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Ranking The Most Powerful V8 Engines In Car History (Buckle Up For Number 3)

In the world of automotive engineering, few innovations have left a mark on the industry as the V8 has. Revered for its power and performance, the V8 has been a driving force behind some of the world’s most iconic cars. This mechanical marvel has a rich history that stretches back over a century through a labyrinth of technological advancements and fierce competition. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey through time to explore the fascinating history of the V8 engine.

We’ll trace its evolution from its humble beginnings to the pinnacle of its power. The V8 engine owes its existence to the relentless pursuit of speed by early automotive pioneers. Its story begins in the late 19th century when inventors and engineers were in a race to develop more powerful combustion engines. As we delve deeper into auto history, we’ll take a close look at the most powerful V8 engines ever created. From classic muscle cars that roared to life in the mid-20th century to modern supercars that redefine the limits of speed, these engines represent the zenith of V8 engineering. Join us on this thrilling journey here.

Oldsmobile Tornado
Photo Credit: Hot Rod

Oldsmobile 455 CI V8 (7.46 L) – 350 Horsepower

Remember when Oldsmobile used to rule the roost in the auto world? Probably not. But for those who do, there was a time when Oldsmobile was one of the most prominent auto brands in the world. Oldsmobile built cars that people wanted to drive and they also innovated in the world of engines. The Toronado had one of the most influential and powerful V8 engines at the time. The Toronado’s 455 cubic-inch V8 (7.46 L) was rated at 350 hp (via Hot Cars).

Photo Credit: Pinterest

In terms of performance, the 455 V8 was an absolute powerhouse. Its 350 horsepower rating may seem modest by today’s standards, but in its time, it was a true marvel. This engine was known for its remarkable torque output, making it a tire-shredding force to be reckoned with. This is why many old-school enthusiasts still talk about the 455 V8 today, and it’s become a popular engine to modify and modernize.

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Kim & Kanye’s Divorce Is Official: Check Out Their Insane Car Collection

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are two of the most notable celebrities in the world with an impressive combined net worth of well over a billion dollars. Their car collections are both notable and they’ve been building them before being married. Kanye’s collection has always been elegant and understated, while Kardashian tends to go with the flashier side.

Together, they had one of the most impressive car collections in the industry featuring everything from Range Rovers to Lamborghinis. Kanye’s never been one to showcase classic cars like most rappers, instead going for the high fashion-expensive vehicles. Kim and Kanye’s car collection showcases the fact that they were able to obtain many cars we can only dream about. Their car collection is a serious part of their divorce, so we looked at Kim and Kanye’s best cars right here.

Photo Credit Edmunds

Maybach 57 (Ye)

The Maybach 57 was one of the first high-dollar cars in Kanye’s collection. Inspired by the fact that his mentor Jay Z had one, he bought his own Maybach by the time his first album went platinum. Maybach was a high-end luxury brand and was the pinnacle of luxury for quite some time. Although the car wasn’t the most attractive to look at, it had the most luxury out of any car back then (via Motorious).

Photo Credit Edmunds

Maybach ultimately closed its doors until Mercedes-Benz acquired it, but the brand still built some of the most notable cars in the rap game. Many rappers preferred the old-school Maybach models because of their prestige and performance. West’s example was one of the first in Kanye’s awesome collection.

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Revolutionizing Speed: The Most Popular Turbo Engines In Car History

Automotive performance has always been one of the most exciting parts of driving a car. The turbocharged engine was one of the cornerstones of performance in the automotive world, separating itself from the big V8s of the past. The turbo was oftentimes a lot lighter, better on fuel, and outperformed the traditional V8. There have also been turbo-charged V8 engines (and even larger ones as well), changing the way that we drive.

So we looked at the most popular twin turbo and turbocharged cars that were ever built. Some of these cars didn’t fare very well with public perception while others sold amazingly well. The thirst for more performance is something that automakers and consumers always strive to achieve. These were some of the most iconic turbos to ever hit the market, so look back at the most popular turbos below.

Photo Credit: BMW M

BMW 2002 Turbo

Few cars in auto history are more important than the BMW 2002 Turbo. It was one of the original turbo-powered cars that ever hit the market, and it was one of the most important race cars in the world period. Before 2002, BMW wasn’t known as a performance car company. There was a stigma that hung around BMW models, but 2002 changed all that. The car had an impressive run on some of the most iconic racetracks in the world (via Classic Driver).

BMW 2002
Photo Credit: BMW

The BMW 2002 was a modest-looking car and one of the smallest BMWs ever built. But what it did do was leave the blueprint for what a compact performance car should be. The styling and the performance coupled with the excellent turbo engine were enough to make the car a piece of automotive history. Let’s just say that the 2002 Turbo firmly cemented BMW’s reputation as the ultimate driving machine.

