There was a time in the automotive world when the term naturally aspirated wasn’t required. Almost every vehicle only utilized the power coming out of the iron engine block for power and performance. Of course, this was also when some performance cars had massive V8 engines that measured as much as 7.5-liters of displacement. That time passed, but it’s still fun to look back with a little nostalgia.
Can you buy one of the fastest sports cars powered by a naturally aspirated engine? Many of these cars have been replaced by turbocharged or hybrid versions, but if you check out the used market, you’ll find some amazing cars that only use the natural power you desire.
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Top speed, powertrain specifications, and general vehicle information were sourced from various automakers. This list is sorted by top speed from lowest to highest.
10
2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato
Top Speed: 161 MPH
You know you’ll pay a pretty penny to drive the 2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, but this V10-powered monster is an incredible machine ready to take you to impressive speed and power levels on and off the track.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
5.2-liter V10 |
|
Transmission |
7-speed automated manual |
|
Horsepower |
601 hp |
|
Torque |
413 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
13/18 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
2.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
161 MPH |
Everywhere you go in this Lamborghini, heads will turn to see this incredible car. The Huracan is raucous and bold, begging for the attention that it will get wherever you go. The AWD system makes it easy to stick this car to the track and have a lot of fun.
Pros
- Ravishing V10 experience
- Synapse-tingling handling
- Balance of track chops and on-road refinement
Cons
- Lacks storage cubbies
- No driver-assist tech
- Terrible fuel economy
9
2024 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Top Speed: 165 MPH
The final version of the Camaro is the 2024 version. The 2024 Chevrolet Camaro SS is the most powerful version of this car, with a naturally aspirated engine. The thrilling grunt and growl of the Camaro SS make for some serious driving pleasure.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
6.2-liter V8 |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
455 hp |
|
Torque |
455 hp |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
16/24 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.9 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
165 MPH |
This Chevrolet muscle car has been around for six generations and dates back to the 1960s, giving you a car with some amazing heritage. The 1LE track package adds a firmer suspension, grippier tires, and more aggressive styling to make this car more fun.
Pros
- Great thrills at a good price
- Pure muscle
- Meaningful 1LE track package
Cons
- Underwhelming rear visibility
- Rear seats are extremely tight
- Final model year
8
2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Top Speed: 166 MPH
If you want a Mustang with unbridled performance and a naturally aspirated engine, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse could be the car for you. The Dark Horse offers a relatively reasonable price compared to some of the other high-performance cars on this list.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
5.0-liter V8 |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
500 hp |
|
Torque |
418 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
14/22 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.1 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
166 MPH |
This Ford is the most track-oriented Mustang available outside the Shelby lineup. The old-school feel of the naturally aspirated engine helps make this car fun to drive. You’ll still have plenty of tech in the cabin, providing a good combination of old and new.
Pros
- Additional ponies for the enhanced V8
- Chassis delivers loads of stick
- Handsomely evolved shape
Cons
- Screen-based dash is a disconnect
- No-lift shift doesn’t like to be rushed
- Lateral support is lacking in the seats
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7
2023 Lexus LC500 Convertible
Top Speed: 168 MPH
The same engine that powers other Lexus models can be found under the hood of the 2023 Lexus LC500 Convertible. When included in this sports car, the engine delivers amazing speed and performance for your driving pleasure.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
5.0-liter V8 |
|
Transmission |
10-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
471 hp |
|
Torque |
398 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
15/25 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.6 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
168 MPH |
This Lexus sports car is one of the few that doesn’t have electronically produced noise. Everything you hear is pure LC500 engine sounds from the amazing V8. These sounds only enhance the sports luxury driving experience for you.
Pros
- Sexy sheet metal
- Lusty V8 sound
- Stylish and luxurious cabin
Cons
- Looks hotter than it handles
- Brakes lack initial bite
- Irritating infotainment touch controls
6
2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Top Speed: 176 MPH
There’s nothing subtle about the 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, but that’s what you expect from this car. The Challenger wears a throwback style that harkens to the glory days of muscle cars in America.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
6.4-liter V8 |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
485 hp |
|
Torque |
475 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
15/25 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.2 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
176 MPH |
This Dodge muscle car in the R/T Scat Pack trim has the largest Hemi engine used in the Challenger models. This massive V8 delivers exciting power and quick acceleration to make the Challenger feel exactly like it should.
