With the launch of each new car, it becomes clearer that naturally aspirated engines are a highly endangered species, particularly among non-domestic brands. Unboosted engines have had a fantastic run—one we hope continues for decades into the future—but now seems like an excellent time to honor the best naturally aspirated engines of all time. The list was compiled by our author by plugging dozens of iconic engines into a spreadsheet and letting a top-secret formula do the work. Objective factors taken into account include the engine’s deviation from the contemporary segment average of specific horsepower, torque, cylinder pressure, and piston speed. More subjective scoring aspects include how well the engine performed its intended function, its sound and character, its legacy to the brand, its affordability, and its engineering ingenuity.

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Now, without further ado, our top eight naturally aspirated engines ever—along with four stirring honorable mentions.