Drivers corral high horsepower at low cost

0 Comments | USA TODAY, March, 2008 | by Chris Woodyard

Even as gas prices rise, more automakers are breaking the price barrier on what used to be a privilege for the rich: the 300-horsepower engine.

On Wednesday, Hyundai unveils the production version of its 2010 Genesis sports coupe with a 306-hp V-6 engine that the company bills as offering the maximum horsepower for the buck.

The price has not been set for its fall debut, but spokesman Miles Johnson says the Genesis four-seater will cost less than a Ford Mustang GT, which comes with a 300-hp engine, at $26,080.

Also bringing power to the people for less than 30 grand: General Motors' 361-hp Pontiac G8 GT and 303-hp Chevrolet Impala SS and Nissan's 306-hp 350Z.

"You have these very affordable vehicles with these super-stompin' engines,"...