18 Most Powerful Performance Cars For Under $50,000

Most people tend to think that true performance cars are out of reach of average buyers, but they are wrong. Even if you are not a millionaire, you can still experience high horsepower sports cars, cool muscle cars, brutal hot hatches or performance sedans. There are plenty of really exciting and high-powered cars on the market for the price of a well-equipped family sedan or mid-sized SUV. For $50,000 or less, there are numerous interesting choices with not only considerable power but with very advanced technology, drivetrain options, great looks and superb performance. As you will see, some of those cars are as fast, or even faster than couple-year-old supercars which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, it is obvious that we are living in the golden age of affordable performance since there are so many cars with these qualities available at the moment. That is why we have compiled the list of 20 best and most powerful cars you can buy for $50,000 and we have listed not only the most powerful vehicles but also the best performance cars for that kind of money. The idea was to introduce you not only to the vehicles with high horsepower rating, but also to the vehicles which can provide the most driving excitement and fun at an affordable price. So, let`s get straight to it.

Dodge Challenger R/T

The legendary Dodge Challenger is a prime example of a true American muscle car. Available only as a coupe, Challenger comes with a wide arrange of powerful engines, from V6 to 707 hp supercharged V8. For $50,000 you won’t be able to buy the Hellcat version but the R/T Scat Pack is more than enough. For less than $40,000 MSRP you will get 485 hp and 6.4-liter Hemi engine, 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, great looks and loads of style and street cred. You can choose between manual and automatic transmission.

Ford Focus RS

The third generation Ford Focus is a pretty good compact car with good sales results all over the world. But RS version is an evil twin, with a fire-breathing turbocharged engine, 350 hp, intelligent all-wheel drive and brutal street racing looks. For just $36,000 you can drive one of the best hot hatches of all times, an unbelievably capable machine with real life usability and performance of a pure racing car. With a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and AWD traction, Focus RS is capable of embarrassing some high-priced exotics.

Chevrolet Camaro SS

This is another great American muscle car with retro styling and enormous firepower under the hood. The Camaro features great chassis, performance tuned suspension, modern looking interior and famous Small Block V8 with 6.2-liters of displacement and 455 hp. The hardware is traditional but with a twist in form of modern electronics, driving models, and traction control. Available as a coupe or a stylish convertible, this Bowtie muscle car starts at only $37,000 which is very cheap considering that SS version can top 165 mph and sprint to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Infiniti Q50 Red Sport

With an interesting design, upscale interior and advanced technology, the Q50 Red Sport is a very capable and fast performance sedan. Under the hood is a highly tuned 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 which delivers 400 hp. The base version has rear-wheel drive, but for some extra money, you can get all-wheel drive version with improved traction and acceleration figures. Speaking of which, the Red Sport needs only 4.6 seconds to launch itself to 60 mph. The base price is just below our limit at $47,000 and for that money, you can get a very appealing combination of luxury, prestige, and power.

Ford Mustang GT

One of the best deals around for an affordable performance car, is the Ford Mustang GT. In its sixth generation, the Mustang is praised for its elegant design, new chassis, great handling and that sweet 5.0-liter V8. The Coyote V8 cranks 435 hp and helps send the new GT to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Besides the performance, Mustang is quite well equipped, comfortable and good looking. But the best thing is the price and the brand new 5.0 V8 Mustang is just $33,000 MSRP which makes it the best bang for your buck. For the price of an ordinary family sedan, you can get a potent, fast and good looking muscle car with 435 hp and a fantastic soundtrack from that V8 engine.

Volkswagen Golf R

The Golf GTI was always the quintessential hot hatch and it still is one of the best around, but it’s just not powerful enough. For $36,000 you can get a pretty exclusive and brutally quick Golf R. The power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four which delivers 290 hp and send it to all four wheels through intelligent AWD system. Yes, we know that the price is pretty steep for a compact but this is not an ordinary Golf. This is the best of what Volkswagen has to offer in terms of technology, equipment, and performance. Also, compared to the other hot hatches on the market, the Golf R is a very elegant and stylish car.

