My Top 10 V10-powered Road Cars

The V10 engine dies tonight as Lamborghini is set to unveil the replacement of the Huracan powered by its newly developed V8 Twin Turbo engine. As the motoring world mourns the death of the ten-cylinder powerhouse, here comes my list of Top 10 V10-powered road cars.

2024 Lamborghini Huracan STJ

10) Dodge Ram SRT-10 - The Dodge Ram SRT10 was launched in 2004. It's the only pickup truck ever to be powered by a V10 engine. The engine is from the Viper SRT10 and has 510 horsepower. The transmission is either a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The Ram SRT10 came in a two-door regular cab or a four-door quad cab.

9) BMW M5 E60 - The E60 BMW M5 is the only BMW in history to be powered by a V10 engine. Specifically, it's powered by a 5.0L V10 naturally aspirated engine that produces 507PS of power and 520Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed SMG, it does 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph or 305kph with the optional extra. It is offered in saloon and Touring wagon.

8) Dodge Viper (SR) - The Dodge Viper was first conceived as a concept car in 1989. It was intended to be a modern interpretation of the legendary Shelby Cobra. The first-generation Viper was introduced in 1991 as the RT/10 roadster and was later joined by the hardtop GTS variant. The Viper was the first road car to be powered by a V10 engine.

7) Dodge Viper SRT-10 (ZB) - The ZB-spec Dodge Viper is the second coming for America's only V10-powered powerhouse with styling inspired by the GTS-R Concept. Under the insanity of Chrysler's SRT team, the V10 engine's size was increased to 8.3L which resulted in 500HP of power output. Until its 2010 ending, the ZB-spec Viper underwent numerous changes with the ACR the King of Vipers.

6) Audi R8 (1st Gen) - Unveiled in 2007, the R8 is Audi's first exotic sports car that was named after a winning Le Mans Prototype, inspired by the Le Mans Quattro concept car, and it shares most of the Lamborghini components. The 4.2L V8 engine is the only engine offered at launch but in 2009, the Audi R8 V10 came into view. Powered by the same 5.2L V10 engine from the Gallardo, it produces 525hp of power. When the first-generation R8 got facelifted, it gained the V10 plus variant which features a new S tronic double-clutch transmission as well as the updated version of the 5.2 V10 engine generating 550HP of power output.

5) Lamborghini Gallardo - Unveiled in 2003, the Gallardo served as the little brother of the Murcielago and it's the first Lamborghini road car to be powered by a V10 engine. In 2008, the Gallardo received a big minor change known as the LP560-4. With Reventon-inspired styling, the V10 engine's size has been increased from the former's 5.0L to 5.2L, producing the titular 560PS of power through all four wheels. The Gallardo was replaced by the Huracan in 2014.

4) Dodge SRT Viper (VX) - Unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the SRT Viper GTS comes with the same 8.4L V10 OHV engine from the previous Dodge Viper SRT-10 but now it churns out 640HP of power and 600lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with a shorter throw shifter, close gear ratio, and shorter final drive ratio of 3.07. With a triple-digit weight loss, the power-to-weight ratio is better than the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and the Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1. Production ended after the 2017 model year and Dodge offered customers a 1-of-1 customization program that allows them to create a bespoke Viper for themselves. 

3) Audi R8 (2nd Gen) - Premiered at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Audi R8 features a new Audi SpaceFrame, a new interior (including the Audi Virtual Cockpit), a new exterior, and so on. Because it features components from the Lamborghini Huracan, the new R8 features an updated 5.2L V10 engine with two power outputs; 540PS for the base model and 610PS for the range-topping V10 plus model. In the V10 plus model, equipped with the S tronic double-clutch transmission, 0-100kph takes about 3.2 seconds and onwards to 330kph. The second-generation Audi R8 was facelifted for the 2020 Model Year featuring a revised design and improved performance. Production of the R8 ended in the first half of 2024.

2) Lamborghini Huracan - Launched in 2014, the Lamborghini Huracan is the successor of the Lamborghini Gallardo which was named after a Mayan god. It was powered by a 5.2L V10 engine developing 602HP of power and when mated to a double-clutch gearbox derived from the Audi R8 as well as its 4WD system, it has a top speed of 202mph. The Lamborghini Huracan has gone through numerous updates over its near-decade lifespan and the STJ is in its final form with only 10 built and sold. This is the last-ever V10-powered road car in history.

