10 vehicles transformed by their new engines
Automotive history is full of examples of ordinary vehicles that were transformed by adopting a new powertrain. This is certainly true today as well.
The team at The Car Guide has compiled a list of 10 recent models that have significantly stepped up their game thanks to the addition of a more powerful and high-performance powertrain (though, in one case, it’s actually the opposite). Without further ado, here they are!
Acura Integra
The return of the Acura Integra in 2023 initially disappointed some enthusiasts because it is limited to a hatchback body style, all-wheel drive isn’t available, not even as an option and its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces just 200 horsepower. The company addressed this last shortcoming the following year by launching the Integra Type S, which uses the same engine as the Honda Civic Type R but with 320 horsepower instead of 315. Now that’s something to talk about! Of course, you’ll have to swallow its hefty price tag of $62,408, all-in.
BMW X1
Completely redesigned in 2023 for its third generation, the BMW X1 has gained a lot of muscle just one year later. To complement the 241-horsepower xDrive28i model, the company has added an M35i xDrive version equipped with the most powerful four-cylinder engine in its history, delivering 312 horsepower. The X1’s handling remains quite sharp, especially for a subcompact SUV. Incidentally, the same engine is also available in the coupe-style X2.
Cadillac CT5
The new Cadillac CT5 compact luxury sedan, which replaces the CTS, debuted in 2020 with four- and six-cylinder engines ranging from 237 to 355 horsepower. However, the engineers stole the show from the German competitors in 2022 by equipping the CT5-V Blackwing with an impressive 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that delivers 668 horsepower, all sent to the rear wheels. Pure joy on the track! Even better, buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic.
Chevrolet Corvette
How could we not mention the eighth-generation mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette? When it debuted in 2020, it was powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 producing up to 495 horsepower. The Corvette Z06 was added in 2023, followed by the 2024 E-Ray hybrid, but it’s the latest 2025 ZR1 with 1,064 horsepower and the 2026 ZR1X with 1,250 horsepower that leave us speechless. A true powerhouse, the latter became the fastest American car at the Nürburgring… before being beaten in April by a Ford GT Mk IV.
Ford F-150
Competition remains fierce in the full-size pickup truck segment. In 2023, the already extensive Ford F-150 lineup not only welcomed a PowerBoost hybrid version that reduces fuel consumption to around 10 L/100 km, but also the all-powerful Raptor R, equipped with a supercharged 700-horsepower V8. A year later, the latter was reworked to generate 720 horsepower and outpace its archrival, the Ram 1500 TRX (which is, however, set to return in 2027 with 777 horsepower!).
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee, which was discontinued in 2023, was available with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine or a 3.2-liter V6, producing 270 and 271 horsepower, respectively. This provided a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds—enough to pull a large trailer. However, its 2026 successor features a completely different design and powertrain: a 1.6-liter turbo paired with an electric motor, which together produce a combined 210 horsepower but reduce average fuel consumption to 6.3 L/100 km (officially). The new Cherokee can tow no more than 3,500 lbs.
Nissan Z
The Japanese sports coupe, revived for 2023, first won over fans by borrowing elements from a range of models in the Z lineup. And while the old 370Z certainly had nothing to complain about with its 3.7-liter V6 producing 332 horsepower, the Nissan Z’s new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 has opened up a whole new dimension of performance, delivering 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, or even 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft in the NISMO version. By the way, the latter will finally get a manual transmission for the 2027 model year.
Subaru Impreza
It may be less spectacular here, but remember that the previous Subaru Impreza made do with a 2.0-liter engine producing a meager 152 horsepower. The new generation once again delivers real driving pleasure thanks to its optional 2.5-liter engine, which produces 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Expect to shave about 2 seconds off the 0-100 km/h sprint, while average fuel consumption increases by only 0.2 L/100 km.
Toyota bZ
While the 2023–2025 bZ4X fell short in terms of both range and power (406 km and a maximum of 215 horsepower), the improved 2026 Toyota bZ completely changes the game in the category with all-wheel-drive models capable of traveling up to 468 km on a single charge and generating 338 horsepower. Their 0-to-100 km/h acceleration time has been reduced from 6.9 to 5.1 seconds. Perhaps customers weren’t asking for that much, but kudos to Toyota.
Toyota Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Known for their excellent fuel economy but lackluster performance, the previous-generation Prius and Prius Prime have undergone a dramatic transformation and shifted into a much higher gear with the 2023 redesign. Beyond their much sexier design, what stands out is the power output, which has skyrocketed from 121 to 196 horsepower in the case of the Toyota Prius (with standard all-wheel drive as a bonus) and to 220 horsepower in the case of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. That makes a huge difference in acceleration, and average fuel consumption remains under 5 L/100 km. On top of that, the latter’s electric range has increased from 40 to 72 km (SE version).
