To many people, car engines are all about raw power output and performance. But to others, there could be more. Automobile engines produce characteristic sounds that can help quickly identify a brand; manufacturers are capitalizing on this. They are tuning powertrains to produce notes representing the brand’s design philosophy. Join us as we discuss 15 car engines with the best sonorous sounds.

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Every aspect of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon alludes to the raw power it is designed for. First is its monstrous 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine, capable of producing a staggering and upgradable 808 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque. Its eight-speed automatic transmission is also optimized for delivering lightning acceleration and unmatched efficiency. Added to these is the peculiar sound, a deep growl that resonates with power and aggression.

Audi Quattro S1

The Audi Quattro S1 has a turbocharged inline-five-cylinder engine generating around 500 horsepower. With a displacement of 2.1 liters, the engine features advanced turbocharging technology, significantly boosting power and torque. The irregular firing pattern of the S1’s inline-five engine creates an unmistakable auditory signature. Additionally, the turbocharger spooling, audible during acceleration and gear shifts, adds another layer to the sound.

Mercedes C63 AMG

Known for its attention to detail, the Mercedes C63 AMG bears a handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, the source of 469 horsepower. This engine is renowned for its robust delivery, capable of speeding from rest to 60 mph in four seconds. The AMG can be identified from a mile away with its exotic exhaust note. This sound comes from the engine’s firing order, alternating between cylinder banks.

Audi RS3

Typically featuring a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder powerplant, the Audi RS3’s engine yields upwards of 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Paired with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the RS3 offers remarkable traction and stability, making it a formidable contender in its class. Unlike the more common inline-four or V6 engines, this inline-five produces a distinct exhaust note, often described as a boomy growl with a hint of raspiness.

Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA’s 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine, designed by Yamaha, delivers 552 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. With this immense power, the LFA can sprint to 60 mph from rest in about 4 seconds. Its unmistakable high-pitched wail can be attributed to the V10 configuration. Also, a dry sump lubrication unit allows the engine to sit lower in the chassis, enhancing the exhaust note’s clarity.

Lamborghini Murciélago

Featuring a monstrous 6.5-liter V12 engine producing 640 horsepower and 660 Nm of torque, the Lamborghini Murciélago can reach a top speed of over 200 mph. Its engine features a dual overhead camshaft setup with variable valve timing, allowing precise control over its performance. The Lamborghini’s low, resonant exhaust is partly due to its high-revving V12 layout. Also, their engineers meticulously tune the intake and exhaust systems to enhance this characteristic note.

Mazda 787B

The Mazda 787B is famous for its iconic quad-rotor, 2.6-liter R26B Wankel rotary engine. Unlike conventional piston engines, the rotary engine employs a unique design for high-revving capabilities despite its compact size. The engine’s distinctive sound, comparable to a high-pitched scream, comes from its construction and operation. Its revolution, unique combustion process, and exhaust layout unite to create this distinct auditory experience.

Porsche Carrera GT

A 5.7-liter, naturally aspirated V10 engine powers the Porsche Carrera GT, generating a whopping 605 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. The lightweight construction with carbon-fiber and titanium components pairs with a six-speed manual transmission, providing an exceptional thrill. When in operation, the V10 outline gives off a soothing exhaust note that increases pitch as the engine revs.

Aston Martin DBS

The Aston Martin DBS is equipped with a formidable 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. This robust power plant delivers an impressive 715 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque, granting the DBS a top speed of around 211 mph and leaping from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The engine’s aural character—a rich, throaty roar—is mainly due to its even firing order and a meticulously tuned exhaust system.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 powerhouse of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 delivers 650 horsepower and about 650 lb-ft of torque. Often combined with a seven-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic, it provides drivers with dynamic control. Advanced features, like the dual fuel injection setup, tune the engine for maximum power. You can hear its deep, rumbling growl from a distance that transforms into a ferocious roar at higher RPMs.

Porsche 356

Everyone knows the sound of the Porsche when they hear it. The car’s distinctive murmur emanates from factors like the horizontally opposed layout of the cylinders. This configuration creates a peculiar firing order and exhaust pulse pattern, contributing to the classic flat-four growl. Moreover, the simplicity of the exhaust unit, often a dual-exhaust setup with minimal muffling, further accentuates the raw and profound sound that fans have come to love.

Pagani Zonda R

The Pagani Zonda R’s engine delivers a staggering 750 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Zonda R to breathtaking speeds. However, beyond powering the Zonda, the monstrous 6.0-liter V12 engine also releases a distinctive side note that announces the car’s arrival. Since the V12 relies solely on air intake to produce power, it bellows a raw, visceral sound, characteristic of high-revving, naturally aspirated engines.

Pontiac GTO

Several engine options are responsible for the Pontiac GTO’s impressive power output. The original GTO, introduced in 1964, featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine, producing 325 horsepower. However, some later iterations, like the 7.5-liter V8, have larger displacements. Whichever engine is used, the auditory result is the same: a deep rumble and throaty roar unique only to the GTO. This mumble is further enhanced by the fine-tuned design of the exhaust system.

BMW S54B32

The BMW S54B32 is a straight-six engine used in the BMW M models from the early 2000s. It has a displacement of 3.2 liters and produces 333 horsepower at 7,900 RPM. The S54B32’s peculiar sound can be attributed to the individual throttle bodies, providing a responsive air intake for each cylinder. Furthermore, the sufficient engine revolution—8,000 RPM—generates a high-pitched exhaust tone.

Ferrari 812 Superfast

As a rare confluence of luxury, beauty, and power, the Ferrari 812 Superfast boasts a formidable 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated V12 engine, yielding 789 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. With a redline set at 8,900 rpm, this powerhouse propels the Superfast from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. When this happens, the naturally aspirated V12 configuration lets out a distinguishable howl reminiscent of Ferrari’s racing heritage.