A GROUP of experts have revealed their picks for the best sounding cars of all time – which includes many petrolhead favourites.
This includes a car Top Gear legend Jeremy Clarkson has dubbed “the best car I’ve ever driven” as well as a modern classic that’s gained a cult following thanks to its rallying pedigree.
Speaking to Sun Motors recently, Auto Express’ road test experts named the models that deliver the most thrilling, authentic soundtrack.
1. Alfa Romeo 156 GTA
A modern classic with a juicy 3.2-litre Busso V6 engine, the 156 GTA is celebrated for its rich, complex growl that transitions into a crisp, metallic tone as the revs climb.
It’s an engine that delivers a symphony of sounds, with enthusiasts often comparing it to a Ferrari V12 – especially when fitted with aftermarket exhausts like the Unicorse system.
But beyond the sound, the 156 GTA is accessible for enthusiasts, offering exotic styling and a thrilling soundtrack at a relatively affordable price.
Alastair Crooks, staff writer at Auto Express, said: “I’ve gone for something that many of us can still very realistically afford: the Alfa Romeo 156 – in particular, one powered by the famous Busso V6.
“The Busso has been in a variety of Alfas over the years; from the stunning Alfa SZ to the 147 GTA hot hatch, but I’ve chosen the Alfa Romeo 156 because I owned one.
“It’s a glorious engine even before it starts up; the chrome inlet pipes and beautifully finished cam covers make this one of the prettiest engines to reside in a series production car – but things get even better on the move.
“In all of its various sizes, the Busso makes a rich, complex growl which becomes ever more crisp and metallic as you venture towards the red line.
“With a choice modification or two, it can sound even more exotic.
“Look up clips of Alfa V6 engines fitted with Unicorse exhausts on YouTube for a bunch of 156 V6s doing a rather convincing impression of a Ferrari V12.
“If you’re looking for the beauty – of noise and looks – per pound then the 156 must rank among the biggest bargains in the automotive world.
“Exotic styling and that soundtrack starting from less than three grand? Even the hotter GTA model we’ve pictured is still available from around £10,000.”
2. Aston Martin V12 Vantage
The V12 emits a deep mechanical growl that rises to a rich, operatic howl as the revs increase.
The sound is raw and unfiltered, creating an unforgettable driving experience.
Aston Martin squeezed the V12 from the DB9 into the smaller, lighter V8 Vantage body, resulting in this compact but aggressive car.
The body was widened with carbon-fibre panels added to improve aerodynamics, while carbon ceramic brakes and adaptive dampers were included to handle the extra performance.
“The Aston Martin V12 Vantage was a rare case of a brand letting its engineers off the leash,” said George Armitage, content editor at Auto Express.
“When they decided in the early 2010s to fit the 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 from the DB9 into the smaller, lighter V8 Vantage body, they produced one of the most uncompromising and character-rich road cars of the era.
“With 510bhp sent to the rear wheels, the shorter wheelbase and stiffer suspension gave it a more involving feel than the grand tourers that dominated Aston’s lineup at the time.
“The soundtrack was unforgettable; a deep mechanical growl rose into a rich howl as the revs climbed. It was not flawless.
“The ride could be firm and the gearbox occasionally awkward, but these traits added to its character rather than detracting from it.
“This was not a car for crossing continents in comfort, it was the Aston for drivers who wanted every journey to feel significant, and it remains a modern classic.”
3. Audi RS 3
The RS 3’s five-cylinder engine produces a unique husky rasp that’s both exotic and aggressive.
At higher revs, it transitions into a brassy bellow reminiscent of the Audi R8’s V10 – but with its own distinct character.
Crackles and pops on lift-off add to its engaging soundtrack.
Tom Jervis, consumer editor at Auto Express, said: “Typically it’s the most expensive cars that are the most euphonic, yet while the Audi RS 3 can’t exactly be called ‘cheap’ with its £60k+ price tag, it manages to sound just as exotic as something costing more than twice the price.”
The RS 3 remains the only car on sale today with a five-cylinder engine, combining advanced turbocharging with a compact, lightweight design.
4. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon[/caption]
The Demon’s sound is a mix of a high-pitched supercharger whine and a grumbly, thunderous V8 roar.
The two distinct tones combine to create a dramatic auditory experience described as “a nuclear-powered washing machine full of nails,” according to Alastair.
He added: “Even for the US the Dodge Challenger Demon is a ridiculous car but it has a couple of redeeming qualities – one of which is noise.
“Sharing the already mad Challenger Hellcat’s 6.2-litre V8, the additional 2.7-litre supercharger – yes, the supercharger was bigger than the entire ecoboost Ford Mustang engine – the Demon put out a whopping 828bhp and 1,047Nm of torque.”
He also added: “It’s perhaps no surprise that following the Demon, the all-electric two-door Charger has struggled to capture hearts and minds in the US.”
5. Jaguar F-Type SVR
Jaguar F-Type SVR[/caption]
Jaguar can’t catch a break in 2025 as it sleepwalks towards an all-electric future, but the F-Type SVR with its 5.0-litre V8 supercharged motor, as well as the titanium and Inconel exhaust system, creates a visceral growl that’s both deep and aggressive.
There’s with pops and crackles on overrun, described as “theatrical and unmistakable” by Richard Ingram, deputy editor at Auto Express.
He said: “I’ll never forget my first time driving a Jaguar F-Type SVR.
