Mechanics and mechanic students know that getting air into the engine is a key part of making it rev. A naturally aspirated (or n/a) engine can breathe on its own, without any external help from the kinds of power adders or engine compressors used by turbo or supercharger engine systems. N/a engines have straightforward and reliable airflow paths, giving them what Paul Horrell of Top Gear calls “a hard-edged bite” when fired up.
If this year’s luxury lineup tells us anything, it’s that n/a engines are a current industry favourite. Here’s our round-up of the 3 most powerful naturally aspirated cars auto mechanic students should look out for:
1. Lamborghini Huracan: New Lambos for Car Repair Training Grads to Love
Lamborghini has resisted using turbochargers for years now, priding itself on offering a wide range of naturally-aspired engine options. One of its latest and greatest is the 5.2L V-10 n/a engine revving up the brand’s new Lamborghini Huracan.
The Huracan can achieve 448.9kW and 413 lb-ft of torque, taking it from 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. It even maxes out at a top speed of just over 325 km/h. As grads of auto repair programs will know, this power is all due to the Lambo’s optimized and upgraded powerplant, borrowed from the brand’s bygone Gallardo series.
2. Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Impressive Aesthetics + New N/A Engine Options
These days Porsche is bolting turbochargers to most of its new models, but they’ve kept the GT3 RS breathing free from forced induction. That makes its high-revving nature all the more impressive. It can go from 0-100 in just 3.3 seconds.
If a Porsche GT3 RS ever finds its way into your future auto body repair shop after you complete your auto mechanic apprenticeship, you’ll find a 4.0L, flat-six n/a engine under its hood. All through natural aspiration, this mighty Porsche pushes out 372.8kW and 338 lb-ft of torque along with an impressive 8,800 rpm. This couples with the auto body’s exposed carbon fibre, racing-style seats, and Alcantara trim to give the car a real motorsport feel.
3. Porsche 918 Spyder: Advanced Engines Explained with Car Repair Training
As a new hybridized hypercar, the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder boasts an electric motor along with one of the most powerful n/a engines ever developed. Its 4.6-liter V-8 n/a can launch the Spyder into 453kW (and is capable of reaching up to 661.4kW when combined with the electric motor).
It takes 8 seconds for the n/a engine to jolt to life on its own, but its power in combination with Porsche’s electric motor just can’t be ignored. Industry insiders say this kind of combination technology could be the future of auto mechanics.
Are you interested in pursuing car repair training? Visit ATC to learn more about getting started.
