A car equipped with an American V8 engine looks like this
V8s may be harder to find these days, but there are still some available from American brands.
- V12 engines are now only available in high-end exotic cars.
Nothing compares to the sound and feel of a big 12-cylinder engine. It used to be sold by many car manufacturers, but these days it is rarely used. They are not a viable powertrain option for the majority of vehicles due to the carbon emissions they produce and the high costs of manufacturing and repair.
If you’re concerned about fuel efficiency, these cars aren’t for you. It is well known for the amount of power it can generate and the unique sound it makes when accelerating.
There are less than a dozen left, and only exotic cars are still in use. So what V12 engines can you still buy new for the 2026 model year?
aston martin vanquish
A few years ago, Aston Martin had plans for an electric car. They ultimately decided to cancel and build more V12 engines. Their new and improved Vanquish keeps one of their most famous vehicles alive and retains the engine they’ve been known for over the years.
ferrari 12 chilindri
12Cilindri means “12 cylinders” in English. This is the latest addition to the front-engine V12 line produced by Ferrari. The 12Cilindri is the only V12 two-door coupe offered by the brand, as the brand’s latest hypercar, the F80, uses a twin-turbo V6.
ferrari purosange
Ferrari has yet another V12 in its lineup, and it’s in an SUV. The company approached the development of an SUV like other exotic car manufacturers. Ferrari prefers to call this big four-door car a “full-fledged four-door sports vehicle” or FUV (Ferrari Utility Vehicle), but it’s still an SUV.
lamborghini revelto
Lamborghini is well known for making the loudest cars possible. The alien-inspired design language, scissor doors, and roaring V12 engines have been the company’s bread and butter for decades. After the Aventador ended production, Revuelto took the V12 engine to the next level and added a hybrid system for a total of 1,001 horsepower.
Mercedes-Maybach S680
Mercedes recently announced that the Maybach S680 will be powered by a V12 engine. As the brand’s most luxurious car, it makes sense to keep a different engine than the rest of the lineup. This car has an MSRP of $244,400, making it the cheapest car on this list.
rolls royce cullinan
Most V12 engines are known for their loud, screaming exhaust sounds. The Rolls-Royce V12 makes almost no noise. Huge amounts of additional power are added to push these heavy land yachts along the road in maximum comfort.
rolls royce ghost
This is an entry-level Rolls-Royce that starts at $357,750. While it doesn’t have the status of a Phantom or the size of a Cullinan, it’s still one of the most luxurious cars money can buy.
rolls royce phantom
Rolls-Royce’s flagship and the king of luxury cars, the Phantom, still exists. Since its inception in 1925, new versions are still being made, so being the oldest car on the market is kind of a big deal.
Kenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at kthompson@freepress.com. Follow him on Instagram @keenanaautos. To sign up automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
