2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R

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Best Used Sports & Performance Cars ($50K–$100K USD)

Thanks to a certain financial phenomenon known as depreciation, automotive enthusiasts around the world will always have a good shot at procuring some of the world’s finest automobiles; if they’re willing to wait. Although we’re currently in the middle of a hot used car market–chip shortages, supply chain issues, et al–many performance cars and supercars that cost above 6-figures not too long ago, are now well within the same price range as your typical brand new luxury SUV.

While I’m not suggesting that everyone should be rushing out to trade-in their family car for a mid-engined Audi R8—it’s more important to make the right choices based on our circumstances—I do reckon that if your budget and life stage allows for it, there are some pretty enticing options to look through in the classifieds.

Bang-for-buck, cars that meet the aforementioned criteria, often can’t be beat. Whether a 797 hp Dodge Challenger Hellcat tickles your fancy, a legendary all-wheel drive GT-R is more your jam, or a unique and exotic Evora wets your palate, there’s something out there if you’re willing to do the work and go hunting.

Here’s our picks for the 10 Best Used Sports & Performance Cars you can purchase in the $50K–$100K USD range. In the interest of keeping this list digestible, we’ve also filtered it down to cars produced within the last 10 model years; we’ll save older and vintage cars for another list. With that being said, a lot of these examples will still have their original manufacturer’s warranty intact—not unlike a brand new car.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C7)

Price Range: $75K–$90K (2019 model year)

Sure there’s a new Z06 in town, but that car is shaping up to cost more than $100K and crucially, it’s also disqualified from this least being a brand new car and all. This isn’t necessarily bad news, particularly if you’re a fan of the traditional Corvette school of thought.

If your philosophy lines up more with the more quintessentially American engine-in-the-front archetype, then the previous-gen (C7) Corvette is probably the better choice for you anyway; and why not? After all, the 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8 engine in the C7 Z06 produces 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque makes an excellent value proposition on its own, and the chassis is pretty brilliant too.

BMW M3 / M4 (F80)

Price Range: $50K–$80K (2014–2019 model years)

Much like the Corvette Z06 (also on this list), the presence of the new BMW M3/M4 models doesn’t do anything to diminish the appeal of the previous generation cars; in fact, some would argue that the G80’s polarizing appearance has worked in favor of the now-discontinued F80 examples.

Sure, you can get into a used BMW F80 M3 (sedan) or M4 (coupé) for under $50K, but having a higher budget will definitely open up the door to the more well-kept and lower mileage examples out there (or perhaps the special edition CS models).

Either way, you’re getting a potent 3.0L twin-turbocharged engine which outputs 431 hp and 406 lb-ft, making for a car primed for grand touring and the occasional race track excursion. GTS models are excluded from this range.

Nissan GT-R

Price Range: $65K–$100K (2009–2016 model years)

The R35 Nissan GT-R has been around for more than a decade now, so you’ll have a lot to pick from in terms of model years. The ceiling of this price range looks to be at around the 2016 or 2017 model years, so anything newer will likely set you back more than 6-figures.

One thing the GT-R has had going for it during its lifecycle, is that it’s been improved upon every model year. That means the newer models are the better cars, all else being equal, so you’ll do better finding one at the top of your budget, unless you’re looking for a project car of sorts.

As a former owner, I’d recommend the 2012 model year or newer; the earlier models suffered from transmission issues before Nissan figured it out and made them more robust for the DBA generation onwards. Nismo models are also excluded from this range.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Price Range: $80K–$100K (2020 model year)

There’s a lot to love about the Shelby GT350 series’ bigger brother—the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500—especially with the former car now being discontinued. It’s the most muscular of all of Ford’s vehicles, but it’s not just fast in a straight line thanks to its supercharged 760 hp supercharged V8 engine.

The car can pirouette its way around the twists and bends of the most technical racetracks really quickly, too–almost as quick as a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, if the conditions are right. Back on the topic of straight power, the GT500 also has enough brawn to beat the 797 hp Dodge Challenger Hellcat in the quarter-mile.

You’d be hard pressed to find a car that provides a better all-around performance package than the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, especially at this price.

Audi R8

Price Range: $60K–$100K (2008–2012 model years)

The Audi R8 has been around for so many years that it also made it on to our $100K-$200K list. Of course, those are reserved for newer or more rare trims; but yes, you can certainly get into an R8 well under the $100K mark if you’re willing to look hard enough and make some compromises on mileage, wear and tear, and available technology.

