The automotive world is undergoing a dramatic transformation. The rise of self-driving technology, the prevalence of ride-sharing, and new ownership models driven by apps might suggest a decline in car enthusiasm. However, to assume that younger generations are losing their passion for automobiles would be a mistake. We are currently experiencing a unique convergence of technology and tradition, where analog craftsmanship meets artificial intelligence. This is especially evident in the realm of ultra-high-performance vehicles available today. These machines are not just modes of transport; they are embodiments of automotive artistry and engineering prowess.
With this in mind, we present an updated list of the 25 best supercars of this century so far. Compiling such a list is inherently subjective. While some models featured may not be the absolute quickest or most agile production cars, they have each captured our imaginations and pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. In many cases, these are simply the cars that ignite our passion and inspire us. These are the future classics, solidifying our belief that the love for exceptional automobiles will continue to thrive for generations to come.
McLaren F1
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
While technically a creation of the 1990s, the McLaren F1 serves as the definitive benchmark for all supercars that followed. Its impact is undeniable. Achieving a top speed of 231 mph in 1992 was unprecedented for a production car. The McLaren F1 redefined performance expectations. Its genius lay in its lightweight carbon-fiber chassis, a relentless pursuit of weight reduction, and a custom-engineered 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.
Priced near $1 million at its launch, it was an exceptionally expensive vehicle. Today, with only 106 examples ever produced, a McLaren F1 appearing on the market can command prices around $20 million. Is it the ultimate supercar? For many, the answer is unequivocally yes. — Howard Walker
Ferrari LaFerrari
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
The year 2013 was a landmark year for best supercars, witnessing the debut of three groundbreaking models from McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari, collectively known as the “Holy Trinity”. Each of these cars, though distinct, incorporated hybrid powertrains.
Among the trio, the Ferrari LaFerrari stood out by featuring a V-12 engine – a naturally aspirated and remarkably vocal one. The LaFerrari was also the most potent and, arguably, the most charismatic of these exceptional machines. Bearing the Ferrari name to signify its embodiment of the brand’s essence, this 950 hp hypercar may be remembered not just as the pinnacle of its era, but as one of the greatest Ferraris ever created. — Basem Wasef
McLaren P1
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
Of the celebrated hybrid hypercars launched in 2013, the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder came from well-established manufacturers. The McLaren P1, however, represented a relative newcomer, though with a legacy rooted in the legendary McLaren F1 of the 1990s. Despite the brand’s heritage, creating the P1 felt like starting anew in the hypercar arena.
McLaren utilized advanced carbon-fiber techniques, building upon their more accessible models. The P1, as their flagship, boasted an impressive 903 hp and an exceptionally lightweight chassis. This combination positioned it as a formidable rival to the supercar establishment at the time. —BW
Porsche 918 Spyder
Porsche 918 Spyder silver supercar showcased in a studio, exhibiting its plug-in hybrid technology and game-changing impact on the supercar segment.
The 918 Spyder was a true innovator, demonstrating the potential of plug-in hybrid technology within the supercar domain. It combined a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 engine producing 599 hp with two electric motors, resulting in a total output of 877 hp and 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 market interest. Production commenced in late 2013 with a base MSRP of $845,000. All 918 units were sold by the end of 2014, reflecting the eagerness of Porsche enthusiasts to own the most powerful road-legal Porsche ever made. Production concluded in mid-2015, and the 918 remains a highly sought-after collector’s item today. — Robert Ross
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
While the era of Ferrari’s 12-cylinder flagship models might seem to be diminishing due to environmental concerns, the eight-cylinder SF90 Stradale more than compensates. Marketed as a street-legal tribute to Ferrari’s SF90 Formula 1 car, the SF90 Stradale is a genuine hypercar, delivering 1,000 hp from three electric motors and a twin-turbo V-8.
Its blend of exceptional hybrid performance and striking aesthetics draws from the finest aspects of previous mid-engined models. Design cues like the 488’s side scoops and 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
SSC Tuatara silver hypercar on a desert road, emphasizing its aerodynamic shape and ambition to reach record-breaking speeds, positioning it among the best supercars for speed.
