2016 Ford Focus ST
If you think you can’t go fast for under $30,000, the 2016 Ford Focus ST will change your mind. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder packs 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual, the Focus ST hits 60 mph in the low six-second range.
Keep your foot planted and you can hit the ST’s top speed of 150 mph. Despite the impressive performance figures, the compact Focus ST won’t hurt your wallet when it comes time to fill up the gas tank. The EPA rates the Focus ST at 23 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. Ford has also worked on the ST’s suspension and steering to make it a joy around corners. The Focus ST stands out from other Focus models with a new mesh grille, 18-inch wheels finished in gray, and a center-mounted exhaust tip.
The Focus ST is still a Focus at heart, which means it features a well-crafted and spacious interior with seating for four people. You can add a set of Recaro bucket seats that provide extra bolstering to hold you in when tackling a back road. How much for all of this? The 2016 Focus ST starts at $24,425.
2016 Volkswagen Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf R might look like a standard Golf, but the 18-inch wheels and quad-exhaust tips can tell anyone this isn’t an ordinary model. Under the hood is the same 2.0-liter turbo-four found in the Golf GTI, but Volkswagen has done some tinkering.
The engine, which produces 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the GTI, has been retuned to produce 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque in the Golf R. It is paired with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system to ensure that all of that power gets onto the road. You have the choice of a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic. When it comes to performance, the dual-clutch is faster than the manual from zero to 60 mph (4.5 seconds vs. 5.2 seconds). Both transmissions will get you to the Golf R’s top speed of 153 mph with no issue. Optional is Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control that can alter the shocks and steering to provide a more dynamic or comfortable drive.
While the R is the hot sibling in the Golf family, it still retains a number of key attributes reviewers love about the standard model. One is the practical and spacious interior. Four adults can get into the R and have no complaints about comfort. Cargo space measures out to 23 cubic feet and can be expanded to 53 cubic feet by folding the rear seats. A simple dash layout features blue accent lighting to remind you that you’re in the hottest Golf. You can slip into a 2016 Golf R with a starting price around $35,650.
2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS
The battle between the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro has been going on since the mid-sixties, with both models trying to one-up each other on the performance front. At the moment, Chevrolet holds the advantage in our sports car ratings with the recently redesigned Camaro.
The SS is currently the top dog in the Camaro lineup in terms of power and performance figures. A 6.2-liter V8 producing 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque sits under the hood. This is the same engine you’ll find in the Chevy Corvette. This can be paired with a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic. No matter which transmission you pick, you’ll be hitting 60 mph within about four seconds and can hit a top speed of 165 mph on a closed course.
While the 2016 Camaro may look similar to the 2015 model, Chevrolet has made some big changes. For starters, the Camaro now rides on the same platform that underpins the Cadillac ATS and drops a fair amount of weight to improve handling and efficiency. The Camaro SS also gets a set of Brembo brakes as a standard feature. Optional is GM’s Magnetic Ride Control that uses special shocks filled with magnetic fluid to adjust the level of firmness for improved handling.
The interior has been completely redone with a new dashboard, an improved gauge package, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Even though the Camaro can seat four people, the back seat is best reserved for small kids due to the limited amount of head and legroom. A bonus with the Camaro SS? You can get it as a coupe or convertible. The Camaro SS coupe starts at $37,295 and the convertible kicks off at $44,295.
2016 Chevrolet SS
You like the idea of the Camaro SS, but you need a four-door sedan or want a bigger back seat. Don’t worry, Chevy has you covered with the 2016 Chevrolet SS sedan. Imported from Australia, the SS packs a hefty punch in a conservative sedan shape.
The naming is a bit confusing, as “SS” is just a trim level on the Camaro, but it’s the full name of the SS sedan.
There is a 6.2-liter V8 under the hood pumping out 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Though it produces slightly less power than the Camaro SS, the SS sedan isn’t a slouch. Zero to 60 mph comes up in about five seconds, no matter if you opt for the six-speed manual or automatic. Top speed stands at 160 mph. Chevrolet equipped the SS sedan with a number of performance goodies such as GM’s Magnetic Ride Control and large Brembo brakes to keep the momentum in check.
Despite the performance chops, the SS is a comfortable car to ride in. The front seats come with power adjustments and enough side bolstering to keep you from sliding around in the corners. The rear seat offers plenty of legroom, but taller folks will find their head touching the roof. If you decide to lay down the $46,475 needed for the SS, you’ll be part of an exclusive group of SS owners. Last year, Chevrolet only sold about 3,000 SS sedans in the U.S.
2016 Dodge Challenger Hellcat
How do you make a muscle car stand out? If you are Dodge, you drop in a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 with 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It comes paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.
Dodge says the Challenger Hellcat is the most-powerful muscle car on sale. We can’t argue with that, as the Hellcat can go from zero to 60 mph in the low three-second range and reach a top speed of 199 mph. The stats are more impressive when you consider the Challenger Hellcat has a curb weight of almost 4,500 pounds and can seat four people in reasonable comfort. The weight does work against the Challenger when it comes to handling, as some reviewers note the vehicle isn’t agile as the Camaro or Mustang. A set of massive Brembo brakes helps bring the Hellcat to a stop.
