The automotive world is undergoing a massive transformation. With the rise of self-driving technology, ride-sharing services, and app-based car ownership models, some might worry about the future of car enthusiasm. However, the passion for automobiles, especially high-performance machines, is far from fading, particularly among younger generations. We are witnessing an exciting intersection of cutting-edge technology and time-honored automotive traditions, resulting in some of the most incredible supercars ever created.
This list celebrates the Best Supercars of this century so far, a subjective selection of vehicles that have not only pushed performance boundaries but also captured our imaginations and driven innovation. While not all are the absolute fastest or most agile, each car on this list has made a significant impact, becoming icons that resonate with the inner child in all of us. These are the future classics, proving that the love for exceptional automobiles is alive and well.
McLaren F1
While technically a product of the 1990s, the McLaren F1 serves as the gold standard against which all modern supercars are measured. Its astonishing top speed of 231 mph in 1992 was unprecedented, redefining the limits of production car performance. The F1 achieved this mind-blowing feat through a relentless pursuit of lightweight engineering, featuring a carbon-fiber chassis, and a specially designed 627 hp BMW V-12 engine. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds, a benchmark for its era. Priced near $1 million at launch, the McLaren F1 was exceptionally expensive. Today, with only 106 ever made, its rarity and iconic status command prices around $20 million, solidifying its place as arguably the ultimate supercar. — Howard Walker
Ferrari LaFerrari
2013 marked a pivotal year for supercars, witnessing the debut of the “Holy Trinity”: the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Porsche 918 Spyder. Each of these groundbreaking models embraced hybrid powertrains, yet maintained distinct identities. Among them, the Ferrari LaFerrari stood out with its naturally aspirated V-12 engine, delivering a thrilling and unmatched auditory experience. Boasting 950 hp, the LaFerrari was not only the most powerful of the trio but also, for many, the most captivating. Its name, “LaFerrari” (The Ferrari), was chosen to emphasize its position as the quintessential Ferrari, a hypercar that may be remembered as not just the pinnacle of its time, but as one of the greatest Ferraris ever created. — Basem Wasef
McLaren P1
Joining the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder in the 2013 hybrid hypercar revolution was the McLaren P1. While Ferrari and Porsche were established giants, McLaren was, in hypercar terms, a relative newcomer. Though McLaren’s legacy included the legendary 1990s F1, building a new flagship hypercar like the P1 felt like starting anew. Leveraging advanced carbon-fiber techniques from its more accessible models, McLaren equipped the P1 with a potent 903 hp hybrid powertrain and a remarkably lightweight chassis. This combination allowed the P1 to confidently challenge the established supercar hierarchy, proving McLaren’s continued prowess in the realm of high-performance vehicles. —BW
Porsche 918 Spyder
The Porsche 918 Spyder was a true game-changer, demonstrating the immense 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, achieving a combined output of 877 hp and an astounding 944 ft lbs of torque available almost instantly. Designed under the direction of Porsche’s chief designer, Michael Mauer, the 918 was initially unveiled 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, reflecting the high demand from Porsche enthusiasts eager to own the most powerful road-legal Porsche ever built at the time. Production concluded in mid-2015, and the 918 Spyder remains a highly sought-after collector’s car today. — Robert Ross
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
While Ferrari’s iconic 12-cylinder flagships might be adapting to the modern eco-conscious era, the eight-cylinder SF90 Stradale delivers exceptional performance. Named as a tribute to Ferrari’s SF90 Formula 1 car, the SF90 Stradale is an unapologetic hypercar boasting 1,000 hp from three electric motors and a twin-turbo V-8 engine. Its combination of phenomenal hybrid power and dramatic styling draws inspiration from the best of Ferrari’s mid-engined models. Design cues like the 488’s side scoops and a motorsport-inspired nose pay homage to Ferrari’s racing heritage, reflecting the car’s name: Scuderia Ferrari, celebrating 90 years. — Marco Della Cava
SSC Tuatara
SSC North America, based in Washington State, set an ambitious target for its new hypercar: to reach 300 mph. The SSC Tuatara, named after a reptile from New Zealand, is engineered to achieve this extreme velocity. Its carbon-fiber body houses a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine producing a massive 1,726 hp. Production of the Tuatara, priced at $1.6 million each, is underway with a limited run of 100 examples planned. 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 before being surpassed by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. However, on January 17, 2021, the SSC Tuatara reclaimed the record with an average speed of 282.9 mph across two runs, verified by Racelogic. More recently, it officially clocked 295 mph, further cementing its place in the speed record books. —HW
Aston Martin Valkyrie
Aston Martin’s Valkyrie represents supercar excellence, setting a new benchmark for street-legal, production car performance for the British marque. This remarkable vehicle is 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 and incredibly 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, making it an exclusive and highly desirable piece of automotive engineering. —HW
Rimac Nevera
