Naturally aspirated engines are amazing. While turbocharging and/or supercharging can add some extra performance, keeping a motor N/A has many benefits, such as more direct throttle response, better sound, and lower weight.
Many of us gearheads love naturally aspirated engines, from the Ford Mustang's 5.0-liter V8 to the Honda S2000's 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Though why wouldn't we? Engines of the N/A variety have been featured in some of the most exciting cars on the planet. Here are ten of them.
10 Ferrari 458 Speciale
The 458 Speciale is the ultimate V8 Ferrari. Its 4.5-liter engine, situated in the middle of the car, develops 597 bhp at an atmospheric 9,000 rpm. It's also able to achieve a 0-60 mph time of three seconds flat.
This immense performance is only complemented by the 458 Speciale's relatively low weight – it's 3,199 lbs. This, along with Ferrari's knack for intuitive handling, means the 458 Speciale is incredibly lively and hugely exciting. It looks beautiful, sounds awesome, and drives fantastically.
9 Porsche 911 (997) GT3 RS 4.0
The GT3 RS is a widely loved performance car. Each one has been pretty special, no more so than the 4.0 version of the 997 generation. Whereas the standard 997 GT3 RS has a rear-mounted 3.8-liter flat-six, Porsche increased its displacement to 4.0 liters for this particular version.
Only 600 were built, each able to produce 494 bhp at 8,250 rpm. Despite having the engine in the rear, the 4.0 is – as most Porsches are – incredibly balanced, poised, and adjustable on the limit. It's super fun to drive.
8 Lamborghini Huracan Peformante
The Perfomante may be based on the baby Lambo, however, it's just as ludicrous as any other of the mad machines the manufacturer makes. Its mid-mounted 5.2-liter V10 is especially angry in the Performante, pumping out 631 bhp.
Just how fast is this orange beast? Well, the Performante can lap the Nurburgring in a time of 6:52.01, which is faster than the Porsche 918 Spyder. It's insanely quick, visceral, and gets the adrenaline pumping like no other car on the road.
7 McLaren F1
Is there even a need to describe the McLaren F1 to you? The car is legendary – it held the production car speed record for 12 years. This 221 mph monster is simply one of the greatest cars ever created.
Behind the driver – who sits in the center of the cabin – is a 6.1-liter V12 with 627 bhp and 478 lb-ft of torque. This motor is only pushing around a measly 2,509lbs of weight, so it feels like a go-kart.
6 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series
The regular SLS is already a little bit crazy, what with its gull-wing doors and ridiculously long bonnet. The Black Series, on the other hand, embraces that insanity even further with 622 bhp – up 59 bhp compared to the standard SLS – from its 6.2-liter V8.
The SLS AMG Black Series also weighs less than a base C-Class diesel of the time, making it a lively car. It has a redline of 8,000 rpm and can go from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds – that is if you can keep the rear in check.
5 Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA has developed quite a large cult following since it arrived in 2010 – and for good reason. Its 4.8-liter V10 is arguably one of the best-sounding motors ever created. Its howl is pure bliss for many gearheads, including us.
The LFA isn't just all show and no go, however. It has 552 bhp, a redline of 9,000 rpm, and can achieve a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. This still doesn't make the LFA the fastest car in the world, but it might just be up there with the most charismatic and enthralling drives you'll ever experience.
4 Aston Martin Vantage GT12
The GT12 came towards the end of the previous-generation Aston Martin Vantage's lifecycle. It was a hardcore version and one which amplified all the glorious features we love about the sports car.
It took the 5.9-liter V12 from the regular V12 Vantage S and upped horsepower to 592 bhp, dropped weight throughout the car, and added some track-inspired aero. As cliched as the saying is, this thing is a real racing car for the road.
3 Porsche Carrera GT
Like the LFA, the Carrera GT is a V10-powered supercar that is beloved by many in the car community. It arrived in 2002 as arguably one of the final analog supercars and quickly shot to stardom.
It was widely praised for its charismatic 5.8-liter V10 and 604 bhp, as well as the car's impressive overall performance and handling capabilities. The Carrera GT also features a pretty sweet manual gearbox, which acts as the cherry on top when it comes to this masterpiece.
2 BMW M3 GTS
Is the M3 GTS the greatest BMW ever made? We'll let you decide, however, it's definitely up there with the very best of them, thanks largely in part to its awesome 4.4-liter V8, 444 bhp, and a redline of 8,300 rpm.
It drives like a European muscle car – it has a lot of brute force and can be very tail-happy, but it's also very refined, sophisticated, and track-focused. The M3 GTS is a very exciting car and one which deserves to find itself in many people's dream garages.
1 Ferrari F12tdf
If it's excitement you're after, you can't really go wrong with a front-engined V12 Ferrari, especially one built as a hardcore version of another. Meet the F12tdf: it has a 6.3-liter V12 with 770 bhp and a redline of 8,900 rpm.
This maniac of a machine is capable of a 2.9-second 0-60 mph time, which – we probably don't have to tell you – is super fast. It sounds incredible as well, therefore elevating the already exciting driving experience even further.