Audi S4

Performance sedan classic, the S4 is still one of the most interesting Audis you can buy. First, its compact dimensions make it very easy to drive. Second, the 3.0-litre supercharged engine delivers 352 hp and third, all that power is sent to all four wheels through Audi’s signature Quattro AWD system. And the last but not least, the base S4 comes with a 6-speed manual which will bring a smile to faces of all driving purists. In fact, if you want to keep the price under our limit, you will have to choose the manual because the base price is $49,500.

Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

The smallest Mercedes available is also one of the most fun to drive thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, amazing 375 hp and four-wheel drive for improved traction and road holding. In fact, this is currently the most powerful four-cylinder engine in production which is an amazing achievement for Mercedes. The $49,500 compact sedan may not be the most comfortable car Mercedes produces, but it is among the quickest with 4.1 seconds 0 to 60 mph time which is brutally fast. The intelligent AWD system, great power, and precise steering make the CLA 45 AMG one of the best and most powerful cars in the class.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI

One of the most popular performance bargains is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Those letters have great recognition in the automotive world since they symbolize the highly tuned flat six engine, one of the best AWD systems on the market and brutal performance in the everyday package. For 2017, WRX STI has 305 hp from 2.5-liter engine and brutal acceleration figures. Thanks to all-wheel drive and automatic transmission, the WRX STI can achieve 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The best part is the price and you can have all that for just over $35.000

Mazda Miata

The Miata’s power level is nothing special and 2017 model has 155 hp from its 2.0-liter four cylinder. But that is not the point. The point is that the Mazda Miata is one of the best sports cars around and equipped with all performance goodies it will cost you just above $30,000. So, what is the secret? The secret is Miata’s perfect construction, weight balance, and totally analog driving feel. This is something that enthusiasts have been craving for years and they finally got it in form of this small roadster. The popularity of this model just shows that you don’t need big horsepower numbers to have big fun.

Nissan 370 Z Nismo

Despite the fact that 350 Z is not the newest model in compact sports car class, it is still among the best and fastest due to high-revving and naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 350 hp and sharp handling by Nissan’s performance division Nismo. For $41,000 you will get a two-seater coupe with perfect handling, interesting design, and respectable performance. The 0 to 60 mph time is low 4 seconds range and its top speed is around 165 mph.

Ford Taurus SHO

The Taurus SHO is a pretty unlikely performance sedan from Ford. The Focus RS and Mustang GT are stealing the headlines but those are not only fast and powerful cars in the current lineup. One of the more interesting is the SHO. Under a pretty ordinary body hides 3.5 liter EcoBoost turbo engine with 365 hp, all-wheel drive system, and quite significant performance potential. All that for $41,000 MSRP makes Taurus SHO a pretty good deal.

BMW M240i xDrive

The attention of the automotive world is focused on the brutal BMW M2 but not a lot people know that you can have almost the same performance in the same car for far less money in form of the M240i equipped with state of the art AWD system. Under the hood, there is a turbocharged 3.0 liter straight six with 335 hp which propels the compact 2-Series to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The base price is just above $46,000 which is not cheap but cheaper than M2 and still almost equally as fast.

Chevrolet SS

The Chevrolet SS is kind of a unicorn in the modern automobile industry. It is a classic sedan with great V8 power, rear wheel drive, and manual transmission. It is the purest form of performance sedan and the last of its kind. Despite the praises from the motoring press, the market was not so amused by its charms resulting in very modest sales numbers. However, you can still buy this car at $46,000 for which you will get 6.2-liter V8 with 415 hp, brutal acceleration, and perfect V8 soundtrack.

Dodge Charger R/T

Just like the Challenger, Dodge Charger is inspired by the glorious muscle car era of the 60s. But in its latest incarnation, the Charger is a four door sedan, not a coupe. However, that doesn’t stop it from being a muscle car at heart and it has many performance versions, including the famous and terrifyingly powerful Hellcat. For less than $46,000 you can get the Charger R/T with 485 hp from 6.4-liter Hemi, nice equipment, great performance and muscle heritage.

