MINUTES AGO! It’s Over! What Happens When Ric Makes His Move Before It’s Too Late for Sonny!
10 Production Cars Powered by Race Track Engines
Alfa Romeo Montreal: A V8 with Proven Track Pedigree
The Alfa Romeo Montreal, produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, features a rare 2.6-liter Tipo 33 naturally aspirated V8 engine that traces its heritage directly to the iconic Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 sports prototype race car. This formidable machine was a fierce competitor in grueling endurance events such as the Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Daytona. While the engine in the Montreal was meticulously re-tuned for road use, it remarkably preserved its motorsport character, revving freely to an impressive 7,000 RPM and delivering a spirited 200 horsepower. The intoxicating symphony of its V8, combined with its strikingly avant-garde styling, cemented the Montreal’s status as one of the most captivating, albeit frequently overlooked, Alfa Romeo creations. This Italian performance car exemplifies the charm of vintage racing-derived engines, offering enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the engineering prowess that defined a golden era of motorsport and automotive design.
BMW M1, M3 (E30), M5 (E28), M6 (E24): The M Division’s Motorsport Foundation
BMW’s profound motorsport lineage is indelibly etched into the DNA of its most iconic models. The legendary BMW M1, a mid-engine marvel produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was propelled by the potent 3.5-liter M88 inline-six engine. This powerplant was a direct descendant of the brand’s highly successful racing programs, most notably finding its application in the BMW M1 ProCar series. Remarkably, this same formidable engine later found its way into the E24 M6 and the E28 M5, bestowing them with exceptional performance credentials.
Concurrently, the four-cylinder S14 engine powering the E30 M3, produced between 1986 and 1991, was also deeply rooted in the M88 and the turbocharged M12 Formula 1 engines. This engine drew significant inspiration from BMW’s dominance in touring car racing, sharing critical components and engineering principles with the cars that consistently conquered the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. These BMW performance cars are testaments to the brand’s racing heritage, each model representing a significant milestone in the evolution of high-performance automobiles. The M Division’s commitment to bridging the gap between the racetrack and the road remains a defining characteristic of the BMW brand, setting the standard for what modern sports cars should be.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (1969): A Can-Am Monster Unleashed
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a different breed entirely, equipped with a colossal 427 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8 engine originally conceived for the demanding world of Can-Am (Canadian-American Challenge Cup) racing. Featuring an all-aluminum construction, this engine was remarkably lightweight for its imposing displacement, delivering a mind-boggling amount of power. While officially rated at 430 horsepower for its road-going iteration, its true output was closer to a staggering 500 hp.
The ZL1 package transformed the already potent Camaro into a street-legal drag strip annihilator. Its formidable engine also found its way into numerous race cars competing in the SCCA Trans-Am series. With a production run of a mere 69 units, the Camaro ZL1 stands today as an exceptionally rare and highly coveted automotive artifact, representing the pinnacle of American muscle cars with racing roots. Its raw power and limited availability make it one of the most iconic and sought-after vehicles in the history of automotive engineering, a true testament to the era when manufacturers pushed the boundaries of performance without compromise. This iconic American muscle car continues to captivate enthusiasts with its potent blend of brute force and engineering sophistication, marking a significant moment in the history of both motorsport and automotive innovation.
Ferrari Dino 206 GT: A Gracious Nod to Formula 2 Prowess
The elegant Ferrari Dino 206 GT, produced between 1967 and 1968, though often considered a marque apart, harbored a sophisticated 2.0-liter Dino naturally aspirated V6 engine. This powerplant was meticulously developed for Ferrari’s Formula 2 racing endeavors during the 1960s. While carefully calibrated for road use, the engine retained its characteristic high-revving nature, imbuing the Dino with a palpable racing spirit that made it an absolute delight to navigate on winding country roads.
Producing a respectable 180 horsepower, this output was more than adequate for a car weighing just over 2,000 pounds. The Dino represented a rare instance of a Ferrari-branded vehicle not bearing the iconic Prancing Horse emblem on its exterior and marked the esteemed Italian marque’s pioneering foray into mid-engine V6 sports cars, setting a vital precedent for future models. This Italian sports car showcases a unique chapter in Ferrari’s history, bridging the gap between racing ambition and production reality. The Dino’s elegant design, combined with its high-performance engine, cemented its place as one of the most captivating and aesthetically pleasing sports cars of its era, a true testament to Ferrari’s commitment to engineering excellence.
Ferrari F50: Formula 1 Unleashed on the Road
The Ferrari F50, conceived to commemorate the Italian marque’s golden jubilee in 1995, propels the concept of a track-derived engine to an entirely new stratospheric level. Its heart is a breathtaking 4.7-liter Tipo F130B naturally aspirated V12 engine, a direct transplant from Ferrari’s 1990 Formula 1 car, the legendary Tipo 641 (later designated the F1-90), piloted by the incomparable Alain Prost.
