The number of the day is 500. In 2006, it was the horsepower metric to hit if an automaker really wanted to impress performance enthusiasts. The V10-powered BMW M5 had just launched with 500 horsepower. The 8.3-liter V10 in the Dodge Viper of the era also had 500 horsepower. The resurrected Shelby GT500 was queuing up for production with a supercharged modular Ford V8 engine, bringing 500 horsepower to the pony car. The 2006 Cayenne Turbo S also took Porsche past the 500 hp mark for the first time in a mainstream model. Viper aside, all the models we just listed were running highly complex, cutting-edge new engines.
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