While turbochargers have become a mainstream as power steering, most enthusiasts have one sizable criticism: a turbocharged engine cannot compete with the sound, character and performance that naturally aspirated engines provide. And when it comes to naturally aspirated engines, V12s reign supreme. Nothing can match the raw sound and mind-bending performance that a naturally aspirated V12 has to offer and these five are the best on the market.
When it comes to V12-powered supercars, no one does it better than Lamborghini. The Italian automaker has a history of making V12 beasts that can be traced back to the 1965 350 GT. The latest, and arguably the greatest, supercar out of Lamborghini's factory to come with a V12 is the mighty Aventador LP750-4 SV. The track-oriented supercar features a 6.5-liter V12 that generates 740 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque, enabling a zero to 60 mph time of only 2.7 seconds, and Lamborghini Aventador top speed is 220 mph. Hopefully, Lamborghini will never change its maniacal ways because a world without a naturally-aspirated V12 is a sad, dreary place.
If ever there was a rivalry that brought about amazing cars, it's the one between Lamborghini and Ferrari. In an attempt to turn its V12-powered grand tourer into a track-day machine, the automaker created one of the best modern supercars with the F12tdf. Just like the regular F12berlinetta, the F12tdf has a 6.3-liter V12, but the limited edition model generates 769 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. It can get to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, while providing lucky drivers with an incredible sound until it hits 215 mph. Ferrari has already started to turbocharge its engine, so the F12tdf may be the last V12 to come out of its factory.
Aston Martin is recognized for making some of the prettiest cars in the world, perfectly blending science and design. Astons aren't usually considered supercars, but the V12 Vantage S is a thoroughbred with the performance and on track ability to take the fight to the mighty Italians. Besides its gorgeous appearance, the thing that puts the V12 Vantage S into supercar territory is its 5.9-liter V12. Not only does the V12 produce an incredible sound, but it also makes 565 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The supercar can get to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 205 mph. Unlike the other automakers, Aston even has plans to fit the supercar with a manual transmission!
Supercars aren't the only machines to feature naturally-aspirated V12s as luxury automakers have been stuffing these massive powertrains into luxury cars for a number of years. However, Rolls-Royce is one of the few brands to use an all-natural V12 engine for its Phantom. To provide its wealthy passengers with one of the best rides in the world, the Phantom features a 6.75-liter V12 that puts out 453 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. It's not exactly fast with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds, but in a car that has the same ride quality as a fluffy pillow, speed isn't everything.
We usually try to stay away from putting more than one car from an automaker, but Ferrari has two separate cars with glorious V12 engines. Arguably one of the most practical supercars ever made, the GTC4Lusso has seating for four, all-wheel drive, and enough room for lengthy road trips. While it sounds comfortable, the supercar's 6.3-liter V12 that makes 681 hp and 514 lb-ft of torque propels the car to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 208 mph. The GTC4Lusso is a comfortable, fast and good-looking supercar that is worthy of a naturally-aspirated V12.