10. First-Gen Maserati GranTurismo (Ferrari V8)
The first-generation Maserati GranTurismo, launched in 2008, is often remembered for its stunning aesthetics and the powerful Ferrari-sourced V8 engine that lies beneath its sleek exterior. This model marked a significant revival for Maserati, showcasing a harmonious blend of elegance and performance.
As the engine revs, its unmistakable sound captivates enthusiasts, especially in the S variant, which boasts an impressive power output. However, despite its aggressive styling, some critics noted that the GranTurismo didn’t fully deliver the sporty driving experience one might expect. The updated version has embraced its grand touring identity more confidently, yet purists often lament the transition to the Nettuno V6, arguing that the original V8 provided a unique character that is difficult to replicate.
Specifications: Engine code – F136 U / F136 Y; Engine type – Naturally aspirated V8; Displacement – 4.2 liters / 4.7 liters; Power output – 405 – 454 hp; Torque – 339 – 384 lb-ft; Redline – 7,500 – 7,600 rpm.
9. Aston Martin Vantage (Mercedes-AMG V8)
Aston Martin has long sought to reclaim its status among the elite performance brands, and the Vantage has been instrumental in this resurgence. Initially struggling in the early 2000s, the brand has successfully reinvented itself, with the Vantage serving as its entry-level model, combining breathtaking design with a hand-built Mercedes-AMG V8 engine.
The 2025 model year brings substantial upgrades, enhancing both the car and engine, resulting in a remarkable increase of 128 horsepower and 85 lb-ft of torque compared to its predecessor. This evolution not only boosts performance but also solidifies the Vantage’s standing in the competitive sports car market.
Specifications: Engine code – M177; Engine type – Twin-turbocharged V8; Displacement – 4.0 liters; Power output – 656 hp; Torque – 590 lb-ft; Redline – 7,000 rpm.
8. Toyota Supra (BMW Inline-Six)
When Toyota decided to resurrect the iconic Supra, it turned to BMW for collaboration, a move that sparked intense debate among enthusiasts concerned about the potential dilution of the legendary nameplate. However, most would agree that the real triumph lies in the car’s engine—the B58 inline-six, known for its impressive performance.
While it may lack the aftermarket tuning prowess of its predecessor, the 2JZ-GTE, the B58 delivers a robust and linear torque curve, ensuring a thrilling driving experience. Furthermore, it has garnered a reputation for reliability, a trait that hasn’t always been associated with Toyota’s newer in-house engines.
Specifications: Engine code – B58; Engine type – Turbocharged inline-six; Displacement – 3.0 liters; Power output – 382 hp; Torque – 368 lb-ft; Redline – 7,000 rpm.
7. Ariel Atom (Honda Inline-Four)
The Ariel Atom stands out as a remarkable example of extreme performance in a street-legal format, pushing the envelope of what a car can achieve. For over two decades, this British manufacturer has focused on delivering raw driving thrills, creating a vehicle that feels akin to a road-going go-kart.
To power this minimalist marvel, Ariel opted for Honda’s K20C1 turbocharged inline-four engine from the Civic Type R. In a car weighing just over 1,200 pounds, this engine transforms the Atom into a rocket, capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds—a feat requiring intense focus and skill from the driver.
Specifications: Engine code – K20C1; Engine type – Turbocharged inline-four; Displacement – 2.0 liters; Power – 320 hp; Torque – 310 lb-ft; Redline – 7,000 rpm.
6. Pagani Utopia (Mercedes-AMG V12)
The Pagani Utopia continues the brand’s cherished partnership with Mercedes-AMG, showcasing a powertrain that exemplifies both performance and artistry. As one of the last V12-powered sports cars on the market, the Utopia is a stunning testament to Pagani’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.
Powered by the M158 twin-turbocharged V12, the Utopia delivers an astounding 851 horsepower to the rear wheels, paired with either a seven-speed automatic or a seven-speed manual transmission. This hand-built Mercedes engine is a centerpiece of the vehicle, representing the final V12 produced by AMG—an era we should savor while it lasts.
Specifications: Engine code – M158; Engine type – Twin-turbocharged V12; Displacement – 6.0 liters; Power output – 851 hp; Torque – 811 lb-ft; Redline – 6,000 rpm.
5. Toyota GR86 (Subaru Boxer-Four)
The Toyota GR86 upholds the legacy of lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports cars from Toyota, while also serving as a cautionary tale about the risks of relying on external partners for critical components. Sharing much of its mechanical DNA with Subaru, the GR86 features the FA24 naturally aspirated flat-four engine.
