In the modern era there seems to be a transition to the less powerful engines such as the v10 on many models in an effort to create lower emissions and use much less of the fossil fuels still left on this planet. Look at the direction the state of California is going; if the legislature passes there the residents will be driving around in electric powered golf carts by the years 2050 which will mean no emissions, but no fun and excitement either. Thankfully we do see better and more aggressive engines making their way into car with the use of the new technology that can not only offer some fuel savings, but also give cars and instant boost. The V10 engine has not died off yet either and I present to you some of the greatest models of the modern era to be powered by a V10 engine.
2009 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro –What was able to follow up the R8; one with a V10 engine of course. Based on the Lamborghini setup this R8 offered a 5.2-liter V10 that was capable of producing 525 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque which was more than enough to take this beauty around the track in an impressive fashion.
2005 BMW M5 – Even though BMW doesn’t put a V10 in anything these days the M5 of 2005 was an impressive car to drive. As the sport modified version this athlete produced 500 horsepower and 380-lb.-ft. of torque from the 5.0-liter V10 engine. It also has an impressive redline at 8,250 rpm which allowed it to be pushed farther than many other cars.
2006 Audi S8 5.2 FSI Quattro – This was a sports car dressed up in luxury fashion. Similar to putting a tuxedo on a cheetah the S8 was powered by a 5.2-liter V10 that could make the run to sixty mph in only 4.8 seconds making it a fast and exciting car. This was one power monger you could drive on a daily basis and enjoy the awesome power on the weekends or on the way home from a long day.
2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 – The mid-2000s saw automakers putting a huge engine in just about everything and after the dismal 1980s and 1990s who could blame them. With 500 horsepower the massive 8.3-liter V10 in this Dodge would either blow away racers or pull your house of the foundation; your choice.
2003 Lamborghini Gallardo – As the first baby Lamborghini the Gallardo is one that has become a favorite of many and when it was powered by a 5.0-liter V10 that made 493 horsepower the attraction became even greater. There have been many version of this car made and many have stated this car may be what kept Lamborghini alive.
1999 Dodge Viper ACR – With the Viper it was always a theme of “go big or go home” and the Viper had no intention of turning tail. This car offered up a massive 8.0-liter V10 that could produce 415 horsepower and give you the guttural growl of a big cat ready to strike in the body of a snake at the ready.
2011 Lexus LFA – Not to be left out of the fun, the Lexus brand, which is Toyota’s luxury brand, has to have an entry into this category. The LFA is well tuned and gives you a nearly musical sound as the engine purrs to life. One press on the accelerator and that purr turs to a roar of 553 horsepower that will push you to your limits.
2011 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI – A V10 diesel sounds awesome, but this SUV found trouble, twice in the US with the emissions of this big brute. Not to be discouraged Volkswagen kept bringing it back and we are glad they did as it offered the addition of twin turbochargers and gave us 310 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque to offer all the power you could need.
2004 Porsche Carrera GT – Called the Widow-Maker because many owners just couldn’t handle the power, this car was the perfect blend of power and precision. The 5.7-liter V10 gave up 605 horsepower and in a build that was lightweight and easy to toss around you did have to be a pro to drive this beauty. Those that were able to tame this beast were treated to a genuine thrill ride.
Even though we see vehicles in today’s market that can get the same power from a V6 or a V8 engine there is something truly sexy and alluring about a massive and powerful V10 that just makes us want to drive the car and see what happens. A Luxury Pre-owned dealer tells us these vehicles will be difficult to find in the coming years. Buckle your belt before heading out in any of these power mongers; you are certainly in for a treat.
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