There are some really cool affordable performance cars due out this year. Hyundai continues to add to its' performance lineup. The Genesis coupe I wrote about a few months ago gets a facelift and more power. Both the turbo 4 and V6 get direct injection and about 30 more hp. The Genesis also receives a new more aggressive look. Also from Hyundai is a turbo version of the new Veloster. The Veloster is already the coolest looking car under $20,000. Now it will get the power to match the unique styling. The price for the turbo will probably exceed $20,000, but still a good deal. Comes in a special matte gray finish
Ford is offering a performance version of the Focus badged the ST. It will feature a 2.0L EcoBoost turbo 4 cylinder. Actual horsepower number yet to be released. I would expect 180-220. They are also selling a factory built race car version called the Focus ST-R. It will be a turn key race car built by Ford for the Grand Am Continental Tire ST class.
Fiat will also be introducing a hotter version of the 500 called the Abarth. It will also be featuring a turbo 1.4L 4 cylinder. This model has been sold in Europe for the last few years.
Also new this year is the new New VW Beetle Turbo. Slightly more aggressive styling than the previous version. Almost looks like a retro version of the Porsche 356. It comes with a 2.0L turbo 4 cylinder. This is essentially the same turbo 4 available in the VW GTI, Audi A3, A4, A6 and TT.
So if anybody out there is looking for a fun car on a budget there are many options out there these days to choose from. Check out these new models and have fun. I hope to take some of these new models for a test drive this coming spring and summer.
These are only the newest models out. There are still the tried and true favorites that have been around a while like the Mini Cooper, Cooper S, VW GTI, and Honda Civic Si
Photos are courtesy of Hyundai, Ford and Fiat websites
