There’s something visceral and raw about the sound of a high-performance engine as it roars to life. For auto enthusiasts, a car’s sound can be as important as its style or speed. That’s why ‘Car and Driver’ brings you a window shop experience of some of the best-sounding cars that turn heads when they pass by.

At the top of the list often sits the Ferrari 812 Superfast. With its naturally aspirated V12 engine, it produces music to any car lover’s ears, emitting a spine-tingling growl at idle and a thunderous shout at full throttle.

Not to be outshone, the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray with its 6.2-liter V8 engine offers a deep and guttural rumble that signifies American muscle, while models equipped with the optional performance exhaust system take auditory pleasure to new heights.

Porsche hasn’t been left out of this sonic fiesta with the Porsche 911 GT3. The 4-liter flat-six engine screams with an intensity that harks back to the brand’s racing heritage—a pure, mechanical symphony at high revs.

For those who prefer a more subtle yet equally exciting note, the Audi R8 provides a refined growl from its V10 engine shared with its cousin, the Lamborghini Huracán. Each downshift is accompanied by a symphony of pops and crackles that punctuates its performance pedigree.

British engineering shows off with the Aston Martin DB11. Its twin-turbocharged V12 offers a sonorous melody that isn’t just heard but felt through every fiber of your being.

Lastly, for sheer drama, the Mercedes-AMG GT R delivers an exhilarating auditory experience. The colloquially known ‘Beast of The Green Hell’ rouses its twin-turbo V8 engine to produce guttural bellows and roars that encapsulate German engineering prowess.

Each vehicle brings its unique acoustic signature to the driving experience. It’s not just about how fast you can go but how stirring the journey sounds while getting there. These cars remind us that in a world filled with visual stimuli, there’s true thrill in simply closing your eyes and listening to what automotive excellence sounds like.