Ford Raptor

This one is a little bit controversial entry on our list but we have good reasons to include it. First, despite being a truck, this is a performance vehicle. Second, with a 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine delivering 450 hp this Ford is capable of pretty respectable acceleration figures (5.3 seconds to 60 mph). Third, with the base price of $50,000 it fits our limit, just barely. Fourth, Raptor is capable of achieving crazy speeds on rough terrain faster than any other stock car.

Cadillac ATS Coupe

The ATS Coupe has started as a competitor to the BMW 4-Series coupe and it managed to achieve more due to great looks, luxury appointments, and best chassis in its class. There is a full performance edition called ATS-V but it is above our limit. For budget-minded enthusiasts there is ATS Coupe with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and 335 hp and great performance for just $47,000 which is significantly less than similar German cars from the same segment.

Honda Civic R

The enthusiasts have waited for so long for this car and finally, here it is. The best performance Civic ever in form of the mighty R. The 2.0-liter four cylinder delivers 306 hp to the front axle over special and electronically controlled front differential. The rest of the car is equally high-tech with boy racer looks appropriate for a hot hatch. For the base price of around $35,000, this is the perfect hot hatch for all Japanese cars lovers out there.

18 Most Powerful Performance Cars For Under $50,000

Most people tend to think that true performance cars are out of reach of average buyers, but they are wrong. Even if you are not a millionaire, you can still experience high horsepower sports cars, cool muscle cars, brutal hot hatches or performance sedans. There are plenty of really exciting and high-powered cars on the market for the price of a well-equipped family sedan or mid-sized SUV. For $50,000 or less, there are numerous interesting choices with not only considerable power but with very advanced technology, drivetrain options, great looks and superb performance. As you will see, some of those cars are as fast, or even faster than couple-year-old supercars which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, it is obvious that we are living in the golden age of affordable performance since there are so many cars with these qualities available at the moment. That is why we have compiled the list of 20 best and most powerful cars you can buy for $50,000 and we have listed not only the most powerful vehicles but also the best performance cars for that kind of money. The idea was to introduce you not only to the vehicles with high horsepower rating, but also to the vehicles which can provide the most driving excitement and fun at an affordable price. So, let`s get straight to it.

1. Dodge Challenger R/T

The legendary Dodge Challenger is a prime example of a true American muscle car. Available only as a coupe, Challenger comes with a wide arrange of powerful engines, from V6 to 707 hp supercharged V8. For $50,000 you won’t be able to buy the Hellcat version but the R/T Scat Pack is more than enough. For less than $40,000 MSRP you will get 485 hp and 6.4-liter Hemi engine, 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, great looks and loads of style and street cred. You can choose between manual and automatic transmission.

20 Most Anticipated Cars Of 2018!

It is safe to say that we are living in an automotive golden age. Never before were there so many new models, interesting design solutions, various car classes and this is just the beginning. To stay competitive, manufacturers present new ideas constantly and the car world is, at the moment, a very dynamic and interesting place. On the other hand, new markets all around the world inspired the industry to keep introducing new models and evolve on a daily basis. This is why the introductions of new concepts or production ready models are very interesting and we have compiled a full list of 20 new cars that will go on sale or be officially introduced in 2018. Here you can find various makes and models as well as a few cars that are expected to be announced next year. It looks like 2018 will be a very interesting and exciting year in the automotive industry so let’s get straight to it.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The new generation of Grand Cherokee is big news for 2018 since Jeep has started a big offensive on the global market. The new Grand Cherokee should introduce new levels of luxury, new engines, fresh and aggressive design and also significant off-road capabilities. Jeep is planning to put a new model against the luxury SUV giants like BMW X5 or Range Rover. The final design has not been revealed but it should look similar to outgoing models but more modern and aggressive. You can expect it to be on sale next year and official information should be released in late 2017.

Audi A6/A7

The executive sedan segment is very hot at the moment with the new BMW 5-Series just being released, but there is more since Audi is getting ready to introduce the new A6 and A7 models. You can expect a new chassis built from aluminum, new and revised engines with more power, better fuel economy, and new design. Of course, since this is Audi, the design will not be revolutionarily different from the predecessor, but it will be aggressive and more dynamic than before. Due to Audi`s innovative technology and construction, the new A6 and A7 will have better driving dynamics and less weight.

