All articles tagged with #performance cars
The 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC replaces the discontinued Shelby GT500 as the brand's top-tier performance model. It features a 795-hp supercharged V8, advanced MagneRide suspension, and track-focused aerodynamics. Priced starting at $108,580, it offers a dual-clutch automatic transmission and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
Ford’s target of a 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds for the Fathom electric pickup would beat several classic high-performance cars listed by Jalopnik as slower: the 2006 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe (4.9s), the E39 BMW M5 (4.8s), the 2013 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Convertible (4.8s; auto; manual can hit 4.5s), the 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (4.7s), and the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP (4.6s). The piece positions the Fathom as quicker than these well-known performers if the 4.5-second target holds.
Gear Patrol’s motoring desk picks the 10 most exciting new cars announced or due to debut in 2026 (plus a notable 2027 entry), including Mitsubishi’s Pajero/Shogun/Montero revival, Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC with track-ready upgrades, a potential new Subaru WRX STI, the 2027 Rivian R2 aimed at sub-$50k BEVs, Aston Martin Vanquish 25, Toyota Corolla GRMN, the revival of the Nissan Xterra, Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport with the new LS6, the next-gen Nissan Skyline with a six-speed manual, Honda Super N, and an honorable mention for Bovensiepen’s 05 GT wagon.
Turbocharged 2.0L/2.7L four-cylinders from Toyota, Chevy, Honda, Audi, and Mercedes deliver V6-like power, with 0–60 times ranging from about 3.7–7.9 seconds and competitive fuel economy, illustrating a shift toward high-output four-cylinders in both trucks and performance cars.
Mercedes‑AMG’s GT 4‑Door abandons the V8 for a fully electric powertrain, delivering up to 1,153 hp (GT63) and 1,475 lb‑ft, 0–60 mph in 2.0 s, and an estimated 435 miles WLTP range with 600 kW charging. It introduces a new design language inspired by the GT XX concept, adds a frunk, and features a refreshed interior with a dual-screen infotainment setup; GT55/GT63 trims arrive by late 2026, with pricing still undisclosed.
Five manual-equipped cars beat their automatic counterparts in acceleration: Mazda MX-5 Miata ND (6.4s manual vs 7.1s auto), GR86/BRZ (about 5.4s vs 6.1s), Honda/Acura NSX (manual ~5.6s vs auto ~6.5s), BMW M3 E46 (manual ~4.5s vs SMG ~4.8s), and Porsche 911 Carrera 996 (manual ~4.9s vs Tiptronic ~5.6s). The piece argues that clutch control and shorter gearing in manuals can yield faster launches and a more engaging drive, despite modern automatics’ general speed advantage.
The 2020 BMW M2 has depreciated by only 28% over five years, with the M2 CS variant retaining value particularly well, making it a rare outlier among luxury cars which typically depreciate rapidly. Despite high initial prices, these models have shown strong resale value, especially the limited-edition CS, due to demand and performance appeal.
The article lists 11 factory cars capable of hitting 60 mph in under 3 seconds, highlighting a mix of electric, hybrid, and traditional combustion engines, with prices ranging from affordable Tesla Model 3 to ultra-luxury Ferrari and McLaren models, showcasing the current golden era of high-performance vehicles.
The Oldsmobile 442's name and specifications evolved over the years, originally referring to specific features like a four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, and dual exhausts, but later becoming more of a nostalgic badge with changing meanings, including engine sizes and performance packages, until its final iteration in the 1990s.
The article highlights five new high-performance production cars capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, including electric models like the Cadillac Escalade IQ, Polestar 4, and Audi SQ6 e-tron, as well as combustion engine vehicles like the Maserati MCPURA and Ford Mustang GTD, showcasing advancements in both electric and traditional automotive engineering.
The Ford Shelby GT350, a highly praised 526-horsepower muscle car known for its exceptional handling and unique Voodoo V8 engine, is now available at used car prices comparable to a Honda Accord, making it an affordable entry into high-performance driving, though potential buyers should be cautious of its reliability issues and high maintenance costs.
Dodge is likely to reintroduce a V8-powered Charger, possibly with a Hellcat engine, as part of its future performance lineup, while continuing to develop electric models, emphasizing a multi-energy platform that can evolve with consumer demand and regulations.
At the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, F1 drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman tested Toyota's new GT Concept cars, praising their speed and handling, with both cars rumored to have over 900 horsepower and designed for high performance, showcasing Toyota's latest in automotive innovation.
The Ford Mustang GTD has set a new benchmark for American muscle cars by becoming the fastest US production car to lap the Nurburgring with a time of 6:57.685. Despite achieving this sub-7-minute milestone, Ford plans to return for another attempt to improve the time, as the car still trails behind European models like the Porsche 992 GT3 RS and Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. The Mustang GTD features a powerful 815 hp supercharged V8 engine and advanced aerodynamics, and Ford CEO Jim Farley is confident in its potential for further improvement.
A 2000 BMW E39 M5 with 173,000 miles is listed for $19,495, sparking debate on whether it's a bargain. Despite its high mileage, the car boasts a documented $25,000 service history and is described as "all original" with minor modifications. The M5 features a 395 horsepower S52 V8 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, offering a classic driving experience. The car's condition, service history, and performance potential are weighed against its price to determine its value.