We voiced concern the age of the free-breather was on its way out in the wake of the growing tide of forced induction the last time we ran a roundup of the most powerful naturally aspirated automobiles on the market.
We don’t have “all-motor” sweethearts like the Dodge Viper and Ferrari 458 Speciale like we did five years ago, but we do have a cornucopia of big, lumpy, thumpin’ American (and other) V-8s without blower or snail.
Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series – 622bhp
This rear-wheel-drive front-engined supercar coupé has two doors and two seats. The naturally aspirated 6.2 Litre 32v quad-cam V8 petrol engine produces 622 BHP and propels this SLS AMG Black Series to a top speed of 196 mph in 3.6 seconds.
With a kerb weight of 1625 kg, it gets an average of 20.6 mpg and can go 385 miles before needing to replenish its 85-liter fuel tank. It has a 7-speed automatic transmission.
There is 176 liters of luggage space and a maximum payload capacity of 235 kg.
Ferrari FF – 651bhp
The Ferrari FF is a full-size Grand Tourer with a 651bhp V12 and four-wheel drive, designed by Pininfarina under the supervision of Ferrari’s own chief designer Flavio Manzoni. Known as the FF because of has four seats and four-wheel drive.
In the lower gears, the FF isn’t quite as ferocious as a 599 GTB, but it’s formidable in third and above, and since 80 percent of the engine’s 504lb-ft of torque is available from 1750rpm, it feels as effortless as a real GT should.
Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph under 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 mph. Moreover, the FF accelerates from 0-124mph in 11.0 seconds against the clock, exactly matching Ferrari’s boasts for the 599 GTB — despite the latter’s higher power-to-weight ratio.
Audi R8 – Up To 612 HP / 428 LB-FT
The second-generation R8 was debuted by Audi in 2015, and its Lamborghini Huracan-sourced 5.2-liter V10 engine produces 612 horsepower (620 PS) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque in the Performance trim.
Unfortunately, unlike the original, this model does not come with a six-speed manual transmission, so while it has more power, it is still a completely different beast to drive.
Lamborghini Gallardo is the platform on which the first model was based, but instead of a V10 engine, it was equipped with a naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine from the RS4 that produced 414 horsepower (420 PS) and 317 pound-feet (430 Nm) of torque.
The 5.2-liter V10 engine from the Gallardo was introduced to the R8 family a few years later, but the V8 has its own distinct charm.
Aston Martin One-77: 354kmph
The 2011 One-77 is one of the world’s most expensive automobiles, capable of reaching 100 kmph in 3.7 seconds and reaching speeds of 354 kmph.
It has a carbon-fiber monocoque frame and weights 1630kg with a 7.3L V12 engine. As a result, it is the most sought-after Naturally Aspirated vehicle among automotive enthusiasts.
Lexus LC500 – 471 HP / 398 LB-FT
The performance ratings for the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine have been boosted to 471 hp from the previously disclosed 467 hp in this supercar with a redesigned dual intake, lower friction, and superior exhaust.
Torque has been increased to 398 lb-ft, up from an estimated 389 lb-ft previously.
It uses a multi-stage hybrid system with a four-speed final drive to create 10 different gear ratios, making it feel like a 10-speed transmission rather than a CVT, which is more in line with the expected performance of a high-speed sports coupe.
With a 3.5-liter V-6 and an electric motor, the LC hybrid produces 354 horsepower.
Porsche Carrera GT: 330kmph
The Porsche Cerrera GT is a clever automobile with a 603-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-10 engine, carbon-fiber monocoque structure, and unique carbon-ceramic brakes under the hood.
Bypassing turbochargers in favor of a driving sensation that can only be achieved through natural aspiration.
Porsche equipped it with a manual transmission at a time when paddle-shift gears were all the rage and even topped the six-speed shift lever with a wooden shift knob, akin to the Porsche 917 race car from the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Ford Mustang GT – 460 HP / 420 LB-FT
The Mustang GT, the indestructible mainstay of modern muscle, has never been in better shape than it is in 2020, with 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque from its 5.0-liter Coyote V-8.
The 5.0-liter V-8 in the lean, green Mustang Bullitt gains 480 horsepower thanks to a GT350 intake manifold, a larger throttle body, and an open airbox.
Caparo T1 – 575bhp
The T1 Caparo Its weeny 3.5-liter V8 engine put out an unlikely 575bhp, making it look like a Formula 1 car for the road.
With less than 700 kg to shift, the T1 was able to achieve a top speed of 205 mph and a 0-60 mph time of around 3.0 seconds. This, without a doubt, adds to the thrill and enjoyment of the trip.