All that glitters is not gold - especially when that gold promised high speeds and acceleration. Here's a list of cars that have disappointed high-performance fans over the past two years due to excessive weight and hybrid technology. So, 7 iconic car models that do not bode well for the future of motoring.
Technological progress brings many improvements, especially in the area of efficiency and environmental friendliness, but the introduction of hybrid technologies in classic sports and luxury cars often brings unwanted side effects. The added weight of batteries and the complexity of hybrid systems reduce the agility, dynamics and driving characteristics that have been key to the popularity of these models. Let's take a closer look at ten cars that disappointed car enthusiasts precisely because of these compromises.
1. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (Hybrid)
One of the biggest disappointments for high-performance fans was the recent transformation of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG into a hybrid. Instead of the previous 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which produced 503 horsepower (375 kW) and 700 Nm of torque, the new hybrid drive combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for a total output of 671 horsepower (500 kW) and 1020 Nm of torque. Despite the increased power, the extra weight of the batteries significantly reduced the agility and dynamics of the car.
What bothered them: The lack of the distinctive sound of the V8 engine, the extra weight affecting the handling and the feeling that the new hybrid does not achieve the same emotional impact as the previous model.
What impressed them: Outstanding power and torque, advanced technology and improved fuel efficiency.
2. Ford Mustang Mach-E GT
Electric Mustang? Yes, you read that right. With 480 horsepower (358 kW) and 860 Nm of torque, the Mach-E GT promises a lot, but the electric nature of the vehicle doesn't deliver the same sound and feel as a traditional Mustang V8. A 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds is impressive, but purists claim something is missing.
What bothered them: Lacking that characteristic "hum" of the engine and exhaust that you expect from a Mustang. The electric nature of the vehicle is too much of a departure from tradition for some.
What impressed them: Exceptional acceleration, advanced technology and practicality brought by the electric drive.
3. Toyota GR Supra 2.0
The Toyota Supra is an icon, but its 2.0-liter version left many performance fans unsatisfied. While the 2.0-liter engine with 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 400 Nm of torque isn't exactly bad, it just doesn't live up to the expectations that come with the Supra name. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds is decent, but it didn't exactly leave performance car enthusiasts speechless.
What bothered them: The lack of power compared to the 3.0 version, the feeling that they drive "a class down" and the lack of that raw power that the Supra promises.
What impressed them: The same agile chassis and driving characteristics as the more powerful model, along with an attractive design.
4. BMW M3 G80
The BMW M3 G80 is the latest iteration of the legendary sports sedan, but its polarizing design has left many disappointed. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six with 473 horsepower (353 kW) and 550 Nm of torque offers top-notch performance, but some fans were left confused by its bold appearance.
What bothered them: Controversial front fascia design that has received a lot of criticism. Some argue that the look is too far removed from the classic elegance of previous models.
What impressed them: Performance is undoubtedly at its peak, with excellent driving characteristics and cutting-edge technology.
5. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a premium sports sedan with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 600 Nm of torque. Despite the impressive numbers and excellent driving characteristics, some enthusiasts were disappointed by reliability and build quality issues. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds it is fantastic, but the frequent problems with the electronics and materials of the interior reduced the driving pleasure.
What bothered them: Common reliability issues, quality of interior materials and high maintenance costs.
What impressed them: Excellent driving characteristics, powerful engine and unique Italian design.
6. BMW M5 2025
The latest BMW M5 2025 switched to hybrid technology, which brought more power but also added weight. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, now mated to an electric motor, produces 750 horsepower (559 kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque. Despite these impressive numbers, the additional weight of the batteries, which amounts to 600 kilograms, significantly reduced the agility and dynamics of the car, for which the M5 has always been known.
What bothered them: Excessive weight that reduces handling and agility, the feeling that the new M5 does not have the same driving experience as previous models, and a less pronounced engine sound due to hybrid technology.
What impressed them: Outstanding power and torque, advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and performance over its legal predecessor (acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 3.3 seconds).
Conclusion: What all these cars have in common is that due to the introduction of hybrid technologies and the additional weight of the batteries, they have lost some of their former dynamics and driving characteristics. Although the new technologies brought impressive power and torque figures, the cars became heavier and less agile, disappointing many car enthusiasts.
7. Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse (Electric Drive)
The Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse, also known as the G-Wagen, has achieved legendary status with its rugged design and off-road performance. The new electric version of the G-Klasse, however, disappointed many enthusiasts. The electric drive adds extra weight to the batteries, which negatively affects the agility and off-road performance for which the G-Klasse was known.
What bothered them: The additional weight of the batteries, which reduces the off-road capabilities and agility of the vehicle, as well as the lack of a characteristic engine sound.
What impressed them: Environmentally friendly technology, impressive power of the electric drive and advanced technology inside.
Conclusion
What all these cars have in common is that due to the introduction of hybrid technologies and the additional weight of the batteries, they have lost some of their former dynamics and driving characteristics. Although the new technologies brought impressive power and torque figures, the cars became heavier and less agile, disappointing many car enthusiasts.
The obvious problem with these new models is that the compromises required to introduce hybrid systems adversely affect the qualities that made these cars so popular. The added weight and complexity of hybrid systems reduces the sense of connection to the vehicle and the driving experience that performance car fans expect. Despite advances in technology, high performance and low weight seem to remain the key factors still most valued by speed and performance enthusiasts.
