The automotive world is undergoing a massive transformation. With the rise of self-driving cars, ride-sharing apps, and new ownership models, some might think the passion for cars is fading, especially among younger generations. However, the truth is quite the opposite. We are living in an exciting era where technology and tradition meet, especially evident in the current lineup of ultra-high-performance machines. These aren’t just cars; they are rolling masterpieces of engineering and design, embodying the very essence of automotive desire.
To celebrate this thrilling intersection, we’ve updated our list of the 25 Best Supercars of this century. This selection is inherently subjective, prioritizing cars that ignite our imaginations, push technological boundaries, and, quite frankly, are the ones we dreamt of as kids. While not all of them are the absolute fastest or most agile, each car on this list represents a pinnacle of automotive achievement and will undoubtedly become a classic of the future. The love for cars is far from dead; it’s evolving, and these supercars are leading the charge.
McLaren F1: The Benchmark
Image Credit: Seth Wenig/AP/Shutterstock.
Okay, technically, the McLaren F1 hails from the 1990s, but it’s crucial to include it as the foundational benchmark for all supercars that followed. In 1992, its top speed of 231 mph was unheard of for a production car. The F1 wasn’t just fast; it was revolutionary. Its lightweight carbon-fiber chassis, relentless focus on weight reduction, and a custom-built six-liter, 627 hp BMW V-12 engine allowed it to reach 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds.
Priced at nearly $1 million at launch, it was also incredibly expensive. Today, if you’re lucky enough to find one of the 106 examples on the market, expect to pay around $20 million. Is it the ultimate supercar? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. — Howard Walker
Ferrari LaFerrari: The Charismatic Hybrid
Ferrari LaFerrari red supercar on display.
Image Credit: Kailin Huang/Shutterstock.
The year 2013 was a landmark year for supercars, witnessing the debut of three titans from McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari, collectively known as the “Holy Trinity.” While each was unique, they all shared a hybrid powertrain.
Among the three, the Ferrari LaFerrari stood out with its naturally aspirated V-12 engine—a roaring masterpiece. The LaFerrari was not only the most powerful of the trio, boasting 950 hp, but also arguably the most charismatic. Named to signify it as the epitome of the Ferrari brand, this hypercar might be remembered not just as the best of its era but as one of the greatest Ferraris ever created. — Basem Wasef
McLaren P1: The New Challenger
Image Credit: Oleksiy Maksymenko/imageBROKER/Shutterstock.
Of the famed hybrid hypercar trio of 2013, the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder came from established manufacturers. The McLaren P1, however, represented a newer player making a bold statement. While McLaren had supercar pedigree with the legendary F1 of the 90s, their absence from the hypercar scene for some time made the P1 feel like a fresh start.
McLaren utilized advanced carbon-fiber construction, building upon their more accessible models, but the P1 was in a different league. With a staggering 903 hp and an incredibly light chassis, it was more than a worthy rival to the established supercar elite. —BW
Porsche 918 Spyder: The Hybrid Game Changer
Silver Porsche 918 Spyder parked outdoors.
Image Credit: auto-data.net/Shutterstock.
The Porsche 918 Spyder was a true revolution, showcasing the potential of plug-in hybrid technology in the high-performance realm. It combined a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 producing 599 hp with two electric motors, resulting in a combined output of 877 hp and a massive 944 ft lbs of instant torque.
Designed by Porsche’s chief designer, Michael Mauer, the 918 was initially presented as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show to gauge interest. Production began in late 2013 with a base MSRP of $845,000. All 918 units were sold out by the end of 2014, demonstrating the eagerness of Porsche enthusiasts to own the most powerful street-legal Porsche ever made at the time. Production ceased in mid-2015, and the 918 remains a highly sought-after collector’s item today. — Robert Ross
Ferrari SF90 Stradale: The Hybrid Rocket
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ferrari.
While the era of Ferrari’s twelve-cylinder flagship supercars might be evolving due to environmental concerns, the eight-cylinder SF90 Stradale more than compensates. Heralded as a road-legal tribute to Ferrari’s SF90 Formula 1 car, the SF90 Stradale is an undeniable hypercar boasting an incredible 1,000 hp from three electric motors and a twin-turbo V-8.
