This post, like my 10 of My Favorite Sleepers post, highlight a few more sleepers that the world has forgotten about. Comment with your forgotten Sleepers!
Pontiac Bonneville GXP
At best, the last generation Pontiac Bonneville was a rental lot queen, due to the mass supply and Enterprises and Avis’ nationwide. Its last hurrah came inform of the GXP trim, which was powered by a 4.6L Northstar V8. While the Northstar V8 wasn’t known for skin peeling speed, it helped the Bonneville GXP keep up with sport compacts.
Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6
The Chrysler Crossfire is a pretty competent sports car. Based off of the Mercedes SLK, the Crossfire had it’s German roots with a little bit of American flare. The only problem with the Crossfire SRT-6 was that, it was too feminine for the sports car enthusiast and too much sport for it’s demographic.
Lexus GS300 (Second Generation)
The second generation Lexus GS300, despite its nameplate, is indeed a sleeper. Although, it’s a luxury car the GS300 had the option of a V6 or V8. While the V8 was pretty cool, the V6 was cooler. Why was the V6 cooler? Simple. The V6 under the hood, was the legendary 2JZ, which with a little love, could be a superpowered monster.
Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
Just like the Dodge Magnum, the CTS wagon was the least you would expect to burn you at a red light. It was built when Caddy was still grandpa’s Car. However, Drop a 550 some odd horse, Corvette V8 under the hood and you have a tire burning, pavement killing, superpowered station wagon.
Pontiac Firebird Formula (4th Gen)
This is a another weird sleeper. Thast Car you’d expect on this list would be the Pontiac Firebird. The Firebird often times gets confused with the Trans Am, but the Firebird formula was the Trans Am, without the body kit. Basically, a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Nissan Altima SE-R
Like the Camry, the Altima isn’t a known performance car. However, an Altima with the 3.5 L V6, spawns the Altima SE-R was something to be reckoned with. Ironically enough, the Altima SE-R was a 350Z, with room for 3 more people.
MazdaSpeed Protege
Back in the early to mid 2000s, Mazda’s performance portfolio was a far cry from the 90s. As a matter fact, “zoom-zoom” was really a term for “snore-snore.” But the MazdaSpeed Protégé was actually fairly quick car. It was a turbocharged micro monster that you never expected
Mitsubishi Eclipse (Last Gen)
The Eclipse was seen in the first and second Fast and Furious movies, so to say it’s a sleeper is kind of odd. With that being said, the last generation Mitsubishi Eclipse was quicker than the first couple of generations, without a turbo. Where the infamous 2nd generation has a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds, the V6 powered last generation Eclipse did it in 6.1.
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