7 Performance Cars That Are Keeping The N/A Flame Burning

Like it or not, the turbocharger is taking over the performance car world. Just as the population of supercharged fast cars is dwindling, naturally-aspirated hot cars are becoming increasingly scarce. Here are a few of our favourites that are keeping the N/A flame burning.

1. Ferrari F12

Let’s start with an obvious one: Ferrari’s grand-tourer-cum-front-engine-supercar-nutcase F12. Its 730bhp, 6.3-litre V12 is arguably not just the best-sounding 12-banger currently in production, it’s probably the sweetest-sounding modern internal combustion engine full-stop. And if it wasn’t already mad enough, there’s the even more hardcore ‘TDF’ version available.

A less powerful version of the V12 is also available in the GTC4Lusso. Even if the engine makes it to the successor of that car and the F12, it’ll likely be supplemented with a hybrid system.

2. Aston Martin Vanquish S

Gaydon’s magnificent but ageing 5.9-litre V12 won’t be around for much longer, as it’s due to be usurped by the company’s all-new 5.2-litre twin-turbo unit. The new engine is a hell of a thing, but if it’s naturally-aspirated purity you’re after, the new S version of the Vanquish delivers that with a 592bhp version of the Ford-built V12.

3. Suzuki Swift Sport

Don’t worry, I haven’t gone completely mad - there is a reason I’ve gone from a £200k Aston to a dinky Suzuki hatchback. The Swift is the only naturally-aspirated hot hatchback left, so for old-school, revvy entertainment, it’s in a league of its own.

4. Lexus GS-F

Lexus should really get a little more credit for sticking with its 5.0-litre N/A V8. In the current range it appears in the RC F and the GS F, and is fitted to the incoming LC 500.

In the RC F and GS F it’s good for 471bhp, and while you need to give it a damn good hiding to get the best from it, that’s something you’ll gladly do due to the deliciously howling exhaust note on offer.

5. Audi R8

Driving any R8 is a real occasion, and it’s all down to the mid-mounted 5.2-litre V10. Every time you drive one, the ecstasy is tinged with a hint of sadness, as you just know that the Lamborghini Huracan-shared engine won’t be around for much longer.

In the standard R8 it’s good for 533bhp, while the Plus ups the anger to 602bhp. Whichever version you try, your ears are in for a treat.

6. Lamborghini Aventador

Now Aston Martin has a turbocharged car in its ranks, Lamborghini is the only major-ish car manufacturer left with an all-N/A range. There’s the Huracan we’ve already mentioned, and the Aventador. And it’s the latter car that really does the dying naturally-aspirated breed a jolly good service thanks to its 6.5-litre V12.

An all-new engine introduced for the Aventador, it puts out a mighty 742bhp in its most powerful ‘SV’ guise.

7. Ford Mustang GT350/GT350R

There are a few ‘Murican options we could take a look at - the standard C7 Corvette plus certain Chargers, Challengers and Camaros come to mind - but the GT350 grabs our attention the most. It’s all thanks to the 5.2-litre ‘Voodoo’ V8 and its unusual flat-plane crankshaft setup.

This makes it a far revvier prospect than a conventional cross-plane V8, yet it still sounds suitably muscular. It’s powerful too, with 526bhp on tap.

What’s your favourite current N/A performance car? Let us know in the comments.