Its blend of exceptional hybrid performance and striking aesthetics draws inspiration from the best of Ferrari’s rear-engined models. Notice the subtle nods to the 488’s side scoops and the overt racing DNA – the front end boldly proclaims motorsport heritage, celebrating 90 years of Scuderia Ferrari. — Marco Della Cava
SSC Tuatara: The 300 MPH Chaser
SSC Tuatara hypercar in motion on a desert road.
Image Credit: Courtesy of SSC North America.
The ultimate goal: 300 mph. This is the ambition of SSC North America, based in Washington State, for their groundbreaking SSC Tuatara hypercar. To achieve this speed, the carbon-fiber Tuatara, named after a spiny lizard from New Zealand, houses a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine producing a colossal 1,726 hp.
Production is underway with a target of 100 units, each priced at $1.6 million. SSC is no stranger to speed records. In 2007, their 1,287 hp Ultimate Aero reached 256.14 mph, a record that stood for three years before Bugatti’s Veyron Super Sport took over. However, on January 17, 2021, the SSC Tuatara reclaimed the title with an average speed of 282.9 mph across two runs, verified by Racelogic. More recently, it officially clocked 295 mph, inching ever closer to that elusive 300 mph mark. —HW
Aston Martin Valkyrie: Formula 1 Engineering for the Road
Image Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin.
Supercar excellence in the form of Aston Martin’s Valkyrie is now a reality in production. This model sets a new benchmark for the British marque in street-legal, production car performance. It’s the result of combining a 1,000 hp, 6.5-liter V-12 engine with a 160 hp Rimac-developed hybrid-electric system, all within a lightweight, incredibly strong carbon monocoque chassis.
Adding to its pedigree is the design by Adrian Newey, a legend in Formula 1 design and the current chief technical officer for Red Bull Racing. Production is limited to just 150 examples, each priced at $3.2 million. —HW
Rimac Nevera: The Electric Revolution
Rimac Nevera electric hypercar in a studio setting.
Image Credit: Philipp Rupprecht, courtesy of Rimac Automobili.
Groundbreaking cars often emerge from unexpected places, and the Rimac Nevera from Croatia has shaken the supercar world. This all-electric hypercar has shattered internal combustion engine records by delivering 1,914 hp to all four wheels, outperforming zero-to-60 mph times of even McLarens and Koenigseggs. Even more astonishing is that this EV hypercar is the creation of Mate Rimac, a 33-year-old Croatian prodigy who founded the company in 2011.
The Rimac Nevera’s initial impact was due to its incredible performance figures, but its long-term significance extends beyond a single model. In the summer of 2021, this Croatian startup acquired a majority stake in Bugatti, marking the first time a legacy supercar brand fell under the control of an electric vehicle newcomer, likely signaling a future trend. —BW
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Car for the Streets
Image Credit: Courtesy of Daimler AG.
How can a car just entering production be considered one of the best supercars of the 21st century? Because we are confident that the 1,000 hp Mercedes-AMG One, essentially a Formula 1 race car for the road, will continue to amaze for years to come.
First unveiled as the Project One concept in 2017, this road-going monster faced technical hurdles in its development. However, that’s to be expected when you’re essentially building a Formula 1 car that’s street legal.
Powered by a hybrid-assisted 1.6-liter turbo V-6 engine and three electric motors, it is projected to accelerate from zero to 124 mph in under 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph. Unsurprisingly, all 275 examples of this $2.6 million engineering marvel are already sold out. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko: The Speed King’s Successor
Koenigsegg Jesko hypercar with its large rear wing.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.
In 2017, Christian von Koenigsegg, founder of the Swedish marque, witnessed his Agera RS become the world’s fastest production car with a two-way average top speed of 277.9 mph. Now, the Agera’s successor, the aggressively winged, 1,660 hp Jesko—named after Christian’s father—might possess the capabilities to surpass the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport’s record of 304.7 mph.
The $3 million Jesko’s speed technology includes a screaming 5.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine featuring the world’s lightest V-8 crankshaft, weighing a mere 28 pounds. It’s no surprise that all 125 units scheduled for production have already been pre-sold. —HW
Pininfarina Battista: Electric Elegance and Power
Image Credit: Pininfarina S.p.A.
The name Pininfarina is synonymous with automotive legend. The Italian design house’s 62-year collaboration with Ferrari produced iconic models like the 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the Ferrari 308 GTS famously driven by Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I. The Cadillac Allanté? Perhaps less so.
