Some car models can’t seem to get the love they deserve. Auto manufacturers will build cars that serve their designed purpose, but few models get performance trims.



In this world of platform sharing and drivetrain distribution, anything is possible. The new Camaro has the bones of a Cadillac. The Audi TT is a Golf at its core. And the Lexus RC is the result of crossing an IS and GS. Never before have automotive lineups resembled Legos in their construction.


One added benefit for auto enthusiasts is the edition of more powerful engines that can be shared among numerous cars. For example. The new Camaro SS uses the V8 straight from the Corvette Stingray. It becomes cost effective to develop drivetrains when companies can share performance engines among numerous models. This makes it easier to justify the cost of developing an engine that may not generate a lot of profits.

The potential for higher performance trims of multiple models is now possible as it becomes easier for auto manufacturers to share performance oriented drivetrains across their portfolio. If a company already has a great car and a proven drivetrain that fits that engine bay, why not giveit try? Below are two cars that Honda, Ford, can and should make.


Honda Fit Si




The extended drought for fun Honda’s is ending, and now maybe the perfect time for a higher performance Fit. As soon as you drive the Honda Fit, it’s easy to see that it is the perfect candidate for a performance model. In its current trim level, the Fit offers quick steering and very good handling. Since it is one of the lightest cars for sale in America today, at 2572 pounds, it is easy to chuck it into corners.

Honda now offers a 1.5 turbo in the new Civic that produces a respectable 174hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. This engine would perfect in the Honda Fit that weighs about 350 pounds less than the Civic. Currently this engine can propel the heavier civic from a stand still to 60 miles per hour in 6.8 seconds. This engine with one of Hondas legendary manual transmissions would be the perfect ingredients for a small hot hatch to compete with the Fiesta ST.


FordFusion ST


One of the hottest companies in the performance arena right now is Ford. From the new GT350 to the upcoming Focus RS, Ford continues to deliver exciting performance cars. Much of Ford’s recent success can be found in their versatile Ecoboost drivetrains that are located in engine bays across their lineup. These engines offer great power while fitting into numerous cars making them versatile.

One model that Ford has not created a performance trim for is the Ford Fusion. The Ford Fusion is the perfect candidate for the ST treatment, and could become an affordable sports sedan. The Fusion ST could use the same engine and drivetrain from the upcoming Focus RS to make it into a very respectable performance sedan with all weather performance.


The Fusion ST is the perfect car for anyone who wants a Focus RS but needs more room for a family and more mature in styling. A 350-horse power AWD Fusion ST could be the spiritual successor to the Ford Taurus SHO we’ve been waiting for.