The target: 300 mph. This is the ambitious goal of SSC North America, based in Washington State, for their new SSC Tuatara hypercar. To achieve this, the carbon-fiber Tuatara – named after a New Zealand lizard – is equipped with a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine producing a massive 1,726 hp.
Production is underway, with a planned run of 100 cars, 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 the Bugatti 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. —HW
Aston Martin Valkyrie
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
Aston Martin’s Valkyrie represents supercar excellence in production form. This model sets a new performance benchmark for the brand in street-legal production cars. 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, ultra-strong carbon monocoque structure.
Adding to its pedigree, the Valkyrie was designed by Adrian Newey, a leading figure in Formula 1 design and the current chief technical officer for Red Bull Racing. Production is limited to 150 examples, each priced at $3.2 million. —HW
Rimac Nevera
Rimac Nevera electric hypercar in blue, parked to showcase its groundbreaking electric powertrain and status as a game-changer in the supercar industry.
Landmark automobiles often emerge from unexpected places, and the Rimac Nevera has significantly disrupted the supercar landscape. This battery-electric Nevera shattered internal combustion records by delivering 1,914 hp to all four wheels, outperforming zero-to-60 mph times of established supercars from McLaren to Koenigsegg. Even more remarkable, this EV hypercar 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 extraordinary performance figures, but its lasting legacy extends beyond just a model. In summer 2021, Rimac acquired a majority stake in Bugatti, marking a historic moment where a legacy supercar brand came under the control of an EV startup. —BW
Mercedes-AMG One
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
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 Formula 1 car for the road, expected next summer, will continue to impress for years to come.
Originally unveiled as the Project One concept in 2017, this road-going marvel faced technical hurdles. However, the complexity is understandable when you essentially create a Formula 1 car suitable for everyday roads.
Powered by a hybrid-assisted 1.6-liter turbo V-6 and three electric motors, it is projected to accelerate from 0 to 124 mph in under 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph. Unsurprisingly, all 275 examples of this $2.6 million masterpiece are already sold. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko
Koenigsegg Jesko yellow hypercar on a track, demonstrating its high-speed focus and aerodynamic design as a top contender for the fastest production car title among the best supercars.
In 2017, Christian von Koenigsegg’s Agera RS became the world’s fastest production car with a two-way average top speed of 277.9 mph. The Agera’s successor, the Jesko – named after Christian’s father – with its prominent wing and 1,660 hp, has the potential to surpass the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport’s 304.7 mph record.
The $3 million Jesko’s high-speed technology includes a powerful 5.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, featuring the world’s lightest V-8 crankshaft, weighing only 28 pounds. It’s no surprise that all 125 planned production models have been pre-sold. —HW
Pininfarina Battista
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
Pininfarina is a name synonymous with automotive legend. The Italian design house’s 62-year partnership with Ferrari produced icons like the 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the Ferrari 308 GTS famously driven in Magnum P.I.
With support from India’s Mahindra Group, who acquired Pininfarina in 2015, and collaboration with Rimac, the Croatian EV specialists, comes the sensational Pininfarina Battista hypercar. Producing 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 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 1.8 seconds and reaches 186 mph in 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 – have 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. —HW
Lotus Evija
Lotus Evija green electric hypercar in a studio, highlighting its record-breaking power output and advanced aerodynamics as one of the best supercars pushing EV technology.
The Lotus Evija is simply the most powerful series-production road car ever created. It boasts an astounding 2,011 hp and 1,256 ft lbs of torque. This power propels this low-slung machine from 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds and from 0 to 186 mph in just 9.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 217 mph.
This all-electric marvel from the British sports car maker founded by Colin Chapman in 1952, named Evija (meaning “the living one”), features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, Le Mans-inspired aerodynamics, and a cutting-edge electric powertrain developed by Williams Advanced Engineering.
With electric motors at each wheel and a mid-mounted battery pack, echoing Lotus’ mid-engine tradition, it offers a pure electric range of around 250 miles. Using an 800 kW charger, the battery pack can be fully replenished in just nine minutes.
