Top 5: Atmo power players

1. Ferrari 812 Superfast

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6.5-litre V12 – 588kW
Ferrari’s flagship illustrates the potential of large-capacity, high-revving engines with a monstrous output at 8500rpm. It’s Australia’s fastest car with a top speed in excess of 340km/h.

2. Lamborghini Aventador S

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6.5-litre V12 – 544kW
Lamborghini deploys the same capacity as Ferrari to reach slightly lower, though still outlandish outputs, but gets its power to the ground through AWD.

3. Audi R8 Plus/Lamborghini Huracan

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5.2-litre V10 – 449kW
Audi and Lamborghini’s shared atmo engine drops two cylinders and power compared with the mighty Aventador but has an unforgettable soundtrack.

4. Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

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5.9-litre V12 – 421kW
It might be as old as the hills, but Aston’s V12 is still punching like a heavyweight. Its days are numbered, though: the new twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 will replace it.

5. Lexus RC F/LC F/GS F

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5.0-litre V8 – 351kW
Developed in partnership with Yamaha, the Lexus V8 continues to flex its free-revving muscle and delicious induction note under the bonnet of three models.