1) Lexus LFA - The Lexus LFA was the pinnacle of Lexus' pursuit of perfection when it made a world premiere at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and then went into production a year later. With 500 units built from its two-year lifespan, the LFA comes with Japan's first-ever V10 engine producing 552HP of power and 354lb-ft of torque. Even though production ended in 2012, the LFA is a legendary JDM supercar in its own right.

The V10 engine is an automotive icon. Its monstrous roar made it famous and will go down in history as one of the greatest engines of all time. From the Dodge Viper to the Lamborghini Huracan, the V10 powered some of the most iconic cars of our time.

Today is a sad day for automotive enthusiasts, as the V10 engine is being laid to rest. It joins other automotive dinosaurs, like pop-up headlights, in the automotive graveyard. The saying goes that nothing lives forever, and that includes the mighty V10 engine.

GOODBYE FOREVER, V10 ENGINE. You made us proud and loud.

Let's Do The News! (August 16, 2024)

    

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The PBBM administration declared August 23, 2024, as a special non-working holiday in observance of Ninoy Aquino Day.

- Sweden records its first case of a more contagious mpox disease outside Africa. Mpox is declared a health emergency in Africa.

- 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, became the youngest-ever Thai prime minister after a vote in parliament.

- The debate between Donald Trump's running mate, JD Vance, and Kamala Harris' Tim Walz, will commence this October 1st in New York.

- A 15-year-old boy became the first to be charged with a more serious offense of rioting during the recent UK unrest.

- Typhoon Ampil barrels towards Tokyo. The very strong typhoon was located about 100 km east of Hachijojima at 5:00 on the 16th and was moving north at a speed of about 20 km per hour. The central pressure was 950 hectopascals, the maximum wind speed near the center was 45 meters, and the maximum instantaneous wind speed was 100 km.

- The FTC bans fake product reviews.

- Acura unveiled two concept cars at Pebble Beach Concours such as the Performance EV Concept and the Integra Type S HRC Prototype.

Acura Performance EV Concept

Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype

- The fifth-generation Lincoln Navigator was unveiled.

2025 Lincoln Navigator

- ICYMI: The third-generation GMC Terrain was unveiled.

2025 GMC Terrain

- The all-new BMW M5 Touring was unveiled. Like the saloon, the estate version is powered by a 4.4L V8 PHEV powertrain, it produces 727PS of power and 1000Nm of torque, capable of a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 305kph with the optional extra.

2025 BMW M5 Touring

- The K-pop girl group Weki Meki has officially disbanded as five members left Fantagio.

- TXT member Yeonjun apologizes for posting photos from his Japan trip during South Korea's National Liberation Day.

- Notre Dame suspends its men's swim team over gambling violations.

- Five suspects are charged over Matthew Perry's death last year, as police say a "broad criminal network" of drug suppliers uncovered.

TTFN.

My FH5 Log: We appreciate your interest in the Focus

 “Unfortunately, Ford will no longer be building the Focus. But you can still contact your local dealer about availability and check out our other vehicles that might be perfect for you and your family.” This is what Ford said when production of the third-generation Focus, the last-ever Ford Focus sold in its home market, ended in 2018. When Ford said goodbye to the Focus after three generations, the world market forgot the memo and decided to have another go with the Focus, except this was overseas only.

This is what's known to be the Mk4 Ford Focus, the one Americans didn't get, and I won this car from Forza Horizon 5's High-Performance Dailies Wet Season Playlist. If we, the American people, still had the Ford Focus here, it would look like this.

The Mk4 Ford Focus runs on a C2 platform, which makes it roomier and stronger than the world-proven Mk3 model. It was launched in 2018 and is offered with a five-door hatchback, the Active, and the estate version. It received a minor change in 2021, and China received the 4-door sedan variant.

This variant featured in the game is the Ford Focus ST, the definitive hot-hatch driving experience. It's powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost engine producing 280PS of power and 420Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed AT that propels this hatchback to a 0-62mph time in 5.7 seconds. The ST Track Pack features KW coilover suspension with springs, Brembo 18" performance brakes, and Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires for track-level control.

The Ford Focus ST Edition is a limited-edition model that includes all of the features of the Focus ST but with some special touches. It has a special Azura Blue exterior paint with black contrast elements, Motion Blue interior stitching, Winter Pack, Driver Assistance Pack, and a B&O sound system. Only 300 of these cars were made and sold.

Let's see how the Ford Focus ST performs against the competition in one of the new sprint races. The results will leave you speechless.