Only 130 Evijas will be produced, with deliveries starting in early 2023. The price is approximately $2.3 million. —HW
Ferrari Daytona SP3
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
The Icona series from Ferrari pays homage to the past by combining modern technology with retro-futuristic aesthetics. The third Icona model, the Daytona SP3, recalls 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 Daytona SP3 is primarily nostalgic, particularly with its naturally aspirated V-12 engine that revs to 9,500 rpm and produces 829 horsepower. From its flared fenders to its dramatically styled rear, the $2.2 million Daytona SP3 serves as a kinetic work of art for its 599 owners. —BW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster yellow hypercar with top off, showcasing its open-top design and immense power, aiming to break speed records as one of the best supercars for open-air driving.
We admire the extreme 1,817 hp Venom F5 Coupe from John Hennessey and his team at Hennessey Special Vehicles. When it debuted in 2021, the Venom F5 was designed to surpass the elusive 300 mph barrier. While it hasn’t officially reached that speed, a recorded 271.6 mph demonstrates 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 as the coupe and weighing only 45 pounds more, this open-top version could achieve that speed benchmark. However, the lightweight carbon-fiber roof panel (weighing just 18 pounds) must be in place to approach the 300 mph mark.
The true appeal of the Venom F5 Roadster is the open-top experience, allowing drivers to fully appreciate the roar of its eight cylinders at its 8,500 rpm redline. Hennessey plans to produce 30 Roadsters, each priced at $3 million. —HW
Lamborghini Sterrato
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
In the world of supercars, more is often considered better. However, for the final edition of the V-10-powered Huracán, Lamborghini chose a different approach: knobby tires, a 1.7-inch increase in ride height, and protective cladding for off-road driving. A roof-mounted air intake and auxiliary lights recall overland vehicles and rally cars, bringing an unexpected go-anywhere attitude to the Lamborghini lineup.
While the Sterrato sacrifices 30 hp for off-road drivability (reducing the total to 601 hp), its Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires offer a unique thrill, allowing for controlled slides and drifts through corners. As Lamborghini transitions into a hybridized and electric future, the Sterrato marks a memorable, dusty farewell to its gas-powered era. —BW
Pagani Utopia
Pagani Utopia gold hypercar in a studio, emphasizing its lightweight construction and refined design, representing the best supercars for artisanal craftsmanship and driving purity.
Horacio Pagani founded his eponymous supercar company after Lamborghini resisted his push for lightweight carbon-fiber materials. Pagani’s Huayra successor, the Utopia, 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 new Utopia, named after Thomas More’s 1516 book, retains the Huayra’s 852 hp AMG V-12 engine powering the rear wheels, and offers an optional manual gearbox. Maintaining its lightweight philosophy, the automatic version uses a lighter single-clutch automated unit, which is less smooth but lighter than a dual-clutch system. Pagani plans to build 99 Utopia models, ensuring exclusivity for a select few. —BW
Lamborghini Revuelto
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
The mid-mounted 6.5-liter V-12 engine has been a hallmark of Lamborghini’s Murciélago and Aventador flagships. Lamborghini embraces electrification while staying true to its heritage by keeping the large-displacement V-12 as the core of its new hybrid powertrain. Augmenting the 814 hp gasoline engine are three electric motors, boosting the total output to 1,001 hp, making it the most powerful plug-in hybrid in their lineup. Notably, this four-digit horsepower figure is achieved without turbochargers, preserving the engine’s natural sound.
The Revuelto features numerous updates, from a more spacious interior to a smoother dual-clutch transmission. Lamborghini’s new flagship aims to offer a compelling and charismatic challenge to its competitors. —BW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Porsche 911 GT3 RS blue track-focused supercar on a racetrack, emphasizing its aerodynamic elements and track performance, solidifying its status as one of the best supercars for driving enthusiasts.
Since its debut in 1999, the Porsche 911 GT3 has rightfully earned the title of “ultimate sports car.” Excelling both on the road and the track, the GT3 is the quintessential driver’s car.
The latest GT3 RS elevates everything to an even higher level. With its prominent rear wing generating significant downforce, a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 518 hp and revving to 9,000 rpm, and fully adjustable suspension, the RS is a track weapon that enhances driver capability. —HW
Maserati MC20 Cielo
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
While the Maserati MC12 from 2005 was arguably Maserati’s first true supercar, it was essentially a Ferrari Enzo derivative, built in limited numbers for racing purposes. The mid-engined MC20 is a more authentic supercar, featuring a unique carbon-fiber structure, a 621 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 developed in-house, and proper supercar dynamics.