Pros
- Gutsy Hemi V8
- Available AWD
- Surprisingly, comfortable ride
Cons
- Handling is a little too old-school
- Cabin materials lack class
5
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
Top Speed: 180 MPH
If you’re serious about performance driving fun and excitement, you’ll be glad to take the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 out for a spin. This incredible Mustang has serious power and speed while maintaining its natural feeling.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
5.2-liter V8 |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
526 hp |
|
Torque |
429 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
14/21 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.2 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
180 MPH |
This Ford muscle car has one of the best-sounding naturally aspirated V8 engines on the market. It screams and gives you the power and push that you want to experience. Toss in the amazing manual transmission and enjoy some Mustang thrills.
Pros
- Shrieking engine
- Scalpel-sharp handling
- Rich racing heritage
Cons
- Mustang GTs are nearly as fast
- The hottest competitors are faster
- It can be an expensive Mustang
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4
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0
Top Speed: 182 MPH
The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to naturally aspirated performance. You might not expect a six-cylinder engine to be able to push a car this fast, but Porsche has it figured out in the 718 Cayman.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
4.0-liter flat 6-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
394 hp |
|
Torque |
309 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
17/24 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
182 MPH |
This Porsche sports car offers a back-to-basics focus that you won’t find in higher models. The 718 Cayman provides special driving qualities that allow it to stick to the road or track wherever it goes.
Pros
- Endless thrills behind the wheel
- Manual and automatic transmissions are great
- Broad range of models and performance levels
Cons
- Could use more interior storage cubbies
- The base engine lacks the sounds of the flat-six
- Can be expensive
3
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51
Top Speed: 184 MPH
The C8 generation of the Corvette changed the game for good. The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 offers excellent power, performance, and precision to anyone looking for an affordable supercar that’s amazing to drive and enjoy.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
6.2-liter V8 |
|
Transmission |
8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
|
Horsepower |
495 hp |
|
Torque |
470 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
16/26 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
2.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
184 MPH |
The glorious pushrod V8 engine under the hood of this Chevrolet sports car makes it fun and exciting while delivering the naturally aspirated power you desire. This Corvette is athletic and ready to tear up the track, leaving many competitors in the dust.
Pros
- Insane performance-per-dollar ratio
- Can easily be a daily driver
- Upper models deliver on luxury expectations
Cons
- Automatic transmission only
- Adaptive cruise control would make it more useful on the road
- Interior ergonomics takes some getting used to
2
2022 Porsche 911 GT3
Top Speed: 199 MPH
The incredible engine and chassis of the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 make it the purest and most rewarding version of this amazing car. The 911 stands for flag-bearing performance on any road or track, and the GT3 model delivers the goods.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
4.0-liter flat 6-cylinder |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
|
Horsepower |
502 hp |
|
Torque |
346 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
14/18 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
3.3 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
199 MPH |
This Porsche has race-car-inspired components that make it one of the most engaging and incredible cars to drive. There’s an unusual rear wing mounted at the top instead of the bottom, adding to the downforce necessary to keep this car stuck to the track.
Pros
- Glorious naturally aspirated flat-six
- Unrivaled steering fidelity
- Inspiring to drive on the track or street
Cons
- Stick-shift equals slower acceleration
- Stiffest damper setting is too stiff for street use
- Carbon-fiber-roof only saves two pounds
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1
2024 Ferrari 812GTS Superfast
Top Speed: 211 MPH
The 2024 Ferrari 812GTS Superfast might be one of the last V12 supercars ever offered. Many automakers are moving to hybrid cars, including Ferrari. This amazing car has performance written all over it, and it doesn’t add assistance to the monstrous engine.
Powertrain Specifications
|
Engine |
6.5-liter V12 |
|
Transmission |
7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
|
Horsepower |
789 hp |
|
Torque |
529 lb-ft |
|
Driveline |
RWD |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
12/15 mpg |
|
0-60 MPH |
2.7 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
211 MPH |
This amazing Ferrari delivers an astonishing amount of power and performance, making it possible for this car to deliver serious track performance when you’re ready to leave your friends in the dust.
Pros
- Intoxicating V12 soundtrack
- Painfully seductive shape
- Speed doesn’t preclude drivability
Cons
- Relentless performance can be intimidating
- Heavy for a GT, but the chassis hides it well
- Competizione models are no longer available