The Challenger Hellcat’s retro exterior gets some small changes from lower trims, including as a new hood with heat extractors, an altered front end to improve airflow to the engine, and a rear spoiler. All of this performance comes at a sensible price of $64,195.
If you like the idea of Hellcat power, but need a four-door, Dodge also stuffs the 707-horsepower Hellcat powerplant into the Charger sedan.
2016 Mercedes-AMG C63
If you think America has the market cornered on muscle cars, Mercedes’ AMG division would like to have a word with you. The past few years have seen AMG produce some of meanest-sounding V8 engines on the road, with performance to match the growl.
Case in point is the 2016 Mercedes-AMG C63, which packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a seven-speed automated manual transmission, the C63 rockets from zero to 60 mph in four seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. A lot of reviewers describe the V8 sounding like a 60’s muscle car. If you’re looking for more power, AMG offers the C63 S, which features the same 4.0-liter V8 but bumps output to 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models get a wider front track than non-AMG C-Class models to improve handling and larger brakes to bring them to a stop.
The C63’s interior is luxurious, with high-quality materials and a design pulled from the S-Class. You’ll be able to fit four, but the back seat is best reserved for kids, as head and legroom are very tight. The 2016 C63 starts at $65,250 and the C63 S at $73,250.
2016 Audi S7
The Audi A7 is our Best Luxury Large Car for Families award winner for 2016 thanks in part to a striking design and impressive feature set. But if you want some extra performance to go with the sleek appearance, look no further than the 2016 Audi S7.
The S7 swaps the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 for a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a seven-speed automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive, the S7 goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and hits an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The standard air suspension can be fine-tuned to provide better handling around corners or smooth the ride. Steering has a direct, albeit light feel.
The interior is handsome, with quality materials used throughout. The back seat provides a lot of legroom, but the sloping roofline cuts into headroom. The S7’s shape does allow for a large cargo area. You can pick up an S7 starting at $82,900.
2016 Cadillac CTS-V
When it comes to midsize luxury performance sedans, there are the usual suspects of the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63 S. But if you want something a bit less conventional, then the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is a worthy choice.
Under the carbon fiber hood of the CTS-V is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 640 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It is the same engine found in the Chevy Corvette Z06. Paired with an eight-speed automatic, the CTS-V only needs 3.6 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. Keep your foot on the accelerator pedal and you can hit 200 mph. However, the CTS-V isn’t a just straight-line dragster. Reviewers praise the CTS-V’s chassis for providing confident handling. Steering is said to be toward the top of the class, with excellent road feel and weight. When you are done having your fun on the track, you can change the adaptive suspension to ‘Tour’ and the CTS-V settles down, providing a smooth and quiet ride home.
The interior is decked out with an Alcantara steering wheel, suede seats, and carbon fiber accents. You can option a set of Recaro bucket seats to hold you tightly whenever you decide to toss the CTS-V around. The rear seat provides a decent amount of headroom, while legroom is somewhat lacking. The CTS-V also undercuts the M5 and E63 with a starting price tag of $83,995.
If you don’t need quite the space or power of the CTS-V, you can opt for the smaller Cadillac ATS-V sedan. The ATS-V shares many of the handling components of the CTS-V and has a 464-horsepower twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 under the hood. Pricing for the ATS-V starts at $60,465.
2016 Tesla Model S P90D
The Tesla Model S might not be your first thought when it comes to a fast sedan, but the Model S P90D will rapidly change your mind. Consider the P90D can launch from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds (or 2.8 seconds when the Ludicrous mode is enabled).
And it’s Electric.
Those mind-boggling numbers come from the P90D’s dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, which provides 532 horsepower and 713 pound-feet of torque. Top speed is 155 mph. The EPA estimates the P90D’s range to be 270 miles on a single charge, but that varies due to factors such as driving style and weather conditions. The Model S is quite capable around corners thanks to a low center of gravity created by the underfloor-mounted battery pack.
Inside, the Model S P90D comes well-appointed with high-end materials and a large, 17-inch touch screen. There is ample room for most passengers, though tall passengers might wish for a little bit more headroom. You can add factory-installed rear-facing jump seats in the rear to increase seating to five adults plus two kids. A Tesla Model S P90D will set you back $109,500, and the Ludicrous upgrade will add $10,000 to the base price.
Before you head to the dealer to satisfy your need for speed, be sure to find out how much you should be paying by using U.S. News & World Report’s Best Price Program. Stay up to date with the latest in buying advice by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Sports Cars With Two Rows of Seats
Most of us have the desire to go fast, whether we’ll admit it or not. The best way to go fast is, of course, a two-seater sports car. But that solution doesn’t work for people who have a growing family or regularly need to drive people around.
Going fast and being able to seat four people seem like a dream? Not so! There are a number of vehicles that not only scoot along but also provide comfortable seating for four. Keep reading to see the vehicles that can satisfy your desire to go fast while taking others along for the ride.