Ford Focus

The fourth generation of Ford’s global bestseller is big news for 2018. Official information along with the first photos should be revealed in late 2017 and first examples should be delivered to the customers in early 2018. For the last 20 years, Ford Focus has been among the best compact hatchbacks in the world and Ford is counting on continuing the success.

BMW X7

We are sure that you are familiar with BMWs premium SUV, the great looking and handling X5. But, BMW wants to go a step further so an over-the-top full-size SUV is in works and it will be called X7. The design is typical BMW but the size, luxury, and dimensions will be more like Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes GLS-Class and Range Rover. It is just one of several models BMW is planning for 2018.

BMW 3 Series

Another important BMW model set for 2018 release is the all new Series 3. This is BMWs main and bestselling model. Despite being quite good and popular, it can’t hold its own against the new competitors in the form of the new Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, Cadillac ATS and the rest. You can expect fresh design, a full range of new engines, hybrid option and innovative trim and equipment components.

Land Rover Defender

The original Defender was discontinued in 2016 but Land Rover is not abandoning the idea of a rugged compact off-roader in its model lineup. The all-new and modern Defender is set for 2018 release and the global audience is very eager to see how the Land Rover will re-imagine the legend. The concept information has been released but wait for a year or so for the official presentation.

Chevrolet Bolt

The battle of electric vehicles continues and Chevrolet has just announced the Bolt, a small, sub-compact fully electric car with a range of over 200 miles. This model is revolutionary since it is the first subcompact electric vehicle with sufficient range, decent comfort, and driving abilities. And, last but not least, there’s its affordable price. When it goes on sale in 2018, it could affect all other electric car manufacturers, especially the Tesla.

Buick Regal

A new generation of Buick’s mid-size executive sedan is almost ready and it looks stunning. It is, of course, the same as the new Opel Insignia, but in Buick’s form. Regal will have more powerful engines, a higher level of luxury and better trim levels. You can expect late 2017 and early 2018 sales start, front and all-wheel drive options, turbocharged engines and lower price than the competitors.

Cadillac CT8

Cadillac has already presented a very interesting and successful executive sedan in the form of CT6 but for the powerful brand with vast heritage, Cadillac needs to go further. So, here is the CT8, a full-size luxury sedan ready to fight the best German saloons and make Lexus look irrelevant. You can expect it to be announced later this year and to debut in 2018. Also, you can expect uncompromised luxury, style, and elegance as this is Cadillac`s new flagship model.

Jaguar I-Pace

The success of the great-looking F-Pace introduced Jaguar to the growing SUV market. It seems like buyers can’t get enough of the stylish F-Pace and its performance so Jaguar is preparing another, more compact SUV to attack the BMW X3 and Audi Q3 models. It will be called I-Pace and it will come with a range of gasoline, diesel and hybrid engines, fresh new styling with signature Jaguar design cues and front-wheel drive as standard and AWD as optional.

Lexus LS

Another full-size luxury yacht on four wheels is coming in 2018 in form of a brand new Lexus LS. With signature and slightly controversial front end styling but with a sleek silhouette and unmistakable appearance, this Lexus should fight Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series. The engine lineup should start with a 3.5-liter V6 and include V8 powerplants as well as hybrid versions. Expect LS to go on sale early 2018.

Toyota Supra

For years now the rumors of a new sports car developed between BMW and Toyota have been flooding the internet. There were a lot of photos of cars in various stages of development and testing as well as some pretty realistic renderings. Finally, the wait is over and in 2018, the new Toyota Supra will see the light of day and hordes of eager fans. We don`t know much about the specifications but we are sure that the new Supra will be fantastic.

Volvo XC40

The SUV market is the biggest at the moment and all manufacturers want a piece of the action. That is why Volvo is introducing the XC40, a compact-sized SUV smaller than the XC60 which has just debuted. It should be available sometime next year and it will be similarly styled as the rest of Volvo’s SUV fleet. The main competitors are Audi Q3 and BMW X3 but Volvo should deliver more refinement and better styling to the segment.

