The automotive world is undergoing a massive transformation. The rise of self-driving technology, the popularity of ride-sharing, and new ownership models driven by apps might seem to overshadow the traditional passion for automobiles and car culture. However, to assume that younger generations are losing interest in cars would be wrong. We are living in an exciting era where technology and tradition meet, where the digital and analog worlds collide, and this is especially evident in the realm of high-performance vehicles.
This list celebrates the 25 greatest supercars of this century so far. Choosing the “best” is always subjective. These models might not always be the fastest or most agile, but they have captured our imaginations, pushed the boundaries of innovation, and, in many cases, are simply the cars that ignite our inner child’s passion. These are the future classics that assure us the love for driving and exceptional automobiles will continue to thrive.
McLaren F1: Setting the Gold Standard
While technically a product of the 1990s, the McLaren F1 serves as the ultimate benchmark for all supercars that followed. Its mind-blowing top speed of 231 mph in 1992 was unprecedented for a production car. The F1 was engineered with a singular focus on minimizing weight, featuring a feather-light carbon-fiber chassis and a custom-built six-liter, 627 hp BMW V-12 engine. This combination allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds.
At launch, the McLaren F1 cost nearly $1 million, an astronomical sum at the time. Today, finding one of the 106 examples produced is incredibly rare, and they command prices around $20 million. Is it the ultimate super car? For many, the answer is undoubtedly yes. — Howard Walker
Ferrari LaFerrari: The Pinnacle of the Prancing Horse
2013 marked a golden year for supercars, with Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche each unveiling groundbreaking hybrid models, collectively known as the “Holy Trinity.” Each car was unique, yet they all incorporated hybrid powertrains.
Among these titans, the Ferrari LaFerrari stood out, being the only one to feature a naturally aspirated V-12 engine – a roaring masterpiece. It was also the most powerful of the trio and, arguably, the most charismatic. Named “LaFerrari” to signify its embodiment of the Ferrari spirit, this 950 hp hypercar may well be remembered as not only the greatest of its era but also one of the most iconic Ferraris ever created. — Basem Wasef
Ferrari LaFerrari hypercar parked showcasing its sleek design and powerful stance.
McLaren P1: A New Contender Ascends
Of the “Holy Trinity” of 2013 hybrid hypercars, the McLaren P1 stood in company with established giants like Ferrari and Porsche. While McLaren had the legendary F1 from the 1990s, its relative absence from the hypercar scene made the P1 feel like a fresh start.
Utilizing advanced carbon-fiber construction techniques borrowed from its more accessible models, McLaren equipped the P1 with a blistering 903 hp hybrid powertrain and a remarkably light chassis. This made the P1 not just a worthy competitor, but a leader against the then-supercar establishment. —BW
Porsche 918 Spyder: Hybrid Technology Redefined
The Porsche 918 Spyder was a true game-changer, demonstrating the immense potential of plug-in hybrid technology in the high-performance super car segment. It paired a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 engine producing 599 hp with two electric motors, resulting in a combined output of 877 hp and a staggering 944 ft lbs of instantaneous torque.
Designed by Porsche’s chief designer, Michael Mauer, the 918 Spyder debuted as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show to gauge market interest. Production began in late 2013 with a base MSRP of $845,000. All 918 units were sold out by the end of 2014, a testament to the eagerness of Porsche enthusiasts to own the most powerful street-legal Porsche ever built at that time. Production concluded in mid-2015, and the 918 remains a highly sought-after collector’s item today. — Robert Ross
Porsche 918 Spyder showcasing its aerodynamic lines and open-top design.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale: The Hybrid V8 Rocket
While the era of Ferrari’s V-12 halo cars might seem to be dimming in today’s environmentally conscious world, the eight-cylinder SF90 Stradale more than compensates. Conceived as a street-legal tribute to Ferrari’s SF90 Formula 1 car, the SF90 Stradale is an unapologetic hypercar boasting 1,000 hp from a combination of three electric motors and a twin-turbo V-8 engine.
