Looks can be deceiving sometimes! We all know that. When it comes to these fast-looking cars it couldn’t be truer. Sometimes car manufacturers get so hung up on the looks that they neglect the performance. Their cars end up looking fast but let’s see if they can back that up with what’s under the hood. After all, for real gearheads in the UAE, it’s only a win if a car drives as amazing as it looks. So, let’s get to know them better!
Toyota Celica – Project Genesis fail
Ever heard of the Project Genesis? No, it’s not some wacky project out of a science fiction novel. It was actually one of Toyota’s campaigns to attract a younger audience to their aging brand and Toyota Celica was one of the vehicles meant to play a huge role in this project. A large spoiler, body kit and front fascia improved on the looks of the previous models. Sadly though, charting 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, with 140 base horsepower and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, it couldn’t compete with other cars in the same price bracket. But hey, check out this modified Toyota Celica that is actually fast.
Plymouth Prowler – Hot Rod or not?
That’s one Hot Rod to look at but when it comes to performance it doesn’t exactly deliver the crazy acceleration and rapid speed normally associated with one. The aerodynamic design screams at least a 400 hp, right? Unfortunately, Chrysler only placed a 3.5 liter, V6 engine in it producing a rather disappointing 214 horsepower. All that potential gone to waste! It’s another one going from 0-60 in a lackluster 7.2 seconds. Subsequent models have seen improvements though.
Honda CR-Z – A Paradoxical Car
Another huge letdown when it comes to fast-looking cars is this compact hatch that Honda enthusiasts were expecting to be a successor to the CR-X. Hiding underneath a sporty, aggressive design is a four-cylinder hybrid with a meager 130 horsepower. Lumbering from 0-60 in 8.2 seconds, this paradoxical car is neither sporty nor fuel-efficient. So people who want to go fast and not just look fast are clearly out of luck.
Fisker Karma – Sadly not another Tesla
Don’t be fooled by its edgy, Tesla-esque looks because when it comes to performance this one doesn’t even compare. Granted it takes 5.8 seconds to go from 0-60 which is faster than the other cars on this list but with a super sedan’s exterior, we expected better. The Tesla Model S, which is another similar hybrid, pushes more horsepower (300hp) at nearly half the price of a Karma so why bother? Explains why Fisker went bankrupt!
If you spot such a fast-looking car cruising around Dubai now, you would know better than to give it looks of awe, safe in the knowledge that your used sedan, coupe or convertible might actually be faster.
Searching for a fast used car? We have hundreds in stock! Take a peek at CarSwitch’s inventory of inspected and warrantied used cars for sale in Dubai, UAE. Have fun!
