With just a month and a half to go until the end of 2016, we decided to see what production automobiles are still available with massive engines. It is safe to say that we were not disappointed, as some automakers still offer generous displacements under the hoods of some models.
Evidently, the cars featured below are not affordable to the average Joe, but some of them can still be purchased by individuals that are mere employees. However, some of the automobiles on the list are almost unattainable even for most white collar workers, and this obviously happens because of their price tags.
The vehicles featured below are four-wheeled unicorns in this day and age, but a few of them could hold their ground even in a historical list of production cars with large displacement engines. We decided only to include production vehicles that fall into the passenger car category in our list, so do not get angry if you do not see any trucks below.
What is a massive engine, you ask? Well, we decided it was only worth considering anything that has over 6.0 liters of displacement, which means 366 cubic inches in imperial units. We ended up with a list that does not have anything below 392 cubic inches of displacement, which translates to 6.4 liters in the metric standard.
Let’s get on with our list.
Dodge Viper – 8.4-liter V10
The biggest production engine on our list that can still be acquired in a new automobile in 2016 is the massive V10 that sits under the long hood of the Viper. The displacement of this unit is almost unbelievable: 8.390 cubic centimeters, which amounts to 511.98 cubic inches.
From a standing start, the Viper can reach 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, while its top speed is 325 km/h. The 202 mph car develops 650 HP, but it makes up for the seemingly unimpressive power with a healthy dose of torque – 600 lb-ft (800 Nm). This engine is also a naturally aspirated unit, so the sound column of this model is tough to beat.
The 2017 model year will be the terminal one for the Dodge Viper and its massive V10, so if you were considering this unicorn from Mopar, this is your chance to get your hands on one. We must note that this is the most affordable model on the list, and it is also the easiest to get if you have the money for it, because Dodge does not rule out anyone when selling a Viper is concerned.
Bugatti Chiron – 8.0-liter W16
The second-largest displacement engine available on a passenger car sold in 2016 also comes on one of the most expensive vehicles anyone could buy. It is not the most expensive car in the world, but the Bugatti Chiron sure makes a banker break a cold sweat. The average Joe might not ever see one of these on the road, let alone ride in one. If you do, enjoy every moment.
Bugatti also has a unique engine configuration, as the 8.0-liter power plant is a W16 engine with four turbochargers. As you can see, this is an entirely different beast from the first model on the list, but the 0.4 liters of displacement that separates them is the smallest detail when compared to their characters.
Bugatti’s unicorn delivers 1.500 HP and 1.180 lb-ft of torque, which means 1.600 Nm to those that like to measure their distances in meters. The 0-62 mph acceleration time is a stunning 2.3 seconds, which is enough to make your passenger sick. Top speed is a whopping 420 km/h, or 261 mph, and it is electronically limited.
Bentley Mulsanne – 6.75-liter V8
The first and only sedan on our big displacement engine list available in production cars for sale in 2016 is the Bentley Mulsanne. It comes with a 6.75-liter V8 engine, which develops a respectable 512 HP and 752 lb-ft, which means 1.020 Nm in the metric standard.
Bentley also offers a performance version of the Mulsanne, which is dubbed “Mulsanne Speed,” and it comes with the same displacement, but with a bit more power and torque. The standard unit is turbocharged, and can take the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.
Top speed is rated at 296 km/h, which means 184 mph for those that prefer to measure things in inches. The Mulsanne has a rear-wheel-drive configuration, and it is only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is a fitting choice for a car in this segment.
Rolls-Royce Dawn – 6.6-liter V12
Another luxury automaker from Great Britain was close to the third spot here, but the ongoing Rolls-Royce Phantom is virtually sold out for good. It had a 6.8-liter V12 engine, so we will have to “settle” for the smaller engine found in other models of the company from Goodwood.
The Dawn is a convertible model based on the Wraith, and it comes with a 6.6-liter V12 unit that has been turbocharged. It delivers 571 HP and 605 lb-ft, which means 820 Nm to enjoy in “effortless acceleration.” You can get the same engine in both the Wraith coupe and the Ghost luxury sedan.
With just five seconds from a standstill to 62 mph, the Dawn unquestionably qualifies for the “effortless” part, and the passengers will probably still enjoy the “magic carpet” feeling in the open air, available at speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h).
Lamborghini Aventador – 6.5-liter V12
The last car on this list comes with a “modest” 6.5-liter engine, which is naturally aspirated. It is available for the Lamborghini Aventador, both in “standard” and “SuperVeloce” versions. The unit develops 750 HP and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft), which puts a dent in the pride of Dodge engineers when the output is divided with the displacement for statistic purposes.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h only takes 2.8 seconds, and the top speed of this model is 217 mph, which means 350 km/h. Before you throw rotten tomatoes at the Dodge dealership, you must remember that we are referring to the Aventador LP750-4 SV, which stands for Super Veloce, and is the most performance-oriented variant in the range.
The regular Aventador comes with just 700 HP, and needs 0.1
seconds more to reach 62 mph from a standing start when compared to its SV brother. If you step away from the numbers and think of the Viper and the Aventador as two different products, it is understandable that they must not be compared to other purposes than statistics.
