The Chevy Citation X-11 with its remarkably low mileage of just 11,000 miles stands as a formidable contender that can easily outshine your Mk2 GTI hot hatch. The X-11 variant of the Citation was the performance model, boasting a high-output 2.8-liter V6 engine that produced 135 horsepower.
This power output was quite impressive, especially when compared to the 110 horsepower produced by the Mk2 GTI. With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 8.5 seconds, the X-11 was not far off from the performance capabilities of Mustangs and Camaros of its time.
In addition to its powerful engine, the X-11 received upgrades in suspension, larger wheels, and revised gearing. It even had success in SCCA racing, showcasing its sporty capabilities. With its low mileage and exceptional performance, the Chevy Citation X-11 proudly surpasses the capabilities of your Mk2 GTI hot hatch.
Travel back with us to the early 1980s, specifically 1982, and behold the Chevrolet Citation. Surprisingly, this particular X-11 variant manages to defy expectations and exudes a visual appeal that surpasses its original form.
Despite its reputation as an unappreciated economy car with a short lifespan, this Chevy Citation X-11 stands out from the crowd.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Chevy Citation X-11, that’s understandable. It served as the high-performance variant within the Citation lineup, which mainly consisted of three-door and five-door hatchbacks, except for 1980 when a two-door coupe was also introduced. Unfortunately, the coupe didn’t gain much popularity and was swiftly discontinued.
However, the hatchback version was a massive hit, with over 800,000 units sold in its inaugural year, making it the best-selling car in the United States for 1980. The rarity of these cars today speaks volumes about the quality control issues faced by GM during that era, but we digress.
In 1982, the X-11 took a departure from its four-cylinder engine and adopted a more powerful 2.8-liter V6. While the Mk2 VW Golf GTIs were generating around 110 horsepower, the X-11 unleashed an impressive 135 hp, enabling it to sprint to 60 mph in just 8.5 seconds. This performance was not far behind the Mustangs and Camaros of that era.
Chevrolet also made enhancements to the suspension, equipped it with larger wheels, and adjusted the gearing.
The X-11 even achieved some success in SCCA racing, making it reminiscent of the 1980s version of the Dodge Neon ACR – a surprisingly spirited iteration of an otherwise underwhelming car.
When we come across a Chevy Citation X-11, it’s hard not to take notice. And the maroon X-11 currently up for sale on Bring A Trailer has definitely captured our attention. It boasts an astonishingly low mileage of just 11,000 miles, although the odometer in the photos technically displays 10,511 miles.
The reasons behind such limited usage over the past four decades remain a mystery, but the result is a remarkably pristine appearance both inside and out. Unfortunately, this particular X-11 is equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission, whereas the standard offering was a four-speed manual.
However, the window sticker reveals luxurious 1980s options such as power locks, air conditioning, power steering (yes, power steering), and an AM/FM stereo, all marked as included.
The sticker price on this Chevy Citation X-11 catches our attention too, coming in at $11,562, which was considered quite steep back in its time. In today’s currency, that would amount to approximately $36,500, surpassing the price of a Honda Civic Si and even approaching the base price of a Civic Type R. This could certainly explain why X-11s have become increasingly scarce nowadays.
Source : motor1.com