Its blend of exceptional hybrid performance and striking aesthetics draws inspiration from the best of Ferrari’s mid-engined models. Design cues like the side scoops reminiscent of the 488, and a motorsport-inspired front end, pay homage to Ferrari’s racing heritage—the name itself, Scuderia Ferrari 90 years, celebrates this legacy. — Marco Della Cava
SSC Tuatara: Aiming for 300 MPH and Beyond
The ambitious target for the SSC Tuatara, created by Washington State–based SSC North America, is to reach 300 mph. This carbon-fiber hypercar, named after a spiny lizard from New Zealand, is powered by a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine producing a massive 1,726 hp.
Production of the Tuatara has commenced with a limited run of 100 examples, each priced at $1.6 million. SSC has a history of high-speed achievements; in 2007, their 1,287 hp Ultimate Aero reached 256.14 mph, a record that stood for three years until Bugatti’s Veyron Super Sport surpassed it. However, on January 17, 2021, the SSC Tuatara reclaimed the record with an average speed of 282.9 mph over two runs, verified by Racelogic. More recently, it officially clocked 295 mph, inching ever closer to the 300 mph goal, solidifying its place as one of the Best Super Cars focused on extreme speed. —HW
SSC Tuatara hypercar in motion, showcasing its aerodynamic shape designed for high speeds.
Aston Martin Valkyrie: Formula 1 Engineering for the Road
Aston Martin’s Valkyrie represents supercar excellence, setting a new benchmark for street-legal performance for the British marque. It’s the result of integrating a 1,000 hp, 6.5-liter V-12 engine with a 160 hp Rimac-developed hybrid-electric system into an incredibly light and strong carbon monocoque structure.
Adding to its pedigree, the Valkyrie’s design is led by Adrian Newey, a legendary figure 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. The Valkyrie is a testament to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and is undoubtedly one of the best super cars for those seeking F1-level performance in a road car. —HW
Rimac Nevera: The Electric Revolution
Landmark cars often emerge from unexpected places, and the Rimac Nevera has undeniably shaken the foundations of the supercar world. This all-electric hypercar has shattered internal combustion engine records, delivering 1,914 hp to all four wheels and achieving zero-to-60 mph times that outpace even McLarens and Koenigseggs. Remarkably, the Nevera is the creation of Mate Rimac, a Croatian prodigy who founded the company in 2011 at just 33 years old.
The Rimac Nevera’s initial impact stemmed from its astonishing performance figures, but its lasting legacy will extend beyond a single model. In the summer of 2021, Rimac acquired a majority stake in Bugatti, marking a historic moment where an EV startup took control of a legacy supercar brand. The Nevera is not just one of the best super cars in terms of performance; it signals a paradigm shift in the industry. —BW
Rimac Nevera electric hypercar, highlighting its futuristic design and powerful electric drivetrain.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Power on Public Roads
How can a car fresh off the production line be considered one of the “greats” of the 21st century? Because the 1,000 hp Mercedes-AMG One, essentially a Formula 1 racer for the street, is poised to remain mind-blowing for years to come.
First unveiled as the Project One concept in 2017, this road-legal monster faced technical hurdles in its development. Building a Formula 1 car capable of freeway driving is no small feat.
Powered by a hybrid-boosted 1.6-liter turbo V-6 engine and three electric motors, it’s expected to accelerate from zero to 124 mph in under 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph. Unsurprisingly, all 275 examples of these $2.6 million engineering marvels are already sold. The AMG One represents the pinnacle of technology transfer from Formula 1 to a road-going super car. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko: Swedish Speed Supremacy
In 2017, Sweden’s Christian von Koenigsegg witnessed his Agera RS become the world’s fastest production car, achieving a two-way average top speed of 277.9 mph. The Agera’s successor, the aggressively winged, 1,660 hp Jesko—named after Christian’s father—aims to surpass the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport’s 304.7 mph record.