With a robust power output of 228 horsepower and improved overall performance, the GR86 received praise from automotive journalists upon its release. However, reports of catastrophic engine failures due to assembly issues cast a shadow over its success. While these problems appear to have been largely addressed, Toyota is now considering bringing engine development in-house for future models to avoid similar pitfalls.
Specifications: Engine code – FA24; Engine type – Naturally aspirated flat-four; Displacement – 2.4 liters; Power output – 228 hp; Torque – 184 lb-ft; Redline – 7,400 rpm.
4. Koenigsegg CC8S (Ford V8)
When Christian von Koenigsegg set out to create his first supercar, he chose the Ford Modular V8 as the foundation for its engine. This 4.7-liter V8 was heavily modified to deliver an astonishing 655 horsepower, propelling the CC8S into the spotlight and establishing Koenigsegg as a significant player in the high-performance automotive landscape.
This groundbreaking debut not only showcased the car’s stunning design but also its raw power and innovative engineering. The success of the CC8S laid the groundwork for Koenigsegg to develop its own engines, which now power some of the most advanced hypercars in existence. It’s remarkable to consider that this journey began with an engine architecture also found in the Ford Crown Victoria—an unlikely starting point for such a prestigious manufacturer.
Specifications: Engine code – Ford Modular V8; Engine type – Supercharged V8; Displacement – 4.7 liters; Power output – 655 hp; Torque – 553 lb-ft; Redline – 7,200 rpm.
3. Lotus Emira (Mercedes-AMG Inline-Four and Toyota V6)
Lotus has a long history of borrowing engines from other manufacturers, and the Emira is a prime example of this approach. The model offers two engine options: a supercharged Toyota V6 for those seeking performance and a turbocharged inline-four from Mercedes-AMG for a more efficient alternative.
While neither engine boasts jaw-dropping performance figures on paper, the true allure of the Emira lies in its exceptional driving experience and precise handling. Looking to the future, Lotus plans to phase out the V6 option to comply with tightening emissions regulations, although a clear timeline for this transition has yet to be established.
Specifications: Mercedes-AMG Engine – Engine code: M139; Engine type: Turbocharged inline-four; Displacement: 2.0 liters; Power output: 360 hp; Torque: 295 lb-ft; Redline: 7,200 rpm.
Toyota Engine – Engine code: 2GR-FE; Engine type: Supercharged V6; Displacement: 3.5 liters; Power output: 400 hp; Torque: 317 lb-ft; Redline: 7,000 rpm.
2. Donkervoort F22 (Audi Inline-Five)
If you’re unfamiliar with Donkervoort, you’re not alone. This Dutch supercar manufacturer has flown under the radar for years, with its vehicles only recently becoming available in the U.S. Much like other boutique brands such as Lotus and Ariel, Donkervoort’s mission is clear: create ultra-lightweight cars that deliver maximum performance.
To achieve this goal with their F22 model, Donkervoort chose the celebrated 2.5-liter turbocharged Audi inline-five engine, coded EA855. This engine is highly regarded and is currently exclusive to the Audi RS3. The integration of this engine into a lightweight supercar like the F22 is a thrilling development for enthusiasts, especially as the engine nears the end of its production run.
Specifications: Engine code – EA855; Engine type – Turbocharged inline-five; Displacement – 2.5 liters; Power output – 492 hp; Torque – 472 lb-ft; Redline – 7,200 rpm.
1. McLaren F1 (BMW V12)
The McLaren F1 is a car that has achieved legendary status, a reputation that has only grown over time and is reflected in its soaring market values today. Designed by the visionary Gordon Murray, the F1 was born from a desire to create the ultimate driving machine, significantly influenced by Murray’s experience test-driving a Honda NSX.
Initially, Murray sought a bespoke V10 or V12 from Honda, but when that proposal was declined, he turned to BMW. The German automaker accepted the challenge, crafting a naturally aspirated V12 engine to Murray’s exacting specifications, which included a strict no forced induction requirement.
The result was the S70/2—a 6.1-liter powerhouse that not only propelled the F1 into the history books but also established it as the fastest production car in the world until the Bugatti Veyron arrived. The McLaren F1 remains a benchmark for performance and engineering excellence.
Specifications: Engine code – S70/2; Engine type – Naturally aspirated V12; Displacement – 6.1 liters; Power output – 618 hp; Torque – 480 lb-ft; Redline – 7,500 rpm.