The final breath?

It's official: Aston's One-77 is the most powerful naturally aspirated road car in the world, developing an insane 750bhp from its 7.3-litre V12. But is it a final flourish from the dying breed of non-turbocharged engines? Top Gear examines the NA massacre...

This article was originally published in the November issue of Top Gear magazine

Car: Honda Civic Type R
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 200bhp

As we bemoaned last month, Honda's rev-happy VTEC engine has fallen foul of the latest Euro emissions regs. Will we see Type R in the UK again? Will it go turbo? Watch this space...

Car: BMW M6
Engine: 5.0-litre V10, 507bhp

The big V10 coupe has been recently canned, along with the similarly engined M5. Next-gen models are almost certain to get versions of the twin-turbo V8 already found in BMW's X6M.

Car: Pagani Zonda Cinque
Engine: 7.3-litre V12, 638bhp

The Zonda is soon to be replaced by an all-new Pagani, codenamed the C9. Rumours suggest it won't retain the Merc-sourced V12, instead plumping for a boost-heavy twin-turbo unit.

Car: Mercedes E63 AMG
Engine: 6.2-litre V8, 518bhp

The brawny stalwart is being phased out of Merc's line-up in favour of a 5.5-litre turbo V8. Better economy and emissions, sure, but what about that glorious noise?

Car: 2010 Ferrari F10
Engine: 2.4-litre V8, 750bhp

Don't worry, it's not just Ferrari's F1 car that's set to die: the whole F1 field is expected to ditch 2.4-litre NA engines for the 2013 season, replaced with smaller, cheaper turbos. It'll be like the Eighties, though probably with less fire.

Car: Clio RenaultSport 200
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 200bhp

Having thrashed all comers in Top Gear magazine's Big Hot Hatch test this year, the Clio is standing firm against a slew of turbo rivals. How long can it hold off the charge? Hang in there, wee guy...