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David vs. Goliath: Cars With Four-Cylinder Engines That Can Destroy V8s

There are two schools of thought when it comes to building performance cars. The first one is defined by simplicity. This game plan involves putting a massive V8 in a vehicle, turning the power up to 11, and letting it rip. The second school of thought is more sophisticated. It’s based on using modern technology, lightweight construction, precision engineering, and balance. This strategy allows small displacement cars with four-cylinder engines that can match the V8’s power and performance.

So let’s dig into the world of compact cars that pack a mighty punch cane to deliver a unique driving experience sometimes even more exciting than roaring V8 engines. You may already know some of these vehicles, while others may surprise you. Let’s get started.

Photo Credit: Edmunds

Volvo V60 Polestar

This V60 Polestar station wagon is one of the best-driving cars in its class. As a spiritual successor to the classic 850 R Wagon, the V60 brings quality craftsmanship, stealth, and performance (via Piston Heads).

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine with 345 hp and intelligent all-wheel drive. This combo is capable of 0 to 60 mph times of just over 5 seconds and still returning decent fuel economy and functioning just as any regular Volvo station wagon.

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Pony Powerhouses: Performance Mustangs That Tamed Road and Track

The Mustang has always been synonymous with Ford Performance. However, despite that recognition, many of the Mustangs produced weren’t exactly fire-breathing machines. Indeed, some of them had nice but not overly exciting performances. Not all Mustangs were fire-breathing machines; most were just cruisers with owners who wanted the looks and bragging rights because they had a V8-powered model.

However, for those who wanted more, there was always a real beast of a car, the Mustang, that could truly gallop. These ponycars were equipped with high-performance engines, suspensions, and brakes to match, and also produced in limited quantities. Today, we’ll talk discuss those cars, the super-fast Mustangs that punched well above their weight. Check out the greatest performance Mustangs of all time here.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Ford Mustang 289 HiPo

Although the Mustang looked sporty and cool, it shared modest underpinnings with the economy Falcon. Its engine lineup at the time included mild versions of inline-six and smaller V8s. The power output was nothing special and performance was somewhat below expectations (via CJ Pony Parts).

Photo Credit: VMS

Ford responded with an exciting engine called the K-Code. The K-Code was the 289 V8 but with a milder, more street-friendly tune and 271 hp, which was more than enough for the performance the Mustang fans asked for. Introduced in 1965 and available until 1967, the 289 HiPo was the first Mustang that ran as well as it looked, especially if you ordered it in a gorgeous Fastback body style.

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Fueling The Future: Why Gavin Newsom Banned Gas-Powered Vehicles

In a bold move aimed at tackling environmental challenges and ushering in a new era of sustainable transportation, Governor Gavin Newsom has set California on a path to ban gasoline-powered cars by the year 2035. This vision has sparked both excitement and skepticism as it carries significant implications for the state’s economy, environment, and infrastructure. On the positive side, the ban aligns with California’s longstanding commitment to fighting climate change. Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) could lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and public health.

The move also fosters innovation and job creation in the burgeoning EV industry, positioning California as a leader in clean technology and manufacturing. Governor Newsom’s decision is underpinned by his commitment to combatting climate change and securing a cleaner future for Californians. As the nation watches this pioneering step, the conversation about the ban’s potential benefits and challenges is set to shape the landscape of the automotive industry for years to come. We looked at the most important reasons why Newsom is banning gas-powered vehicles here.

Photo Credit: LA Times

Pollution Control

California is one of the most polluted states in the union and isn’t getting any better. California residents are all too familiar with “Spare The Air” days in which it’s nearly impossible to go outside. Elimination of gasoline-powered cars will help curb carbon emissions by quite a bit in the state. With the widespread acceptance and availability of electric cars nowadays, it’s not going to be a difficult proposition for widespread adaption (via Allegheny Campus).

Photo Credit: LA Times

Reducing the emissions levels of California air is a top priority, and although some are upset about the banning of gas-powered vehicles, there’s a good reason for it. Classic cars are going to be exempted, which is a good thing, but there won’t be any new gasoline-powered muscle cars or pickup trucks. Nevertheless, the environment is an important thing and the EV will completely change the landscape of California and the auto industry in general.

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These Facts About The 2025 Corvette ZR1 Will Shock Hardcore Chevy Fans

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is one of the most anticipated sports cars on the market. In addition to staggering performance, it’s also one of the last gasoline-powered supercars ever built by GM. With the kind of shoes that need to be filled, there are sure to be a lot of upgrades. The ZR1 has long been the pinnacle of Corvette performance. Enthusiasts flock to the ZR1 to experience the very best that the Corvette has to offer. The ZR1 offers the best off-the-line performance, so how can GM improve an already excellent package?