Landmark cars often emerge from unexpected origins, and the Rimac Nevera has undeniably shaken up 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 established supercars from McLaren to Koenigsegg. The Nevera is the creation of Mate Rimac, a Croatian entrepreneur who founded the company in 2011 at just 33 years old. The Rimac Nevera’s initial impact was driven by its sensational performance figures, but its long-term legacy extends beyond just a single model. In a significant move in summer 2021, the Croatian startup acquired a majority stake in Bugatti, marking a historic moment as a legacy supercar brand came under the control of an electric vehicle innovator, signaling a potential shift in the automotive landscape. —BW
Mercedes-AMG One
How can a car just entering production be considered one of the greatest supercars of the 21st century? Because the 1,000 hp Mercedes-AMG One is essentially a Formula 1 race car adapted for the road, and its impact is expected to be enduring. First unveiled as the Project One concept in 2017, this road-going beast faced technical challenges in development, inherent in the ambition to build a Formula 1 car for everyday use. Powered by a hybrid-assisted 1.6-liter turbo V-6 engine combined with 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, testament to its unique appeal and anticipated performance. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko
In 2017, Christian von Koenigsegg’s Swedish marque achieved a world record with the Agera RS, becoming the fastest production car at 277.9 mph. The Agera’s successor, the Jesko, named in honor of Christian’s father, is designed to potentially surpass the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport’s 304.7 mph record. This $3 million hypercar boasts a mega-wing and a 1,660 hp output. The Jesko’s high-performance technology includes a screaming 5.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, featuring the world’s lightest V-8 crankshaft, weighing only 28 pounds. The exceptional engineering and performance potential of the Jesko have led to all 125 scheduled production units being presold, highlighting its desirability among hypercar enthusiasts and collectors. —HW
Pininfarina Battista
The name Pininfarina carries immense automotive heritage. The Italian design house’s 62-year collaboration with Ferrari produced icons like the 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the Ferrari 308 GTS from “Magnum P.I.” Now, with support from India’s Mahindra Group, who acquired Pininfarina in 2015, and electric vehicle expertise from Rimac, comes the Pininfarina Battista hypercar. This stunning electric coupe delivers 1,900 hp and 1,696 ft lbs of torque from a 120 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and quad motors. It can launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.8 seconds, and reach 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 Battistas, 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
The Lotus Evija holds the title of the most powerful series-production road car ever built. It boasts an astounding 2,011 hp and 1,256 ft lbs of torque, enabling it to accelerate 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 217 mph. The Evija is an all-electric hypercar from Lotus, the British sports car manufacturer founded by Colin Chapman in 1952. The Evija, meaning “the living one,” features a carbon-fiber monocoque, Le Mans-inspired aerodynamics, and an advanced electric powertrain developed by Williams Advanced Engineering. With electric motors at each wheel and a mid-mounted battery pack, 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 beginning in early 2023, priced at approximately $2.3 million. —HW
Ferrari Daytona SP3
Ferrari’s Icona series models pay tribute to the past by combining contemporary engineering with retro-futuristic designs. The Daytona SP3, the third Icona model from Modena, evokes the Ferrari 330 P4s that achieved a historic 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. While incorporating functional air intakes and aerodynamics, 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 pronounced fenders to its dramatically styled rear, the $2.2 million Daytona SP3 will be a moving work of art for its 599 owners, blending classic inspiration with modern supercar performance. —BW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster
Hennessey Special Vehicles, led by John Hennessey in Texas, created the impressive 1,817 hp Venom F5 Coupe. When it debuted in 2021, the Venom F5 was engineered to break the 300 mph barrier. While it hasn’t officially reached that milestone, a recorded top speed of 271.6 mph demonstrates its potential. Now, the Venom F5 Roadster aims to achieve 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, the open-top Roadster is well-positioned to challenge the 300 mph target. To reach such speeds, the lightweight, removable carbon-fiber roof panel must remain in place. However, the true appeal of the Venom F5 Roadster is the open-top driving experience, allowing occupants to fully appreciate the roar of its V-8 engine as it approaches its 8,500 rpm redline. Hennessey plans to build 30 examples of the Roadster, each priced at $3 million. —HW
Lamborghini Sterrato
In the world of supercars, excess is often embraced. However, for the final edition of the V-10-powered Huracán, Lamborghini took a different approach to excess: 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 evoke overlanders and rally cars, bringing an unexpected off-road capability to the Lamborghini lineup. The Sterrato sacrifices 30 hp for enhanced drivability on loose surfaces, resulting in 601 hp, but its Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires provide a unique thrill, allowing for controlled slides and drifts through corners. As Lamborghini transitions into a hybridized and electrified future, the Sterrato marks a memorable, dusty farewell to its purely gasoline-powered era. —BW
Pagani Utopia
Horacio Pagani, founder of Pagani Automobili, established his supercar company after Lamborghini resisted his push for lightweight carbon-fiber materials. Pagani’s Huayra successor, the Utopia, further emphasizes lightweighting through 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 utilizes an automated single-clutch transmission, which is lighter than a dual-clutch, albeit less smooth. Pagani plans to produce 99 examples of the Utopia, maintaining exclusivity and reserving allocations for select clients. —BW
