Special edition vehicles that are two steps ahead of base models

From time to time, automakers release a limited, beefed up version of a less interesting base model. Many of these special editions are not too different from the entry level version of the car and are produced solely to increase sales. However, in some cases, manufacturers bless us with incredible vehicles.

These are the best special edition cars that are far superior to their base models. Whether the entry-level car is a 700-horsepower supercar or a 100-horsepower compact car, the cars you see prove that there is always room for improvement.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

It's important to clarify that the base Mustang is faster than the average car. In fact, a boxer four-cylinder Mustang variant mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission can hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds! While that's impressive given the car's affordable price tag, it's a world away from the boosted GT500.

Simply put, the Shelby GT500 is the ultimate Ford Mustang. Its 5.2-liter supercharged V8 develops about 700 horsepower! Basically, the GT500 can hit 60 mph in less than 3 seconds.

Subaru WRX STI

Subaru WRX STI, formerly known as Show The WRX STI is a performance-focused variant of the Subaru Impreza sedan. The Japanese automaker may have ditched the Impreza nameplate years ago, though the WRX STI is still based on your regular everyday Impreza.

The WRX STI produces 305 horsepower from a 2.5-liter boxer unit. Combined with Subaru's legendary all-wheel drive transmission, the WRX STI is capable of both on-road and off-road performance. The sprint to 60 mph takes the sedan just 5.7 seconds.

Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen has a long history in the hot hatch game. In fact, the German automaker invented the hot hatch back in the 1970s when the original Golf GTI was released. Since then, the manufacturer has been a leader in its segment, and the performance-focused Golf R may simply be the best of them all.

Volkswagen Golf R develops 288 hp, not 147 hp on the base model. The hot hatch can accelerate from 60 to 4.5 mph in just 150 seconds and has a top speed of over XNUMX mph.

Porsche RS 911 GT2

The Porsche 911 is one of the greatest sports cars in the world. Even the base model delivers impressive performance. The standard 991.2 (the second last generation now, after the facelift) makes 365 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged flat-six engine. This results in a 60-4.4 mph time of just 182 seconds and a top speed of XNUMX mph.

The hardcore GT2 RS variant of the 991 outshines the base model. The lightweight sports car puts out a whopping 700 horsepower. Sprint to 60 mph takes just 2.7 seconds! At the time of its release in 2017, the GT2 RS held the world record for being the fastest production car on the infamous Nürburgring.

BMW M2 CS

The BMW M2 is often cited as one of the best sports cars in its price range, and it only takes a short drive to see why. The rear-wheel drive coupe has a 370-horsepower engine under the hood. While this is already a huge step up from the base 248hp 2-Series, the recently introduced BMW M2 CS is even better!

Like the M2 Competition, the BMW M2 CS received a better powertrain than the regular M2. The 370-horsepower engine gave way to a 3.0-liter inline-six, the same as in the BMW M3 or M4. In fact, the BMW M2 CS is rated at a whopping 444 horsepower! Sprint to 60 mph takes less than 4 seconds.

Lexus RC F

Lexus uses the F moniker to distinguish its impressive high-performance vehicles from standard lineup vehicles such as the Mercedes-AMG, Audi RS, or BMW M. One of the newest Lexus "F" vehicles is the impressive RC F, a powerful 2-door sports car.

The standard Lexus RC puts out just 260 horsepower from its V6 engine, while the RC F puts out nearly double that from its roaring 5.0-liter V8. The optional Track Edition package adds another 5 horsepower, allowing you to hit 4 mph in 60 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

The regular Mercedes-Benz E-Class is great for daily commuting. The car features high-tech comfort and safety, a luxurious interior and decent engine options. The base model E200 makes just under 200 horsepower from its 2.0-liter flat-four engine. While this may not be record breaking territory, it is certainly enough for your daily commute.

The powerful E63 AMG is a different story. At the time of launch, the latest generation E63 AMG S was the fastest 4-door car on the market! Salon develops 603 horsepower, acceleration to 60 miles per hour takes less than 3 seconds!

Ferrari 488 Track

The "standard" Ferrari 488 GTB isn't slow at all. The stylish Italian supercar pumps out 661 horsepower from its 3.9-liter V8 engine mounted behind the driver's seat. Basically, the 488 GTB can hit 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. However, in 2018, the Italian automaker released a limited, beefed up version of the 488.