So we looked at some of the facts about the new ZR1 that will shock hardcore enthusiasts. In a lot of ways, the ZR1 is going to be a completely different beast in terms of design. The car is going to use the same tried and true formula but with some upgrades. GM constantly changes the formula behind what makes the Corvette great so we can expect a lot of changes. Check them out here.

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

The Upcoming ZR1: The Mightiest Corvette Yet

The C7 was already the most powerful generation of the Corvette ever built, so naturally GM had to do it big once again. The new model is expected to have north of 800 horsepower, a monstrous amount. Its mid-engined design puts the Corvette in the highest class of sports car with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

Every year that GM offers a new body of the Corvette it has aseveralupgrades and this generation will be no different. The car continues to evolve and set the standard for exotic sports cars. The beauty of this is the fact that the Corvette is a domestic car that outperforms many of its foreign rivals.

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Legendary Japanese Cars That Redefined Speed and Power

The Japanese sports car segment has redefined performance for decades. Enthusiasts around the world revere certain Japanese cars for their speed and performance. The market for sports cars isn’t what it used to be, but there was a time when Japanese sports cars ruled the roost. These cars were built for speed, handling, and the best performance in the world. A lot of these cars made it over to America and became legendary options.

Sports car enthusiasts are a different breed than average drivers as they yearn for extreme performance and speed. A car is much more than just a form of transportation for them, and that’s why these cars became popular. Many legendary sports cars came out of Japan, so we looked at some of the most iconic models that transcended everyday transportation. Buckle up, because these cars redefined speed and power for decades to come.

Photo Credit: Alpha Coders

Nissan GT-R R34 Z-Tune

Few cars have graced as many magazine covers as the Nissan GT-R. The R34 was one of the most iconic sports cars in history. Its design set it apart from every other sports car on the market. The performance of the Z-Tune makes it faster than just about every other variation of the car (via Supercar Nostalgia).

Photo Credit: Alpha Coders

The R-34 Z-Tune was one of the most notorious Nissan sports cars ever built. It had everything that true racing enthusiasts wanted in a street-legal package. The ordinary Nissan sports cars are legendary, but this one took things to a whole new level.

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Underrated ’80s and ’90s Cars That’ll Soon Be Worth Insane Cash

The ’80s and ’90s were a great time for the auto industry where cars were evolving and changing. Performance continued to evolve to new heights as automakers moved away from the lethargic V8 engines of the past. For a long time, these decades were two of the most underrated in auto history. But in recent years, the cars from these decades have turned into the next generation of classics. Cars like the Buick GNX, Dodge Stealth, and even the Plymouth Prowler are rarities that offer personality and performance.

So we looked at the cars that weren’t the most expensive at the time but now command serious bucks. A lot of these cars are still reasonably affordable and you can still find a lot of them for sale. But as with the previous generations of classic cars, there’s never been a better time than now to jump on these. The unique qualities that these cars offer will make them worth serious money soon, so check them out right now.

Mercedes AMG C36
Photo Credit: Car Domain

Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG

The C36 AMG was the epiphany of early ’90s Mercedes-Benz engineering. The car had a powerful engine packed under the hood and a style that was all its own. This generation of Mercedes is usually regarded as the most over-engineered generation in the brand’s history, and that isn’t an understatement (via Motor Trend).

Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG
Photo Credit: Car Advice

The car was precision built to break all kinds of speed records on the autobahn. But even if you live locally here in the States this was one car that derives its characteristics from its Mercedes roots. From the luxurious interior to the high-quality ride and low amount of interior noise, everything about this car was excellent.

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Wheels of Fortune: These Car Models Turned Around Failing Automakers

The worldwide auto industry has always been highly competitive. Only the smartest and most successful companies managed to survive the challenges that have left many other companies forgotten in the sands of time. But the truth is that even the best car companies have endured economic turmoil. In fact, some of the biggest automakers had periods in which they were dangerously close to closing their doors if not for a few important models.

Where many failed, the victors continued. Despite their troubles, these companies presented the right cars at the right time and emerge as winners. Find out the car models that saved even the biggest car companies from doom right here.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Our list starts with arguably the most spectacular way of getting out of bankruptcy. After Germany’s defeat in WW2, Mercedes-Benz was in a complete financial and infrastructural disaster. Their factories were gone and the company could only rely on pre-war models that were quickly made obsolete by the competition (via Telegraph).

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Luckily for Mercedes-Benz, Rudolf Uhlenhaut was a daredevil who loved taking risks. He developed the W194 for the 1952 Sportscar racing season. That car was constructed of lightweight aluminum and had a 3.0L straight-six engine. The result was the iconic W198 300SL, a perfect blend of beauty and performance that proved to be an instant hit among US customers. The Gullwing coupé was introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show and produced from 1955-1957. The equally impressive roadster was available from 1957-1963. A total of 3,258 examples left the factory, effectively saving Mercedes-Benz and allowing them to re-enter the flourishing American market with the rest of their lineup.

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