January 3, 2025 | Jane O'Shea

Everyday Q-Cars That Actually Have Crazy Specs


Power Incognito

Sleeper cars, or Q-cars, are known for their power-packed performance while giving off a more understated appearance. All of these models bring insane specs to the table.

Sleeper Cars

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that drives the 2024 Golf GTI generates 273 lb-ft of torque starting at 1,750 RPM. And the 241 horsepower at 5,000 RPM. This engine comes with 2 transmission options: a six-speed manual one or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic one.

Volkswagen Golf GTI2024 VW GOLF GTI Review: Perfomance, Design and Cost of ownership by MTG REVIEWS

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Volkswagen Golf GTI (Cont.)

With an estimated 24 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the interstate, and a combined rating of 27 mpg, the GTI offers great fuel efficiency. Also, you'll love that the car has a passenger volume of about 93 cubic feet and cargo space of 19.9 cubic feet.

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI - Sound, Interior and Exterior by ORGCars

2021 Mercedes-AMG C63

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG C63 is an incredible luxury sedan that mixes power, style, and advanced tech. Under the hood, you'll find a strong 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that cranks out 469 horsepower in the regular C63.

2021 Mercedes-AMG C63MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

2021 Mercedes-AMG C63 (Cont.)

But a beefed-up 503 horsepower in the C63 S version. Both versions pack a punch when it comes to torque. The C63 produces 479 lb-ft, while the C63 S bumps that up to 516 lb-ft. That means you're in for some seriously fun acceleration.

Mercedes-AMG C632021 (21) Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG4.0 C63 V8 BiTurbo AMG S Night Edition SpdS MCT Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr by Yorkshire Vehicle Solutions

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2013 BMW M3 (E90)

This one represents the fourth generation of the M3 lineup. The fuel tank capacity of the BMW M3 is 16.6 gallons, which provides a decent range for both spirited drives and daily commuting. The car's wheelbase measures around 108.7 inches.

2013 BMW M3 (E90)2013 BMW M3 Competition by Secured Auto Group

2013 BMW M3 (E90) (Cont.)

The M3 comes with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 414 horsepower at 8,300 RPM and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 RPM. It's got a 6-speed manual transmission, and don't forget the rear-wheel-drive configuration.

BMW M3 (E90)2013 BMW M3 Competition by Secured Auto Group

2013 BMW M3 (E90) (Cont.)

Inside, standard amenities present are dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a Bluetooth-enabled sound system. Besides, it can comfortably seat up to four passengers and provides a trunk capacity of about 11.1 cubic feet.

BMW M32013 BMW M3 Competition by Secured Auto Group

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Pontiac G8 GXP

The Pontiac G8 GXP is a sporty version of the Pontiac G8 sedan that's truly powerful. Launched in 2008 as a 2009 model, the GXP is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that gives 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

2009 Pontiac G8 GXPAlpha2hz, Wikimedia Commons

Pontiac G8 GXP (Cont.)

This engine is joined with a six-speed automatic transmission that lets you shift manually if you want. The interior displays seating for five passengers with ample legroom and headroom, with safety features like traction control, and antilock brakes.

Pontiac G8 GXPRian Castillo from Vestavia Hills, USA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Pontiac G8 GXP (Cont.)

In terms of size, the Pontiac G8 GXP measures 196.1 inches in length, 74.8 inches in width, and 57.7 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 114.8 inches. The car features rear-wheel drive and can go up to 60 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds.

Pontiac G82009 Pontiac G8 GXP | Retro Review by MotorWeek

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Chevrolet Cobalt SS

The Cobalt SS was available in three main configurations: naturally aspirated, supercharged, and turbocharged. The Cobalt SS Naturally Aspirated has a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine producing 171 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. 

Chevrolet Cobalt SSTiCPU, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Cobalt SS (Cont.)

It takes about 7.1 seconds for this vehicle to accelerate up to 60 miles per hour. In contrast, the Cobalt SS Supercharged is powered by a 2.0-liter Ecotec LSJ supercharged inline-4 engine, delivering 205 horsepower. But the strongest option is the Cobalt SS Turbocharged.

Chevrolet CobaltIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Cobalt SS (Cont.)

It is equipped with a turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter Ecotec engine that generates about 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This model has an electronically regulated top speed of about 155 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. 

Chevy Cobalt SSIFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

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2008 Lexus IS F

With an estimated fuel consumption of 11.4 L/100 km, the 2008 Lexus IS F is a reasonably efficient performance sedan. There is a 65-liter (17.2-gallon) fuel tank installed in the vehicle. The car can easily accommodate 5 passengers, with a driver-focused cabin.