Now, with support from India’s Mahindra Group, who rescued Pininfarina in 2015, and the electric vehicle expertise of Croatia’s Rimac, comes the stunning Pininfarina Battista hypercar. Packing 1,900 hp and 1,696 ft lbs of torque from its 120 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and quad motors, this breathtakingly beautiful electric two-seat coupe can launch from zero to 60 mph in 1.8 seconds and reach 186 mph in just 12 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 217 mph, and it offers a range of over 230 miles.
The first of 150 cars being built, priced from $2.2 million, has already been delivered. For those seeking ultimate exclusivity, there’s a lavishly appointed Anniversario edition, limited to just five units. These are priced closer to $2.9 million, but unfortunately, all are already sold. —HW
Lotus Evija: The Living Electric Force
Lotus Evija hypercar in a studio with dramatic lighting.
Image Credit: John Wycherley, courtesy of Lotus Cars Limited.
The Lotus Evija is simply the most powerful series-production road car ever built. It boasts an astonishing 2,011 hp and 1,256 ft lbs of torque. This is enough to propel this low-slung projectile from zero to 62 mph in under three seconds and to 186 mph in a mere 9.1 seconds. The top speed? Limited to 217 mph.
This is the all-electric Lotus Evija, from the legendary British sports car manufacturer founded by visionary Colin Chapman in 1952. The new Evija—meaning “the living one”—features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, Le Mans-inspired aerodynamics, and a cutting-edge electric powertrain developed by the engineers at Williams Advanced Engineering.
The powertrain is truly remarkable. With powerful electric motors at each wheel and a mid-mounted battery pack echoing Lotus’s tradition of mid-engine placement, the pure electric driving range is around 250 miles. Connect it to an 800 kW charger, and the battery pack can be fully replenished in just nine minutes.
Only 130 examples of the Evija will be produced, with deliveries beginning in early 2023. The price is expected to be around $2.3 million. —HW
Ferrari Daytona SP3: Retro-Futuristic Icon
Image Credit: Ferrari S.p.A.
Ferrari’s Icona series of limited-production models pays homage to the past by wrapping modern technology in retro-futuristic designs. The third Icona model from Modena is the Daytona SP3, a tribute to the Ferrari 330 P4s that dominated the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, finishing first, second, and third.
While its air intakes and aerodynamics are functional, the SP3’s spirit is purely nostalgic—especially its naturally aspirated V-12 engine that revs to 9,500 rpm and produces 829 horsepower. From its flared fenders to its dramatically straked rear end, the $2.2 million Daytona SP3 will be a piece of kinetic art for the fortunate 599 owners who will take delivery of these special machines. —BW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster: Open-Top Speed Demon
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster with its roof removed.
Image Credit: Hennessey Special Vehicles
We were captivated by the outrageous 1,817 hp Venom F5 Coupe from John Hennessey and his team at Hennessey Special Vehicles, the maverick supercar builders from Texas. When it debuted in 2021, the Venom F5 was designed to shatter the 300 mph barrier. While it hasn’t quite reached that target, a recorded top speed of 271.6 mph demonstrates its immense potential.
Now, it’s the Venom F5 Roadster’s turn to pursue 300 mph. Powered by the same 1,817 hp, 6.6-liter twin-turbo “Fury” V-8 engine as the coupe and weighing only 45 pounds more, this open-top missile could very well achieve that speed benchmark. However, the lightweight, removable carbon-fiber roof panel—weighing just 18 pounds—must remain in place to approach the 300 mph club.
Yet, the true allure of the Venom F5 Roadster lies in removing the top and experiencing the full force of those eight cylinders as it roars to its 8,500 rpm redline. Hennessey plans to build 30 examples of the Roadster, each priced at a cool $3 million. —HW
Lamborghini Sterrato: The Off-Road Supercar
Image Credit: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
In the world of supercars, more is often better. However, for the final iteration of the V-10-powered Huracán, Lamborghini opted for a different kind of excess: knobby tires, a 1.7-inch increase in ride height, and protective cladding for the rugged all-wheel-drive coupe, designed for off-road adventures. A roof-mounted air intake and auxiliary lights on the front pay tribute to overlanders and rally racers, injecting a go-anywhere spirit into the Lamborghini lineup where it’s least expected.
