Some say that chivalry is dead: then there is romance and the age of the outlaws, who rest two meters below the ground. But perhaps parts of it are still thriving and breathing their last breaths in masterpieces of automotive engineering.
Everything that has a beginning has to have an end, and while we wish that naturally aspirated supercars could stay longer, the end is near.
Technological advancement is inevitable. New supercharged hybrid layouts are slowly becoming the norm for most Supercar Brands. Even a company like Lamborghini, which has built its entire legacy around naturally aspirated engines, recently bid them goodbye.
But what makes this centuries-old facility so famous? And why did naturally aspirated engines find their way into performance-oriented cars after the invention of turbochargers and compressors? Let’s take a look at what makes vacuum machines unique, their benefits, and some of the best living examples in history.
What is a naturally aspirated engine?
Via Lamborghini
In short, any engine that works without any special means to improve air intake is naturally aspirated. Atmospheric pressure is the only force used to draw in air in these engines.
In contrast, supercharged engines use different means of forcing air into the system. Two main ways of doing this are turbochargers and compressors. Although the result of both is that more air is forced into the engine to burn with the fuel, the turbocharger and compressor operate completely differently.
More air means more power, but the naturally aspirated engine has some advantages that turbo and compressor engines cannot. Although turbochargers made their debut in the 1980s, some of their significant drawbacks led to the continuation of suction systems. Some automakers like Lamborghini didn’t even give turbochargers a chance.
Simple, predictable and reliable: characteristics of naturally aspirated engines
About Audi
The very first and most obvious advantage of a naturally aspirated engine over a forced aspirated engine is its simplicity. Fewer engine parts mean fewer things go wrong and need to be fixed. In addition, the maintenance of a turbocharger is far more complex than that of a naturally aspirated engine.
Turbochargers require oil lines, more vacuum hoses and take up more space. Failure to maintain a turbo engine can lead to a disaster in the car’s performance and a massive repair bill.
Compressors are even more complex, and because they are belt-driven, they place a heavy load on the engine. A defective compressor can cost you a fortune.
The simplicity of a suction motor makes it more reliable and easier to maintain.
Another benefit of naturally aspirated engines is their predictability when it comes to acceleration. Since a turbocharger relies on the exhaust to rotate, it doesn’t introduce a lot of air into the system at low speeds, resulting in what is known as the. leads Turbo lag.
Turbo lag makes acceleration unpredictable and, in some cases, dangerous levels. The turbo lag in the Porsche 930 was so severe that many human lives were in danger: The fans therefore called the Porsche 930 the widow maker.
Better direct throttle response with naturally aspirated engines leads to a more responsive driving experience; this increases the fun and makes driving safer.
Our favorite naturally aspirated supercar
Via Lamborghini
The first supercar that comes to mind is the legendary Lamborghini Miura, which defines an era. Although it wasn’t the first high-performance supercar with a naturally aspirated engine, it revolutionized the industry.
The Miura was launched in 1966 and was the first car with a mid-engined layout. The mid-engine platform was so successful that it became an important source of inspiration for other supercars to come. In addition, the Miura was the fastest road car of its time, with a top speed of 180 mph.
Another fan favorite in the suction league is America’s (second) iconic supercar, the Dodge Viper. Equipped with a massive 8.4 liter V10, the Dodge Viper ACR offers 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. The unique thing about the Viper is how ruthless and powerful it can be on the track, making every kilometer exciting.
Last but not least, the Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta catches our eye among the most powerful naturally aspirated super sports cars of all time. With a 7.3 liter V12 engine under the hood, the Zonda HP Barchetta delivers up to 789 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. As for horsepower, the only car that can compete with it is the Ferrari 812 Superfast.
About Aston Martin
Many other cars in this segment deserve our attention. The infamous Aston Martin One-77, iconic McLaren F1 LM and Ferrari Enzo are just a few other great naturally aspirated supercars in history.
Naturally aspirated engines are taking their last breath, and soon more advanced engine layouts will replace them entirely. For all the greatness they have shown in the automotive world, however, naturally aspirated supercars will forever be examples of the best of engineering.
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About the author
Hamed Paydarfar
(142 published articles)
Hamed is a literature student, writer, musician and car enthusiast. His favorite subjects he writes about are cars, technology and games. When he’s not writing, he’s either playing music or listening to it.
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