“It was just before Christmas 2017, and I’d been lent the keys by my editor at the time. It just so happened to coincide with a long weekend celebrating a good mate’s big birthday – 100 miles up the M4, in the snow.
“But while some might dwell on the car’s dicey dynamics in such inclement weather, almost a decade later it’s the growl from the titanium and Inconel exhaust that’s running on repeat in my head.
“Indeed, whenever I see an F-Type – or a previous-generation Range Rover Sport SVR, for that matter – rolling between traffic lights, I make sure to lower the window and listen out for that visceral V8.”
6. Lamborghini Huracan STO
The Huracan’s V10 produces what’s described as a “baleful howl” that only a ten-cylinder engine can achieve.
In the STO variant, the stripped-down interior amplifies the sound, creating an intense and immersive experience.
Steve Walker, head of digital content at Auto Express, said: “The new Lamborghini Temerario might max out at 10,000rpm but with only eight cylinders it will still trigger pangs of regret in car fans smitten with the sound of Lamborghini’s V10.
“It fell upon the Lamborghini Huracan to usher out the brand’s V10 era and the car deserves a place on this list not only for the baleful howl that only ten-cylinder cars seem capable of producing, but also the volume at which the sound emerges.”
7. Lexus LFA
Lexus LFA[/caption]
Adored by Clarkson, who once highly praised the LFA’s unique, howl-like sound – saying it had the ability to create an “otherworldly” experience – the eye-catching Lexus’ naturally aspirated V10 has been fine-tuned, courtesy of Yamaha.
Despite its legendary status today, Lexus struggled to sell all 500 units when it was first released.
Ellis Hyde, news reporter at Auto Express, added: “The Lexus LFA is a true engineering marvel and rightfully worshipped as one of the greatest cars ever made.
“But rather than its looks or speed, this awe-inspiring machine will go down in the history books because of its howling, naturally-aspirated V10 engine which could rev from idle to its 9,000rpm redline in an unbelievable six-tenths of a second – so quick in fact that an analogue revcounter couldn’t keep up.”
He added: “Lexus was so obsessed with making the LFA sound perfect that the V10’s air intake is made from a porous duct material that generates the right bass to mid-range tones.”
8. Pagani Zonda F
Pagani Zonda F[/caption]
The 214mph Zonda F, with its 7.3-litre AMG V12, is known to produce a three-dimensional sound that’s both guttural and high-pitched.
“Sometimes there are cars that just stick with you,” said Jordan Katsianis, senior staff writer, Auto Express.
“Time moves on, tastes change – I now like eating tomatoes for instance – but for me there will always be one constant; the sound of a Pagani Zonda F wailing through the Italian countryside will always be the defining sound experience of any car.
“Pagani’s meteoric rise to fame was on the back of its scintillating Zonda.
“It came from a simpler time in motoring; hybrids were still a fad and EVs were nothing more than a successful smear campaign by American oil and gas.
“So to make a supercar, all one needed was a great big engine. For Horatio Pagani, that engine took the form of an AMG V12.
There’s something otherworldly about this engine, and specifically when hooked up to a free-breathing exhaust attains a sort of three-dimensional sound that’s almost organic in nature.
“You can almost feel layer upon layer of different resonances at different frequencies that make it feel like the sound is spiralling around, and sometimes within you.”
9. Subaru Impreza Turbo
Subaru Impreza Turbo[/caption]
The quintessential modern classic that’s adored for its rallying pedigree, largely thanks to the brilliance of Colin McRae and Richard Burns in the WRC, the Impreza is also highly regarded for its Boxer engine.
Producing a distinctive burble that has become synonymous with Subaru, the sound is unique and instantly recognisable.
Paul Barker, editor at Auto Express, said: “I’m interpreting ‘best sounding’ as a car that’s distinctive, makes you turn your head and, like a much-loved song, has the ability to take you back to a happy place and time.
“It’s no supercar, but the Subaru Impreza’s Boxer engine has a unique four-cylinder burble that reminds me of the fun that could be had on road with these four-door saloons, and then the joy of watching McRae or Burns make them dance down narrow forest tracks.
“The late 1990s into the early part of this decade was the heyday for the World Rally Championship in many eyes, and these rally-bred rockets that could double up as everyday drivers still hold a place in the heart of people of a certain age as much as any supercar could.
“The iconic yet uncouth soundtrack is an important part of that, even if it’s not the roar of a V12.
“And there are still enough Imprezas around to hear that burble fairly frequently; I’m not sure there’s anything else that combines unique soundtrack with volume sold and therefore likelihood to hear it on the high street.
10. TVR T350
TVR T350[/caption]
TVR are very much on the doldrums in 2025, but we’ll always have the memories – not least thanks to their Speed Six engine which creates a raw, unfiltered soundtrack that ranges from a “raspy warble to a lingering growl”.
“The TVR T350 is one of those automotive marvels that is a real antidote to the sports car mainstream,” said Ryan Birch, content editor, Auto Express.
“With its alien-like looks and cocooned interior, the distinct bark from the TVR Speed Six straight six-engine under the bonnet gives this car a soundtrack signature which is simply unmistakable.
“From the moment the 350bhp 3.6-litre Speed Six engine sparks into life, the aural symphony begins.
“The engine note is raw and unfiltered, ranging from a raspy warble low down in the rev range, all the way up to a lingering growl at the limit and when you take your foot off the throttle.
“Every single cackle and burble can be felt through the entire car.”