Discerning car shoppers virtually always demand a level of performance that's a cut above the mainstream. That's why Kia upped the muscle of its Amanti, with a new 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 264 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Kia, that's a 32-percent increase in power over the 2006 model. The new engine is coupled with a five-speed automatic Sportmatic transmission and sits in a car that's 251 lbs. lighter than the previous model and rides on a comfort-modified suspension. Additional improvements include 17-inch wheels available in chrome paint and a long litany of safety features, including eight airbags.