The automotive world is undergoing a dramatic transformation. While trends like autonomous driving, ride-sharing platforms, and app-based car ownership gain traction, threatening to dilute the passion for driving, a vibrant counter-narrative is unfolding. The love for the automobile, especially for high-performance machines, is far from fading. In fact, we are witnessing an exciting intersection of cutting-edge technology and time-honored automotive traditions, a fusion most evident in the current crop of ultra-high-performance vehicles.
This brings us to an updated compilation of the 25 Best Super Cars of this century so far. This list is inherently subjective, prioritizing vehicles that have not only achieved exceptional speed and agility but have also captured our imaginations and driven innovation within the automotive landscape. Some selections might not be the absolute fastest or most nimble, but each represents a significant milestone, a dream car that resonates deeply with the enthusiast spirit. These are the future classics, the cars that solidify the enduring appeal of automotive passion for generations to come.
Benchmarking Legends and the Hybrid Revolution
McLaren F1
Image Credit: Seth Wenig/AP/Shutterstock.
While technically a product of the 1990s, the McLaren F1 serves as the gold standard against which all subsequent supercars are measured. Its 1992 top speed of 231 mph was unprecedented, a benchmark that redefined performance. The F1 achieved this mind-blowing feat through a combination of groundbreaking engineering: a featherweight carbon-fiber chassis, an unwavering focus on weight reduction, and a bespoke, 627 hp BMW V-12 engine. This potent combination propelled it to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds.
Priced near $1 million at its launch, the F1 was also remarkably expensive for its time. Today, with only 106 examples ever produced, these automotive icons command prices around $20 million when they rarely appear on the market. Is it the ultimate supercar? For many, the answer is an unequivocal yes. — Howard Walker
Ferrari LaFerrari
Ferrari LaFerrari in red, parked in a studio, highlighting its aggressive aerodynamics.
Image Credit: Kailin Huang/Shutterstock.
2013 marked a pivotal year for supercars, witnessing the simultaneous debut of three hybrid hypercars from McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari, collectively dubbed the “Holy Trinity.” Each was unique, yet all embraced hybrid powertrains, signaling a shift in the industry.
Among the trio, the Ferrari LaFerrari stood out by featuring a naturally aspirated V-12 engine, a roaring testament to traditional Ferrari power. The LaFerrari also claimed the title of the most powerful and arguably the most charismatic member of this groundbreaking group. Eponymously named to embody the very essence of Ferrari, this 950 hp hypercar is poised to be remembered not only as the pinnacle of its era but also as one of the greatest Ferraris ever created. — Basem Wasef
McLaren P1
Image Credit: Oleksiy Maksymenko/imageBROKER/Shutterstock.
Of the celebrated hybrid hypercar trinity of 2013, the McLaren P1 emerged as the relative newcomer alongside established giants Ferrari and Porsche. While McLaren had already cemented its hypercar legacy with the legendary F1 in the 1990s, its extended absence from the segment made the P1 feel like a fresh start.
McLaren leveraged advanced carbon-fiber construction techniques, derived from its more accessible models, for the P1. This flagship boasted a thrilling 903 hp and a remarkably lightweight chassis, making it a formidable contender against the established supercar elite of the time. —BW
Porsche 918 Spyder
Porsche 918 Spyder in silver, parked on a track, showcasing its low profile and hybrid badging.
Image Credit: auto-data.net/Shutterstock.
The Porsche 918 Spyder was a true paradigm shift, demonstrating the immense potential of plug-in hybrid technology within the supercar realm. Its naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8, producing 599 hp, was augmented by 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 debuted as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show to gauge market interest. Production commenced in late 2013 with a base MSRP of $845,000. All 918 units—unsurprisingly—were sold out by the end of 2014, eagerly acquired by Porsche aficionados keen to own the most powerful road-legal Porsche ever built. Production concluded by mid-2015, and the 918 Spyder remains a highly coveted collector car today. — Robert Ross
Modern Hybrid Hypercars: Redefining Performance
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ferrari.
While the era of Maranello’s twelve-cylinder halo cars might be waning in today’s environmentally conscious climate, the eight-cylinder SF90 Stradale more than compensates. Conceived as a road-going tribute to Ferrari’s SF90 Formula 1 car, the SF90 Stradale is an unapologetic hypercar boasting a combined 1,000 hp from three electric motors and a twin-turbo V-8.