The 488 Pista produces 710 horsepower, 50 horses more than the base model. What's more, the Pista is 200 pounds lighter than the 488 GTB. The sprint to 60 mph takes about 2.8 seconds and top speed is over 210 mph.

The next car belongs to an Italian automaker that has returned to the US after being out of the market for years. Keep reading to find out what it is!

Alfa Romeo Julia Quadrifoglio

Giulia is a sporty stylish 4-door sedan manufactured by Alfa Romeo. It is also one of the first vehicles available in the US since the return of the Italian automaker to our market. While the base model is already pretty quick thanks to a 280-horsepower turbocharged flat-four, the real fun starts with the V6-powered Quadrifoglio variant.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio puts out 505 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V6 engine, allowing it to hit 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds. As if that wasn't enough power already, Alfa Romeo recently introduced the 540-horsepower Giulia GTA.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye

The modern Dodge Charger is the American epitome of the exciting high-powered sedan. Our domestic version of the Alfa Romeo Giulia, so to speak. Like the Giulia, the Dodge Charger is available as a tamed sedan with a 292 horsepower V6 engine, perfect for the daily commute. However, if that's not enough, you can opt for the hardcore Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye.

At the time of its debut, the Charger Hellcat Redeye was the fastest 4-door sedan ever built. A 797 horsepower charger can go over 200 miles per hour!

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

The Dodge Challenger is America's favorite muscle car. The hardcore version of the two-door SRT Demon is a big step up from the base V6-powered Challenger SXT, which puts out 305 horsepower from its 3.6-liter powertrain.

The SRT Demon has a whopping 840 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. At the time of its debut in 2018, The Demon was the fastest mass production in the world. The SRT Demon is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and also generating 1.8 Gs of power.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Like the Challenger, the Chevrolet Camaro is one of America's most popular performance cars. While entry-level is a great way to get to know a Camaro on a smaller budget, the 2.0-liter flat-four makes just 275 horsepower. The base model can hit 60 mph in just over 5.5 seconds.

The Camaro ZL1, on the other hand, is a high performance monster. The car develops a whopping 650 horsepower thanks to a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 borrowed from a Chevy Corvette. The ZL1 is also a huge step forward visually, and the optional LE package adds aggressive aerodynamic elements that highlight its impressive performance.

Toyota Yaris GR

Until recently, Toyota Yaris, to put it mildly, was not in great demand among motorists. While the car is undeniably practical and economical, it lacked the performance and fun that motorists look for when choosing a car. After all, the base Yaris is powered by a 101-horsepower 1.5-liter flat-four engine. The recently introduced sporty Yaris GR, developed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, is a whole other story!

The Yaris GR is powered by a 1.6L three-cylinder engine that maxes out at 272 horsepower! While that may not sound like much, it's important to remember that the Yaris is a tiny compact car that only weighs around 2500 pounds. The Yaris GR can hit 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

Lamborghini Aventador SVZh

The original Aventador was first presented at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2011. This extravagant supercar is the epitome of Lamborghini. Powered by a roaring V12 engine mounted behind the driver, it has mind-blowing performance and definitely looks the part. Not to mention the scissor doors! You would think that the Aventador couldn't be better. Until the Aventador SVJ debuted in 2018.

The Aventador SVJ, or SuperVeloce Jota, is the ultimate Aventador. The SVJ is rated at 760 horsepower, as opposed to the base model's 690 horsepower. The automaker claims the SVJ has 750% more downforce than the standard Aventador!

Audi RS7

The Audi RS7 is the perfect combination of comfort, luxury, practicality for everyday use, incredible performance, as well as modern stylish design. The RS7 is based on the Audi A7, which is already quite powerful. The standard A7 produces 333 horsepower from its turbocharged V6 engine, although the RS7 is way off!

The Audi RS7 is a monstrous sedan that develops 605 horsepower. Its 0-60 sprint is faster than the first generation Audi R8, a lightweight two-door supercar! The RS7 is as versatile as any sedan, and its performance matches that of a supercar.

Ford Focus RS

The Focus RS was a great performance-oriented hot hatch produced by an American automaker. The newest RS achieves a whopping 350 horsepower delivered to all 4 wheels by a turbocharged 2.3-liter flat-four engine. In fact, the sports hatchback can hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. On the other hand, the entry-level Focus makes just 160 horsepower. Sprint to 60 mph takes over 8 seconds.

Unfortunately, Ford has confirmed that there will be no fourth-generation Focus RS due to high development costs and ever-changing emissions standards.