Alpine A110

Renault has teased us with concepts for long but for 2018, finally, we have a production-ready model. It is a new version of the legendary Renault Alpine A110 from the early ’70s but re-imagined for the 21^stcentury. It is a compact sports car with mid-engine rear wheel drive layout but with lightweight construction, modern materials, and uncompromised driving dynamics. The prices are not yet revealed but this car is a pure enthusiasts’ road machine and we are delighted to see it finally available for sale.

Audi Q8

If you think that Audi Q7 is big enough, you are wrong. The even bigger, more expensive and more luxurious Q8 is coming next year. Already presented as a concept in January 2017, Q8 is set to debut as a production model very soon. It will feature signature Audi’s design and form but upgraded engines, more power, better interior and a long list of optional extras for ultimate comfort.

Range Rover Velar

The Velar is an interesting new model that is just being announced with sales starting later this year as a 2018 model. It is slotted between Evoque and Discovery as a mid-sized SUV but it is more than just that. The Velar is kind of a personal luxury SUV dedicated to driving pleasure as well as comfort and equipment. It should bring a new dimension of SUV driving to the crowded segment and we are eager to see it in action.

Kia Stinger

One of the biggest surprises of 2017 and the most anticipated vehicles of 2018 is the new Kia Stinger. It is a sedan with great performance, fantastic styling, and affordable price. The performance sedan market is populated with pretty expensive cars which are out of reach of regular driving enthusiasts, and Kia is planning to change that by introducing an affordable but equally fast and good-looking sedan in form of the Stinger.

Hyundai i30 N

The new i30 is already here with new and much better-looking styling, new engines and interior. But the biggest news for 2018 is i30 N, a performance, hot hatch version of the regular i30. You can expect at least 250 hp on the front axle, sharp handling, and aggressive exterior as well as good performance and swift acceleration. The i30 N should go against Ford Focus ST or Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Jeep Wrangler Pickup

For years, pickup fans demanded that Wrangler gets a truck version. It seems quite logical since the Wrangler is a rugged SUV with sturdy chassis and great off-road capabilities. Finally, Jeep is ready to introduce a production version starting as 2018 model year. You can expect a price little bit higher than the regular Wrangler, double cab configuration with possible single cab coming later and powerful engines. We are sure that the new Wrangler Pickup will be sales hit not only in the USA but in the rest of the world as well.

Mercedes AMG GT Sedan

Despite the fact that the AMG GT is one of the best sports car money can buy at the moment, Mercedes is not satisfied. In fact, they want to expand the range by adding a four-door version of this model, a true performance sedan or pure sports car with four doors. It is an interesting concept and we are sure that Mercedes will deliver on the promise. The prototypes are already in testing and you can expect the world premiere to happen sometime next year.

20 Most Anticipated Cars Of 2018!

It is safe to say that we are living in an automotive golden age. Never before were there so many new models, interesting design solutions, various car classes and this is just the beginning. To stay competitive, manufacturers present new ideas constantly and the car world is, at the moment, a very dynamic and interesting place. On the other hand, new markets all around the world inspired the industry to keep introducing new models and evolve on a daily basis. This is why the introductions of new concepts or production ready models are very interesting and we have compiled a full list of 20 new cars that will go on sale or be officially introduced in 2018. Here you can find various makes and models as well as a few cars that are expected to be announced next year. It looks like 2018 will be a very interesting and exciting year in the automotive industry so let’s get straight to it.

20. Jeep Grand Cherokee

The new generation of Grand Cherokee is big news for 2018 since Jeep has started a big offensive on the global market. The new Grand Cherokee should introduce new levels of luxury, new engines, fresh and aggressive design and also significant off-road capabilities. Jeep is planning to put a new model against the luxury SUV giants like BMW X5 or Range Rover. The final design has not been revealed but it should look similar to outgoing models but more modern and aggressive. You can expect it to be on sale next year and official information should be released in late 2017.