Thee are a lot of V-8-powered sports cars in the market today. Some will wow you with their sharp and dramatic looks. Others will combine performance and luxury in one package. Then there are those that are just incredible in every facet that a V-8-powered sports car should be.

We've compiled a list of some of the best sports cars that run a V-8 engine, and while you might be initially surprised by our choices, know that they represent some of the best V-8 sports cars you'll ever get to drive.

Factory Five 289 USRRC Roadster

One look at the Factory Five 289 USRRC Roadster and you should be ready to drop your wallets.

Everything behind the creation of the 289 USRRC Roadster was done with incredible attention-to-detail, beginning with the hand-laid composite body that was created to seamlessly replicate the correct shape and design of the USRRC racers of yesteryear. From the vintage-style headlight assembly to the authentic chrome-on-brass windscreen, everything about the 289 USRRC Roadster speaks to the iconic look and feel of the CSX 2260.

Factory Five 289 USRRC Roadster specifications

Engine:

Ford Coyote modular V-8 engine (5.0-liter)

Horsepower:

412 horsepower

Torque:

390 pound-feet of torque

Curb Weight:

1,020 kilos (2,250 pounds)

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.183

0 to 60 MPH:

3.6 seconds

Top Speed:

155 mph (estimate)


Ariel Atom 500 V8

We remember that all too well, in part because it has since become a source of endless fodder. Seriously, try googling “Ariel Atom Clarkson Face” and prepare for the ensuing hilarity. The Atom, of course, is more than just a face-masher. It’s a ridiculously-fast, obscenely-powerful track car that produces insane amounts of g-force. It’s definitely not something that anyone can just drive without understanding what it’s fully capable of. Go ask Clarkson and see what he thinks about the Atom V8.

Ariel Atom V8 specifications

Engine:

3.0-liter V-8 engine

Horsepower:

500 horsepower

Torque:

284 pound-feet of torque

Transmission:

Six-speed sequential manual transmission

Curb Weight:

550 kilos (1,200 pounds)

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.458 (horsepower per pound)

0 to 60 MPH:

2.3 seconds

Top Speed:

168 mph


Read our full review on the Ariel Atom 500 V8

Ferrari 488 Pista

When Ferrari unveiled the 488 Pista in 2018, most of our jaws collectively dropped.

The Italian supercar is proof that Ferrari is still very much at the top of its game, both from a competitive and innovation standpoint. It certainly helps, too, that the 488 Pista looks like a proper Ferrari supercar. It’s got the unmistakable design qualities of a Maranello-built masterpiece and, more importantly, it channels the spirit of the Prancing Horse in ways that only Ferrari models can do. After all, there’s a reason why we all stop and pull out our phones whenever a Ferrari 488 Pista is around.

Ferrari 488 Pista specifications

Engine:

3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine

Horsepower:

710 horsepower

Torque:

568 pound-feet of torque

Transmission:

Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

Curb Weight:

1,548 kilos (3,412 pounds)

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.458 (horsepower per pound)

0 to 60 MPH:

2.85 seconds

Top Speed:

211 mph


Read our full review on the Ferrari 488 Pista

Ferrari 458 Speciale

The 458 Speciale is every bit as evolved over the 458 Italia as Ferrari claims it is. The rear spoiler is taller and the bumpers are redesigned, among other improvements. The 458 Speciale even comes with movable flaps in the front and rear to balance downforce and cut drag at high speeds. Those are the kind of active aerodynamics that Ferrari designed and developed through its Ferrari Styling Centre, which worked with Pininfarina to create the best possible package for the 458 Speciale.

Ferrari 458 Speciale specifications

Engine:

4.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine

Horsepower:

597 horsepower

Torque:

398 pound-feet of torque

Transmission:

Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

Curb Weight:

1,565 kilos (3,450 pounds)

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.173 (horsepower per pound)

0 to 60 MPH:

3.0 seconds

Top Speed:

199 mph


Read our full review on the Ferrari 458 Speciale

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is a special kind of sports car. Introduced in 2011, the GranTurismo MC Stradale is arguably one of the purest-looking sports cars that you’ll see on the road. It doesn’t have the same gravitas as either of the Ferraris on this list, but when you see the GranTurismo MC Stradale, you see a sports car in every sense of the term.

Maserati finally discontinued the GranTurismo MC Stradale last year after an eight-year run in the market, but make no mistake about it, the performance coupe imbibed all the characteristics you’d want in a sports car. It looks like one. It’s dressed like one. It’s powered like one. That’s three-for-three for the GranTurismo MC Stradale. It has earned its spot on the list of “Best V-8 Sports Cars.”

