Which normal cars have unrecognized motorsports potential?

Colin
By Colin Wood
Sep 12, 2021 | Motorsports

Photography Courtesy Nissan

Most of the cars in our scene have some sort of connection to motorsports–from autocrossing to endurance racing and everything in between.

But what about cars outside of that niche? Are there vehicles that didn’t compete but, given the proper opportunity, maybe should have? 

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Comments
Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
9/9/21 10:24 a.m.

Hyundais.

All of them.

MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt UltimaDork
9/9/21 10:31 a.m.

Jeep built the Compass as a "Rally car inspired" crossover SUV.

It used the same platform as the Mitsubishi Lancer.

And an engine that shared a block and head with the Caliber SRT4.

I'm sure you see where this is going; why didn't the management at Jeep?

P3PPY
P3PPY GRM+ Memberand Dork
9/9/21 10:46 a.m.

Being currently in the market for a challenged price winter car, I'd love some elaboration on those top two suggestions

Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
9/9/21 10:47 a.m.

In reply to MadScientistMatt :

Does that mean, at least in theory, that you could you could make a EVO X-powered Jeep Compass, since it's the same platform?

ShinnyGroove (Forum Supporter)
ShinnyGroove (Forum Supporter) HalfDork
9/9/21 11:04 a.m.

I feel like the V6 Accord has at least as much motorsports potential as the Civics that are more commonly used.  I've also seen a guy with a more or less stock Acura RLX at the track and it was damned fast.

obsolete
obsolete GRM+ Memberand Reader
9/9/21 11:10 a.m.

Everything with a 300HP V6 in it.

Tom1200
Tom1200 SuperDork
9/9/21 11:13 a.m.

V6 Camry..............it's got a great engine but zero suspension parts.

burdickjp
burdickjp GRM+ Memberand Reader
9/9/21 11:21 a.m.

The ZZE123 Corolla XRS is a great stock autocross car. It's geared well, has great turn in, and responds well to left-foot braking.

Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
9/9/21 11:29 a.m.

In reply to obsolete :

Good point. V6s can be pretty potent, especially in a car with some added weight savings.

maschinenbau
maschinenbau GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
9/9/21 11:52 a.m.
Tom1200 said:

V6 Camry..............it's got a great engine but zero suspension parts.

You would think so, but Toyota Avalon (long Camry) got 4th in autocross at last year's $2000 Challenge with nothing but a spring chop and lots of tire. And some weight reduction. 

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