03/13/2026
1982 Chevrolet Citation X-11 — The Forgotten American Hot Hatch
Back in the early 1980s, performance cars in America were usually big coupes with V8 engines. But Chevrolet tried something different. The 1982 Chevrolet Citation X-11 was a sporty version of the compact Citation hatchback, proving that performance could also come in a practical package.
Under the hood sits a 2.8-liter LB6 V6 producing around 135 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, sending power to the front wheels through a 3-speed automatic transmission. For a compact hatchback of its time, it delivered surprisingly lively performance.
But the X-11 wasn’t just about power. Chevrolet equipped it with sport-tuned suspension, larger sway bars, and quicker steering, giving it sharper handling than the standard Citation.
Because of this formula, the Citation X-11 is often considered one of the earliest American hot hatches. It looked like a simple family hatchback, yet it had the attitude and performance to surprise drivers on the road.
Today, the X-11 remains a fascinating piece of early-1980s GM history — a sleeper that quietly blended practicality with a touch of American performance.