2008 Lexus IS FAutodesigner, Wikimedia Commons

2008 Lexus IS F (Cont.)

In relation to dimensions, the sedan is 4,660 mm long, 1,815 mm wide, and 1,415 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,730 mm. Additionally, it has a curb weight of about 1,714 kg (3,778 lbs), which gives handling dynamics a strong base.

Lexus IS FLuftfahrrad, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

2008 Lexus IS F (Cont.)

Its potent 5.0-liter V8 engine generates 371 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 RPM and 416 horsepower at 6,600 RPM. Oh, and the IS F's eight-speed automatic transmission enables rapid accelerations that can go from nothing to 60 mph in around 4.4 seconds.

Lexus ISFCelica21gtfour, Wikimedia Commons

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1993 GMC Typhoon

In need of some power and practicality? This one's for you. Produced by GMC from 1992 to 1993, the Typhoon was built on the same platform as the GMC Syclone. At the heart of this beast is a 4.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine.

1993 GMC TyphoonGreg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

1993 GMC Typhoon (Cont.)

The engine produces 280 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. It also features a Mitsubishi TD06-17C turbocharger and a Garrett water-to-air intercooler. The power is transmitted through a 4-speed automatic transmission, sending torque to all four wheels via a BorgWarner transfer case.

GMC Typhoon_salguod, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

2018 Volvo V60 Polestar

The 2018 Volvo V60 Polestar is basically a sported-up version of the V60 wagon with some serious performance. With its 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that uses supercharging and turbocharging, it creates 362 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 347 lb-ft of torque at 3,100 RPM.

2018 Volvo V60 PolestarGuillaume Vachey from Chalon sur Saone, France, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

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2018 Volvo V60 Polestar (Cont.)

An 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission is mated to this powerplant. The V60 Polestar is expected to get 27 mpg (highway) and 20 mpg (city) for a total fuel efficiency estimate of about 22 mpg. Its fuel tank capacity is about 17.8 gallons.

Volvo V60 Polestar2018 Volvo V60 Polestar Exterior, Interior, and Powertrain w/ BONUS engine sound by Autoblog

2021 Honda Accord 2.0T

Some consider this piece a standout model in the midsize sedan segment. The exterior measurements of the 2021 Accord 2.0T come up to 192.2 inches long, 73.3 inches wide, 57.1 inches tall, and 111.4 inches wide at the wheelbase.

2021 Honda Accord 2.0TMercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

2021 Honda Accord 2.0T (Cont.)

In the Accord 2.0T, among the basic safety features are blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Besides, its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine produces 273 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 RPM and 252 horsepower at 6,500 RPM.

Honda Accord 2.0TDestinationFearFan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S

What better pick than this one for your sleeper? The Mercedes-AMG E63 S's engine has a 9-speed automatic transmission with AMG's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, which allows for variable power distribution between the front and rear wheels.

2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 SAlexandre Prevot, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S (Cont.)

A potent 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque propels the vehicle. Performance metrics are remarkable, with the ability to race up to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and a high speed of 186 mph.

Mercedes-AMG E63 S2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S - 175mph First Drive in the SUPER-SALOON! by Shmee150

2024 Cadillac CT5-V

The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine powers it with 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in around 4.6 seconds. The EPA estimates that the CT5-V's fuel efficiency scores are 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive.

2024 Cadillac CT5-V2024 Cadillac CT5-V - Will The V Live On? by 703Speed

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2024 Cadillac CT5-V (Cont.)

And for all-wheel drive, it is 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The car has a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its starting price is approximately $51,495. The 2024 CT5-V Blackwing is a more powerful variant, having a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.

Cadillac CT5-V2024 Cadillac CT5-V - Will The V Live On? by 703Speed

2024 Honda Civic Type R

Here is a hatchback that continues the legacy of the Type R series. With features like an adjustable damper system that modifies suspension settings, the Civic Type R is built for spirited driving. It has a front-wheel-drive layout complemented by a helical limited-slip differential.

2024 Honda Civic Type RMercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

2024 Honda Civic Type R (Cont.)

The Civic Type R's fuel efficiency estimates are said to be around 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and approximately 24 mpg overall. The vehicle also has a 12.4-gallon gasoline tank. Its base MSRP is $44,795, a $1,500 increase from the previous model year.

Honda Civic Type RMercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Mazda 3 Sedan 2.5 Turbo

When using premium fuel, the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that drives the Mazda 3 Sedan 2.5 Turbo can generate up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. With ordinary fuel, you can expect it to give 320 lb-ft of torque and 227 horsepower.

Mazda 3 Sedan 2.5 Turbo2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD Sedan Review | Mazdaspeed Is Making a Comeback by SpeedLabs // MotorEnvy

Mazda 3 Sedan 2.5 Turbo (Cont.)