Lamborghini Revuelto
The mid-mounted 6.5-liter V-12 engine has been a signature feature of Lamborghini’s Murciélago and Aventador flagships. Lamborghini embraces electrification while preserving this V-12 legacy in the new Revuelto hybrid. In addition to the 814 hp gasoline engine, three electric motors boost the total output to 1,001 hp, making it the most powerful plug-in hybrid in Lamborghini’s lineup. Notably, this four-digit horsepower figure is achieved without turbochargers, preserving the naturally aspirated V-12’s distinctive sound. The Revuelto features numerous updates, including a more spacious cabin and a smoother dual-clutch transmission. Lamborghini’s new flagship is poised to offer strong competition with its blend of performance and charismatic V-12 power. —BW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Since its introduction in 1999, the Porsche 911 GT3 has become recognized as the “ultimate sports car.” Exciting on the road and highly capable on the track, the GT3 embodies the essence of a driver’s car. The latest GT3 RS elevates everything to an even higher level. With a prominent rear wing providing significant downforce for exceptional cornering, a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 518 hp and revving to 9,000 rpm, and fully adjustable suspension, the GT3 RS is a track-focused machine that enhances driver skill. —HW
Maserati MC20 Cielo
While the Maserati MC12 of 2005 was arguably Maserati’s first true supercar, it was closely related to the Ferrari Enzo and built in limited numbers primarily for racing. The mid-engined MC20 is a more convincing and original supercar, featuring a unique carbon-fiber structure, a 621 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine developed in-house, and impressive supercar dynamics and agility. Initially launched as a coupe with scissor doors in 2020, the open-top MC20 Cielo spyder enhances its appeal. Both versions offer rapid acceleration, race car-like handling, and everyday usability. An all-electric version is anticipated in the future, expanding the MC20 range. —HW
Zenvo Aurora
Danish manufacturer Zenvo named its latest hypercar after the aurora borealis, a fitting choice given the Aurora’s aim for near-light-speed acceleration. Powered by a quad-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine boosted by twin electric motors, producing up to 1,850 hp, the Aurora is projected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 2.0 seconds and achieve 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. The Zenvo Aurora is positioned to be a significant disruptor in the hypercar market, challenging established brands with its extreme performance and innovative design. —HW
Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda
Gordon Murray, the engineering genius behind the 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 is a track-only supercar that 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 engine from Cosworth, tuned to produce 772 horsepower. Weighing just 1,924 pounds, GMA states that its power-to-weight ratio exceeds that of naturally aspirated LMP1 race cars, making it an incredibly potent track weapon. — Sean Evans
Ferrari 12Cilindri
While many supercar manufacturers are focusing on hybridization, Ferrari remains committed to the naturally aspirated V-12 engine. The 12Cilindri, successor to the 812 Superfast, is powered by a large, naturally aspirated V-12, a testament to Ferrari’s engine philosophy. This 6.5-liter engine revs to 9250 rpm and produces 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Designed by Flavio Manzoni and his team, the 12Cilindri, priced from $417,000, boasts a silhouette that is even more striking than the original Daytona coupe it honors, blending classic elegance with modern Ferrari design. —SE
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37
Sián, meaning “flash of lightning” in Bolognese, is an appropriate name for Lamborghini’s first hybridized V-12 model. The FKP 37 designation pays tribute to Ferdinand Karl Piëch, former Volkswagen Group chairman, and his birth year. The Sián combines a 6.5-liter V-12 engine with a 25 kW electric motor, producing a total of 808 horsepower, enabling 0-60 mph acceleration in under 2.8 seconds. Production of the Sián coupe was limited to 63 units, with 19 roadster versions, all of which sold out instantly at starting prices around $3.7 million. Currently, some are being offered on the market for around $5 million, reflecting their rarity and desirability. —SE
Bugatti Tourbillon
The Bugatti Tourbillon, succeeding the Chiron, represents several milestones for Bugatti: its first V-16 engine, first electrified model, and the first Bugatti under CEO Mate Rimac’s leadership. This $4.6 million-plus coupe is surprisingly smaller and lighter than the Chiron, a remarkable achievement for a hybrid conversion, made possible by smart component integration into the monocoque chassis. Producing 1,800 horsepower, the Tourbillon has a claimed top speed of 276 MPH, though its Swiss-watch-inspired speedometer reaches 550 KPH (341 MPH), hinting at potential speeds exceeding 300 mph. High-speed runs well into the 300s are expected, pushing the boundaries of hypercar performance. —SE
McLaren Speedtail
The McLaren Speedtail is the second McLaren model to feature a three-seat configuration, following the iconic McLaren F1. Limited to just 106 units, each priced at least $2.6 million, this 1,035-horsepower, 250-mph hybrid hypercar is designed to impress both visually and dynamically. It accelerates from 0 to 186 mph in a mere 13 seconds. The Speedtail incorporates innovative features, from flexible carbon fiber ailerons integrated into the clamshell tail to a standard 24K gold toolkit. McLaren’s customization options are extensive, including adding crushed diamond dust to the paint or platinum badges for an additional cost, allowing for unparalleled personalization. —SE
Authors
Howard Walker, Basem Wasef, Robert Ross, Marco Della Cava, Sean Evans