The $3 million Jesko’s high-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 production slots for the Jesko have been pre-sold. The Jesko is a testament to Koenigsegg’s relentless pursuit of speed and innovation, making it a contender for the title of best super car in terms of top speed. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko hypercar in a dynamic pose, emphasizing its aerodynamic features and powerful engine.
Pininfarina Battista: Italian Design Meets Electric Power
The name Pininfarina is legendary in automotive design. Their 62-year collaboration with Ferrari produced icons like the 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the Ferrari 308 GTS, famously driven by Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I.
Now, with support from India’s Mahindra Group, who revitalized Pininfarina in 2015, and electric powertrain expertise from Rimac, comes the sensational 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 stunning electric coupe can launch from 0 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 boasts a range exceeding 230 miles.
The first of 150 Battista cars, priced from $2.2 million, has already been delivered. For ultimate exclusivity, the Anniversario edition, limited to just five units and priced closer to $2.9 million, is already sold out. The Battista beautifully blends Pininfarina’s design heritage with cutting-edge electric technology, making it a strong candidate for best super car in the electric category. —HW
Lotus Evija: Unrivaled Electric Power
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 allows it to catapult from 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds and reach 186 mph in just 9.1 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 217mph.
This all-electric marvel comes from Lotus, the iconic British sports-car maker founded by Colin Chapman in 1952. The Evija, meaning “the living one,” features a carbon-fiber monocoque, Le Mans-inspired aerodynamics, and a state-of-the-art electric powertrain developed by Williams Advanced Engineering.
With electric motors at each wheel and a mid-mounted battery pack, echoing Lotus’s mid-engine tradition, it offers a pure electric range of around 250 miles. Using an 800 kW charger, the battery can be fully replenished in just nine minutes.
Only 130 examples of the Evija will be produced, with deliveries starting in early 2023. The price is around $2.3 million. The Evija pushes the boundaries of electric super car performance to unprecedented levels. —HW
Lotus Evija electric hypercar, showcasing its futuristic and aerodynamic design.
Ferrari Daytona SP3: Retro-Futuristic Icon
The Ferrari Icona series pays tribute to Ferrari’s past by wrapping modern technology in retro-futuristic designs. The third Icona model, the Daytona SP3, evokes the Ferrari 330 P4s that dominated the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967, finishing first, second, and third.
While its air intakes and aerodynamics are functional, the SP3’s essence is nostalgic, particularly 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 is kinetic art. For the fortunate 599 owners, it’s a special steed that blends classic Ferrari aesthetics with modern performance, making it a strong contender for best super car in terms of design and heritage. —BW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster: Open-Top Pursuit of 300 MPH
The Hennessey Venom F5 Coupe, with its outrageous 1,817 hp, impressed when it debuted in 2021. Designed to break the elusive 300 mph barrier, it reached a recorded 271.6 mph, demonstrating its potential.
Now, the Venom F5 Roadster aims for 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 super car has the speed benchmark in its sights. The lightweight, removable carbon-fiber roof panel (weighing just 18 pounds) must remain in place to approach the 300 mph mark.
However, the true appeal of the Venom F5 Roadster is the open-top driving experience, allowing occupants to fully appreciate the thunderous roar of its V-8 engine as it reaches its 8,500 rpm redline. Hennessey plans to build 30 examples of the Roadster, each priced at $3 million. For those seeking extreme open-top speed, the Venom F5 Roadster could be the best super car choice. —HW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster hypercar, emphasizing its open-top design and powerful engine.
Lamborghini Sterrato: The Off-Road Supercar
In the world of supercars, more is often considered better. However, for the final iteration of the V-10-powered Huracán, Lamborghini chose a different path: knobby tires, a 1.7-inch increase in ride height, and protective cladding for off-road capability. A roof-mounted air intake and auxiliary lights evoke rally racers and overlanders, adding an unexpected go-anywhere attitude to the Lamborghini lineup.