With that being said, we’ve also stretched the ’10-year’ criteria out a little bit for this car, to include the earliest R8 models produced by the German automaker. Still, you’d be getting quattro AWD as standard, along with quintessential supercar looks and a badge that has meant so much—for so long—to the broader performance car world. The Audi R8 in this price range provides the opportunity to find a bargain unlike any other on this list.

Lotus Evora 400

Price Range: $70K–$100K (2017–2018 model years)

Looking for something a little more unique–something you don’t see everyday? Then the Lotus Evora 400 would be exactly that car (for the purposes of this list, anyway).

For starters, it’s one of just three mid-engined cars to be mentioned here; but the Evora is even more of a standout, being produced by niche British automaker Lotus. The Toyota-sourced 3.5L supercharged V6 engine provides a sense of reliability and build quality to the platform, while its blend of exotic design elements and pragmatic luxuries makes for a unique, and very capable grand touring car. The driving dynamics and unique ownership experience it will provide its owner, are unlike anything else in this price range.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 / GT350R

Price Range: $65K–$85K (2017–2020 model years)

The GT500 might have more grunt to it, but the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 cars are made for the purists. The Shelby GT350 is a powerful yet nimble version of the Mustang that is equally at home on the race track as it is on the city streets. One of its most remarkable traits is its super high-revving 5.2L naturally-aspirated V8 engine which redlines at an astronomical 8,250 rpm.

The sport-tuned suspension is very capable on the circuit but refined enough for daily use. The Shelby GT350R is available for those who prefer to have a more hardcore track-toy or weekend warrior via an even firmer chassis and a set of lighter carbon fiber wheels. It is arguably better than its faster (supercharged) big brother—as it is a more balanced unit—with the NA engine more attuned in providing the quintessential sports car experience.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 / C 63 S

Price Range: $50K–$80K (2015–2020 model years)

Any concerns that the current-gen Mercedes-AMG C 63 and C 63 S would’ve lost an ounce of character by inheriting the downsized 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 are washed away within seconds of firing up the engine.

Yes, the 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 engine from the previous-gen Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé was an enthusiast’s dream, but the new biturbo unit delivers performance in an all-around better fashion; the W205 is by no means a watered-down version of its former self. It’s immensely rewarding to drive at any speed, and the quality of its interior sets it apart from ageing rivals.

BMW F80 M3 and M4 models are its most like-for-like competition, but that trademark V8 howl from the AMG car is so very alluring.

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

Price Range: $85K–$100K (2019 model year)

Right now, there aren’t a lot of (new or new-ish) Porsche sports cars you can get into at under the $100K mark. The chip shortage has exacerbated this, causing prices for used models in particular to hyper-inflate over the last couple of years.

While this rules out any of the GT or Turbo badged cars, you can still get into one of the best Porsche cars in the entire line-up for under $100K—the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. This model is extra special, as it is the only Cayman model (baring the GT4 and GT4 RS) equipped with the 4.0L naturally-aspirated engine architecture that powers the very best Porsche cars being produced today.

As the ‘sweet spot’ in the range, the GTS also achieves a perfect harmony of performance and daily suitability that no other car at this price point can match.

Dodge Challenger / Charger SRT Hellcat Models

Price Range: $50K–$90K (2015–2020 model years)

Although the Challenger can be purchased with a V8 engine (starting with the R/T models), we’re going to focus on the Hellcat models here. The supercharged 6.2L V8 engine is a mainstay, and the coupe can now be had with up to 3 different engine options—Hellcat, Redeye, and Super Stock—which produce 717 hp, 797 hp, and 807 hp, respectively.

These options allow the Hellcat to become one of the most powerful production cars in the world. The Dodge Charger is, for the most part, the sedan version of the Challenger, and it too offers up the company’s exclusive Hellcat experience as it is powered by the same engine. Power-per-dollar, there is nothing on this list (or any list, for the matter) that can hang with the Hellcats.

December 13, 2021 / Comments Off

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Best V8 Engines Ever Produced

In almost all cases, manufacturers who choose to equip their cars with a V8 engine do so knowingly and deliberately. After all, such engines represent the first big step in crossing over a threshold to where performance becomes the sole focus; efficiency and economy are often not even invited as guests for a ride-along in the back seat.

With a quick glance at the back mirror, those pesky 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines begin to disappear into the horizon. Then, with the proverbial “pedal-to-the-medal”, the V8 power plant unanimously declares “all-in” with a loud roar – because this journey is all about thrill-seeking and checking things off the bucket list.