The next car is a German interpretation of exciting hot hatches. Keep reading to find out which car we're talking about!

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Like the previously mentioned Ford Focus RS, the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is a breathtaking take on the modern hot hatch. The first generation A45 AMG was produced between 2013 and 2018, although a new generation based on the latest A-Class is also available today. Under the hood of the first generation A45 AMG is a 376-horsepower 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine! At the time of its release, it was one of the fastest cars in its price range.

The powerful A45 AMG is very different from the entry-level A160. The base model A-Class was equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with only 101 horsepower.

Ferrari Challenge Stradale

Without a doubt, the standard Ferrari 360 is an impressive car. The Italian supercar was produced between 1999 and 2004 with less than 20,000 units built. The car was equipped with an 3.6-liter V8 engine, curb weight was about 2900 pounds. The Italian automaker has released a track-focused, limited edition variant of the 36 model dubbed the Challenge Stradale.

The Challenge Stradale was essentially a road version of the Ferrari Challenge racing car. The Stradale received a slight power boost of 25 horses more than the regular 360 and was also 240 pounds lighter than the base model. According to Ferrari enthusiasts, the Challenge Stradale offers a unique driving experience.

Kia Stinger GT

The Stinger is a sporty, aggressive-looking sedan created by Kia as an affordable alternative to European 4-door sedans. While the base model is still good considering its low price, the turbocharged boxer-four isn't exactly a high-performance powerplant. The base model Stinger makes just 255 horsepower.

On the other hand, the Stinger GT is in a completely different league. The sedan is equipped with a 3.3-liter flat-six twin-turbocharged engine with 365 horsepower, which is almost 50% more than the base model! Basically, the Stinger GT can hit 60 mph 1 second faster than the stock Stinger.

Honda Civic Type R

The Type R is an exciting interpretation of the Honda Civic that is otherwise not very attractive. The base model Civic makes just 158 ​​horsepower and 60 to 7 mph takes about 10 seconds. Car enthusiasts don't need to look to other manufacturers as Honda has released a boosted Type R based on the XNUMXth Gen Honda Civic!

The Type R first hit the market back in the 1990s (EK9 based on the 6th generation Civic) and became one of Japan's best handling cars of the decade. The latest Civic Type R has a 306-horsepower turbocharged flat-four engine under the hood that puts the base model to absolute shame.

Audi RS5

The RS5 is an impressive 4-door sedan built by Audi to compete with the Mercedes-AMG lineup as well as BMW M cars. It's a giant step up from the base Audi A5.

While the base Audi A5 only makes about 248 horsepower from its boxer four-cylinder engine, the high-performance RS5 is a different story. The flat four was replaced by a powerful 6 horsepower twin-turbocharged V444 engine. The powerful engine combined with the Audi Quattro all-wheel drive transmission creates a powerful vehicle that handles like it's glued to the road.

Mercedes-Benz SLC

The SLC is a spectacular two-door roadster made by Mercedes-Benz. For the 2020 model year, the car was offered with two engine options. The base model SLC 300 was powered by a 241 horsepower boxer four-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive transmission.

On the other hand, the boosted SLC43 AMG is equipped with a 385-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine under the hood. The performance variant of the SLC roadster can hit 60 mph in 5 seconds, a second faster than the base model.

Do you know what was the first car completely designed by Mercedes-AMG? Keep reading to find out!

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204)

The first high-performance variant of the C-Class sedan produced by the Mercedes AMG division, the C63 AMG W204, shaped the vision of modern Mercedes-AMG vehicles. The C63 AMG was the first car built by Mercedes-AMG from the ground up, rather than adding bolt-on AMG parts as had been the case in the past. In essence, consumers got one of the best sedans of the 2000s.

The base model W204 C-Class makes just 154 horsepower from its supercharged flat-four. On the other hand, the hardcore C63 develops a whopping 457 rear-wheel horses!

Hyundai i30 N

Hyundai isn't exactly the leader when it comes to sporty, performance-oriented vehicles. However, the i30 N is an exciting departure from the typical Hyundai lineup. The base model i30 only makes about 100 horsepower, and the car isn't performance oriented. While the car's affordable fuel economy makes it ideal for daily commuting, it just won't be enough for some car enthusiasts.

The i30 N is a sporty Hyundai. The small hatchback can hit 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds thanks to its 271 hp powerplant. Top speed is 155 mph.