This naturally aspirated masterpiece screams to an exhilarating 8,500 RPM, unleashing a formidable 513 horsepower. This remarkable power output enabled the F50 to achieve a blistering 0-to-60 mph sprint in an astonishing 3.7 seconds. With minimal modifications to meet stringent road regulations, the F50 stood as the closest a street-legal Ferrari could get to experiencing Formula 1 during its era. This supercar with an F1 engine is a rare and coveted machine, representing the pinnacle of engineering innovation and performance. Its raw power, captivating engine note, and direct lineage to Formula 1 competition make it one of the most desirable and collectible Ferraris ever produced. The F50 remains a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of performance and its unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between the racetrack and the road.
Ford GT (2005 & 2017): A Modern Homage to Endurance Racing Glory
The Ford GT stands as a magnificent tribute to one of the most revered race cars in automotive history: the legendary, Le Mans-winning Ford GT40. The 2005 iteration of the GT is powered by a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine whose origins are deeply embedded in the development of Ford’s endurance racing powerplants, sharing kinship with the engines utilized in Ford’s Daytona Prototype race cars. This engine delivers a staggering 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, enabling the GT to achieve a blistering 0-to-60 mph sprint in just 3.8 seconds.
In parallel, the contemporary 2017 Ford GT boasts performance directly inspired by motorsport, driven by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine derived from Ford’s highly successful EcoBoost program, extensively tested and proven in endurance racing. This revolutionary powerplant delivers a staggering 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, enabling the GT to achieve a mind-bending 0-to-60 mph sprint in a mere 2.8 seconds. These Ford performance cars continue the legacy of racing excellence, each model representing a significant milestone in the evolution of high-performance automobiles. They embody Ford’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its deep-rooted connection to the world of motorsport, providing enthusiasts with a tangible taste of racing pedigree.
Jaguar XJ220: The Supercar Born from Group C Dominance
Emerging as one of the most iconic creations of the esteemed British marque, the Jaguar XJ220 was initially envisioned with a V12 engine. However, fate intervened, and it was ultimately equipped with a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powerplant was directly sourced from the formidable Jaguar XJR-11 Group C race car, a machine synonymous with track dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
This competition-derived engine empowered the XJ220 to achieve a breathtaking top speed of 217 mph, briefly holding the title of the fastest production car in the world. The XJ220’s motor represented one of the most technologically advanced and race-proven engines to ever grace a road-legal automobile, offering a true exotic car with a racing engine. Producing 542 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, this powerplant was a marvel of engineering, incorporating cutting-edge turbocharging technology and advanced materials
10 Production Cars Powered by Race Track Engines
Alfa Romeo Montreal: A V8 with Proven Track Pedigree
The Alfa Romeo Montreal, produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, features a rare 2.6-liter Tipo 33 naturally aspirated V8 engine that traces its heritage directly to the iconic Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 sports prototype race car. This formidable machine was a fierce competitor in grueling endurance events such as the Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Daytona. While the engine in the Montreal was meticulously re-tuned for road use, it remarkably preserved its motorsport character, revving freely to an impressive 7,000 RPM and delivering a spirited 200 horsepower. The intoxicating symphony of its V8, combined with its strikingly avant-garde styling, cemented the Montreal’s status as one of the most captivating, albeit frequently overlooked, Alfa Romeo creations. This Italian performance car exemplifies the charm of vintage racing-derived engines, offering enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the engineering prowess that defined a golden era of motorsport and automotive design.
BMW M1, M3 (E30), M5 (E28), M6 (E24): The M Division’s Motorsport Foundation
BMW’s profound motorsport lineage is indelibly etched into the DNA of its most iconic models. The legendary BMW M1, a mid-engine marvel produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was propelled by the potent 3.5-liter M88 inline-six engine. This powerplant was a direct descendant of the brand’s highly successful racing programs, most notably finding its application in the BMW M1 ProCar series. Remarkably, this same formidable engine later found its way into the E24 M6 and the E28 M5, bestowing them with exceptional performance credentials.
Concurrently, the four-cylinder S14 engine powering the E30 M3, produced between 1986 and 1991, was also deeply rooted in the M88 and the turbocharged M12 Formula 1 engines. This engine drew significant inspiration from BMW’s dominance in touring car racing, sharing critical components and engineering principles with the cars that consistently conquered the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. These BMW performance cars are testaments to the brand’s racing heritage, each model representing a significant milestone in the evolution of high-performance automobiles. The M Division’s commitment to bridging the gap between the racetrack and the road remains a defining characteristic of the BMW brand, setting the standard for what modern sports cars should be.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (1969): A Can-Am Monster Unleashed
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a different breed entirely, equipped with a colossal 427 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8 engine originally conceived for the demanding world of Can-Am (Canadian-American Challenge Cup) racing. Featuring an all-aluminum construction, this engine was remarkably lightweight for its imposing displacement, delivering a mind-boggling amount of power. While officially rated at 430 horsepower for its road-going iteration, its true output was closer to a staggering 500 hp.
