These are some of the best sounding cars of all time: RANKED
Best Sounding Cars of All Time
The list of the great sounds coming out of an internal combustion is practically endless, and rightfully so. The automotive greats such as Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Mercedes, and others have produced some of the most iconic engines known to man. And with the death of these fuel-powered machines seeming imminent, let’s take a look back at some of the best sounding cars to date, in no particular order of course. Naturally, this topic is such that it derives many opinions and therefore much controversy. To do justice to these motoring icons, this will be a multiple-part series to ensure all worthy cars are mentioned.
When it comes to car culture, sound plays a crucial role in defining a vehicle’s character and driving experience. Enthusiasts often seek cars that deliver a symphony of mechanical music, elevating the driving experience to a sensory delight. Exhaust sound is something that separates cars with engines & cars that have a beating heart, which is very much alive to a driver. Among the best sounding cars of all time, a few models stand out for their iconic exhaust notes and engine roars. Let’s explore these masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on automotive history.
Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA is often hailed as the best sounding car ever. Its 4.8-liter V10 engine revving to 9,400 RPM produces a high-pitched, F1-like scream that is both exhilarating and unforgettable.
Developed with input from Yamaha, the engine weighs less than a V6 while being smaller than a V8, the LFA’s exhaust note is a finely tuned masterpiece, delivering a unique blend of aggression and refinement. This Japanese marvel epitomizes the fusion of performance and acoustic engineering, making it a standout in the realm of Japanese car culture. There is something about the tonality of this car which makes it sound like a living and sentient being. Best described by Jeremy Clarkson, “it sounds like a wild animal that’s sad about something”. Rev it up to the redline though and the sad howling characteristics turn into a racing-derived screaming angry beast. This truly is the best sound to ever come out of a road-going motorcar.
Lamborghini Gallardo 5.0
Lamborghini
is renowned for creating some of the most thrilling sounding cars, and the Gallardo 5.0 V10 is no exception. Unlike its latter LP-520 5.2-liter V10 counterparts the gen-1 Gallardo featured a 5.0 even firing order V10 which gave it a distinct howl. It sounded visceral & aggressive throughout the rev range but once you crossed 6,000 RPMs, it turned into a high-pitched Formula 1-like screaming monster. The Gallardo’s soundtrack is as aggressive as its styling & it truly is one of the best sounding cars.
Porsche Carrera GT
The Porsche Carrera GT is another legend in the lineup of the best sounding car. Its 5.7-liter V10 engine delivers a howl that is both melodic and menacing. This engine was initially built for the early 90’s Porsche F1 cars but later it got ditched for a Mugen Honda unit. Then nearly a decade later it was rebuilt and modified to fit in their GT1 class LMP2000 but due to unknown reasons the project was dropped off & the engine was shelved…again! Later it appeared in a Carrera GT concept car at the 2000 Paris auto show and the demand for this surged so high that Porsche finally decided to give this engine a home. Yes, that’s right, the road going Porsche Carrera GT has a FORMULA 1 ENGINE.
The Carrera GT’s exhaust note is a symphony of precision engineering, providing an auditory experience that perfectly complements its performance pedigree. It sounds just like a Formula 1 car; especially given the fact it has an F1 motor!
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 & LP670
What needs be said about the Murciélago that hasn’t been said already? It was the last Lamborghini to retire Gioto Bizzarini’s original V12 which was born out of spite of Enzo Ferrari making its final appearance in the Batman’s Lamborghini.
The 6.2-liter (later 6.5 liter) V12 engine produces an epic, thunderous 580HP in the gen-1, 640HP in the LP640-4, & 670HP in the LP670-4 version. Accompanied by an unbelievable sound coming from all 12 cylinders. Stand too close & it may blow your eardrums out! This V12 is the stuff of legends.
Ferrari 812 SF / GTS / Competizione
The Ferrari 812 also counts in the best sounding car, boasts a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that sings to redline delivering an intoxicating 830 peak horsepower in the competizione trim and a brain-melting 9,250 RPM soundtrack that may just make you go deaf.
The 812 Superfast exhaust note is a glorious tribute to Ferrari’s heritage, reminiscent of classic V12 engines from the past. It is a symphony on wheels, showcasing the Italian marque’s commitment to craftsmanship and performance excellence. But what mythicized this car was a German aftermarket car parts manufacturer called “Novitec”. They equipped these cars with an X pipe and catless full exhaust system which turned this already insane car to 11. It sounds like a Formula 1 car lost its way during a race and entered a city & is loud enough to wake up an entire town…. even if it was awake already.
C6 Corvette Z06 – The LS7
The C6 Corvette Z06 features the LEGENDARY 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine that produces a deep, rumbling growl. This American powerhouse offers a distinctive exhaust note that stands out due to an exceptionally deep, throaty yet exotic howl. The Z06’s sound is a celebration of raw, unfiltered V8 power, embodying the spirit of American car culture. What made this engine special beyond the noise is the frankly absurd 7.0-liter displacement which gave this car an alien 470 lb-ft of torque from a N-A engine. That coupled with a stellar soundtrack and unbelievable response, this car was a game changer.
Mercedes-AMG W204 C63 / black series
The AMG W204 C63 also counts in the best sounding car, with its 6.2-liter V8 engine, is renowned for its brutal and aggressive exhaust note. The C63’s engine produces a thunderous rumble that perfectly matches its performance capabilities. It’s a definitive example of AMG’s commitment to creating some of the best sounding cars of all time. The sound embodies the spirit of an AMG. It’s wild, unfiltered, untamed, and disrespectful in a way. The way it shreds its rear tires to put down all 457 HP & 473 lb-ft of torque on the tarmac while making a disturbingly loud but equally epic Growl. This is peak AMG.
Pagani Zonda F / Cinque / 760
The Pagani Zonda is equipped with a naturally aspirated originally 6.0, then 7.0 & lastly 7.3-liter V12 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG. Its exhaust note is a wild, high-pitched scream that is both exotic and exhilarating. The Zonda’s sound is a defining feature of its charismatic appeal, making it a true icon in automotive history. It’s safe to say that nothing sounds like a Pagani Zonda. The only thing wilder than this car’s sound is its looks! Just look at it! Ahh, stunning.
Porsche 997.2 GT3 RS
The Porsche 997.2 GT3 RS also counts in the best sounding car, powered by a naturally aspirated Mezeger 3.8-liter flat-six engine derived from the GT3 cup race car, thus delivers a distinctive and addictive sound. The GT3 RS’s exhaust note is a raspy, high-revving symphony that delights Porsche enthusiasts and stands out among the best sounding cars of all time yet it’s not high pitched like an F1 car although the howl of a NA flat 6 is its own symphony. Couple this with a sequential-like Porsche doppelkupplungsgetriebe (Porsche PDK in short) 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox this car sounds like a GT3 cup car! Its raw, unfiltered sound is a testament to Porsche’s engineering excellence. It is an experience in and of its own.
In short, all these cars offer something unique in terms of the auditory experience. Each car & engine has specific characteristics which can’t be replicated further enhancing the motto of having a car that’s alive and playful. That said, such a short list does no justice to the extensive array of best sounding cars that have graced this industry, so stay tuned for part 2!
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