1997 Chevrolet Cavalier ZR-24 Moab

Looking like some sort of Gen-X lifestyle assault vehicle, the ZR-24 Moab shatters the ho-hum conventionality of its production-line Cavalier counterparts. Named for the mountain-biking, off-roading oasis of Moab, Utah, the ZR-24 quite appropriately sports a rugged, dirt-tolerant interior, a roof rack to hold a pair of bikes, and an athletic stance dramatically skewed toward active outdoor recreation.

Boosted ground clearance and 17-inch wheels wrapped with exotic Michelin Pilot rally radials help give the front-drive Moab the ability to venture off-road (particularly on hard-packed trails) with confidence and flair. To tighten up the handling, enlarged anti-roll bars are carried in firm polyurethane bushings; brake upgrades help, too.

Under the hood, Chevrolet Specialty Vehicles worked its magic to energize the 2.4-liter DOHC inline four. The Moab hits 185 horsepower at 6250 rpm (stock is 150 horses at 5600 rpm) and 180 pound-feet of torque at 5250 rpm (stock is 155 pound-feet at 4400 rpm). To log those new performance highs, the Moab has a low-restriction K&N air filter, wilder cams, a bit more compression, tubular headers, and a low-restriction exhaust. Make that a very low-restriction exhaust. The abbreviated system has a single side exit just ahead of the left rear wheel and an unconscionably brash exhaust note.

That extra 35 horsepower and 25 pound-feet turn the Moab into a major fun machine. An entire second is dropped in the sprint to 60 mph; the Moab gets there in 7.3 seconds, then goes on to cover the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds at 87.1 mph. Quick to rev to its 6000-rpm redline, the Moab's loudly trumpeting exhaust note tempts you to frolic with the five-speed manual gearbox on the road course, matching downshifts, charging the corners like a demented rally driver, and generally misbehaving. Sharp steering, plenty of grip, and good body-roll control make the Moab a seriously good sports car.

Just remember to bring your ear plugs.