General Motors isn’t shy on enthusiast offerings. Although most are beyond what many would consider “affordable,” there’s no denying the bang-for-your-buck some GM performance cars offer. For a quick example, ten years ago, over 500 horsepower in a Chevrolet Camaro from the factory would seem unimaginable.
AutoGuide has put together its yearly list of the top ten cheapest cars that return over 500 hp. This time, GM held three of the ten spots. First up is the 2017 Cadillac CTS-V in ninth place. With 640 hp and 630 pound-feet of torque, it eclipses the 500 mark and then some, though it rings in at $87,290 for an entry-level model.
Moving right along to seventh place is the 2017 C7 Corvette Z06. Like the Cadillac CTS-V, it uses the same 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 engine to power it. Though, the Corvette Z06 makes 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Not a bad hp-dollar ratio considering it costs $80,490.
But, the third and top-placing GM car is the best value proposition here, especially if over 500 hp and a factory warranty are musts. The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 starts at $62,135 and offers the same 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque found in the Corvette Z06. All three of these cars use the same 6.2-liter LT4 V8 as well. The only other cheaper option for 500-plus hp? The Ford Shelby GT350.
Comments
How about a few more rather inexpensive cars with over 300 HP. In other words how about some performance cars in the lower end of the price ranges. Heck a 200 hp Spark would be a nice start.
Yep. Having owned a 420hp GTO and a stock GTO, having 500hp can be fun but the opportunities to use it fully as few and far between for most people.
300hp is actually a nice sweet spot in my opinion, as you get pushed back in your seat a bit but you also get to enjoy the sound and acceleration for longer than a second or two. A proper Cruze SS or reborn Chevelle would be nice to see.
While at it, I think an Equinox or Terrain hi-perf edition that brings to mind the old Typhoon would be an even hotter ticket for sales.
Ten years ago 500 HP in a Camaro from the factory would have been impossible because there were no Camaro from the Factory.
General Motors could have more than just 3 cars with more than 500 horsepower as Buick’s Enclave and Regal can get the 650 horsepower LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8 as can Cadillac’s ATS and CT6, Chevrolet’s Traverse, Equinox and Impala and finally the GMC Acadia and Terrain.