Toyota Celica GT-S Action Package

Toyota Celica GT-S Action Package Base Price : $23,560 Engine : 4 cyl., 180 hp, 130 lb-ft 0-60 mph : 7.2 sec. 0-¼ mile : 15.4 sec @ 91.6 mph 60-0 braking distance : 120 ft 200 ft skidpad : 0.82 g

The Celica Action Package by TRD, Toyota's performance arm, is available for both the GT and GT-S trims. The sad part is that the price of admission is $1590 for what amounts to nothing more than an aggressive body kit and larger wheels. If this isn't an issue for you, then go right ahead and purchase the package. The stock Celica in itself is a nimble performance machine with go-kart handling and a high-revving engine. The larger wheels should improve cornering grip and the aerodynamic enhancements will help high-speed stability, although it will also lower your top speed. The dirt on the Celica is that when it first came out in its current iteration in 2000, the engine could rev to 8300 rpm. The peak power rpm was so high and near the redline that engines were blowing up left and right from hard driving. So later models were rev-limited to 7800 rpm and now you can never reach peak power. Just some gossip for you. Oh, and skip the GT, get the GT-S.

Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 20th Anniversary

Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 20th Anniv. Base Price : $23,225 Engine : 4 cyl. turbo, 180 hp, 173 lb-ft 0-60 mph : 6.5 sec. 0-¼ mile : 15.3 sec @ 94.0 mph 60-0 braking distance : 125 ft 200 ft skidpad : 0.82 g

The Golf-based GTI is the car that started the hot hatch craze, and to celebrate its American debut, Volkswagen is offering a 20th Anniversary edition of the 1.8T model. Although power stays the same at 180 hp, enhancements include a six-speed manual tranny, vented disc brakes on all four wheels, a mild body kit, black-surround headlights, Monsoon sound system, Recaro sports seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, revised suspension and various random interior trimmings all over. Retailing at $23,225, it is limited to 4000 models for U.S.A. and 200 more for Canada. The cars will come in yellow, blue and black. Exclusivity does not come cheap, and you may think that for that much, they should've at least bumped up the power. But the stock-engined GTI is a very capable hatchback, leaving the likes of the SVT Focus and Civic Si in the dust due to its hefty torque output of 173 lb-ft, delivered with no noticeable turbo lag. It is also famous for its front-wheel burnouts!

Volvo S60 R / V70 R