There are only 4 remaining naturally-aspirated V8 sports cars left in 2025

These sonorous V8 steeds are galloping into the sunset, and they might be gone before you know it.

Feb 17, 2025 - 07:43

There are only 4 remaining naturally-aspirated V8 sports cars left in 2025

The V8 engine is becoming more of a rarity in the automotive industry, and it’s not because owners don’t adore them. Their sonorous roar and gutsy power are enticing, but the V8 is in its sunset years primarily because of increasingly strict fuel economy regulations. Manufacturers are opting to sub them out for six-cylinder or even turbo fours because V8s generally have significantly lower gas mileage.

In some cases, the difference in MPGs isn’t huge, but even a few miles per gallon of improvement can swing perceptions from negative to positive. The rise of electrification in the auto industry has further contributed to the demise of the V8 engine.

The V8 still exists in larger pickup trucks and SUVs, but those are dying, too. The V8 Toyota Land Cruiser, V8 Ram 1500, and V8 Mercedes-Benz G550 are all gone. There’s even more devastation for passenger cars, with the Chevy Camaro and the Dodge Challenger/Charger also being dead as a doornail. But take heart because there are still a few left, and they’re naturally aspirated, too. This means there’s no forced induction mechanism anywhere to be found, so you get an undistilled V8 experience that’s basically now an automotive unicorn.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a V8 without turbochargers, hybrid assist, or electrification, that time is now. The likelihood that more naturally aspirated V8 cars will enter the fray is not very high. Here are the last naturally aspirated V8 cars before they disappear forever.

2025 Ford Mustang GT

The Ford Mustang is the last gas muscle car standing now that Chevy and Dodge have abandoned their models. The fourth-generation 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine, known as the "Coyote," delivers an impressive 480 horsepower that makes it a pure delight to wring out. Even with advanced driving technology and a totally reworked interior, there’s no mistaking this for anything but pure red-blooded American muscle.

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The Mustang GT comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, as it should. Buyers can also choose a 10-speed automatic transmission, but that would dilute the experience. Regardless of which transmission you choose, the burly V8 engine that rumbles beneath the long hood should awaken anyone behind the wheel.

Upgrade to the more powerful Dark Horse, and you’ll get a modified V8 that churns out 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque thanks to strengthened internal components, an improved intake system, and optimized engine tuning.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The first mid-engined Corvette is a marvel. Nothing at this price thrills the way the C8 Corvette does, and it goes up against performance cars costing twice the price. Now that it’s configured much like Ferraris and Lamborghinis, with the engine parked in the back, you’d be hard-pressed to think it wasn’t an Italian supercar when you spot it coming out of the corner of your eye.

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In terms of performance, it beats everything else within arm’s reach of its rather modest $68,300 base price. Behind the seats lies a 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine that’s good for a potent 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Add the performance exhaust option, and that number jumps to 495 horses and 470 lb-ft.

Mash the throttle, and 60 mph arrives in a scant 2.8 seconds. There’s no more 7-speed manual transmission option like there was with the C7, but the rapid-fire 8-speed dual-clutch transmission makes quick work of gear changes. This, folks, is a supercar for the everyman, and it’s worth every penny.

2025 Lexus RC F

Lexus recently made the painful announcement that the V8-powered 2025 Lexus RC F will be the last, along with its less powerful RC brother. Hardly anyone bought them, and that’s too bad. The rakish 2+2 performance rear-wheel drive grand tourer is powered by a sonorous naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. It might not be the quickest sports car out there, getting to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, but it’s wonderful to listen to the engine under full throttle.

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The 2025 model year says goodbye with the RC F Final Edition for $94,000. This last hurrah model has carbon-fiber bodywork, red brake calipers, an active rear wing, special interior colors, and a Final Edition interior theme with a numbered plaque. Every RC F comes with F-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, 19-inch BBS split-5-spoke lightweight forged aluminum wheels, and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires.

2025 Lexus LC 500

Is there a luxury coupe that looks and feels anything like the 2025 Lexus LC 500? We think not. It’s far more special than its competitors, thanks to a truly unique interior and exterior design that make it like a rolling modern jazz lounge. But don’t be distracted by its beauty without noticing the aural and tactile delights delivered by the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood. It’s the same one found in the RC F, this time delivering 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 comes in 4.4 seconds, a tad slower than its RC F brother but no less delightful to experience.

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You can also spend a few thousand more to get the Bespoke model that offers Sport seats, a glass or carbon fiber roof, a speed-sensitive rear wing, special dark trim, white and blue semi-aniline leather, and your choice of three different wheel styles. What doesn’t change is that wonderful V8 engine that will send shivers down your spine every time you get on the gas.

Final thoughts

With the pervasiveness of turbocharging, hybrid assistance, or full electrification, the days of the naturally aspirated V8-powered car are numbered. They were once the gold standard for performance, driving thrills, and reliability, with an unmistakable sound to boot.

Even if it must bow to the power of forced induction or hybridized versions, it’s the one the purists delight in. If you want a pure, mechanical driving experience, these last NA V8 cars might just be your final opportunity.

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