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Not each highly effective engine lives below the hood of a flashy sports activities automobile. A number of the most spectacular powertrains have been tucked into autos you’d move in a grocery retailer parking zone with no second look.
These sleeper vehicles and sensible haulers show that engineers generally have a humorousness, dropping severe efficiency {hardware} into essentially the most surprising packages.
Whether or not it’s a minivan that shares DNA with a muscle automobile or a luxurious sedan hiding supercar elements, these autos provide a pleasant shock for many who know what’s lurking beneath their unassuming exteriors.
2006-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
The grocery-getting, school-running Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t instantly scream efficiency automobile, however the SRT8 model packed a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 producing 420 horsepower. This was the identical engine household powering Dodge’s Challenger and Charger efficiency fashions, creating one of the satisfying exhaust notes ever heard in a college pickup line. T
he SRT8 might dash to 60 mph in below 5 seconds, which is genuinely fast for a 5,000-pound SUV. It’s the type of automobile that made soccer apply pickups much more fascinating for the motive force.
2004-2006 Pontiac GTO
Whereas technically a efficiency automobile, the trendy GTO was so understated that most individuals mistook it for a fundamental coupe. Underneath that plain wrapper sat the LS1 and later LS2 V8 engines, the identical powertrains that motivated the Corvette.
The 2004 mannequin delivered 350 horsepower, whereas later variations bumped that to 400 horsepower with the LS2. Pontiac’s choice to go delicate as a substitute of flashy meant this Australian-built muscle automobile might completely embarrass flashier opponents with out attracting undesirable consideration. It was a wolf in sheep’s clothes, however that engine might blow a brick home down.
2018-2020 Dodge Durango SRT
The Durango has all the time been a sensible three-row SUV for households, however the SRT variant introduced real muscle automobile credentials to the section. Its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 cranks out 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the highly effective three-row SUVs ever constructed.
That is basically a Charger SRT stretched into SUV type, able to hitting 60 mph in 4.4 seconds whereas carrying seven folks and their baggage. Few issues are funnier than watching a packed household hauler draw back from sports activities vehicles at a stoplight.
2014-2016 Chevrolet SS
Chevrolet’s SS sedan was so nameless that almost all People by no means realized it existed, regardless of packing the identical LS3 V8 discovered within the Corvette. The 415-horsepower sedan provided rear-wheel drive, a six-speed handbook choice, and magnetic journey management in a bundle that appeared like a Malibu’s barely bigger cousin.
It was basically a four-door Corvette in enterprise informal apparel, however Chevy barely marketed it. At this time, these sedans have gotten appreciated because the under-the-radar efficiency bargains they all the time had been.
2006-2010 BMW M5 (E60)
The E60 M5 appeared like every other 5 Collection sedan, which is precisely what made its V10 engine so particular. BMW borrowed Formulation 1 expertise to create a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 producing 500 horsepower that would rev to eight,250 rpm.
This was a real supercar engine dropped right into a luxurious sedan able to comfortably transporting executives to enterprise conferences. The fantastic shriek of that V10 at full throttle stays one of many biggest sounds in automotive historical past, all from a automobile most individuals assumed was simply one other enterprise sedan.
2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline
Honda’s unconventional pickup truck may draw mockery from conventional truck lovers, however its engine has severe pedigree. The three.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower is derived from the identical engine household used within the Acura NSX supercar, albeit with out the turbos and hybrid elements.
It’s a classy unit with direct injection and variable cylinder administration, delivering clean energy and shocking refinement. The Ridgeline proves you don’t want a rumbling V8 to have an engine with official efficiency credentials.
2005-2007 Dodge Magnum SRT8
Station wagons aren’t imagined to be intimidating, however the Magnum SRT8 rewrote these guidelines with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8. With 425 horsepower on faucet, this wagon might speed up to 60 mph within the low 5-second vary whereas hauling furnishings from the house enchancment retailer.
The long-roof physique model made it sensible for day by day life, whereas the engine made it one of many quickest methods to move your private home renovation provides. Dodge basically created a muscle automobile that would swallow a sheet of plywood.
2004-2006 Volvo V70 R
Volvo constructed its status on security and sensibility, which made the V70 R an surprising shock. Underneath the hood sat a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 producing 300 horsepower, paired with all-wheel drive for year-round usability.
This was the identical fundamental engine structure Volvo utilized in racing, tuned for dependable day by day driving however nonetheless delivering severe punch. The V70 R might haul youngsters and groceries in the course of the week, then embarrass unsuspecting sports activities vehicles on winding roads over the weekend.
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
The G8 sedan appeared like wise household transportation, however the GXP trim packed the Corvette’s LS3 V8 below its hood. With 415 horsepower and rear-wheel drive, this Australian-built sedan might run with official sports activities vehicles whereas providing 4 doorways and a spacious trunk.
Pontiac’s demise meant these sedans had been solely produced for one mannequin yr, making them uncommon as we speak. It was one of many final nice muscle sedans earlier than producers shifted focus to crossovers.
2021-2023 Genesis GV70 3.5T
The Genesis GV70 seems to be like a good-looking however strange luxurious crossover, which makes its obtainable twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 all of the extra shocking. This engine produces 375 horsepower and may launch the GV70 to 60 mph in below 5 seconds, matching or beating many devoted sports activities vehicles.
It’s the identical fundamental powerplant discovered within the high-performance Genesis G70, engineered for each energy and refinement. Few consumers on the luxurious crossover lot anticipate Porsche-level acceleration from their household hauler.
2005-2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8
The 300C already appeared imposing with its daring styling, however the SRT8 model backed up the looks with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8. Producing 425 horsepower in a bundle that would comfortably seat 5 adults.
The mixture of rear-wheel drive, severe energy, and distinctive styling made it in style with everybody from lovers to hip-hop artists. It proved that American sedans might ship each presence and efficiency with out European worth tags.
Conclusion
These autos remind us that engineering excellence doesn’t all the time include flashy styling or unique badges. The most effective sleeper vehicles provide the right mixture of practicality and efficiency, letting lovers get pleasure from severe energy with out the eye or upkeep prices of conventional sports activities vehicles. Whether or not you’re hauling youngsters, commuting to work, or simply working errands, these seemingly strange autos show that on a regular basis driving doesn’t must be boring. The subsequent time you see a plain-looking sedan or SUV draw back from a stoplight with shocking authority, do not forget that a few of the finest engines are hiding in essentially the most surprising locations.
