The small Daewoo Matiz replaces the V6 engine and proves that horsepower can

Owners wanted the biggest engine in the smallest car, which is why they stuffed a Vauxhall 3.2-liter V6 under the Matiz’s tiny bonnet

The Daewoo Matiz—yes, the shabby little city sports car that eventually gave birth to the Chevrolet Spark—was never anyone’s idea of ​​a high-performance machine. In fact, far from it, but this particular build from the UK turns that notion on its head, and more. Beneath the Matiz’s plain fudge exterior now lurks a powertrain that no one asked for but everyone can appreciate: the 3.2-liter General Motors V6.

The crazy engine swap is the work of Lincoln tuning company PowerCrazy Automotive. The team succeeded in squeezing the 3.2-liter V6 engine from a General Motors Vauxhall/Opel sedan under the Matiz’s small hood, satisfying the owner’s desire for the smallest car with the biggest engine. This impressive feat required more than brute strength, as it involved modifying the air intake and positioning the engine at an angle, all held in place with custom brackets.

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The transformation was documented by the YouTube channel Twin Engine Corsa, who spoke with the owner (who goes by @v6matiz on Instagram). Video footage shows that every inch of the tiny engine bay is taken up by the new engine, which isn’t surprising to say the least.

The V6 engine is estimated to produce 210-220 hp, more than four times the 50 hp (38 kW / 51 PS) output of the factory three-cylinder 796cc (0.8L) engine in the entry-level Daewoo Matiz. Power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, which is the only difference from the Matiz’s otherwise ordinary (and unfortunately bland) trim.

This V6-powered city car sticks to the sleeper’s construction essence, without the flashy body kit, and remains largely unchanged. The only differences from the humble Matiz are a ventilated bonnet and a set of 18-inch Porsche wheels, which look huge for the little Daewoo’s 3,495 mm (137.6-inch) length.

PowerCrazy also completes the upgrade list by equipping the Matiz with more powerful front brake discs sourced from the Ford Focus RS. Daily use of a light city car with V6 power and a stock chassis sounds scary, which is why the owner sees the Matiz as a show car.

Originally launched in 1998, the Daewoo Matiz has a quirky design pedigree, signed by Italdesign Giugiaro and based on the rejected Fiat Cinquecento concept. When Daewoo was acquired by General Motors in 2002, the Matiz was reborn as the Chevrolet Spark in various markets, although it never shed its reputation as a practical economy car.