The ZL1 package transformed the already potent Camaro into a street-legal drag strip annihilator. Its formidable engine also found its way into numerous race cars competing in the SCCA Trans-Am series. With a production run of a mere 69 units, the Camaro ZL1 stands today as an exceptionally rare and highly coveted automotive artifact, representing the pinnacle of American muscle cars with racing roots. Its raw power and limited availability make it one of the most iconic and sought-after vehicles in the history of automotive engineering, a true testament to the era when manufacturers pushed the boundaries of performance without compromise. This iconic American muscle car continues to captivate enthusiasts with its potent blend of brute force and engineering sophistication, marking a significant moment in the history of both motorsport and automotive innovation.
Ferrari Dino 206 GT: A Gracious Nod to Formula 2 Prowess
The elegant Ferrari Dino 206 GT, produced between 1967 and 1968, though often considered a marque apart, harbored a sophisticated 2.0-liter Dino naturally aspirated V6 engine. This powerplant was meticulously developed for Ferrari’s Formula 2 racing endeavors during the 1960s. While carefully calibrated for road use, the engine retained its characteristic high-revving nature, imbuing the Dino with a palpable racing spirit that made it an absolute delight to navigate on winding country roads.
Producing a respectable 180 horsepower, this output was more than adequate for a car weighing just over 2,000 pounds. The Dino represented a rare instance of a Ferrari-branded vehicle not bearing the iconic Prancing Horse emblem on its exterior and marked the esteemed Italian marque’s pioneering foray into mid-engine V6 sports cars, setting a vital precedent for future models. This Italian sports car showcases a unique chapter in Ferrari’s history, bridging the gap between racing ambition and production reality. The Dino’s elegant design, combined with its high-performance engine, cemented its place as one of the most captivating and aesthetically pleasing sports cars of its era, a true testament to Ferrari’s commitment to engineering excellence.
Ferrari F50: Formula 1 Unleashed on the Road
The Ferrari F50, conceived to commemorate the Italian marque’s golden jubilee in 1995, propels the concept of a track-derived engine to an entirely new stratospheric level. Its heart is a breathtaking 4.7-liter Tipo F130B naturally aspirated V12 engine, a direct transplant from Ferrari’s 1990 Formula 1 car, the legendary Tipo 641 (later designated the F1-90), piloted by the incomparable Alain Prost.
This naturally aspirated masterpiece screams to an exhilarating 8,500 RPM, unleashing a formidable 513 horsepower. This remarkable power output enabled the F50 to achieve a blistering 0-to-60 mph sprint in an astonishing 3.7 seconds. With minimal modifications to meet stringent road regulations, the F50 stood as the closest a street-legal Ferrari could get to experiencing Formula 1 during its era. This supercar with an F1 engine is a rare and coveted machine, representing the pinnacle of engineering innovation and performance. Its raw power, captivating engine note, and direct lineage to Formula 1 competition make it one of the most desirable and collectible Ferraris ever produced. The F50 remains a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of performance and its unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between the racetrack and the road.
Ford GT (2005 & 2017): A Modern Homage to Endurance Racing Glory
The Ford GT stands as a magnificent tribute to one of the most revered race cars in automotive history: the legendary, Le Mans-winning Ford GT40. The 2005 iteration of the GT is powered by a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine whose origins are deeply embedded in the development of Ford’s endurance racing powerplants, sharing kinship with the engines utilized in Ford’s Daytona Prototype race cars. This engine delivers a staggering 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, enabling the GT to achieve a blistering 0-to-60 mph sprint in just 3.8 seconds.
In parallel, the contemporary 2017 Ford GT boasts performance directly inspired by motorsport, driven by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine derived from Ford’s highly successful EcoBoost program, extensively tested and proven in endurance racing. This revolutionary powerplant delivers a staggering 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, enabling the GT to achieve a mind-bending 0-to-60 mph sprint in a mere 2.8 seconds. These Ford performance cars continue the legacy of racing excellence, each model representing a significant milestone in the evolution of high-performance automobiles. They embody Ford’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its deep-rooted connection to the world of motorsport, providing enthusiasts with a tangible taste of racing pedigree.
Jaguar XJ220: The Supercar Born from Group C Dominance
Emerging as one of the most iconic creations of the esteemed British marque, the Jaguar XJ220 was initially envisioned with a V12 engine. However, fate intervened, and it was ultimately equipped with a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powerplant was directly sourced from the formidable Jaguar XJR-11 Group C race car, a machine synonymous with track dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
This competition-derived engine empowered the XJ220 to achieve a breathtaking top speed of 217 mph, briefly holding the title of the fastest production car in the world. The XJ220’s motor represented one of the most technologically advanced and race-proven engines to ever grace a road-legal automobile, offering a true exotic car with a racing engine. Producing 542 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, this powerplant was a marvel of engineering, incorporating cutting-edge turbocharging technology and advanced materials