The Best V10 Cars of All Time
By Riyash Paul
Introduction
Hello everybody, and welcome to the inaugural edition of the Car Culture Club newsletter, where we dive into the exhilarating world of automotive passion, performance, and artistry. In this first instalment, we embark on a journey to explore one of the most iconic and thrilling aspects of automotive engineering: the unforgettable symphony of V10 engines.
Throughout the annals of automotive history, few engines have captured the hearts and minds of enthusiasts quite like the V10. Renowned for their spine-tingling exhaust notes and blistering performance, V10-powered machines have left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape - and on people’s bank accounts!
Join us as we rev our engines and explore the 5 best-sounding V10 cars of all time. From the thunderous roar of Italian thoroughbreds to the precision-tuned melodies of Japanese engineering, we'll take a deep dive into the auditory delights that these magnificent machines offer. So buckle up, gearheads, as we embark on this sonic adventure through the world of the harmonious V10 engine.
Disclaimer: This is my opinion, so please be open-minded and feel free to message me your top choices - I am intrigued to know!
Honourable Mentions:
With so many choices to pick from, there are certainly going to be some choices which will not make the list, so why not give them the recognition they deserve?
BMW M5 (E60) (2004 - 2010)
Why not start the list off with one of the sleekest sleeper cars to ever be made? The E60 M5 was the first ever saloon to have a V10 engine under the bonnet, which made it an absolute rocket ship! 0 - 62 mph in 4.7 seconds coming from a 5.0 litre V10 was absurd to hear at the time, but it has built a huge cult following throughout its life. It’s a shame that the Beemer was just so unreliable, making it quite an unattractive car to own, however, it is an absolute beauty for human eyes and the E61 touring looked just as good!
Any Formula 1 car (1989 - 2005)
The echoes of these cars can still be heard almost 20 years later. From Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari zooming down the track with the shrieks of Renault and McLaren Cars following closely behind it, this era was one to remember. It must have been a sad day at the office when the V8 engines came out of the pits, but the rise of Lewis Hamilton shortly after may have turned their frowns upside down…
5) Lamborghini Gallardo (2003 - 2013)
The Lamborghini Gallardo stands as a testament to automotive excellence, captivating enthusiasts with its breathtaking design and heart-pounding performance. At the heart of this marvel lies its legendary 5.2L V10 engine, a masterpiece of engineering prowess. I adore the Spyder Edition of the Gallardo and the concept of hearing the beautiful sound of the engine behind your ears. Whether tearing up the track or commanding attention on the streets, the Gallardo's V10 ensures an unforgettable driving experience, solidifying its status as an icon of automotive greatness.
4) Dodge Viper (1992 - 2017)
The Dodge Viper stood the test of time during its life, embodying American power and a huge 8.0L engine. Beyond its performance prowess, the Viper's iconic design turned heads wherever it went, with its long hood, muscular proportions, and unmistakable presence. My favourite version was the track-focused Viper ACR which was made late in its life just before its last hurrah in 2017. Whether on the track or the open road, the Dodge Viper was more than just a car – it was a legend, etching its place in automotive history as one of the most visceral and exhilarating machines ever created.
3) Audi R8 (2006 - 2024) / Lamborghini Huracán (2014 - 2024)
It’s impossible to talk about V10s without talking about the iconic duo that has ruled the supercar industry over the past 10-15 years. With their 5.0L V10s, the R8 and Huracán have been the benchmarks for all supercars around the globe. They are the leaders of the industry with their many models and the car industry wouldn’t be the same without them. With the production of these cars coming to an end this year, it truly will mark the end of something great, the throaty V10 sounds echoing off the walls of buildings is something we can never forget.
2) Porsche Carrera GT (2004 - 2006)
Coming in at a close second is the Carrera GT. Its 5.7L V10 was loved by many but one thing that helped it reach such a pedestal in the car world, is the option it was given at the time of a six-speed manual gearbox. This attracted buyers to the vehicle over other machines like the Lamborghini Murcielago and the Ferrari Enzo. Its advanced engineering and aerodynamics set it apart too, keeping it looking simple and smart in the process - and that adjustable spoiler standing proud at the rear when driving on the Autobahn completed the whole look. It is quite understandable why this incredible car generates such demand among car collectors and enthusiasts.
1) Lexus LFA (2010 - 2012)
The streets will never forget the thrill of hearing the 4.8L V10 for the first time on YouTube videos, video games, and real life. With a redline that stretches beyond 9,000 RPM, the LFA's engine produces an intoxicating exhaust note that is as melodic as it is exhilarating. This car was ahead of its time in terms of technology and its sleek design 15 years on continues to look like it was made yesterday. With only a limited number produced, each LFA is a rare and coveted masterpiece, representing the epitome of Lexus' commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. In the realm of supercars, the Lexus LFA stands apart as a true automotive icon, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike, and it shows why it is the greatest V10 car of all time.
Conclusion
This is my list of the 5 best V10 cars of all time. In the present moment, we're reminded of the unparalleled excitement, passion, and sheer exhilaration that these magnificent machines have brought to automotive enthusiasts around the globe. However, as we celebrate the legacy of these iconic engines, we also find ourselves at a poignant crossroads in automotive history. With the rapid advancement of electric vehicles and the ever-tightening regulations on emissions, the era of the V10 engine is regrettably coming to a close. It's a sombre realisation that the thunderous roar of the V10 will soon be replaced by the silent hum of electric motors. Yet, as we bid farewell to these roaring marvels, let us cherish the memories they've given us and honour their legacy as true icons of automotive greatness. For in the shifting tides of automotive evolution, the V10 engine will forever remain a symbol of power, passion, and the unyielding pursuit of automotive excellence.
Fun Fact
The first speeding ticket was issued in 1896! (UK Car Finance, 2023)
To put this into perspective, the first time doors were seen on cars was 27 years after this point in 1923. I guess they didn’t want to be slammed with too much responsibility!
Writer’s Message
Hi, my name is Riyash and I am an 18-years-old student in college from the UK. I want to thank you so much for reading my first instalment of the Car Culture Club Newsletter and taking an interest in my passion! Your time and attention are incredibly valuable, and I'm honoured that you've chosen to spend some of it with me.
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Thank you once again for being a part of this community. I look forward to sharing more stories, ideas, and insights with you in the future.
Warm regards,
Riyash
To contact me, my email is riyashpaul@outlook.com