While high-performance V8 engines have normally been reserved for exotics – and muscle cars, in the more distant past – its application has been seen more in the mainstream these days. With the proliferation of automotive technologies, the V8 engine has become a gateway into the world of attainable supercar performance; each new engine is better than the one before it. But if you prefer roaring V10s, or hearty V12s, check these links out. However, if V8s are more your cup of tea, read on.

Here’s the shortlist of 10 such engines, curated for your reading pleasure:

Ferrari F106

Ferrari’s F106 V8 engine dates as far back as 1973, where it first featured in the Dino 308 GT4. Right from the get-go, it produced an impressive 250 hp from a 2.9L naturally-aspirated engine, which featured a flat-plane crank and dual-overhead cams.

Such was the longevity and capability of the F106 unit, that it continued to be used – with significant updates and revisions along the way, including electronic fuel injection and multi-valve heads – for more than 30 years. Notable models which were equipped with the engine include the F355, 360 Modena, and arguably the most famous Ferrari of them all; the Ferrari F40, which fashioned a twin-turbocharged version of the F106 producing 471 hp.

Dodge Supercharged Hemi

Dodge’s Hellcat series of cars have really taken the world by storm, offering almost unfathomable power in a non-exotic production vehicle – or any vehicle for that matter. It’s truly a revival of the “American muscle” movement, with the supercharged Hemi able to produce as much as 807 hp and 717 lb-ft of torque via the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Super Stock. Handling, agility, and all that other kind of stuff aside, this makes the Hellcat Challenger/Charger the quintessential American sports car which can be had for well under the 6-figure mark brand new.

The automaker is now offering the 6.2L ‘Redeye’ V8 as a crate engine (aptly nicknamed ‘Hellcrate’) through Mopar. It can be purchased at a starting price of US$21,807. The ‘Redeye’ version comes with a larger supercharger than the previous Hellcrate engine and has been tuned for more boost, a slightly higher redline, and a host of other improvements. These are what has allowed it to improve from 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque to its current 807 hp state. An absolute unit.

BMW S63

Like other automakers on this list, BMW is no stranger to producing some of the world’s best V8 engines. The latest incarnation would be its masterpiece ‘S63‘ – a 4.4L twin-turbocharged engine that produces at least 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque in the current-gen BMW M5 sedan.

Though it’s true that this grants the quintessential luxury-performance saloon some serious supercar credentials, a look back to days gone by reminds us that engines such as the ‘S62’ and ‘S65′ deserve just as much recognition for their contribution to the Bavarians’ V8 platform. Respectively, each engine displaced 4.9L and 4.0L and were both naturally aspirated.

Lexus 2UR-GSE

The 2UR-GSE is the latest iteration of Lexus‘ increasingly iconic naturally-aspirated V8 power plant. Currently reserved for the marque’s high-performance models – such as the IS F, RC F, GS F, LC 500, and brand-new IS 500 – the 5.0L engine blends typical Lexus reliability with a high-revving Japanese character. In its most powerful configuration, the 2UR-GSE produces 475 hp in the Lexus LC 500. Amidst an ever-changing landscape shifting towards hybridization and electrification, we hope that Lexus’ legendary naturally-aspirated V8 lives on for as long as possible

Much like our other selections, the 2UR-GSE owes much of its distinctions to predecessors such as the 1UZ-FE which debuted in 1989. This 4.0L V8 engine has proven to be bulletproof over the test of time, in addition to the universal recognition it has received for being smooth, refined, and sufficiently powerful for its intended application. It has served as the platform upon which the formidable GSE would eventually be conceived.

Ferrari F136

The F136 succeeded the legendary F106, first appearing as a 4.3L naturally-aspirated engine in the 2004 Ferrari F430, producing 483 hp. Like the F106, the F136 would see widespread application throughout the Ferrari lineup; however, it was also featured on a number of Maserati models in concert with the relationship between the two marques.

Most notably, a 454 hp, 4.7L version of the F136 featured on the Maserati GranTurismo and is widely regarded as having one of the best engine/exhaust notes to come out of the V8. The F136 would reach its zenith in the Ferrari 458 Italia Speciale, where it cranked out a massive 597 hp from its 4.5L naturally-aspirated power plant.

Perhaps the most significant (and regretful) fact about the F136, is that it is the last naturally-aspirated V8 engine Ferrari would ever produce. It was replaced by the twin-turbocharged F154 V8 engine in 2015, where it debuted on the Ferrari 488 GTB.