Why are we so meek? We really wish the Ford Focus would remain in the native lineup but sadly, it's too late for that.

If Ford had retained the Focus in its native lineup, it would have become one of the most affordable high-performance daily driver's cars offered. Sadly, it's too late for that. The Mk3 Focus was the final Focus offered for Americans, and the Mk4 Focus turned out to be the true ending. With production ending next year, what's next? Here's your headline...

FORD FOCUS RETIRING. NOW WHAT?

We appreciate your interest in the Focus. Enjoy it while you can.

My FH5 Log: Peak Roadster

The Mazda Roadster, known in the world market as the MX-5 Miata, celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024. Of the four generations offered, the ND is considered to be the peak of the Roadster's development.

The fourth-generation Roadster, the ND, was launched nearly a decade ago and is still strong. The ND retains the same Roadster legacy and is a hundred kilograms lighter than the previous NC model and it is powered by a SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine developing a reasonable 131PS of power and 150Nm of torque while mated with either a Toyota-derived 6-speed automatic or a newly-developed SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed gearbox developed specifically for the new Roadster.

The ND Roadster featured in Forza Horizon 5 is powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine that the Japanese market never had at launch. Looks like the Japanese Forza fans will wistfully listen to its SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine sound via ForzaVista. Isn't it a pity that there's one variant of the Roadster that has the said engine and that's the Roadster RF.

Having won from the Cars & Coffee Dry Season Playlist, the Roadster RF is the only Roadster variant with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine in it. Of course, the world market versions have both the 1.5L and the 2.0L but the Japan version Roadsters had a 1.5L for the soft-top and the 2.0L for the RF. Either way, they're both mated with either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT or a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.

For the 2022MY update, the Roadster ND features Kinematic Posture Control which applies a light braking force on the inner rear wheel during high-G cornering to suppress body roll for optimal steering response feel. The 2.0L SKYACTIV-G, exclusive for the RF, now produces 181hp of power and 205Nm of torque.

With the shortest circuit in Horizon Mexico under my thumb, it's time to see which ND Roadster is the best. Is it the soft top? The RF? Or maybe...

...maybe this? It's the short-lived Abarth 124 Spider. The normal Fiat 124 Spider is based on the same mechanicals as the Mazda Roadster ND but this is the Abarth version. Powered by an Abarth-tuned 1.4L MultiAir engine producing 170PS of power and 250Nm of torque while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It does 0-100kph in 6.8 seconds and onwards to 232kph.

Let's roll the tape...

Here are the results...

MX-5 ND - 1m02.563s

MX-5 RF - 1m01.461s5

Abarth 124 Spider - 1m04.031s

It appears the KPC and the updated SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine worked wonders for the RF. Touche...

The Mazda Roadster is a prime example of a proper sports car. It focuses on dynamics rather than speed and power. While it's not as fast as today's sports cars, its fun-to-drive character can't be beat. Let's hope the Mazda Roadster continues for many years to come.

EPILOGUE

The Mazda Roadster ND and the Abarth 124 Spider may have spawned from the same nest but in the end, it's the OG that stood tall while its Italian counterpart called it quits. I had to admire such a short-term collaboration between the two and with that, it's time for the twin roadsters for their live show but first...

Ever since the Abarth 124 Spider returned to Forza Horizon 5 in last year's Italian Automotive update, I've decided to summon an old friend of ours. Hey look, it's Aine Yuki. You know? She's one of the Pure Palette girls from Aikatsu Friends. Nah, I guess you've nearly forgotten about her...

The ND Roadster, meanwhile, is feeling sweet and perky as it dons the role of Kiratto PriChan's leading lady, Mirai Momoyama. Suits its personality if you catch my drift.

Aine-chan prefers to chill in the EventLab masterpiece called "Tea & Crumpets" while Mirai-chan tries to outsmart the competition in what's known to be a recreation of a racetrack from a CHORO-Q video game. Anyway, let's roll the tapes!

The girls with pink hair have done it again. I'm so proud of them.

The Mazda Roadster ND is the peak of the Roadster's development. The short-lived Abarth 124 Spider is a tribute to the ND. Together, they're becoming one of the all-time greats.

Here's to 35 more years, Mazda Roadster.

Let's Do The News! (August 15, 2024)

   

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Leptospirosis casualties in the past week have reached 43, according to the PH Department of Health.