For a better driving experience, this engine promotes a 6-speed automatic transmission, which has paddle shifters and a manual shift mode. Plus, the car has Mazda's i-Activ AWD technology, which improves stability and traction under many driving circumstances.

Mazda 3 Sedan 2.5 T2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD Sedan Review | Mazdaspeed Is Making a Comeback by SpeedLabs // MotorEnvy

1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E

Reportedly, the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E was developed in close collaboration with Porsche. Due to Mercedes-Benz's engineering department being fully engaged with the new S-Class development, they commissioned Porsche in 1989 to redesign the W124 chassis.

1993 Mercedes-Benz 500ECharlie from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E (Cont.)

The W124 chassis hence accommodated the strong 5.0-liter V8 engine from the SL model. This gives out 315 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 347 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 RPM. The engine of this car also has a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz 500EMr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

2024 Volkswagen Golf R

This Volkswagen piece was officially launched on June 25, 2024. About pricing, the base model of the Golf R starts at around £42,320 in the UK or approximately $46,890 in the U.S. This beast can take you from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.6 seconds.

2024 Volkswagen Golf RI Bought A 2024 Volkswagen Golf R by Throttle House

2024 Volkswagen Golf R (Cont.)

The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that drives the Golf R releases 315 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque when teamed with a six-speed manual transmission. Rear-axle torque vectoring, which improves traction, is a characteristic of the Golf R's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Volkswagen Golf RI Bought A 2024 Volkswagen Golf R by Throttle House

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2024 Volkswagen Golf R (Cont.)

A standout element of the interior is the 30-color ambient lighting, which allows drivers to customize the cabin atmosphere. A Harman Kardon sound system and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are features of the Golf R. 

VW Golf RI Bought A 2024 Volkswagen Golf R by Throttle House

Tesla Model S Plaid

Released in 2021, this car possesses a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system that provides 1,020 horsepower. The Model S Plaid can reach 0 to 60 mph in 1.98 seconds, with its top speed being electronically limited to 200 mph.

Tesla Model S Plaid2021 Tesla Model S Plaid ADX7674 Dublin Pleasanton Livermore Fremont San Francisco Bay Area by Dublin Volkswagen

Tesla Model S Plaid (Cont.)

Under ideal circumstances, the 99.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers the Model S Plaid can go about 390 miles between charges. The starting price for this car is around $131,440, highlighting its position as a premium electric vehicle. 

Tesla Model PlaidThe 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid Is Here! by The Tesla Space

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2018 Buick Regal GS

The Regal GS went on sale in early 2018, with availability in dealerships beginning in February 2018 in Canada and shortly thereafter in the United States. The 2018 model introduced a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower.

2018 Buick Regal GSElise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

2018 Buick Regal GS (Cont.)

It was fitted with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This combination accelerates the GS from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It measures 192.9 inches in length, 73.3 inches in width, and 57.3 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 111.4 inches. 

Buick Regal GSJoe Ross from Lansing, Michigan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Volvo S60 Recharge

The S60 Recharge, which debuted with the 2024 model year, comes with an explosive 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine and an electric motor that produces 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. Hence, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.3 seconds.

2024 Volvo S60 Recharge2024 Volvo S60 Recharge - Real World Review by Everything Auto

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Volvo S60 Recharge (Cont.)

Between 40 miles of all-electric range and 119 miles of overall driving range are provided by the vehicle's 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery. Inside, you will find a luxurious and tech-savvy interior, such as Luxury Tailored Wool Blend upholstery.

Volvo S 60 Recharge2024 Volvo S60 Recharge - Real World Review by Everything Auto

Volvo S60 Recharge (Cont.)

Also, you will notice an intuitive infotainment system powered by Google. Other interior features are a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and driver assistance such as Pilot Assistance. 

Volvo S60 Re-Charge2024 Volvo S60 Recharge - The Most Slept On 450 HP Sedan! by 703Speed

2016 Chevrolet SS

This beast has a 6.2-liter V8 engine providing 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque—a thrill for anyone who loves to drive. In tests, the SS can go 0 to 60 mph in about 4.7 to 4.9 seconds, depending on which transmission you choose.

2016 Chevrolet SSCharles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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2016 Chevrolet SS (Cont.)

The base price for the 2016 Chevrolet SS starts at around $48,870. It is about 195.5 inches long, 74.7 inches wide, and 57.9 inches tall, alongside a wheelbase of 114.8 inches. Also, the trunk space of the car measures 16.4 cubic feet. Quite decent.

Chevrolet SS2016 Chevrolet SS Overview by thecarconnection


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