10 V-8 Sports Cars That Are Unfairly Overlooked
The automotive world boasts numerous exceptional sports cars. However, some tend to grab the spotlight, leaving several machines unfairly overlooked. In this article, we’ll be showcasing 10 V-8 sports cars that deserve recognition for their engineering, performance, and style.
1. Lexus LC 500
As the flagship coupe in Lexus’ lineup, the LC 500 features a stunning design and a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine delivering 471 horsepower. Its refined nature, luxurious interior, and exhilarating driving experience often go unnoticed.
2. Jaguar F-Type R
While the base F-Type models capture attention with their sleek lines, the F-Type R is a potent machine sporting a supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 producing 550 horsepower, significantly enhancing performance.
3. Alfa Romeo Disco Volante
The Disco Volante is an ultra-rare sports car built by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera using an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione as its base. Underneath its unique body lies a Ferrari-developed 4.7-liter V-8 with 444 horsepower.
4. Aston Martin Vantage V8
The entry-level model in Aston Martin’s lineup may not garner as much attention as its faster siblings, but it boasts a striking design and excellent performance derived from its 503-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 engine.
5. Audi R8 V8
While praise is heaped upon the R8 V10+, the first-generation R8 powered by a 4.2-liter V-8 also deserves recognition for its exotic looks, sharp handling, and more approachable price tag.
6. Lotus Evora GT430
The Evora GT430 features a unique combination of lightweight construction and power with its Cosworth-built supercharged 3.5-liter V-8 producing 430 horsepower, but it’s often overshadowed by more popular choices like the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.
7. Mercedes-AMG SL63
The SL63, equipped with a 5.5-liter bi-turbo V-8 engine pushing out up to 577 horsepower, has impressive performance capabilities and luxurious appointments, but it’s often forgotten in favor of its more ostentatious German rivals.
8. Maserati GranTurismo
The GranTurismo wears a bespoke suit courtesy of Pininfarina, and with its iconic Ferrari-sourced 4.7-liter V-8 offering 454 horsepower, it represents Italian grand tourers that are all too easily overlooked.
9. Chevrolet SS
Chevrolet’s SS sedan is an underrated gem that hides a potent 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 engine from the C6 Corvette under its unassuming exterior. Producing 415 horsepower, it offers immense driving enjoyment on par with several sporty European sedans but doesn’t usually get the same level of recognition.
10. Infinity Q60 Red Sport 400
The Q60 Red Sport 400 may not have a traditional V-8 engine, but its twin-turbocharged VR38DETT is derived from Nissan GT-R’s heart, producing an impressive 400 horsepower. With striking looks and commendable performance, this underrated luxury sports coupe deserves more attention.
These ten vehicles are just a few examples of fantastic V-8 sports cars that are too often relegated to the margins in favor of better-known competitors. By shining the spotlight on these overlooked machines, we hope to encourage enthusiasts to explore a broader range of automotive offerings and appreciate the diverse range of vehicles available today.