Initially introduced as a coupe in 2020, the open-top Cielo version is even more visually striking. Both offer rapid acceleration, race car-like handling, and daily usability. An all-electric version is anticipated soon. —HW
Zenvo Aurora
Zenvo Aurora red hypercar in a studio setting, highlighting its extreme performance and unique Danish design, positioning it as a disruptor among the best supercars for power.
Danish manufacturer Zenvo named its newest and most powerful creation Aurora after the aurora borealis. This Aurora aims to accelerate with incredible speed. Powered by a quad-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine boosted by twin electric motors, delivering up to 1,850 hp, it achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 2.0 seconds with a top speed of 280 mph.
Two versions will be available upon its production in 2025: the track-focused, rear-wheel-drive Agil, and the all-wheel-drive Tur grand tourer. It’s poised to be a significant disruptor in the hypercar market. —HW
Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
Gordon Murray, the mastermind behind the original McLaren F1 and McLaren’s Formula One dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s, continues to create exceptional performance cars. The GMA T.50S Niki Lauda, a track-only supercar, is lighter and more powerful than the road-going T.50. This $3.86 million carbon-fiber machine is powered by a 3.9-liter naturally aspirated V-12 from Cosworth, producing 772 horsepower. Weighing just 1,924 pounds, GMA states that its power-to-weight ratio exceeds that of naturally aspirated LMP1 cars. — Sean Evans
Ferrari 12Cilindri
Ferrari 12Cilindri silver grand tourer supercar, showcasing its elegant design and powerful naturally aspirated V12 engine, representing the best supercars for traditional performance.
While much of the supercar industry explores hybridization, Ferrari engineers remain unconvinced. The GT successor to the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri, is powered by a large, naturally aspirated V-12 engine. This 6.5-liter engine revs to 9250 rpm, producing 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Designer Flavio Manzoni and his team deserve praise for the overall design of the $417,000-plus 12Cilindri, which arguably surpasses the original Daytona coupe it honors in terms of aesthetics. —SE
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37
Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 gold limited-edition supercar in London, highlighting its striking design and hybrid V12 powertrain, making it one of the best supercars for exclusivity and bold styling.
Sián, meaning “flash of lightning” in Bolognese, aptly describes this hybridized V-12 Lamborghini, the brand’s first electrified vehicle. (FKP 37 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, launching occupants to 60 mph in under 2.8 seconds. Production of the Sián was limited to 63 coupes and 19 roadsters, all instantly sold out, with starting prices around $3.7 million. Some are now listed on the market for around $5 million. —SE
Bugatti Tourbillon
McLaren F1 supercar at an automotive event, showcasing its iconic design and historical significance as a benchmark for supercars.
The Chiron’s successor, the Tourbillon, marks several Bugatti firsts: the first V-16, the first electrified Bugatti, and the first under CEO Mate Rimac’s leadership. This $4.6 million-plus coupe is smaller and lighter than the Chiron, a rare feat when transitioning from combustion to hybrid. Rimac and the engineering team achieved this through intelligent component integration. Producing 1,800 horsepower, the Tourbillon’s top speed is stated at 276 MPH, though its speedometer reaches 550 KPH (341 MPH), suggesting potential speeds exceeding 300 mph. —SE
McLaren Speedtail
McLaren Speedtail silver hyper-GT supercar, emphasizing its aerodynamic efficiency and luxurious interior, positioning it as one of the best supercars for grand touring and innovative features.
The Speedtail is the second McLaren to feature a three-seat configuration, the first being the iconic McLaren F1. Limited to 106 units, each priced at least $2.6 million, this 1,035-horsepower, 250-mph hybrid is captivating whether stationary or in motion. It accelerates from 0 to 186 MPH in just 13 seconds. The Speedtail is full of innovations, from flexible carbon fiber ailerons to a 24K gold toolkit. Customization options are extensive, including diamond dust paint or a platinum badge for an additional $56,000. —SE
Authors
Howard Walker
Basem Wasef
Robert Ross
Marco Della Cava
Sean Evans
