14 Most Powerful V8 Engines Currently Available

9. BMW 4.4-liter S6344TU Twin Turbo V8

Behind this long, uninspiring name is a world-class V8 powerplant responsible for the stellar performance of the BMW M5, X5 M and X6 M. In the language of numbers, this 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers 575 HP and 500 lb-ft of torque.

It is quite odd to see a twin-turbo V8 from BMW. BMW is a company built on the straight six naturally aspirated engine. However, modern times ask for different engines and BMW must deliver to stay on top of the car world. This highly advanced unit includes light materials and has two turbochargers; one for each side of the engine.

Despite producing enough power to make the M5 one of the fastest sedans in the world, a group of enthusiasts discovered the S6344TU delivers even more horsepower than advertised. Independent dyno testing shows this twin-turbo V8 produces up to 620 HP, which is more than the 575 HP the factory claims.

10. Koenigsegg 5.0-liter Spyker V8

The Swedish hypercar manufacturer, Koenigsegg produces bespoke low-flying jets of a car with unbelievable power levels and obsessive attention to detail. Also, they are known for producing their own engines, which every knowledgeable car fan appreciates.

Their latest creation is a 5.0-liter V8 which they will produce in naturally aspirated, as well as turbocharged versions. The N/A variant will deliver 600 HP and will go in the new Spyker model. The version with forced induction will power the new Koenigsegg supercar. The same engine when turbocharged delivers 1,350 HP in the Koenigsegg One:1 model. The factory even claims that this powerplant could produce as much as 1,500 HP with special fuel for an added boost.

An interesting thing about Koenigsegg’s engine production is that the company experiments with engine heads without the camshafts. It will be interesting to see future V8s they equip with this system.

11. Ferrari 3.9-liter F154 Twin Turbo V8

Although Ferrari is best known for its naturally aspirated V12 engines, one driver’s favorite is their twin-turbo V8. The 3.9-liter unit is in several Ferrari models, including the sublimely good 488 GTB and the practical, capable GTC4 Lusso.

However, since Ferrari is a part of Fiat, several more models use the same engine, although in a different form. The Maserati Quattroporte GTS uses the F154, as well as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. However, in the Alfa Romeo, engineers cut two cylinders off, turning the V8 into a V6 with a slightly smaller displacement.

The numbers are astonishing. This twin-turbo mill is capable of delivering 661 HP and revving to 8,000 rpm. Ferrari was one of the first major sports car companies to embrace forced induction, so future versions of this engine will have even more power.

12. Jaguar 5.0-liter SVR Supercharged V8

As a luxury and performance car manufacturer, Jaguar needs powerful engines. So, the basis for their top V8 engine was the AJ133 V8. This engine debuted in 2009 and you can find it in many regular Jaguars and Land Rovers.

However, to attract customers who wanted both performance and speed, Jaguar attached the big Eaton supercharger and reinforced the engine’s internals. This created an all-out performance monster to deliver 575 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. Those are quite respectable numbers for an all-alloy, supercharged V8.

Interestingly, the design of the block and the heads allow more development. Since Jaguar is always craving more power and better performance numbers, you can expect an even better version soon.

13. Lexus/Toyota 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8

The new Lexus LC 500 coupe is one magnificent driving machine. The design and the technology are fascinating, but a big part of its appeal is the engine. In days of supercharging and turbocharging, Lexus decided to go the traditional way and introduce a magnificent, naturally aspirated V8 with 5.0-liters of displacement.

The alloy V8 delivers 471 HP and 398 lb-ft of torque. Even though those numbers are somewhat smaller than the rest of the engines on this list, the 2UR-GSE has a high-revving capacity. It also has the VVTi system and it is lightweight. That is enough to provide a vivid performance to the Lexus LC 500 coupe.

14. Nissan 5.6-liter VK56VD V8

Available in various Nissan and Infiniti products, this V8 powerplant is not your average performance engine. But that is not why it is featured on this list. This engine is a perfect balance between performance, durability and practicality. You can find it in performance models, as well as in big SUVs and trucks.

They made the VK56VD out of light alloy materials, so it features 5.6-liters of displacement. The power ranges from 390 HP to 420 HP, depending on the application. In Australia, Nissan races in the V8 Supercar championship where those engines deliver up to 650 HP in race tune.

The quality of Nissan’s V8 also shined when they installed in the Titan pickup truck. In the Titan, this light but powerful unit shows its true nature. It is also durable and trouble-free for many miles, despite the hard working conditions.

These are the best modern V8 engines today, but keep your eyes open for future updates to this famous horsepower powerhouse.