LOTUS ESPRIT V8

 LOTUS ESPRIT V8

The Lotus Esprit V8 was a modified version of the standard Lotus Esprit model. The Esprit V8 used Lotus’ self-developed all-aluminium, twin-turbocharged (Garrett T25/60 turbos) 90-degree V-8, Code-named Type 918. The engine was so powerful, it needed to be detuned to prevent damage to the transmission. Originally the engine was capable of 500 horsepower, but it was reduced to 350. A Renault UN-1 transmission was used for the Espirit V8. The Espirit V8 was able to rip to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and had a top speed of 175 mph. 50 special edition models of the V8 Espirit were made in 1999, dubbed the “Sport 350.” The engine put out 350 horsepower (hence the name) and had numerous engine, chassis, and braking improvements to make it more of a race car.

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LAMBORGHINI DIABLO

LAMBORGHINI DIABLO

The Lamborghini Diablo is one of the most iconic supercars from the 90s. Development for the Diablo began in the mid 80’s, as the company wanted to be ready when it was time to replace the Countach. In keeping with Lamborghini’s tradition of naming cars after breeds of fighting bulls, the car was named Diablo, after a ferocious bull raised by the Duke of Veragua. This vehicle was built to turn heads as it screamed down the road. Under the hood of this mighty vehicle was a V12 engine that featured dual overhead cams and computer controlled multi-port injection. The total output of the motor was 492 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. The Diablo came better equipped than the Countach, with standard features included fully adjustable seats and steering wheel, electric windows, an Alpine stereo system, and power steering.

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JAGUAR XJ220

JAGUAR XJ220

The Jaguar XJ220 was produced for only 2 years between 1992 and 1994, with only 275 total being manufactured . Built by Jaguar with collaboration from Tom Walkinshaw Racing, the Jaguar XJ220 was at one time the fastest production car in the world; until being unseated by the mighty McLaren F1. While it may not be the fastest anymore, the XJ220 is still one of the fastest production six-cylinder vehicle ever produced. The twin-turbo V6 engine puts out 520 horsepower, and reaches a top speed of 213 mph, with a zero to sixty time of 3.7 seconds. The XJ220 doesn’t just have a great deal of power, it’s also a beautiful car. Sleek body lines, aggressive aerodynamics, and a low stance make this vehicle a serious head turner.

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SAAB 900 NG

SAAB 900 NG

When it debuted in 1993, the Saab 900 was offered with 2 different body styles: 3 or 5 door. Engine options were a 2.0 liter 130 horsepower,  2.3 liter 150 horsepower, or 2.0 liter turbocharged 185 horsepower engines. Enthusiasts flocked to the Turbo SE model of the Saab 900, and they were not disappointed. The 900 had a well made suspension, able to handle most of what was thrown at it, and easily upgraded to make it more competent. The Saab 900 also offered a specialty transmission for their Turbo SE model: The Sensonic system. In effect, the Sensonic system retained a conventional gear lever but dispensed with the clutch pedal, using instead a hydro-electric cylinder to work the clutch (a specially beefed up unit) very rapidly when the system sensed that the lever was being moved, effectively letting you rip through gears.

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PLYMOUTH PROWLER

PLYMOUTH PROWLER

The Prowler is a great looking car that suffers from an underpowered engine. In the late 90’s Chrysler engineers were given free rein to design whatever they wanted in a hot rod or sportster type vehicle. Thomas C. Gale, Chrysler’s design and international director had a love for 1930s-era hot rods, even owning one himself, and with that in mind the design team created the Prowler. One of the most prominent design features on the Prowler are the open, Indy racer style front wheels. The downside of the Prowler is the engine. While the 3.5 liter V6 did produce 214 horsepower, it wasn’t enough the really get the car moving. The Prowler took 7.2 seconds to hit 60 mph and topped out at 118 mph. These stats aren’t terrible, but considering the Prowler looks like a race car, they should have installed an engine that gave it more oomph.

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