Its blend of exceptional hybrid powertrain performance and striking aesthetics draws inspiration from the best of Ferrari’s existing mid-engined models. Subtle nods to the 488’s side scoops and the marque’s racing heritage are evident, with a front end that unmistakably evokes motorsport, aptly reflecting its name: Scuderia Ferrari, 90 years. — Marco Della Cava
Aston Martin Valkyrie
Image Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin.
Supercar excellence materializes in the form of Aston Martin’s Valkyrie, now in production and setting a new benchmark for the automaker in street-legal, production car performance. 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 within a lightweight yet incredibly strong carbon monocoque structure.
Adding to its pedigree, the Valkyrie is designed by Adrian Newey, a Formula 1 design icon and the current chief technical officer for Red Bull Racing. Production is limited to just 150 examples, each priced at $3.2 million. —HW
Mercedes-AMG One
Image Credit: Courtesy of Daimler AG.
How can a car fresh off the production line be considered one of the “greats” of the 21st-century supercar? Because we are confident that the 1,000 hp Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 car for the road, now entering production, will continue to astound for years to come.
Initially unveiled in 2017 as the Project One concept, this road-legal monster faced technical hurdles, understandable given the ambition to essentially create a Formula 1 car for public roads.
Powered by a hybrid-boosted, 1.6-liter turbo V-6 engine and a trio of 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 spoken for. —HW
Lamborghini Revuelto
Image Credit: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
The mid-mounted 6.5-liter V-12 engine has long been a defining feature of Lamborghini’s Murciélago and Aventador flagships. As the Italian brand embraces electrification, it does so while fiercely retaining this large-displacement engine as the core of its new hybrid powertrain. Supplementing the 814 hp gasoline engine are three electric motors, boosting the wedge-shaped beast to a combined 1,001 hp – the highest output of any Lamborghini plug-in hybrid. Notably, this four-digit horsepower figure is achieved without turbochargers, preserving the naturally aspirated engine’s glorious exhaust note.
The Revuelto boasts a suite of enhancements, from a more spacious cabin to a long-awaited, smoother-shifting dual-clutch transmission. Lamborghini’s new range-topper is poised to give its competitors a fiercely charismatic run for their money. —BW
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 in green, parked in London, highlighting its futuristic design and scissor doors.
Image Credit: Martyn Lucy
Sián, meaning “flash of lightning” in Bolognese dialect, is a fitting name for Lamborghini’s hybridized V-12, marking the Italian marque’s first foray into electrification. (The FKP 37 designation honors former Volkswagen Group chairman Ferdinand Karl Piëch and his birth year.) The combination of the 6.5-liter V-12 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 instantly, with starting prices around $3.7 million. However, some examples are now listed on the market for upwards of $5 million. —SE
Bugatti Tourbillon
Image Credit: BUGATTI AUTOMOBILES
The Bugatti Tourbillon, successor to the Chiron, marks several milestones for the legendary marque: the first Bugatti with a V-16 engine, the first electrified Bugatti, and the first model under the leadership of new CEO Mate Rimac. This $4.6 million-plus coupe is actually smaller and lighter than the Chiron, a remarkable feat when transitioning from a combustion-engine vehicle to a hybrid. Rimac and the engineering and design teams in Molsheim achieved this through intelligent component integration within the monocoque chassis.
Producing a staggering 1,800 horsepower, the Tourbillon’s top speed, according to Bugatti, is 276 MPH. However, the Swiss-watch-inspired speedometer hints at even greater potential, reaching 550 KPH—or 341 MPH. Expect top speed runs well into the 300 mph range. —SE
McLaren Speedtail
McLaren Speedtail in silver, in motion, showcasing its elongated tail and aerodynamic profile.
Image Credit: McLaren
The Speedtail is only the second McLaren to feature a three-seat configuration, following in the footsteps of the revolutionary McLaren F1. With a limited production run of just 106 units—each priced at a minimum of $2.6 million—this 1,035-horsepower, 250-mile-per-hour hybrid is guaranteed to turn heads whether displayed at a concours event or blurring past on the highway. (And it will be a blur: the Speedtail accelerates from 0 to 186 MPH in a mere 13 seconds.)
Magic is woven into the Speedtail’s DNA, from the flexible carbon fiber ailerons seamlessly integrated into the clamshell tail to the standard 24K gold toolkit. However, the customization options are where these best super cars truly shine. Want crushed diamond dust in the paint? McLaren can do it. A platinum badge? Available for a mere $56,000. —SE
Speed Kings and Record Breakers: The Pursuit of Velocity
SSC Tuatara
SSC Tuatara in orange, in a desert landscape, showcasing its aerodynamic form.
Image Credit: Courtesy of SSC North America.
