Market Watch: Some Of The Greatest Turbo Cars You Can Buy In Singapore

It’s hard to argue against turbo machines made almost half a century ago. Renault’s RS01 was the first turbo featured in F1. Sure, it was nicknamed “yellow teapot” due to its tendency to malfunction, but the turbo craze wouldn’t have taken off without its brave decision to compete.

Ford’s Sierra RS Cosworth and Lancia Delta S4 headlined the 80s, with manic turbo motors that took on rally stages. Not all turbos were made solely for competition, though. Mercedes-Benz introduced turbocharged diesels into passenger vehicles - a move that paid dividends even till today.

Fast forward a couple of decades and it might seem that the idea of a single, small-diameter turbo ain’t sufficient for the numerical arms race. We’ve seen superchargers aiding turbos in lower regions of the rev range. Even electric motors served as modern-day superchargers to beef up low-end torque. And who would forget the moment when BMW slapped on no less than 4 turbos of varying sizes on its hulking luxo-haulers?

Turbochargers have been doing the heavy lifting for decades. Sure, their tech might leave much to be desired in this electrified era, but the manner in which they deliver speed is an experience unlike any other. On full boost, hitting its stride and hearing that turbo spool, then letting it flutter when you ease off - the turbocharged era will never get old.

2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

From bone stock examples to machines specced to the gills, EVOs and WRXs will always garner a cult following. The noughties, we’d argue, symbolised peak modern JDM turbo charm. The 90s captured our hearts as an entire package, but their successors brought on the tech onslaught in spades. Decked-out EVO 8 and 9s have performance that still defy physics, while the “bugeye”, “blobeye” and “hawkeye” trio of WRXs struck a rich vein of form thanks to its iconic force-fed boxer rumble.

This “hawkeye” example boasts an uprated TD05 turbo and a free flowing aftermarket exhaust. If there’s a car that makes all the right turbo noises, the WRX’s flat 4 will be the perfect partner in crime.

2008 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

Say what we want about first-gen Cayennes - they’ve been led to various paths in their “2nd life”, from intricate overlanding builds to carbon-clad street spec haulers. Polarising looks aside, the fact that the aftermarket realm has opened an unlimited array of options speaks volumes of its desirability.

In facelifted Turbo S guise it has the numbers to back up its broad shouldered attitude. Two turbos strapped on to a 4.8-litre V8 yielded 542hp and 750Nm. A sub-5 seconds sprint to 100km/h is guaranteed. SUVs need not be blistering fast, but Porsche wanted to rewrite the rulebook. The rest was history…

2014 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG

The fact that AMG could make us forget the brilliance of its V8s (for a brief moment at least!) deserves a special mention. A recipe so unfamiliar to AMG being served in such an attractive manner still leaves us wide-eyed till today. Thunderclaps from the A 45 AMG’s gearbox are accompanied by turbo spools from its highly strung 2.0-litre unit.

There’s an appeal in hot hatches that are agile, light and responsive. But AMG started from scratch to deliver a 355hp and 480Nm heavy-hitter. Judging by the reception of first-gen A 45s, there’s clearly an appetite for these spicy souls.

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