We love a good V-10 engine, and these are the best of the bunch. New production cars that use V-10 power are no more. That train left with the departure of the Lamborghini Huracán and the Audi R8, which means this list is full of greatest hits from the past. Many are supercars, but there’s the occasional odd duck in the mix, too, including a few oddball SUVs and pickup trucks. These are the best V-10-powered cars ever made.
The 1991-2017 Dodge Viper may be dead now, but it’s the car we think of first when it comes to legendary, V-10-powered machines. The track-ready ACR version is a beast on the circuit, with a big 645-hp 8.4-liter V-10 and comically large aero. Prices for the ultra-barebones first-gen are still within reason, but the fifth-gen has skyrocketed in value since the Viper went out of production.
The 2015-2024 Lamborghini Huracán is another great example, with a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 that shrieks its way to a high redline. This mid-engine Lamborghini has talents that span from the racetrack with the STO to excellence off-road with the Sterrato. Its successor, the hybrid Temerario, loses two cylinders and tacks on a couple of turbochargers.
View Price on AmazonThe 2009-2023 Audi R8 was initially offered with a V-8, but not long after launching, it added a 5.2-liter V-10. Throughout its long production run, the R8 tended to follow the Lamborghini Huracán. We finally saw Audi’s incredible supercar go out of production after 2023 production concluded, but just like Lamborghini, Audi has a twin-turbo V-8 successor with its Nuvolari.
The 2004-2014 Lamborghini Gallardo held court as the entry-level Lambo supercar, producing 493 horsepower and maturing across 10 model years, birthing dozens of iterations and special editions. They’re still not cheap, but you can pick one up at the bottom of the market for around the $100,000 mark today.
The 2004-2006 Porsche Carrera GT is one of the most special Porsches ever produced. You can trace its engine’s lineage back to Le Mans and F1 cars, which the sound should remind you of instantly. The 5.7-liter V-10 paired with a manual transmission is a combination for the ages, one its 918 successor even struggled to compete against. This particular Porsche is one of the greatest sports cars ever made in addition to being one of the greatest V-10s.
The 2010-2012 Lexus LFA makes a strong argument for being the best-sounding car of all time. Lexus teamed up with Yamaha's musical instrument division, and they tuned the LFA's engine note like it was a guitar. Described by Toyota engineers as a "roar of an angel," we agree wholeheartedly. The 553 horsepower seems almost secondary. Almost. The LFA name is being revived for an EV to come in the future, but we’ll never forget this V-10 masterpiece.
The 2006-2010 BMW M5 is perhaps one of the scarier used-car purchases one can make today, but that doesn’t make it any less tempting. Bellowing up to a redline of 8250 rpm, the 5.0-liter, F1-inspired V-10 in this M5 produced 500 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Its subtle and classy exterior makes this V-10-powered super sedan one hell of a sleeper.
The 2006-2010 BMW M6 wasn't the only BMW M car to receive that magnificent 5.0-liter V-10. The big-boy, two-door M6 got the same engine, paired to either a seven-speed single-clutch automated manual or a traditional six-speed. Both are sure to cost you dearly to maintain, but it’s hard to complain too much after listening to its incredible soundtrack.
The 2006-2010 Audi S8 5.2 FS is another notable mention, with its powerful V-10 engine and luxurious interior. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other cars on this list, it's still a great example of what a V-10 can do in a high-performance vehicle.
Source: roadandtrack.com