McLaren M830T / M840T

Despite only producing V8-powered automobiles since as recently as 2011 (via the MP4-12C), you could argue that McLaren‘s engineers are truly the world’s V8 engine artisans, and few would dispute that. After all, it’s virtually all they know these days, with every single McLaren model – bar the V6-hybrid McLaren Artura – fitted with some adaptation of their M838T or M840T twin-turbocharged V8 motors.

The 3.8L M838T is found in its Sports Series range of cars, which includes the entry-level McLaren 540C and goes all the way up to the indomitable 666 hp McLaren 675 LT. The 4.0L M840T features on all of the Super Series cars, which covers the ‘700 range’ of models, plus the addition of the McLaren GT. In its Ultimate form, the 4.0L unit – dubbed the M840TR – produces 814 hp in the McLaren Senna GTR. The McLaren Speedtail hybrid ‘hyper GT produces some 1,035 hp through the combination of an M840T and electric motor.

GM Small Block LT1/LT2

Introduced in 2014 for the C7 Corvette, the 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 LT1 engine is part of GM’s 5th-generation small block engine family. It continues to be used on the present-day Camaro, with a new version of the engine – known as the LT2 – carrying on the bloodline via the brand new mid-engine C8 Corvette. The LT2 retains the 6.2L capacity but is more powerful than the LT1, producing at least 495 hp and 470 lb-ft in its latest configuration.

This was achieved by designing more efficient air-intakes sand exhaust manifolds, while also featuring a better lubrication system and more resilient camshaft. While it’s not a monster-out-of-the-box like say, Dodge’s Hellcat engine, the lightweight naturally-aspirated powerplant remains perfectly suited for what the Corvette is the best at delivering – brilliant all-around performance at a fraction of the cost of comparable options. The still-relevant LT1 is now being offered as a crate engine via GM’s performance division, with its 460 hp on tap for under US$10,000. Project car, anyone?

Audi 4.2L FSI

When Audi’s 4.2L FSI V8 engine was introduced, it was a bit of a departure from what Audi enthusiasts had grown accustomed to over the years. As one of the marques which helped to proliferate the use of turbochargers on production cars, the aforementioned engine first appeared in the 2006 Audi RS4 as a high-revving naturally-aspirated power plant.

Over time, it proved to be a fan-favorite in spite of its lack of forced induction and featured on such models as the RS5 and mid-engined R8. As a naturally aspirated unit, the FSI V8 was able to rev up to 8,250 rpm and had a distinctively exotic exhaust note, regardless of the model it was mounted in.

The engine remained naturally-aspirated up until its use in the 444 hp Audi RS5; since then, recent iterations of the engine are now turbocharged and produce up to 600 hp.

Mercedes-AMG M178

The modern-day Mercedes-AMG line-up is blessed with their omnipotent ‘M178’ 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, which itself deserves all the plaudits and is a shoo-in for selection. While it’s the most advanced iteration of the automaker’s V8, our personal favorite would have to be the ‘M156’ 6.2L V8 first powered the 467 hp naturally-aspirated C63 AMG. Like its successor, the M156 would feature in almost every Mercedes-AMG model of that era, including the SL63.

The ultimate version of this V8 motor would be the ‘M159’, which was equipped in the automaker’s flagship SLS supercar, producing 622 hp. The SLS has since been succeeded by the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which produces 720 hp from its twin-turbocharged ‘M178’, and recently set the new production car lap record at the Nürburgring.

Ford ‘Voodoo’ Flat-Plane

The ‘Voodoo’ engine produced by Ford is a 5.2L naturally-aspirated V8 which was made especially for cars such as the 526 hp Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R. Suffice to say, the Voodoo was a match made in heaven for the line-up’s most balanced and track-focused Mustang models. By utilizing a flat-plane crankshaft, the engine weighs less and revs faster and higher (to 8,250 rpm) than the otherwise standard engines in other models. Its configuration also gives it an almost-exotic exhaust note, border-lining on ‘un-American’ – but owners won’t mind, as their domestic car hangs just fine with the exotics and other high-end sports cars on the race-track.

Following the template of past flat-plane V8 engines, the Voodoo applies similar principles as engines that once powered hot-rods and muscle cars back in the 20th century – with impressive bang-for-buck, the engines produced big horsepower at a fraction of the cost of what was used in European sports cars and even domestic rivals. This provided owners with a rightfully potent automobile, and extra money left in the bank. It’s hard to argue with that!

July 19, 2021 / Comments Off

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