- In an exclusive DZRH interview, acting Bamban, Tarlac mayor Eraño Timbang says he would like to increase the number of police in their area to ensure peace and order in the town. He also plans to convert former POGO hubs into schools.

- Active policemen and soldiers are exempted from drugs and psych tests for gun permits.

- Ukraine has pushed 1-2km further into Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky claims, as cross-border attack continues.

- A 26-year-old male who kicked a female police officer to the ground during the recent disorder in the UK is jailed for three years.

- Scientists are "shocked" as research shows the Altar Stone at the heart of Stonehenge actually came from far north of Scotland, not Wales as previously thought.

- NASA has given an update on two American astronauts stranded on the International Space Station. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched into space on June 5th for a mission expected to last eight days but they've been in space for over two months. Boeing's Starliner has faced technical issues which have halted their return to Earth.

- Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned months after the pro-Palestinian protests hit the campus. Her resignation comes only a year after she took the position at the private Ivy League university in New York City, and just a few weeks before the fall semester begins. Shafix is the third president of an Ivy League university to resign over her handling of Gaza war protests.

- The McMurty Speirling smashed the Laguna Seca Hillclimb record in 21.95 seconds with touring car legend Max Chilton behind the wheel.

- Toyota says it will correct management flaws and improve its oversight as the management becomes more involved to prevent recurrences in the future.

- Tesla removed the base RWD variant of the Cybertruck while prices went up 25% for other variants. It now starts at 60,990 USD plus additional costs.

- NASCAR ruled that Austin Dillon's win at Richmond Raceway is not eligible for the Cup Series Playoffs. Joey Logano, who Dillon rammed off at the overtime final lap alongside Denny Hamlin, was fined $50K

- South Korea urges carmakers to reveal sources of batteries used in EVs following a series of fires.

- Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees delivered his 300th home run during the team's match with the Chicago White Sox.

- Hollywood legend Gena Rowlands passed away at the age of 94.

TTFN.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: North Korea to open border for foreign tourists in December, tour operators say

 

North Korea will resume international tourism to its northeastern city of Samjiyon in December, and possibly the rest of the country, tour companies said on Wednesday.

The move is a sign that the reclusive country is readying to reopen borders to bigger groups of foreign tourists after years of strict COVID border controls.

"We have received confirmation from our local partner that tourism to Samjiyon and likely the rest of the country will officially resume in December 2024," the Beijing-based Koryo Tours said on its website.

International flights in and out of North Korea resumed last year and a small group of Russian tourists flew to North Korea for a private tour in February. Top foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, have been visiting the country.

But North Korea has not been fully open to international tourists since 2020.

"Having waited for over four years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism once again," the firm said, adding its local partner would confirm itineraries and dates in coming weeks.

North Korea has been building what it called a "socialist utopia" in Samjiyon, a city near the Chinese border, and "a model of highly-civilised mountain city" with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities.

Leader Kim Jong Un in July sacked or demoted some senior officials for their "irresponsible" handling of his flagship Samjiyon project.

Another travel agency, KTG Tours, also announced that tourists would be able to go to Samjiyon from this winter.

Source: Reuters

Let's Do The News! (August 14, 2024)

  

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos approved the creation of the cabinet cluster for education.

- The police chief and six others were wounded at the explosion of the police station at Pampanga.

- Carlos Yulo, the first Philippine Olympian to score two gold medals at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics, delivered last night's speech at the Malacanang in front of his fellow athletes.

- The BIR presented the tax evasion case against Alice Guo, who was stripped from her mayoral position by the Office of the Ombudsman after a guilty verdict for gross misconduct.

- US President Joe Biden urges Israel and Hamas to reach the Gaza ceasefire. Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, postponed plans to visit the region. Iran says it will retaliate against Israel for the death of a Hamas leader in Tehran.

- Monkeypox is declared a public health emergency in Africa.

- YouTube is deactivating AdSense accounts for Russian creators and stopping monetization.

- Starbucks names Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol as its new CEO.

- Pagani unveiled the last one-off Zonda, the Arrivederci.

- The Naran hypercar will premiere at this month's Salon Prive.

- Paramount has shut down its television studios as part of the Skydance merger, losing 2K jobs.

The new K-Pop girl group MADEIN will make its debut this autumn.

- Conor McGregor will not fight in the UFC this year, the league's boss Dana White said after the season debut of "Dana White's Contender Series". While he was optimistic that McGregor would compete again for the promotion, White clarified that a fight with Michael Chandler would not happen before the end of the year.

TTFN.