Super performance: 10 cars that are faster than anyone thinks

Have you ever heard the term sleeper car? It can be translated as "sleeping car" - such cars seem quite docile, have a modest body, but inside they have a really powerful powerplant.

TopSpeed has collected a dozen such models. They do not always make a great impression with their appearance. But everything changes in an amazing way as soon as you get behind the wheel.

Subaru Legacy 3.6R

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 7.1 seconds.

The Subaru Legacy looks like an absolutely ordinary four-door midsize sedan, whose job is simply to get you from point A to point B. It has a rather pleasant style, and in the top trims it has a powerful six-cylinder engine. Unlike Subaru's performance-oriented specialty cars, such as the Impreza or WRX, the Legacy is equipped with a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower. It's not the highest output compared to some on this list, but the model's low-key styling and larger engine prove it's a great sleeper car option.

Volkswagen Passat W8

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 6.5 seconds.

Although the Volkswagen Passat W8 doesn't top this ranking in terms of performance, it can claim to be the most sleepy of all. The 2004 generation had an unremarkable style in terms of dynamics. The only noticeable exterior feature is the large wheels. The W8 was produced from 2001 to 2004 and came with a sizable 4.0-liter W-8 engine. Such engines are very unusual, as most automakers use a V-shaped design when designing their eight-cylinder engines.

Toyota Camry TRD

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 5.7 seconds.

The Camry is not expected to have any amazing or radical design solutions. However, it is an incredibly fast, very reasonably priced, and economical car. The model also features recognizable exterior elements, such as large special TRD wheels and a rear wing. And this is not tuning, this is what the previous generation of Camry entered the market with.

Volvo V70 R

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 5.6 seconds.

The Swedish automaker was one of the first to introduce turbochargers into its powertrains. Volvo, in particular, also brought new safety standards to the market. Of course, there are the gorgeous Avant and M5 Tourings, but the V70 is the most modest wagon on the market, and along with its nondescript looks, it offers a truly combative character, large wheels, and Brembo brakes.

Buick Regal GS

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 5.4 seconds.

The name Buick and the word "performance" are not often put side by side. Historically, there was the GSX of the 1960s and the Buick GNX of the late 1980s, but not many people know that the modern Regal comes in a high-performance GS version. What's great about this "sleeper car" is that it doesn't strike you as the kind of car that will impress you with its start at a stoplight. While it does boast fastback styling and a more aggressive front end, you still probably wouldn't think a Buick could overtake you. That said, it does have a sport suspension, adaptive dampers, sport seats, and Brembo brakes.

Lincoln MKS EcoBoost

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 5.2 seconds.

Luxury cars are often more powerful than their standard counterparts. They also come with a wide variety of powertrain options. The Lincoln MKS EcoBoost is a good example of this. Although the base engine may not be the most powerful, the powerplant in the EcoBoost is an exception. This model can also be considered a "sleeper car" for its ostentatious styling, which proves that it is not only an executive car, it is also potentially faster than others.

Ford Taurus SHO

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 5.2 seconds.

The appearance of the Taurus makes it one of the most "sleepy" on this list. It does not impress with anything at all. But ask the owner of such a car and there will be no doubt. The Taurus SHO comes with 20-inch wheels and has some subtle styling improvements. At the same time, it is able to accelerate quickly and be very productive.

Chevrolet SS

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 4.6 seconds.

Chevrolet is the most sporty brand of all those currently owned by General Motors. But that doesn't mean they always outperform everyone with their sedans. This statement does not apply to the Chevrolet SS. It is equipped with a 6.2-liter Corvette V-8 atmospheric engine, and shares a significant part of its bodywork with the Holden Commodore. Despite its sporty styling and large wheels, the average everyday observer can look at this car and not think that it is essentially a four-door Corvette.

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 4.5 seconds.

Today, the latest version of the E-Class comes with several powertrain options, such as the brash 5.5-liter V-8. What you can still expect from Mercedes-Benz is a smooth and comfortable ride. The only and rather subtle changes that have been made between the E320 and E500 are larger wheels and an AMG badge here and there. This Mercedes-Benz has a lot of power for a midsize luxury sedan, so it can achieve unexpected results on the road.

Audi S8

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 3.9 seconds.

Due to its size, the Audi S8 may be one of the most modestly fast cars on this list. Audi is famous for its performance, especially when it has the "Quattro" badge on the grille. The S8 is an executive flagship that can accelerate you to 100 km per hour faster than some sports cars. It shows restraint in its appearance. Of course, it has some sporty features, such as a wide radiator grille with a more linear front bumper and a four-pipe exhaust. However, you expect it to be driven straight, not to enter sharp corners.

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