While the Sterrato sacrifices 30 hp (totaling 601 hp) for enhanced drivability on loose surfaces, its Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires offer a unique thrill, drifting and sliding through corners. As Lamborghini transitions to hybrid and electric powertrains, the Sterrato marks a memorable gasoline-powered farewell. It’s a unique and arguably the best super car for those seeking adventure beyond paved roads. —BW
Pagani Utopia: Lightweight Artistry
Horacio Pagani, founder of Pagani Automobili, famously established his supercar company after Lamborghini resisted his push for lightweight carbon-fiber materials. The Pagani Utopia, Huayra’s successor, further embraces lightweighting with a “Carbo-Titanium” chassis, combining carbon and titanium with chrome subframes for a dry weight of just 2,822 pounds.
The Utopia 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, the automatic option uses an automated single-clutch unit, lighter than a dual-clutch, though less smooth. Pagani will build 99 examples of the Utopia, emphasizing exclusivity. The Utopia continues Pagani’s tradition of combining breathtaking design with lightweight engineering, making it a top contender for best super car in terms of artistry and driving purity. —BW
Pagani Utopia hypercar, highlighting its intricate design and lightweight construction.
Lamborghini Revuelto: Electrified V12 Powerhouse
The mid-mounted 6.5-liter V-12 engine has been a defining feature of Lamborghini’s Murciélago and Aventador flagships. As Lamborghini embraces electrification, it retains this large-displacement engine as the heart of its new hybrid powertrain in the Revuelto. Supplementing the 814 hp V12 are three electric motors, boosting the total output to 1,001 hp, the highest of any plug-in hybrid Lamborghini. Notably, this four-digit horsepower figure is achieved without turbochargers, preserving the V12’s iconic exhaust note.
The Revuelto features numerous updates, including a more spacious cabin and a smoother dual-clutch transmission. Lamborghini’s new flagship aims to offer a compelling and charismatic challenge to its competitors in the hybrid super car segment. —BW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS: The Ultimate Track Weapon
Since its introduction in 1999, the Porsche 911 GT3 has rightfully earned the title of “ultimate sports car.” Equally thrilling on the road and incredibly capable on the track, the GT3 embodies the essence of a driver’s car.
The latest GT3 RS elevates everything to the extreme. With its towering rear wing generating immense downforce for exceptional cornering, a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine delivering 518 hp and revving to 9,000 rpm, and fully adjustable suspension, the RS is a track-focused missile. It possesses the rare ability to transform a good driver into a great one. For track enthusiasts, the 911 GT3 RS is arguably the best super car available, offering unparalleled track performance. —HW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS showcasing its aggressive aerodynamics and track-focused design.
Maserati MC20 Cielo: Open-Air Italian Flair
While Maserati’s MC12 from 2005 was arguably their first true super car, it was essentially a re-skinned Ferrari Enzo, built in limited numbers for racing. The mid-engined MC20 is a more convincing and original super car, 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 coupe with scissor doors in 2020, the open-top MC20 Cielo spyder is even more visually striking. Both versions offer blistering acceleration, race car-like handling, and surprising daily drivability. An all-electric variant is expected soon. The MC20 Cielo combines Italian style and open-top driving pleasure with serious performance, making it a desirable super car. —HW
Zenvo Aurora: Danish Hypercar Disruptor
Danish marque Zenvo named its newest and most powerful hypercar after the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights. This is fitting, as the Aurora aims to achieve near-light speed, or at least feel like it. Powered by a quad-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine boosted by twin electric motors, delivering up to 1,850 hp, the Aurora accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 2.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 280 mph.
Two versions will be available when production begins in 2025: the track-focused, rear-wheel-drive Agil, and the all-wheel-drive Tur grand tourer. The Zenvo Aurora is poised to be a significant disruptor in the hypercar market, offering extreme performance and exclusivity. —HW
Zenvo Aurora hypercar, highlighting its unique design and powerful hybrid engine.
Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda: Track-Focused Purity
Gordon Murray, the engineering genius behind the original McLaren F1 road car and McLaren’s Formula One dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s, continues to create exceptional performance machines. The GMA T.50S Niki Lauda, a track-only super car, 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, producing 772 horsepower. Weighing a mere 1,924 pounds, GMA states that its power-to-weight ratio exceeds that of naturally aspirated LMP1 cars. For those seeking the purest track driving experience, the T.50s Niki Lauda is arguably the best super car, representing the pinnacle of lightweight engineering and naturally aspirated power. — Sean Evans
Ferrari 12Cilindri: V12 Grand Tourer in a Hybrid World
While much of the supercar world focuses on hybridization, Ferrari engineers remain committed to the naturally aspirated V-12 engine. The 12Cilindri, GT successor to the 812 Superfast, is powered by a massive, naturally aspirated V-12. This 6.5-liter engine revs to 9250 rpm and produces 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari’s in-house design team, led by Flavio Manzoni, has created a stunning shape for the $417,000-plus 12Cilindri, arguably surpassing the original Daytona coupe in aesthetics. For those who appreciate the classic V12 experience in a modern grand tourer, the 12Cilindri is a top contender for best super car. —SE
Ferrari 12Cilindri showcasing its elegant design and powerful V12 engine.
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37: Hybridized Lightning
Sián, meaning “flash of lightning” in Bolognese, is a fitting name for Lamborghini’s first electrified vehicle, a hybridized V-12 super car. (FKP 37 honors former Volkswagen group chairman Ferdinand Karl Piëch and his birth year.) The combination of a 6.5-liter V-12 engine and a 25 kW electric motor produces 808 horsepower, launching occupants to 60 mph in under 2.8 seconds. Production of the Sián was limited to 63 coupes and 19 roadsters, all sold instantly with starting prices around $3.7 million. Some are now listed on the market for around $5 million. The Sián represents Lamborghini’s first step into electrification while retaining its signature V12 power and striking design. —SE
Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 in an urban setting, emphasizing its futuristic design and hybrid powertrain.
Bugatti Tourbillon: A New Era of Bugatti
The Bugatti Tourbillon, successor to the Chiron, marks several milestones for Bugatti: the first V-16 engine, the first electrified Bugatti, and the first model under CEO Mate Rimac’s leadership. This $4.6 million-plus super car is smaller and lighter than the Chiron, a remarkable achievement when transitioning from combustion to hybrid power. Rimac and the Molsheim engineers achieved this through intelligent component integration within the monocoque chassis. Packing 1,800 horsepower, the Tourbillon’s top speed is stated at 276 MPH, but the Swiss-watch-inspired speedometer extends to 550 KPH (341 MPH), suggesting potential speeds well into the 300s. The Tourbillon signifies a new chapter for Bugatti, blending extreme performance with hybrid technology and innovative engineering. —SE
McLaren Speedtail: Hyper-GT with Unmatched Customization
The Speedtail is McLaren’s second three-seater, following the revolutionary McLaren F1. Limited to 106 units, each priced at $2.6 million or more, this 1,035-horsepower, 250-mph hybrid is a head-turning machine, whether stationary or in motion. It accelerates from 0 to 186 MPH in just 13 seconds. The Speedtail features innovative elements, from flexible carbon fiber ailerons integrated into the clamshell tail to a standard 24K gold toolkit. However, its customization options are where it truly shines. McLaren offers bespoke touches like diamond dust in the paint or a platinum front badge (for $56,000). The Speedtail is the best super car for those seeking ultimate personalization and a unique hyper-GT experience. —SE
McLaren Speedtail hypercar, showcasing its elongated aerodynamic silhouette and luxurious features.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Super Car
Despite the shifts in the automotive industry, the super car remains a beacon of innovation, performance, and desire. From groundbreaking hybrids to all-electric marvels and the continued evolution of traditional combustion engines, the 21st century has already delivered an incredible array of exceptional machines. These 25 super cars represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design, each offering a unique interpretation of the “best super car” concept, whether through groundbreaking speed, technological innovation, design artistry, or driving purity. They ensure that the passion for extraordinary automobiles will continue to captivate and inspire for generations to come.
Authors
- Howard Walker
- Basem Wasef
- Robert Ross
- Marco Della Cava
- Sean Evans