The ultimate goal: 300 mph. This is the ambitious target that Washington State-based SSC North America has set for its new SSC Tuatara hypercar. To achieve this velocity, the carbon-fiber-bodied Tuatara—named after a spiny lizard native to New Zealand—packs a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine producing a colossal 1,726 hp.
Production is underway, with a planned run of 100 examples, each priced at $1.6 million. SSC is not new to the high-speed arena. In 2007, its 1,287 hp Ultimate Aero reached 256.14 mph, a record that stood for three years before being surpassed by Bugatti’s Veyron Super Sport. However, on January 17, 2021, the SSC Tuatara reclaimed the record with two runs averaging 282.9 mph, verified by Racelogic. More recently, it officially clocked 295 mph. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko
Koenigsegg Jesko in white, in a studio, showcasing its aggressive aerodynamics and large rear wing.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.
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 dramatically winged, 1,660 hp Jesko—named in honor of Christian’s father—possesses the potential 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 examples of the Jesko scheduled for production have already been pre-sold. —HW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster
Image Credit: Hennessey Special Vehicles
The outrageous 1,817 hp Venom F5 Coupe, from maverick Texas supercar builder John Hennessey and his team at Hennessey Special Vehicles, was met with great enthusiasm. Upon its debut in 2021, the Venom F5 was designed to shatter the elusive 300 mph barrier. While it hasn’t yet reached that specific target, a recorded maximum speed of 271.6 mph certainly demonstrates its 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 have the 300 mph benchmark squarely in its sights. However, the removable, featherweight carbon-fiber roof panel—weighing just 18 pounds—must remain in place for the Roadster to approach the 300 mph club.
The true appeal of the Venom F5 Roadster lies in removing the top and experiencing the full roar of its eight cylinders as it screams towards its 8,500 rpm redline. Hennessey plans to build 30 examples of the Roadster, each priced at $3 million. —HW
Zenvo Aurora
Image Credit: Zenvo Automotive A/S
Danish marque Zenvo has named its latest and most potent creation after the aurora borealis, a rare 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 to deliver up to 1,850 hp, the Aurora accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 2.0 seconds, with a top speed of 280 mph.
Two versions will be offered when the car enters production 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. —HW
Electric Revolution and Design Icons: Shaping the Future
Rimac Nevera
Rimac Nevera in blue, in motion on a coastal road, highlighting its sleek electric design.
Image Credit: Philipp Rupprecht, courtesy of Rimac Automobili.
Landmark cars often emerge from unexpected places, and the Rimac Nevera has sent shockwaves through the supercar microcosm. This battery-electric hypercar shattered internal combustion records by delivering 1,914 hp to all four wheels, outperforming zero-to-60 mph times of everything from McLarens to Koenigseggs. Even more astonishingly, this EV hypercar is the brainchild of 33-year-old Croatian prodigy Mate Rimac, who founded the company in 2011.
The Rimac Nevera’s initial impact stemmed from its sensational performance figures, but its legacy will extend beyond just one model. In the summer of 2021, the Croatian startup acquired a majority stake in Bugatti, marking the first (and likely not the last) instance of a legacy supercar brand falling under the control of an EV upstart. —BW
Pininfarina Battista
Image Credit: Pininfarina S.p.A.
Few automotive names carry more prestige than Pininfarina. The Italian design studio’s 62-year partnership with Ferrari, for example, yielded icons like the 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the classic Ferrari 308 GTS famously driven by Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I.
With the support of India’s Mahindra Group, who rescued Pininfarina in late 2015, and the electric vehicle expertise of Croatian company 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 stunningly beautiful electric two-seat 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 the planned 150 cars—priced from $2.2 million each—has already been delivered. For those seeking ultimate exclusivity, there’s a lavishly equipped Anniversario edition, limited to just five units. Priced closer to $2.9 million, these are, unfortunately, already sold out. —HW
Lotus Evija
Lotus Evija in green, in a studio, highlighting its futuristic electric design and aerodynamic elements.
Image Credit: John Wycherley, courtesy of Lotus Cars Limited.
The Lotus Evija is simply the most powerful series-production road car ever built, boasting an astonishing 2,011 hp and 1,256 ft lbs of torque. This is sufficient to propel this low-slung projectile from 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds and from 0 to 186 mph in a mere 9.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 217mph.
This all-electric marvel comes from Lotus, the legendary British sports car maker 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 state-of-the-art electric powertrain developed by the technical experts 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 Evija offers a pure electric driving range of around 250 miles. Connect it to an 800 kW charger, and the battery pack replenishes fully in just nine minutes.
