4 Stock Sleeper Cars Whose Speed Will Surprise You
Sleeper cars are the hidden treasures of the automobile industry. These types of cars are completely unassuming and may not seem to impress, but have high-performance engines that will make you think twice on that first impression.
Sleeper cars set the perfect example of how you should never judge a book by its cover. Although these cars may not look that quick, here are some of the most impressive stock sleeper cars out there.
Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Subaru has been making reliable cars that consumers love for decades, known also for its practical and safe cars. In fact, Subaru has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) time and time again, according to Motor Trend.
And safety should be a concern with a quick little bullet like the Legacy 3.6R. Compared to its competitors, this model is powerful and fast. It can get to 60 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds, an impressive 2.5 seconds faster than the Legacy’s standard trim. You’ll find no turbocharged engines here either, with a 3.6-liter, flat V6 that can put out 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque instead. With an improved chassis and suspension, as well as an all-wheel-drive, CVT drivetrain with overdrive, the Legacy 3.6R is more than meets the eye.
Toyota Camry V6
Many may think a Camry should never be on a list of the best sleeper cars. But Toyota has been producing more and more impressive vehicles, that are not just economical, but high-performing as well.
The standard Camry comes with Toyota’s standard V4 engine but the Camry’s highest trim level, the XSE V6, comes with some unexpected upgrades.
The Camry XSE V6 comes with an upgraded 3.5-liter dual-injection engine that puts out 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. In fact, it’s the same engine base used in the Lotus Evora. According to Toyota, this Camry model also comes with reliable, electronically-controlled transmission, independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar, and sport-tuned shock absorbers.
Honda Accord 2.0T
Families and economic car buyers everywhere have been driving the Honda Accord for years. It’s mostly associated with practicality, efficiency, and plain appearances.
But as one of the most popular and reliable mid-size family sedans out there, Honda’s grown to see the investment in high-performing Accords. Though it looks like your typical Honda from the outside, the Accord 2.0T is deceptively light and quick.
According to Hot Cars, it can go from 0-60 miles per hour in less than six seconds, with a turbocharged engine that puts out 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Ready to cruise by everyone in the carpool lane, the Accord 2.0T is available with a 10-speed automatic transmission or impressively, a manual transmission. And with manual transmissions becoming a dying breed, the Accord 2.0T is designed for car lovers.
Dodge Charger Hellcat
The Dodge Charger Hellcat looks more impressive than others on the list because it does give off the typical “sports car appearance.” However, many would doubt by looking at it how impressive its stats really are.
This car definitely won’t stay under the radar, going from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds and landing itself a top spot in the world of sleeper cars. The Charger Hellcat comes with an aggressive design and new “widebody” form that increases its width, allowing for wider tires and improving the suspension.
That design is needed to grip the road, since the 6.2-liter V8 supercharged engine can produce an astounding 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, hitting top speeds of 204 miles per hour, according to Road and Track.