Lamborghini Huracan Performant

The Lamborghini Huracan is the successor to the legendary V10-powered Gallardo. This is an entry level Lamborghini as it is the cheapest new car offered by the Italian manufacturer. The rear-wheel drive variant of the Huracan, called the 580-2, can reach 60 mph in less than 3.4 seconds. While already impressive, the boosted Huracan Performante just got even better!

The Huracan Performante, launched in 2017, was the first Lamborghini to feature the ALA aerodynamic system. According to the automaker, the Performante with ALA can generate up to 750% more downforce than the base model! What's more, the sprint to 60 mph takes just 2.2 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series

The AMG GT, the powerful 2-door sports car from Mercedes-Benz's AMG division, was first introduced in 2015. Back then, the entry-level AMG GT was equipped with a twin-turbocharged M178 engine producing 469 hp. V8. Although there is already enough power, everything became a reality when the German automaker introduced the GT Black series for the 2021 model year.

The all-new GT Black-Series may have the same powertrain as the base model, though this variant makes an incredible 720 horsepower! Moreover, acceleration to 60 mph takes just 3.2 seconds. In November 2020, the GT Black Series passed the Nürburgring in 6 minutes 43 seconds, setting the world record for the fastest unmodified production car on the track.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C7)

The seventh generation Chevrolet Corvette is the ultimate sports car in its price range. Even the entry-level trim is fast thanks to the 450-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 under the hood. The base C7 Corvette can hit 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. While it's certainly impressive, the C7 ZR1 is even better!

The ZR1 was introduced for the 2019 model year as the most hardcore road-going Corvette of all time. The supercharged ZR1 is rated at 755 horsepower thanks to a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The car's aggressive aerodynamic package improves downforce and makes it easy to distinguish the ZR1 from a regular Corvette.

Fiat Abarth 695

The compact Fiat 500 was resurrected for the 2007 model year, a car that pays homage to the iconic original 500 from the 1950s. While the look of the car isn't to everyone's taste, the small Fiat 500 is the perfect economy car for your daily commute. You can also park it anywhere!

The 695 Biposto is a sporty variant of the Fiat 500 sold under the Abarth nameplate. The car develops 187 horsepower thanks to a turbocharged flat-four engine, and accelerates to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds.

If you're looking for a vehicle that's slightly larger than the Fiat Abarth 695 but equally fun to drive, take a look at this upcoming vehicle!

Mini John Cooper Works GP

John Cooper Works GP could have had a great night's sleep. After all, no one would suspect that the Mini could be that fast. However, the car's aggressive aerodynamic body kit and wide fenders hint at what this little car is capable of.

This Mini Cooper produces 306 horsepower from its four-cylinder engine. The John Cooper Works GP sprints to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 165 mph. In total, Mini produced only 3000 units of the car.

Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy

The regular Renault Clio isn't a particularly exciting car. In fact, the fourth-generation entry-level Clio is powered by a tiny 1.2-liter engine that makes just 75 horsepower. The regular Clio was not designed to be fast, which is not the case with the Clio RS.

The Renault Clio RS pays homage to the legendary Renault Clio Sport of the late 1990s. RS 220 Trophy is even more boosted. The car is designed for 217 horsepower! While it's not exactly a rocket, this hot hatch is much more interesting than the standard Clio.

Jaguar F-Type SVR

The Jaguar F-Type is arguably one of the most stylish British sports cars to come out in the last decade. The sports coupe, available in both convertible and coupe body styles, is offered with a variety of engine options. The entry-level F Type is powered by an economical 2.0-liter flat-four engine. While it may not be the most powerful Jaguar of all time, this engine option makes it affordable for everyday driving.

The supercharged SVR is the ultimate F-Type. The 5.0-liter V8 develops 567 horsepower and can hit 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. It is also the first Jaguar production car since the XJ220 that can reach speeds in excess of 200 mph.

BMW M3 (F80)

The BMW M3 is the flagship high-performance variant of the 3 Series manufactured by BMW Motorsport. The first ever M3 based on the 30th series of the E3 generation debuted for the 1986 model year. After over 3 decades, the nameplate is still relevant and more powerful than ever before!

The latest M3, referred to internally as the F80, was based on the BMW 30 Series F3. While the standard entry-level 316i sedan makes just 134 horsepower at its peak, the boosted M3 makes 425 horsepower from its turbocharged flat-six. The sprint to 60 mph takes just 3.9 seconds with the automatic transmission and 4.1 seconds with the shift lever.

