What looks like your ordinary family hauler is really a torquey, rear-wheel drive, high-horse powerhouse. Look at the vehicles above. Which one is the most powerful? Surprise! It’s the 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon on the left. It’s called a sleeper, because the wagon will unleash 556 hp and 551 lb-ft torque. Meanwhile, the flashy blue coupe (an upcoming 2015 Lexus RC F) expects neighborhoods of 450 hp and 383 lb-ft torque. Although those Lexus numbers are respectable, it’s a far cry from the Cadillac wagon. Lexus calls it “performance in its most aggressive form”, but sometimes power under the hood is more enjoyed when hidden in a low-impact body style.
Picture this: A guy is out cruising with a new Chevy Camaro, an 1LS model with the V6 and 323 hp under the hood. The car looks fast in bright yellow exterior with rally stripes and an aggressive front end. It’s shouting performance from every angle. He stops at an intersection, and a woman in an unassuming 2014 Lexus IS F 4 door sedan approaches next to him. As the light turns green, the guy confidently floors the throttle expecting that Lexus deep in the rear view mirror. But suddenly, this “ordinary” Lexus hooks into gear and blows past the Camaro.
Unlike a traditional low-slung and flashy sports car, a sleeper has a standard, toned-down appearance. Â Other than some subtle badging, there’s usually nothing to indicate the significant power lurking under the hood. Since a sleeper looks like an ordinary mode of transportation, the driver can keep all that performance under the radar. Sleepers were a big part of the 1960s muscle car era, such as a 1964 big-block 409 Chevy Biscayne or a 1966 Plymouth Satellite Street Hemi.
(Here’s an ideal example of a sleeper. A plain, white 4 door sedan with a powerful 426 Hemi engine. It was originally ordered by the FBI. I photographed this 1966 Dodge Coronet at Don Garlits Drag Racing Museum in Ocala, Florida.)
Here are the top 5 new sleepers at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. All the cars selected on my list have V8 engines wrapped in pedestrian four door body styles. Open the throttle on these family haulers and hang on for life!
#5: Â 2014 BMW 550i Sedan-4.4 L V8
445hp @ 5,500 rpm / 480 ft-lbs @ 4,500 rpm. RWD. 0-60 mph 4.5 sec. $63,900 starting.
The 5 series BMW sports sedan is mildly face-lifted in its sixth generation. This BMW is plenty fast, with the twin-power turbo charging the 4.4 liter V8. Like most of the cars on the list, there’s no stick-shift manual transmission for the 550i. However, the eight-speed sport automatic is also controlled with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The inside is pleasant with dark wood trim, Dakota leather upholstery and decent storage compartments throughout. There’s low-key metallic sleeper color choices in gray, white, silver, black, etc. The luxury, modern line and M sport design choices are not over-the-top, keeping all that horsepower performance discreet. Note: The 550i was not at the Chicago Auto Show. Above is the 535d with essentially the same body.
#4: 2014 Lexus IS F 5.0 V8
416 hp @ 6,600 rpm / 371 lb-ft torque @5,200 rpm. RWD. 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. $63,600 starting.
Fuji International Speedway in Japan is the testing grounds for this track-inspired Lexus sedan. With a top speed of 170 mph and a 5.0 eight-banger, the new IS F still retains an understated appearance. I’m not a fan of the controversial spindle grille in other Lexus models, so it’s nice this car doesn’t share it. Brembo ® brakes handle the stopping with massive front six-piston calipers grabbing 14.2″ ventilated cross-drilled rotors. The limited-slip Torsen ® rear controls the handling. Forged 19″ aluminum-alloy rims occupy all four corners. An automatic eight-speed “Sport Direct-Shift” is the sole transmission. The body is pleasantly sculptured featuring a sleek wedge-style profile. An “Ultrasonic Blue Mica” or “Matador Red Mica” are the higher-impact color choices, with the “Nebula Gray Pearl” being the best sleeper finish. Hinting at its performance are mildly flared fenders featuring air ducts, and quad exhaust outlets. Modest F callouts are on each fender and the deck lid. The leather-trimmed interior is refined and sporty with an attractive center console, aluminum pedals and F logo on the steering wheel base and seats. I think Lexus buyers desiring similar power that matches an aggressive look may want the 2015 RC F, available this Fall. However, the IS F is ideal for that toned-down, less frills appearance concealing substantial V8 power.
#3: 2014 Chrysler 300 SRT
6.4 L 392 Hemi ® V8. 470 hp @ 6,000 rpm / 470 lb-ft torque @ 4,300 rpm. RWD. 0-60 mph high 4 second range. $44,900 starting.
