BMW M5 Touring (E61)
330kph: that’s the top speed of this almost two-decade-old wagon. It comes courtesy of a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V10, that packs 507hp. It then sends that to the rear of those Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. It’s also available with neat features too, such as a panoramic roof, abd heated memory foam seats. For best results, go for the stunning Interlagos Blue exterior finish. What a thing.
Dodge Viper (SR I)
Why buy a car with no roof, no traction control or ABS, and windows that have to be clipped in? Because it’s a first-gen Dodge Viper, one of the most gleefully lunatic cars ever made in America. Its V10 churns out a relatively modest 400hp and 630Nm considering it’s an 8.0-liter, but who cares. Strap in, and hold on tight.
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Audi R8 V10 RWS
Want your R8 with a V10 and rear-wheel drive? Voila. Audi built just 999 examples of the ‘RWS’, making it one of the rarest models ever made. Performance? Plenty. 533hp, 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 319kph. More importantly, it’s a terrifically good car to drive.
Volkswagen Touareg R50
Yep, you can have your 10 cylinders packed into an SUV. Specifically, the Volkswagen Touareg R50. It boasts 344hp and 850Nm to haul you, your family and your pooch to 100kph in 6.9 seconds. It also rides on air suspension, and includes dual-zone climate control, rear passenger entertainment and grey leather upholstery.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni
Much the same philosophy as the earlier R8, the one-of-250 Gallardo ‘Balboni’ - named after Lambo's test-driver Valentino - ditches the 4WD system to ramp up the intensity. The V10 here gets 542hp to allow for a 0-100kph run in 3.9 seconds before levelling out at just under 320kph. Plus, it’s got a gold stripe. Everybody loves a gold stripe.
Bonus: Lexus LFA and Porsche Carrera GT
Unquestionably the two greatest V10-engined cars ever made - and it’s unlikely that’ll ever change. ’Nuff said.
NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
