTI is a bit pricey and lacks in performance when compared to other top sport hatchbacks or coupes." [More Info]
2007 Hyundai Tiburon GT V-6
"The GT's 172-horse V-6 is virtually vibrationless at idle and revs smoothly and urgently, never sounding like it's breathing hard. The five-speed linkage moves more cleanly than before, and the clutch is light ..." [More Info]
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