Chrysler maintains its tradition of offering luxury and performance, which dates back to the 50s and 60s with the letter series. Although I believe Chrysler can use a more aggressive re-style, this bulky four-door packing 470 ft-lbs of torque still fits into the sleeper category nicely. Only the dual exhaust pipes and SRT ® badges on the trunk lid whisper it’s power capabilities. With the fuel savers in mind, the 6.4 Hemi ® engine will deactivate four of it’s eight cylinders when just cruising. Then, hang on once it’s eight pistons unleash full power when the driver demands it. A580 five-speed automatic transmission is your only option, with paddle shifting and the console’s auto stick. The launch control is standard now, which will limit the RPM at launch and provide the best straight-line acceleration with limited wheel slip. The Brembo ® four-pistons occupy the front the rear 20″ wheels. Goodyear Eagle ® rubber comes standard with F1 Supercar ® tires optional. There’s red or black seating, or optional high-end “Sepia Laguna” leather gracing the interior. Nice color options from a “Deep Cherry Red Chrystal” to a “Jazz Blue Pearl Coat” can be picked, but the “Billet Silver Metallic” is an ideal sleeper color.
#2: Â 2014 Chevrolet SS
6.2 liter SFI V8. 415 hp @ 5,900 rpm / 415 lb-ft torque @ 4,600 rpm. RWD. 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. $43,475 starting.
That SS (super sport) designation was introduced in select Chevys during the muscle car era. An Impala, Chevelle, Camaro or Nova with SS badging meant all-out performance, and this new offering form the ol’ bowtie is no exception. The rear wheel drive configuration is the company’s first in a four-door in 17 years. The battery is trunk-mounted for better weight distribution, like a 1960s factory experimental drag racer. Electronic power steering and sports tuned suspension powers the ride. Brembo ® brakes with four-piston front calipers and 14″ rotors provide the stopping power. The wheels are forged 19″ aluminum with summer-only performance rubber. A sleek “Mystic green “or “Red Hot 2” exterior is available, but I say the “Phantom Black” or “Heron White” best suits the sleeper vibe. I’m disappointed a manual stick isn’t available, but the six-speed auto incorporates paddle controls on the steering wheel or the shift knob. I like how the dual 3 inch stainless exhaust tips, fender extractors and SS badges on the deck lid only hint the performance potential, as in typical sleeper fashion. Interior goodies include USB porting, My Link ® 8″ color touch screen display, flat-bottom leather sport steering wheel, and red “SS” stitching on the leather seat backs. It seats five comfortably with over 37 inches of leg room in back. Best of all, that LS3 motor with 415 ft-lbs of torque will surely get you going from a standstill. But the Chevrolet SS could really use a manual stick, which leads me to the number one pick.
#1:Â 2014 CTS-V Wagon
6.2 liter supercharged V8. 556 hp @ 6,100 rpm / 551 lb-ft torque @ 3,800 rpm. RWD. 0-60 mph in 4 seconds. $64,900 starting.
What could be more pedestrian than a station wagon? This traditional-looking errand runner hides an ultra torquey and supercharged eight banger. I believe it fits the sleeper category exceptionally, even though Cadillac doesn’t really market it that way. This unusual ride was introduced in 2011, and the new model is a real winner. The Eaton ® blower has a new twin four-lobe rotor setup for better flow into the motor. The sporty performance goodies like the optional Recaro ® seats and (finally!) a standard six-speed stick shift are inside and tucked away from general public view. Like the new Ford Shelby ® GT500 ® , it’s got the Tremec ® TR6060 transmission. It’s the best gearbox in the business. A six-speed automatic is optional. The unique G-Meter measures cornering forces, and the V-Wagon’s magnetic ride control suspension system provides the best ride characteristics. Beefy Brembo ® brakes stop this generally ordinary-looking family hauler, with optional red or yellow colored calipers. Only the small fender air extractors and chrome dual exhaust outlets hint at it’s power. Naturally, the wagon has 58 cubic feet worth of storage. Get one in “Phantom Gray Metallic” or “Radiant Silver” and you’ve got the ultimate modern-day sleeper, ready for any Mustang or Camaro at the next stop light.
The 2014 Chicago Auto Show is open to the public February 8th-17th at McCormick Place. It is produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA). Special Days: Womens Day, Tuesday, Feb. 11; Hispanic Day, Friday, Feb. 14; Family Day, Monday, Feb. 17; Chicago Auto Show Food Drive, Feb. 12 – 14. More details at www.chicagoautoshow.com. You can buy tickets at: drivechicago.com.
