The Future of Naturally Aspirated Engines in the U.S. - European Edition
Among European automakers, NA engines are now extremely rare and mostly preserved in ultra-premium or niche models. Regulatory pressure, emissions, and cost push are forcing even heritage brands to hybridize or turbo-charge. But some signature European models with NA power remain — especially those with V12s or high-revving NA V8/flat-6/NA variants. For enthusiasts, these are lifeboats: rare, expensive, but meaningful, and likely to become even more collectible.
1) Key European brand data & market context
Porsche U.S. Sales & Trends
Porsche set a U.S. retail sales record in 2024 with 76,167 vehicles delivered.Breaking that down: two‐door sports cars (911 + 718) together made up about 20-25% growth in their sales compared to 2023.
The 911 (which has variants that are NA or near-NA high-rev/atmosphere-feeling) had 14,128 U.S. deliveries in 2024.
Lamborghini
The brand still leans heavily into V12 NA heritage. The new Lamborghini Revuelto is still V12‐powered, which shows there’s brand value in keeping NA alive. Motor1.com
In 2024, Lamborghini delivered 3,712 cars in the U.S. (~35% of its global sales). Business Insider
2) Regulatory & economic pressures
Emissions / Fuel Economy Standards
Stricter U.S. / EU emissions rules make high displacement NA powerplants harder to justify. CO₂ targets, efficiency mandates, and public policy lean toward smaller forced-induction engines or hybrids/EVs. Particularly in Europe, upcoming Euro 7 regulations will push this, and though U.S. federal/state laws differ, Europe’s stricter regulatory environment increasingly shapes what global models are feasible.Tariffs & Costs
Import costs and trade tensions (tariffs on EU to US, etc.) increase the cost burden on European brands. That makes producing lower-volume, NA-heavy variants more expensive relative to hybrid/turboed mass models.Demand Shift
Buyers generally accept turbocharged or hybrid performance models. The majority of performance sales are moving that way — NA variants are now niche, for those who care about sound, engagement, and the "soul" of the engine.
3) Projections & risk models
Over the next 5 years, many European brands will likely end most remaining NA engine offerings, except:
Ultra-premium/hypercar segments (e.g. Ferrari, Lamborghini, maybe Aston Martin)
Signature models with strong collector / brand identity (911 GT3, Huracán STO / Evo, etc.)
Limited editions that can be sold at high margin to offset reduced volume
NA engines will become halo variants only, often:
More expensive
Harder to obtain (lower volume)
Supported by hybrid or mild-hybrid assist (to meet emissions)
4) U.S. market risks and opportunities
Risks:
Your NA model could get discontinued without much warning due to sudden regulatory/legal changes.
Resale value might become volatile — either go up (collectible value) or suffer if the market de-values NA for emissions or fuel economy reasons.
Opportunities:
NA variants in European cars will become more desirable among enthusiasts and collectors. Owning a 911 GT3, or a V12 Lambo Revuelto, or an older NA Ferrari might be a hedge against this shift.
Brands that preserve NA in their signature lines get PR value and brand loyalty, which can feed into performance credibility across their lineups.
5) Sample case study: Lamborghini Revuelto & Porsche 911 / 718
Lamborghini Revuelto: V12 + hybrid — retains the V12 NA component as part of the brand signature. Customers buying Lamborghinis expect that visceral sound and power.
Porsche 911 & 718: The 911 line, including some NA or NA-like models (GT3 etc.), still growing in the U.S. Two-door Porsche sport models (911 + 718) had strong growth in 2024.
6) Conclusion / What this means for performance-focused drivers
If you want a new European car with a NA engine in the U.S., aim for one of the halo/hyper models. These will be expensive, low in volume, but increasingly special.
Be ready to pay premium — both in purchase and maintenance. When regulatory costs hit, the pricing gap increases.
For used NA European cars, demand will likely increase further as people who want NA character turn to the secondary market.
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