Driven
Review > Upgrade Me!
When enough is simply not enough in terms of vehicular performance, requesting an upgrade can bring added excitement.
words by > Jim Gorzelany
IF there’s anything frequent fl iers appreciate, it’s getting an inexpensive upgrade. Similarly, car buyers are looking for upgrades these days, but in the automotive arena this usually means adding a healthy dose of performance—even to what might already be considered a top-tier ride. Here’s a quick look at a few new-for-2007 models that treat their owners to higher levels of automotive exhilaration.
Honda Civic Si Sedan
An all-new Si Sedan joins the Coupe version in Honda’s Civic line for 2007, which essentially adds rear doors to the sportiest version of this stylish compact car. A 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter I4 engine drives the front wheels via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. The Si Sedan rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires, with a limited-slip differential included to maximize traction and control, and upgraded antilock disc brakes for secure stopping abilities. MSRP: $21,000 (estimated) www.honda.com
Pontiac Solstice GXP
As if the seductive Solstice wasn’t appealing enough, Pontiac has turned this two-seat roadster into a speed demon with the 2007 GXP. Its new turbocharged 260-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine can be mated to either a fi ve-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Pontiac claims it can hit 60mph in a brisk
5.5 seconds, which makes it quicker than a Porsche Boxster. The GXP also features a sports suspension with a quicker rear-axle ratio for nimble cornering, plus exclusive aesthetic touches inside and out. MSRP: $25,995 www.pontiac.com
Dodge Caliber SRT-4
The compact Caliber wagon turns into a muscle car with the SRT-4 version and its turbocharged, 300-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. Coming with a six-speed manual transmission, it can reach 60mph in under six seconds, which rivals many hard-core sports cars. It rides on oversize 19-inch wheels and performance tires, with a suspension that’s recalibrated for added cornering abilities. It also adds cosmetic touches such as a functional hood scoop and sport seats. MSRP: $20,000 (estimated) www.dodge.com
Ford Shelby GT500
Racing legend Carroll Shelby partnered with Ford’s Special Vehicle Team to develop a new leader of the Mustang pack—the 2007 Shelby GT500. Packing a 500-horsepower, supercharged, 5.4-liter, V-8 engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, this is the fastest pony car ever. The car’s 18-inch wheels, performance tires and improved steering and suspension afford tenacious rear-drive handling, while four-piston Brembo brakes help rein in all those horses. And the GT500 has aggressive styling cues in both coupe and convertible renditions. MSRP: $40,930 www.ford.com
Porsche 911 GT3
For the truly power hungry, Porsche has added the racetrack-ready GT3 to its 911 line for 2007. The sleekly sculpted coupe features a 415-horsepower, rear-mounted, 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine that takes the car to 60mph in about four seconds and reaches a blistering 192mph. A six-speed manual shifter is geared for maximum performance. It also includes a limited-slip differential, with stability control to ensure poise through the curves. MSRP: $106,000 www.porsche.com