Although the Sterrato sacrifices 30 hp for improved drivability on loose surfaces (reducing the total to 601 hp), its Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires provide a unique thrill, allowing for controlled slips, slides, and drifts through tight corners. As Lamborghini transitions into a hybridized and electrified future, it bids farewell to the gasoline-powered era with a wonderfully dusty flourish. —BW
Pagani Utopia: Lightweight Artistry
Pagani Utopia hypercar in a studio with ambient lighting.
Image Credit: Pagani Automobili S.p.A.
Horacio Pagani, the founder of his eponymous supercar brand, famously established his company after Lamborghini, his former employer, resisted his push for lightweight carbon-fiber materials. Pagani’s successor to the Huayra, the Utopia, takes lightweight construction to the next level with what Pagani calls a “Carbo-Titanium” chassis, combining carbon and titanium with chrome subframes, resulting in a remarkably low dry weight of 2,822 pounds.
The new Utopia, named after Thomas More’s 1516 text, retains the Huayra’s 852 hp AMG V-12 engine powering the rear wheels, and offers an optional manual gearbox. Staying true to its lightweight philosophy, Pagani provides an automated single-clutch option for the automatic transmission, which is less refined but lighter than a dual-clutch system. Pagani plans to build only 99 examples of the Utopia, emphasizing its exclusivity and desirability. —BW
Lamborghini Revuelto: The Electrified Bull
Image Credit: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
The mid-mounted 6.5-liter V-12 engine has been a defining feature of Lamborghini’s Murciélago and Aventador flagships. As the Italian brand enters the era of electrification, it does so while fiercely holding onto its V-12 legacy, making it the centerpiece of its new hybrid powertrain. Supplementing the 814 hp gasoline engine are three electric motors, boosting the total output of this wedge-shaped beast to 1,001 hp, making it the most powerful plug-in hybrid in the Lamborghini lineup. Notably, this four-digit horsepower figure is achieved without turbochargers, preserving the raw, unadulterated sound of the V-12.
With numerous enhancements rounding out the Revuelto, from a more spacious interior to a long-awaited, smoother dual-clutch transmission, Lamborghini’s new flagship is poised to give its competitors a fiercely charismatic challenge. —BW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS: The Ultimate Driver’s Car
Bright green Porsche 911 GT3 RS on a racetrack.
Image Credit: Porsche AG
Since its introduction in 1999, Porsche’s continuously evolving 911 GT3 has rightfully earned the title of “ultimate sports car.” Thrilling on the road and exceptionally capable on the track, the GT3 embodies the very definition of a driver’s car.
The latest GT3 RS simply elevates everything to another level. With its imposing rear wing generating immense downforce for incredible cornering grip, a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 518 hp and revving to 9,000 rpm, and fully adjustable, intuitive suspension, the RS is a track weapon that possesses the rare ability to transform a good driver into a great one. —HW
Maserati MC20 Cielo: Open-Air Italian Flair
Image Credit: Maserati S.p.A.
While Maserati’s imposing MC12 from 2005 was arguably the Italian marque’s first true supercar, it was essentially a thinly veiled Ferrari Enzo, produced in very limited numbers primarily to return Maserati to racing. The mid-engined MC20 is a much more convincing true supercar, featuring a unique carbon-fiber structure, a 621 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine (developed in-house), and genuine supercar dynamics and agility.
Initially launched as a scissor-doored coupe in 2020, the new open-top Cielo version is even more of a head-turner. Both models offer blistering acceleration, race car-like handling, and surprising everyday usability. An all-electric version is anticipated in the near future. —HW
Zenvo Aurora: The Danish Disruptor
Zenvo Aurora hypercar with its doors open, showcasing its interior.
Image Credit: Zenvo Automotive A/S
Danish manufacturer Zenvo named its latest and most potent creation after the aurora borealis, the mesmerizing celestial phenomenon. A fitting choice, as the Aurora aims to accelerate at near-light speed – or at least, it feels that way. Powered by a quad-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine boosted by twin electric motors, delivering up to 1,850 hp, the car can launch from zero to 60 mph in around 2.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 280 mph.
