Japan may be known for its smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, but these high-performance V8 machines will give you all the thrills you want.
The V8 is a common configuration in sports cars, pickup trucks, and other performance-oriented vehicles. For those who prefer the V8 engine, it packs a powerful punch in horsepower, torque, and acceleration; the V8 engine also has smoother running than most engines (V4, V6), which means a better driving experience.
As electric cars become more and more prevalent, gasoline-powered vehicles are becoming a thing of the past. But not everyone is ready to let go of their beloved cars. So if you are looking for thrills, these Japanese V8-powered performance cars will certainly deliver.
Lexus's RC F stands out in a market filled with high-powered coupes. The car offers an aggressively styled exterior, race-car handling, and a muscular 5.0-liter V8 engine that pushes out 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.
Like the BMW M4 and similar high-performance vehicles, the RC F is a stellar performer. The specially tuned intake and exhaust notes are pleasing to the ear, but the precise steering will blow your mind. Once you get used to its quick-quick-quick response, you'll be able to conquer any corner easily.
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The Lexus LC 500 has been one of the most popular luxury coupes since it first debuted in 2018. The LC 500's distinctive, aggressive yet elegant design makes it sporty and comfortable. The latest iteration works with a 5.0-liter V8 that spits 471 horsepower and 378 lb-ft of torque.
The LC 500 is a well-rounded sports car that’s enjoyable to drive and agile through corners. As Lexus' flagship model, it's packed with advanced technology and a powerful engine, but it’s still refined enough for daily driving.
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The Lexus IS F debuted in 2008 and stayed in production until 2014. The IS F is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 416 hp and 371 lb-ft of torque. The IS F is the best choice for someone who wants a luxury sport sedan with decent performance and a tenacious road-holding grip.
You may underestimate the Lexus IS F when you see it parked, but the throaty rumble of its burly V8 will change your mind once you push the start button. In addition, the precise steering and beefy cross-drilled Brembo brakes should satisfy performance-minded gearheads.
The Armada is Nissan’s biggest SUV, and the automaker wants to conquer the large SUV market with it. It boasts a 5.6-liter V8 engine that makes 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, which gives it a towing capacity of up to 8500 pounds.
Thanks to the Armada's standard auto-leveling suspension, you can tow on bumpy roads without trouble. The Armada delivers impressive passing power at higher speeds but doesn't handle as nimbly as the Chevrolet Tahoe.
The Infiniti QX80 is an excellent choice for those who want to drive a classy and powerful SUV. The 5.6-liter V8 delivers 400 hp, and it comes with a great set of features. There’s nothing this vehicle can’t handle!
There's a little too much play in the steering, but it's a small price to pay for easier parking and negotiating narrow lanes. The three-row SUV tows up to 8,500 pounds - just like the Nissan Armada. Road noise is kept out of the cabin, and the vehicle's comfortable suspension will handle rough roads well.
If you’re looking for an affordable full-size SUV with a V8 brawn, decent utility, and a track record for reliability, then the Toyota Sequoia might be the vehicle for you. This mid-size SUV slots somewhere between the Land Cruiser and the 4Runner. It possesses plenty of power for highway merging or passing.
For the 2022 model year, all Sequoia trims will offer the same 5.7-liter V8 powertrain. However, note that the 2023 model has a hybrid V6 powertrain similar to what is found in the Tundra. As a result, the Sequoia is quick around town, and the steering is light and easy to maneuver around tight spaces.
If you want a legendary off-roader, look no further than the Toyota Land Cruiser. The last of its kind rolled out in 2021, but the memories it left behind will never fade. With a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that makes 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, this SUV offers a smooth ride with comfortable driving dynamics.
The Land Cruiser can tow up to 8100 pounds, which is impressive but not as much as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Crawl Control uses sensors and brakes to control your speed and help you steer through tricky terrain, so you can focus on an adventure instead of driving. The Toyota Land Cruiser makes even inexperienced off-road drivers feel like kings of the hill.
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Get behind the wheel of the M45, and you'll have a good time. This car offers strong driving dynamics, a potent V8 engine, and a thoroughly enjoyable blend of the Infiniti G35 and FX45. It's also quite affordable for buyers who like a luxury but don't need to be rolling in it all the time.
The handling of a 2000s car is never going to be as good as something newer, but the M45 handles curves well enough. The final model year runs on a 4.5-liter V8 that makes 325 hp and 336 lb-ft of torque. It's smooth on curvy roads and for highway cruising.
The Lexus GX 460 is a midsize, off-roader that slots between the popular RX models and the larger LX570. It retains its traditional nature despite several updates, most notably its thirsty 4.6-liter V8 that pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission to produce 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque.
The GX 460 is a good choice for those who want a luxury SUV with decent road manners. It’s also an ideal choice if you’re looking to get good views of the road while driving.
The 2010 Lexus SC 430 convertible GT is the last car to have a cassette player standard and might age into a cool collector’s item. The 4.3-liter V8 engine on this model is powerful and fast, making it one of the best sports cars on the market at the time.
The SC 430's V8 gives the car 288 horsepower and 317 pounds per foot of torque, enabling it to deliver a smooth ride and nimble handling. The SC 430's double-wishbone independent suspension allows it to handle well on any surface.
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| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Volkswagen |
Germany |
| #2 |  Toyota |
Japan |
| #3 |  Stellantis |
Netherlands |
| #4 |  Mercedes-Benz Group |
Germany |
| #5 |  Ford Motor |
United States |
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Michelin |
France |
| #2 |  Bridgestone |
Japan |
| #3 |  Continental |
Germany |
| #4 |  Goodyear |
United States |
| #5 |  Sumitomo |
Japan |
