The performance car landscape in the United States has changed dramatically over the last decade, with beloved naturally aspirated V8 performance cars having largely fallen by the wayside. The Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger have both been killed off over the last few years, as have models like the Lexus IS 500 and RC F. Lexus also ended production of the LC this month, so only dealer stock is left over.
It seems like the naturally aspirated V8 may die off in the not-too-distant future, but fortunately, a couple of brands are working hard to ensure this doesn’t occur. The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette are the last two NA V8 performance cars still on sale in the US.
The NA V8 Doesn’t Fit In A World That Values Efficiency
2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe C205 4.0L Twin-turbo M177 V8 EngineMercedes-Benz
The decline of the NA V8 has been swift and impactful, with brands worldwide turning their attention to developing more modern engines that use forced induction technology. Usually by strapping a turbocharger or two onto an engine, these designs offer several advantages. For example, automakers can extract much more grunt from a smaller capacity, letting them equip cars with more compact engines.
This comes with two primary benefits. First, the unit can be lighter than a larger NA engine, and second, it can be much more efficient. The endgame is that manufacturers can produce cars that pump out considerably more torque and power than their naturally aspirated forerunners, while having lower emissions and using less fuel. With governments worldwide clamping down on emissions, these engines let brands avoid heavy penalties.
The NA V8 is one of the biggest losers of this recent revolution, and can now be classed as an endangered species. To be clear, we’re referring specifically to performance cars. Several big SUVs and pickups still offer V8 power for heavy hauling duties. Some of these V8-powered rigs can even be somewhat sporty, but they’re not thoroughbred performance cars.
The Mustang GT Is The Cheapest Way Of Getting An NA V8
2025 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Red Front 3/4 Angled View CorneringFord
Still, at least two prolific models refuse to spit in the face of their heritage by waving goodbye to their free-flowing V8s. The first, and the most affordable, is the venerable Ford Mustang GT. The quintessential American muscle car comes packing a throaty 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, which sticks to the tried-and-tested method of pumping out a heart-pumping V8 soundtrack, as well as enough power to get you, and your new tires, into some serious trouble.
The unit harks back to the purer days of motoring, with 480 horsepower sent to the rear wheels via an old-school six-speed manual transmission, or a ten-speed automatic. Naturally aspirated, the Coyote stands out against more in-fashion turbocharged units by offering a crisper throttle response thanks to the lack of pesky turbo lag, while also being less troublesome over time because the engine doesn’t have to deal with the extreme heat produced by the turbo. Oh yeah, it also sounds fantastic.
The beauty of the Mustang GT is that it’s also pretty affordable, seeing as the base version retails for $46,560, which is a good few grand below the average new car price in the US. There aren’t many NA V8 performance cars left, but the Mustang GT gives anyone who wants one a factory-ready tire-burner.
The Chevy Corvette Appeals To A More Hardcore Audience
With 670 hp in the game, the naturally aspirated Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is fast.Chevrolet
The second, and final, NA V8-equipped performance weapon left on sale in the US is the good old Chevrolet Corvette, a machine that has featured this powerplant configuration since 1955. While the ‘Vette has undergone dramatic developments over the decades, such as becoming mid-engined for the first time in 2020, it has almost always utilized a simple but effective NA small-block V8.
The Corvette is also a bit better as a track weapon than the Mustang GT because the ‘Vette has a more hardcore suspension setup, as well as a sleeker body that uses the air better to go faster, not just down the straights, but through the corners too. The mid-engine layout further emphasizes this point, improving the car’s weight distribution and boosting its agility through the bends.
The 2027 Corvette even comes in two distinct flavors when it comes to securing an NA V8. The base Stingray model gets General Motors’ new LS6 V8, a 6.7-liter design that pumps out a strong 535 horsepower, an improvement of 45 hp versus the smaller 6.2-liter engine used on the 2026 model.
If the base engine isn’t to your tastes, there’s always the LT6 found in the more hardcore Z06. Built to pound around tracks even more effectively than the standard Corvette, the Z06 wades into battle with a 5.5-liter V8, which retains the title of being the most powerful road-going NA V8 ever produced. With a supercar-scaring 670 hp on call and 460 lb-ft of torque, the powerplant combines outright grunt with crisp throttle response that helps enhance driver confidence. One of the primary secrets to extracting so much power from the engine was a flat-plane crankshaft, which allowed a peak of 8,600 rpm.
As a result of the extra power and technology packed into the Corvette family, you’re going to have to hand over a fair amount more cash than if you’d gone for a Mustang. While a 2027 Stingray starts at $68,300, over $20,000 more than the Mustang GT, the Z06 will snatch a cool $124,700 from your bank account.
These Models Will Retain NA Engines Far Into The Future
An action shot of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray on the highwayChevrolet
If you’re worried these storied names will also lose a crucial part of their identity, then their creators have good news. Both Ford and GM have insisted that they have no plans to ditch their respective NA V8 options in the Mustang or Corvette anytime soon. Ford continues to push hard to develop the Coyote to be the best it can be, as shown by its use of a race-prepared version of the design not only in its GT3-spec Mustang racer, but also in its upcoming LMDh prototype, which will start racing in the World Endurance Championship from 2027.
Plus, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford told the media that the company would continue offering NA V8s until they were banned. “We’re going to continue to work on the stuff that we do very, very well,” Ford told Drive.
Chevy is following a similar pattern, as illustrated by the fact that the 6.7-liter LS6 V8 has only just been introduced for the 2027 model year. Even more encouraging, the American giant plans to include the engine in other future Chevrolet models, showing that the NA V8 features heavily in its plans.
Ever-tightening emissions regulations will remain a constant threat to the NA V8’s survival, but at least Ford and GM aren’t letting it go down without a fight.
Used NA V8 Lexus Models Provide Something A Little Different
2024 Lexus RC F White Overhead FrontLexus
If models like the Corvette and Mustang are a bit too hardcore for your tastes, then there’s always the RC F. Lexus’ more luxury-geared coupe was discontinued at the end of the 2025 model year. Still, the softer car offers a more luxurious cabin and a more comfortable ride than either of its wilder American rivals. It still comes with a hell of an engine, though, with the Japanese challenger’s shouty 5.0-liter unit kicking out 472 hp and 395 lb-ft towards the complaining rear wheels.
The beauty of the RC F is that you can enjoy the thrilling soundtrack and straight-line performance of a classically styled NA V8 without compromising everyday usability and high-end comfort. Seeing as the only versions you can buy today will be found on the used market, you can also save a bit of cash on a pretty-much new machine. CarEdge estimates the model will lose around $11k of its original value in its first year, giving you the chance to buy a 2025 car with minimal mileage at a tantalizing discount.
New NA V8s may be harder to come by than ever, but open your mind to used legacy models alongside current offerings like the Corvette family and Mustang GT, and you’ll find a way to keep the engine configuration legend well and truly alive.
Sources: CarEdge, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Drive