Two versions will be offered when production begins in 2025: the track-focused, rear-wheel-drive Agil, and the all-wheel-drive Tur grand tourer. We see the Zenvo Aurora as a significant disruptor in the hypercar market. —HW
Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda: Track-Focused Purity
Image Credit: Gordon Murray Automotive
Gordon Murray is the brilliant mind behind the original McLaren F1 road car and much of McLaren’s Formula One dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At 78 years old, he’s still creating incredible performance machines. The GMA T.50S Niki Lauda is a prime example: a track-only supercar that is lighter and more powerful than its road-going sibling, the T.50. This $3.86 million carbon-fiber missile is powered by a 3.9-liter naturally aspirated V-12 engine from Cosworth, optimized to produce 772 horsepower. Weighing a mere 1,924 pounds, GMA claims that its power-to-weight ratio per ton exceeds that of naturally aspirated LMP1 race cars. — Sean Evans
Ferrari 12Cilindri: A V12 Celebration
Ferrari 12Cilindri coupe in a dynamic studio shot.
Image Credit: Ferrari
While much of the supercar industry is figuring out hybrid powertrains, Ferrari engineers remain non impressionato (unimpressed). The GT successor to the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri, is powered by a magnificent, naturally aspirated V-12 engine. To the heroes in Maranello, we say molto bene (very good). This 6.5-liter engine revs to 9250 rpm and delivers 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. In-house designer Flavio Manzoni and his team deserve applause for the overall design and silhouette of the $417,000-plus 12Cilindri, which arguably surpasses the original Daytona coupe it honors in terms of visual appeal. —SE
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37: Hybrid Lightning Bolt
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 parked in a city setting.
Image Credit: Martyn Lucy
Sián means “flash of lightning” in Bolognese, a fitting name for Lamborghini’s first-ever electrified vehicle, this hybridized V-12 marvel. (The FKP 37 designation is a tribute to former Volkswagen Group chairman Ferdinand Karl Piëch and his birth year.) The combination of the 6.5-liter V-12 engine and a 25 kW electric motor produces 808 horsepower, propelling occupants to 60 mph in under 2.8 seconds. Production of the Sián was limited to 63 coupes and 19 roadster models, all of which sold out instantly, with starting prices around $3.7 million. However, some are now on the market for upwards of $5 million. —SE
Bugatti Tourbillon: A New Era of Bugatti
Image Credit: BUGATTI AUTOMOBILES
The successor to the Chiron, the Bugatti Tourbillon, marks a series of firsts for Bugatti: the first V-16 engine, the first electrified Bugatti, and the first Bugatti under the leadership of new CEO Mate Rimac. This $4.6 million-plus coupe is actually smaller and lighter than the Chiron, a remarkable achievement when transforming a combustion engine vehicle into a hybrid. Rimac and the engineering and design teams in Molsheim accomplished this through intelligent component integration into the monocoque chassis. Producing 1,800 horsepower, the Tourbillon’s top speed, according to Bugatti, is 276 mph. However, it’s worth noting that the Swiss-watch-inspired speedometer goes up to 550 KPH—or 341 MPH, hinting at even higher speed potential. Expect top speed runs well into the 300s. —SE
McLaren Speedtail: The Hybrid Hyper-GT
McLaren Speedtail with its elongated rear design.
Image Credit: McLaren
The Speedtail is the second McLaren to feature a three-seat configuration, the first being the revolutionary McLaren F1. With only 106 units produced—each sold for at least $2.6 million—this 1,035-horsepower, 250-mile-per-hour hybrid is guaranteed to turn heads whether displayed at a concours event or speeding past you on the highway. (And it will be a blur: the Speedtail accelerates from 0 to 186 MPH in just 13 seconds.) The Speedtail is full of magic, from its flexible carbon fiber ailerons seamlessly integrated into the clamshell tail to the standard 24K gold toolkit. However, the customization options are where these best supercars truly shine. For instance, if you desire crushed diamond dust in the paint, McLaren will accommodate. Or, if you prefer a platinum badge on the front, that’s also available—for an additional $56,000. —SE
Conclusion: The Future of Supercars is Bright
The landscape of the automotive industry may be changing, but the passion for supercars is not diminishing. As we’ve seen in this list of the best supercars, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and technology in incredible ways. From hybrid powertrains to all-electric marvels, and from track-focused machines to off-road adventurers, the diversity and innovation within the supercar segment are truly remarkable.
These cars are not just modes of transportation; they are expressions of automotive art, engineering prowess, and the enduring human desire for speed and luxury. They represent the best of what the automotive world has to offer, and they ensure that the future of supercars, and the love for them, remains vibrant and exciting for generations to come.
Authors
- Howard Walker
- Basem Wasef
- Robert Ross
- Marco Della Cava
- Sean Evans
