The V-12 engine, once a staple in high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles, is becoming an endangered species. Where dozens of cars once proudly housed this configuration, only 11 vehicles now feature a V-12.
The decline stems from advancements in turbocharging, hybrid technology, and downsizing, making smaller engines more efficient and equally powerful. Despite these changes, manufacturers like Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Rolls-Royce continue to keep the V-12 dream alive.
However, owning a V-12-powered car comes at a cost, with even the least expensive models commanding prices above $200,000, while the most exclusive ones exceed $1 million.
1. Aston Martin Vanquish: The Powerhouse Grand Tourer
Aston Martin’s Vanquish is a striking grand tourer that differentiates itself from the brand’s other models with a powerful twin-turbo 5.2-liter V-12 engine. Producing 820 horsepower and 783 pound-feet of torque, it delivers incredible straight-line speed and a thrilling driving experience.
Priced at $429,000, the Vanquish is among the most potent vehicles in its class. Despite the presence of turbochargers, the engine produces an exhilarating sound that enhances the driving experience.
Aston Martin remains committed to keeping V-12 engines alive, and the Vanquish exemplifies its dedication to both luxury and performance.
2. Ferrari 12Cilindri: A Tribute to Tradition
Ferrari pays homage to the V-12 with the 12Cilindri, a grand tourer that derives its name from its defining feature. Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 engine, producing 819 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
The 12Cilindri’s redline soars to an impressive 9,500 rpm, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience. Priced at $467,000, it combines modern performance with a retro-inspired design reminiscent of the iconic 365 GTB/4 Daytona.
While Ferrari offers more expensive models, few can match the auditory delight and nostalgia that the 12Cilindri provides.
3. Ferrari Purosangue: The Ultimate SUV Experience
The Purosangue is Ferrari’s first SUV, yet it maintains the brand’s performance heritage with a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12. Delivering 715 horsepower and a unique blend of SUV practicality with sports car performance, it is priced at $398,350.
Unlike traditional SUVs, the Purosangue drives more like a high-performance sedan, thanks to its rear-mounted seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and advanced suspension system.
The only downside is the complicated infotainment system, but for those seeking a luxurious and powerful SUV, the Purosangue stands out as a remarkable option.
4. Gordon Murray Automotive T.33: The Manual Purist’s Dream
Gordon Murray Automotive’s T.33 is a driver-focused masterpiece, featuring a naturally aspirated 3.9-liter V-12 that produces 607 horsepower. With a redline of 11,100 rpm and a six-speed manual transmission, it caters to purists who appreciate engaging driving experiences.
Originally, a dual-clutch transmission was considered, but customer preference led to its removal. Priced at an estimated $1.8 million, the T.33 is GMA’s most affordable model but remains exclusive. Its lightweight design and high-revving engine make it one of the most exhilarating V-12-powered vehicles on the market today.
5. Gordon Murray Automotive T.50: The McLaren F1’s Spiritual Successor
The GMA T.50 is a spiritual successor to the legendary McLaren F1, designed by Gordon Murray himself. Featuring a 3.9-liter Cosworth-built V-12, the engine generates 725 horsepower and revs to an astonishing 12,100 rpm.
The T.50 employs a six-speed manual transmission and a driver-centric three-seat layout, with the driver positioned in the center.
With only 100 units planned for production and a price tag of approximately $3 million, the T.50 is one of the rarest and most exclusive vehicles on this list. It redefines lightweight performance and pure driving enjoyment.
Also Read: 10 Cars With the Most Reliable Manual Transmissions Ever Built
6. Lamborghini Revuelto: A Hybrid Powerhouse
Lamborghini’s latest flagship, the Revuelto, embraces hybridization while maintaining the V-12 legacy. A naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 pairs with three electric motors to generate a combined 1,001 horsepower.
Despite being a hybrid, the Revuelto stays true to Lamborghini’s ethos with a screaming 9,500-rpm redline and blistering acceleration. Priced at $608,358, it represents a technological leap forward while keeping the V-12 relevant in an era of electrification.
The fusion of electrification and naturally aspirated power ensures that Lamborghini’s flagship remains an icon in the supercar world.
7. Mercedes-Maybach S680: The Pinnacle of Luxury
The Mercedes-Maybach S680 is a testament to how V-12 engines can provide both power and supreme refinement. Featuring a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 producing 621 horsepower, this $235,450 luxury sedan offers effortless acceleration and unparalleled smoothness.
While the lesser V-8-powered Maybachs deliver similar comfort, the S680’s V-12 provides an unmatched level of prestige. It ensures a whisper-quiet ride while maintaining the effortless thrust that only a twelve-cylinder engine can deliver. For those who prioritize comfort and exclusivity, the S680 is an excellent choice.
8. Pagani Utopia: A Work of Art on Wheels
Pagani’s Utopia continues the brand’s tradition of using Mercedes-AMG-sourced V-12 engines. The twin-turbo 6.0-liter powerplant produces 852 horsepower and is paired with either a manual or automated manual transmission.
Priced at an estimated $2.5 million, the Utopia emphasizes both performance and artistic design. Though its redline is lower than some rivals at 6,700 rpm, the Pagani Utopia still provides an exhilarating soundtrack and breathtaking speed. It showcases Pagani’s dedication to combining engineering brilliance with handcrafted artistry.
9. Rolls-Royce Cullinan: The Ultimate Luxury SUV
Rolls-Royce continues to embrace the V-12 with the Cullinan, a luxurious SUV featuring a twin-turbo 6.7-liter engine that produces up to 592 horsepower in its Black Badge variant. Unlike performance-focused SUVs, the Cullinan prioritizes comfort, delivering a near-silent ride.
Priced at $391,750, it stands apart from competitors by offering an unmatched level of opulence. While Bentley has moved toward hybridization, Rolls-Royce remains dedicated to twelve-cylinder engines, ensuring that luxury is delivered with effortless power and smoothness.
10. Rolls-Royce Ghost: The Entry-Level Luxury Yacht
Despite being Rolls-Royce’s “entry-level” model, the Ghost remains a pinnacle of luxury. Powered by the same twin-turbo 6.7-liter V-12 as the Cullinan, it produces 563 horsepower or 592 horsepower in the Black Badge variant.
Priced at $354,750, the Ghost blends luxury with respectable performance, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds. Its all-wheel steering system and adaptive suspension provide an effortless driving experience, making it the perfect blend of performance and comfort for those seeking a refined V-12-powered sedan.
11. Rolls-Royce Phantom: The Definition of Luxury
The Phantom is Rolls-Royce’s ultimate luxury flagship, powered by the same 6.7-liter twin-turbo V-12 as its siblings, producing 563 horsepower. With a starting price of $505,750, the Phantom prioritizes quietness and ride comfort above all else.
Extensive soundproofing ensures that passengers experience near-total silence, while the handcrafted interior offers unparalleled opulence. The Phantom embodies automotive perfection, ensuring that the V-12 remains a symbol of effortless power and refinement in the highest echelon of luxury automobiles.
The V-12 engine is becoming increasingly rare, but it remains a symbol of performance, prestige, and luxury. While advancements in hybridization and turbocharging have made smaller engines more viable, brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce continue to champion the V-12.
Whether in a high-performance supercar or a stately luxury sedan, the V-12 provides a unique driving experience that cannot be replicated. Although the future may favor electrification, the V-12 remains an icon of engineering excellence, cherished by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Also Read: 10 Cars That Became Instant Classics After Production Ended and Redefined Automotive History
