Definition of natural aspiration:
‘A naturally aspirated engine is an internal combustion engine in which air intake depends solely on atmospheric pressure and which does not rely on forced induction through a turbocharger or a supercharger’
The world is full of turbos these days and for a good reason, more power and better fuel economy. Big V12 engines use a lot of fuel, but we don’t care because they are ultra-responsive and free-breathing with none of the lag that forced induction can bring. Here is a list of the most powerful naturally aspirated supercars, some of which you can still buy albeit at a high price.
8th Place
Dodge Viper ACR – 645 hp
In October 2015, Fiat Chrysler announced that the Viper would end production in 2017. Initially, Fiat Chrysler cited poor sales as a reason for discontinuing the Viper. The 2016 Viper ACR came in installed with a fresh all-new completely carbon fiber aerodynamic body kit, that included a new front splitter and a fixed carbon fiber rear wing, giving it 1,500 lb of down-force in cornering. The 8.4-liter Viper V10 engine produced the same 645 hp as all other Viper trims. Brakes are from Brembo, with ceramic rotors and calipers built specifically for it.
POWER: 645 hp @ 8,400 rpm
TORQUE: 600 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
ZERO to 60 mph: 3.2 sec
ZERO to 100 mph: 7.7 sec
¼-mile: 11.6 sec @ 136 mph
TOP SPEED: 177 mph
7th Place
Ferrari Enzo – 651 hp
Ferrari only made 499 examples of the Enzo making it a pretty rare car indeed. It sold originally for $659,330, one today would cost several million. Its 651 hp V12 was enough to enable a 218 mph top speed and 3.2 sec 0-60 mph time.
POWER: 650 hp @ 7,800 rpm
TORQUE: 485 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual with automatic shifting and clutch
ZERO to 62 mph: 3.2 sec
¼-mile: 11 sec
TOP SPEED: 218 mph
6th Place
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso – 680 hp
The GTC4Lusso is Ferrari’s replacement for the FF, a Ferrari that was unusual in having all wheel drive and looking like a BMW Z3 from the rear. Still with 680 hp it muscles it’s way to sixty in a scant 3.1 seconds and on to 100 in 3.4 more
POWER: 680 hp @ 8,000 rpm
TORQUE: 514 lb-ft @ 5750 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode
ZERO to 60 mph: 3.1 sec
ZERO to 100 mph: 6.5 sec
¼-mile: 11 sec @ 136 mph
TOP SPEED: 208 mph
5th Place
Pagani Zonda LM – 739 hp
The Pagani Zonda LM is reportedly based on the 760 RS model and pays tribute to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Powered by an AMG-sourced, 7.3-liter V-12, this monster has 730 hp and a weight of only 2,500 lb, meaning the Zonda LM will scorch to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and cost a cool $3.5 M.
POWER: 739 hp @ 8,000 rpm
TORQUE: 538 lb-ft @ 5,800 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automated manual with manual shifting mode
ZERO to 60 mph: 2.6 sec
TOP SPEED: 217 mph
4th Place
Lamborghini Aventador S – 740 hp
Lamborghini introduced the Aventador 6 years ago to replace the Murcielago. They have tweaked it throughout those years and given us the the SV, the Roadster and the barmy LP700-4. Now the Aventador S is available and along with the aforementioned LP700-4 is the most powerful yet with 740 hp and it still uses a naturally aspirated V12.
POWER: 740 hp @ 8400 rpm
TORQUE: 509 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automated manual with manual shifting mode
ZERO to 60 mph: 2.7 sec
ZERO to 100 mph: 5.9 sec
¼-mile: 10.5 sec @ 136 mph
TOP SPEED: 217 mph
3rd Place
Aston Martin One 77 – 750 hp
The name makes sense, only 77 were produced, and they were all sold. With a a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, a superlight 7.3-liter V-12, and a hand-formed aluminum body means those lucky owners shelled out almost $2 million for the privilege.
POWER: 750 hp
TORQUE: 509 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automated manual with manual shifting mode
ZERO to 60 mph: Under 3.7 sec
TOP SPEED: 220 mph
2nd Place
Ferrari F12 TDF – 770 hp
799 built, 799 sold, but don’t get confused by the badge, there is no diesel engine under the hood. Instead a 770 hp V12 lurks ready to propel you from 0-60 in less than 3 seconds and onto 124 mph in 7.9 seconds.
POWER: 770 hp @ 8400 rpm
TORQUE: 520 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed twin-clutch auto
ZERO to 60 mph: 2.8 sec
ZERO to 124 mph: 7.9 sec
TOP SPEED: 211 mph
1st Place
Ferrari 812 Superfast – 789 hp
Sergio Marchionne has said he’ll never put a turbocharger on a 12-cylinder Ferrari, it just isn’t right and we agree. The 812 Superfast is a rework of the F12 berlinetta, and so it has more power, 789 hp to be exact. To take advantage of this increased power, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has been fitted with shorter gear ratios. Expect the 812 to hit 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.
POWER: 789 hp @ 8,500 rpm
TORQUE: 530 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode
ZERO to 60 mph: 2.6 sec
ZERO to 100 mph: 6.5 sec
¼-mile: 10.8 sec @ 136 mph
TOP SPEED: 211 mph