BMW M4 GTS

The BMW M4, like the BMW M3 and M5, is a performance-oriented take on the regular BMW. As the name suggests, the M4 is based on the 4 Series. While the standard M4 is already light-years ahead of the 428i, BMW didn't stop there. The Bavarian automaker has released an even more powerful version of the M4, dubbed the M4 GTS, with only 700 built worldwide.

The M4 GTS is easily distinguished from the base M4 by its massive rear wing, front splitter and other aerodynamic features. Although the GTS is powered by the same engine as the M4, its power output has been increased to 493 hp. In fact, the M4 GTS can hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

We're not done with BMW yet! Take a look at this next BMW sedan, which is quite different from the base model.

BMW M5

The last BMW on this list certainly deserves a mention. Although BMW enthusiasts have never loved the M5 as much as the M3, the M5 remains one of the best vehicles ever developed by BMW Motorsport. Back in 2004, the BMW M team even fitted the E60 M5 with a V10 engine as standard!

The latest M5 is based on the G30 5-Series. The entry-level 520i puts out less than 170 horsepower from its boxer four-cylinder engine. On the other hand, the M5 Competition has a whopping 617 horses!

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

The Cayenne has polarized Porsche enthusiasts ever since the SUV debuted in the 2003 model year. While the car was a smart move that may have saved the automaker from bankruptcy in the long run, many die-hard Porsche fans weren't happy with the car's design. It was the German manufacturer's first SUV after decades of building sports cars.

The latest third generation Cayenne was introduced for the 2018 model year. While the base model, equipped with a 335-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine, is already significantly faster, the Turbo options are a different story. The performance-focused Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid puts out 671 horsepower from its hybrid powertrain and can hit 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds!

Maserati MS Stradale

The MC Stradale is a two-door grand tourer based on the Maserati Granturismo. The regular Granturismo is already a fantastic car, generating 399 horsepower thanks to its 4.2-liter V8 co-developed with Ferrari. A few years after the debut of Granturismo, Maserati introduced the MC Stradale.

The MC Stradale received a power boost of up to 444 horsepower from the same powerplant. The rear seat was dropped to save weight. In total, Maserati has managed to reduce the weight by more than 240 pounds compared to the base model. The MC Stradale was the first Granturismo to reach 186 mph.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

The Porsche 718 is a sportier and more affordable alternative to the iconic Porsche 911 sports car. The car was first introduced in the 2016 model year. The entry-level 718 Cayman is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four with 300 horsepower. Basically, the base model can hit 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.

The powerful GT4 variant is the ultimate Porsche 718. The flat-four has been replaced by a flat-six that makes 414 horsepower. The car's handling has also been improved to give it a more upright, sporty look. The 718 Cayman GT4 can hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds!

Lamborghini Murcelago ST

The Murcielago was Lamborghini's flagship V12 supercar produced between 2001 and 2010. Initially, the car was equipped with a 6.2-liter V12 engine mounted behind the driver, with a capacity of 572 horsepower. Although this is already a lot, the Italian manufacturer is far from finished.

In 2009, Lamborghini introduced a limited edition SuperVeloce Murcielago to celebrate the end of the car's series production. The car received a power boost of over 100 horsepower, with its 6.5-liter V12 engine now peaking at 661 horsepower. Weight has been reduced by 220 pounds resulting in increased performance. The Murcielago SV can hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

Renault Clio Sport V6

Thinking of special edition cars that are way better than the base model, you just can't miss this iconic French sports car from the early 2000s. Although it was based on the 58 hp Renault Clio, the Sport V6 was a completely different car.

The Clio Sport V6 has gone down in history as one of Renault's finest cars. The maximum power of the V6 was 227 horsepower. Combined with its lightweight design, the Clio Sport V6 has become one of the most iconic hot hatches of all time. The car could accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds. The Phase 1 Clio Sport V6 was produced in a small run of around 1500 units.

Original Golf GTi

A car that's even more iconic than the Clio Sport V6 is the original Golf GTi. Based on the first generation Volkswagen Golf, the Golf GTi invented the entire hot hatch segment back in 1975. The transformation of a small hatchback into a sports car proved incredibly successful, with many automakers following in Volkswagen's footsteps in the following years. .

The original Golf GTi could hit 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. While that doesn't sound too exciting by today's standards, it's worth noting that the car only weighed 1786 pounds. Today, the Golf GTi has become highly sought after by collectors.