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale specifications

Engine:

4.7-liter V-8 engine

Horsepower:

454 horsepower

Torque:

384 pound-feet of torque

Transmission:

Six-speed MC Race shift manual transmission

Curb Weight:

1,770 kilos (3,902 pounds)

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.116 (horsepower per pound)

0 to 60 MPH:

4.5 seconds

Top Speed:

188 mph


Read our full review on the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Lexus LC500

The Lexus LFA helped introduce Lexus to the world of performance cars. The Lexus LC helped Lexus stay in the world of performance cars. As for the LC 500? It’s a shining example of how far Lexus has come. Before the LFA arrived, Lexus didn’t have a performance car to call its own. It was — and probably still is — mostly known for developing luxury cars. Three years after its launch, the Lexus LC is rightfully regarded as one of the best V-8 sports cars in the market. It’s become so popular that it was even featured in the movie Black Panther.

Lexus LC500 specifications

Engine:

5.0-liter V-8 engine

Horsepower:

471 horsepower

Torque:

398 pound-feet of torque

Transmission:

10-speed direct-shift manual transmission

Curb Weight:

1,941 kilos (4,280 pounds)

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.11 (horsepower per pound)

0 to 60 MPH:

4.5 seconds

Top Speed:

188 mph


Read our full review on the Lexus LC500

Chevy Corvette ZR1 (C7)

As the fastest and most powerful Chevrolet Corvette in the world, the Corvette ZR1 C7 is the closest thing we’ll see to a Corvette supercar.

This is what you’re going to get when you buy a Corvette ZR1. We know about all the aerodynamic components it’s carrying. We know about its edgy looks. But the Corvette ZR1 also packs a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that produces a whopping 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. With that power comes the ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds and a top speed that can go up to as much as 212 mph. We know that the regular Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and powerful performance car. It’s just that the Corvette ZR1 C7 takes those things to a different level.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 C7 specifications

Engine:

6.2.-liter V-8 engine

Horsepower:

755 horsepower

Torque:

715 pound-feet of torque

Transmission:

Fight-speed automatic transmission

Curb Weight:

1,614 kilos (3,560 pounds)

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.212 (horsepower per pound)

0 to 60 MPH:

Less than three seconds

Top Speed:

212 mph


Read our full review on the Chevy Corvette ZR1 (C7)

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Few automakers are capable of building vehicles that seamlessly combine pure performance with top-class luxury like Aston Martin. The British automaker’s history is full of models that offer both in spades, and the latest example is the V8 Vantage. The new one looks every bit like an Aston Martin. From the sharply designed body to the aggressive cuts and lines, you look at the new V8 Vantage and you see nothing but a high-class, two-door coupé. But the V8 Vantage is more than just a two-door coupé; it also runs like one.

It’s capable of incredible power courtesy of a Mercedes-AMG-sourced V-8 engine that helps elevate the coupe’s power and performance capabilities, earning the V8 Vantage a spot on the list of best V-8 sports cars.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage specifications

Engine:

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine

Horsepower:

503 horsepower

Torque:

505 pound-feet of torque

Transmission:

Eight-speed automatic transmission

Curb Weight:

1,530 kilos (3,373 pounds)

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.149 (horsepower per pound)

0 to 60 MPH:

3.6 seconds

Top Speed:

195 mph


Read our full review on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Jaguar F-Type SVR

The F-Type SVR is the kind of sports car that was built and developed for the singular purpose of going fast. It’s the range-topping version of the entire F-Type lineup so a lot is riding on the F-Type SVR to live up to its hype. On that end, the raunchy Jag has come through. It runs like a cat that’s ready to pounce on the competition.

It packs enough power to catch rivals in states of shock and surprise, unable to comprehend what kind of performance qualities the F-Type SVR has. Then again, that’s the price you pay for sleeping on one of the best V-8 sports cars in the market.

Jaguar F-Type SVR specifications

Engine:

5.0-liter supercharged V-8 engine

Horsepower:

567 horsepower

Torque:

516 pound-feet of torque

Transmission:

Eight-speed automatic transmission

Curb Weight:

1,597 kg (3,521 pounds

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.161 (horsepower per pound)

0 to 60 MPH:

3.5 seconds

Top Speed:

200 mph


Read our full review on the Jaguar F-Type SVR

TVR Griffith

There’s a generation of sports car fans who never got to see the original TVR Griffith, which was produced from 1991 to 2002. Almost two decades after the first-generation model was discontinued, the Griffith has risen from the ashes with a new look, new V-8 engine, and the same performance wonder that its predecessor carried proudly throughout its 11-year production run.

There are obvious differences between the two Griffiths, including the people who are involved in TVR. The name is the same, but for all intents and purposes, this is a different TVR. This new incarnation of the British marquee is showcasing a version of the Griffith that’s capable of hanging with some of the more established V-8-powered sports cars in the world. And with its Gordon Murray-penned looks and massive V-8 engine leading the way, the reborn TVR Griffith is a sports car that you wouldn’t want to see in your rearview mirrors.

TVR Griffith specifications

Engine:

5.0-liter V-8 engine

Horsepower:

500 horsepower

Torque:

516 pound-feet of torque

Transmission:

Six-speed manual transmission

Curb Weight:

1,250 kg (2,756 pounds)

Power-to-Weight Ratio:

0.181 (horsepower per pound)

0 to 60 MPH:

Less than four seconds

Top Speed:

200 mph


Read our full review on the TVR Griffith