Only 130 examples of the Evija will be built, with initial deliveries in early 2023. The price? Expect to pay around $2.3 million. —HW
Ferrari Daytona SP3
Image Credit: Ferrari S.p.A.
Ferrari’s Icona series of limited-production models pays homage to the past by encasing modern technology in retro-futuristic designs. The third Icona model from Modena, the Daytona SP3, evokes the Ferrari 330 P4s that achieved a historic 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967.
While its air intakes and aerodynamics are functional, the SP3’s essence is purely nostalgic—specifically 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 serve as kinetic art when its 599 owners take delivery of their exceptional machines. —BW
Pagani Utopia
Pagani Utopia in gold and carbon fiber, in a studio, showcasing its intricate design and craftsmanship.
Image Credit: Pagani Automobili S.p.A.
Horacio Pagani famously established his eponymous supercar atelier after his former employer, Lamborghini, resisted his persistent advocacy for utilizing lightweight carbon-fiber materials. Pagani’s successor to the Huayra model, the Utopia, embraces next-level lightweighting through what the marque calls a “Carbo-Titanium” chassis. This combines a carbon and titanium structure with chrome subframes, resulting in a remarkably low dry weight of 2,822 pounds.
The new Utopia, a model name referencing Thomas More’s 1516 text, retains the Huayra’s 852 hp AMG V-12 engine powering the rear wheels, along with the option of a manual gearbox. Staying true to its lightweight philosophy, Pagani offers an automated single-clutch unit as the automatic option, which, while less smooth than a dual-clutch, is lighter. Pagani states that only 99 examples of the Utopia will be built, maintaining exclusivity for a select few. —BW
Ferrari 12Cilindri
Ferrari 12Cilindri in blue, in a studio, showcasing its elegant and modern interpretation of classic Ferrari GT design.
Image Credit: Ferrari
While much of the supercar world is focused on integrating hybridization, Ferrari engineers remain non impressionato. Thus, 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. 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 accolades for the overall form and silhouette of the $417,000-plus 12Cilindri, which arguably surpasses the beauty of the original Daytona coupe that inspired it. —SE
Maserati MC20 Cielo
Image Credit: Maserati S.p.A.
While Maserati’s assertive MC12 from 2005 could be considered the Italian marque’s first true supercar, it was essentially a thinly veiled Ferrari Enzo, produced in extremely limited numbers primarily for racing homologation. The mid-engined MC20, with its unique carbon-fiber structure, in-house developed 621 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, and authentic supercar dynamics and agility, is a far more convincing contender.
Initially introduced as a scissor-doored coupe in 2020, the new open-top Cielo is even more visually striking. Both variants offer blistering acceleration, race car-like handling, and the versatility to serve as daily drivers. An all-electric version is anticipated in the near future. —HW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Image Credit: Porsche AG
Since its debut in 1999, Porsche’s continuously evolving 911 GT3 has rightfully earned the title of “ultimate sports car.” A thrilling experience on the road and exceptionally capable on the track, the GT3 embodies the true essence of a driver’s car.
The latest GT3 RS simply elevates everything to an extreme level. With its towering rear wing generating immense downforce for exceptional 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 with the rare ability to transform a good driver into a great one. —HW
Lamborghini Sterrato
Image Credit: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
In the realm of supercars, excess is often the norm. However, for the final edition of the V-10-powered Huracán, Lamborghini opted for a different kind of extravagance: knobby tires, a 1.7-inch increase in ride height, and comprehensive cladding to protect the ruggedly styled all-wheel-drive coupe from off-road challenges. A roof-mounted air intake and auxiliary lights on the nose evoke images of souped-up overlanders and rally racers, injecting an unexpected go-anywhere attitude into the Lamborghini lineup.
While the Sterrato sacrifices 30 hp in favor of enhanced drivability on loose surfaces (reducing the total to 601 hp), its Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires deliver a different kind of exhilaration, allowing for controlled slips, slides, and drifts through tight corners. As Lamborghini transitions into its hybridized and electrified future, it bids farewell to the gasoline-powered era with a delightfully dusty and unconventional flourish. —BW
Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda
Image Credit: Gordon Murray Automotive
Gordon Murray, the visionary behind the original McLaren F1 road car and a key figure in McLaren’s Formula One dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s, continues to create blistering performance machines. Case in point: the GMA T.50S Niki Lauda, 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 surpasses that of naturally aspirated LMP1 cars. — Sean Evans
Authors
- Howard Walker
- Basem Wasef
- Robert Ross
- Marco Della Cava
- Martyn Lucy
- Philipp Rupprecht
- Sean Evans
