The automotive world is undergoing a monumental transformation. While advancements in self-driving technology, the prevalence of ride-sharing, and innovative ownership models driven by apps offer convenience, they risk diluting the passion for automobiles and eroding car culture. However, dismissing younger generations as indifferent to cars would be a grave mistake. We are witnessing a fascinating convergence of technology and tradition, where analog sensibilities meet artificial intelligence. This is nowhere more apparent than in the current crop of ultra-high-performance machines dominating the market – the supercars.
To celebrate this exciting era, we have refreshed our list of the 25 greatest supercars to emerge this century. This compilation is inherently subjective. Some models featured may not be the absolute fastest or most agile, but each has captured our imaginations and pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. And, let’s be honest, some are simply the cars our inner child relentlessly sketches. These are the future classics, assuring us that the passion for automotive excellence will thrive for generations to come.
McLaren F1
Image Credit: Seth Wenig/AP/Shutterstock.
While technically a product of the 1990s, the McLaren F1 serves as the quintessential benchmark for all supercars that followed. Its staggering top speed of 231 mph in 1992 was unprecedented for a production car, a truly mind-blowing feat. The McLaren F1 was designed to shatter perceptions. With its lightweight carbon-fiber chassis, a relentless focus on minimizing weight, and a custom-built six-liter, 627 hp BMW V-12 engine, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds.
Priced near $1 million at its launch, it was also extraordinarily expensive. Today, if one of the 106 examples ever surfaces on the market, expect a price tag around $20 million. Is it the ultimate supercar? For many, the answer is unequivocally yes. — Howard Walker
Ferrari LaFerrari
Image Credit: Kailin Huang/Shutterstock.
2013 was a landmark year for supercars, witnessing the debut of the “Holy Trinity” – three groundbreaking releases from McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari. Each, distinct in its own right, incorporated a hybrid powertrain.
Among the trio, only the Ferrari LaFerrari boasted a V-12 engine—a naturally aspirated and remarkably visceral one at that. The LaFerrari also stood out as the most powerful and arguably the most charismatic of this extraordinary group. Eponymously named to represent the very essence of the Ferrari marque, this 950 hp hypercar may 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 three celebrated hybrid hypercars launched in 2013, the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder originated from established automotive giants. In contrast, the McLaren P1 emerged from a relative newcomer to the hypercar scene. While McLaren had solidified its place in hypercar history with the legendary F1 in the 1990s, their extended absence made developing this flagship model feel like starting anew.
McLaren leveraged advanced carbon-fiber construction techniques, drawing from their more accessible models. However, the P1, as the top-tier offering, delivered a stunning 903 hp and featured an exceptionally lightweight chassis. This combination made it a formidable competitor against the established supercar elite of the time. —BW
Porsche 918 Spyder
Image Credit: auto-data.net/Shutterstock.
The 918 Spyder was a true paradigm shift, demonstrating the immense potential of plug-in hybrid technology within the supercar realm. A 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 944 ft lbs of instant torque.
Designed by 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 commenced in late 2013 with a base MSRP of $845,000. All 918 units—unsurprisingly—were sold out by the end of 2014, as Porsche enthusiasts clamored to own the most powerful road-legal Porsche ever built. Production concluded by mid-2015, and the 918 remains a highly coveted collector’s supercar today. — Robert Ross
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ferrari.
While the era of Ferrari’s 12-cylinder halo models may be waning in today’s environmentally conscious climate, the eight-cylinder SF90 Stradale more than compensates. Marketed as a road-legal tribute to Ferrari’s SF90 Formula 1 car, the SF90 Stradale is a definitive hypercar, boasting 1,000 hp from three electric motors and a twin-turbo V-8 engine.
Its fusion of exceptional hybrid powertrain performance and striking aesthetics draws inspiration from the finest rear-engined Ferrari models. Note the subtle nod to the 488’s side scoops and the overt homage to the brand’s racing heritage—the front end undeniably evokes motorsport, which this car celebrates in its very name: Scuderia Ferrari, 90 years. — Marco Della Cava
SSC Tuatara
Image Credit: Courtesy of SSC North America.
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 velocity, the carbon-fiber bodied Tuatara—named after a spiny lizard native to New Zealand—employs a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine producing a massive 1,726 hp.
Production is underway with a limited run of 100 examples, each priced at $1.6 million. SSC is no stranger to high-speed records. In 2007, their 1,287 hp Ultimate Aero reached 256.14 mph, a record that stood for three years before 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
Image Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin.
Aston Martin’s Valkyrie, a pinnacle of supercar engineering, is now in production, setting a new performance benchmark for the automaker in street-legal production cars. It represents 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, ultra-strong carbon monocoque structure.
Adding to its pedigree, the Valkyrie was 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
Rimac Nevera
Image Credit: Philipp Rupprecht, courtesy of Rimac Automobili.
Groundbreaking cars often emerge from unexpected origins, and the Rimac Nevera has made a seismic impact on the supercar landscape. This all-electric hypercar has shattered internal combustion records by delivering a staggering 1,914 hp to all four wheels, surpassing the 0-60 mph acceleration times of supercars from McLaren to Koenigsegg. Even more remarkable, the Nevera is the creation of Mate Rimac, a 33-year-old Croatian prodigy who founded the company in 2011.
The Rimac Nevera’s initial impact stemmed from its sensational performance figures, but its legacy extends beyond a single model. In the summer of 2021, the Croatian startup acquired a controlling stake in Bugatti, marking the first, and likely not the last, instance of a legacy supercar brand coming under the ownership of an EV upstart. —BW
Mercedes-AMG One
Image Credit: Courtesy of Daimler AG.
How can a supercar just entering production be considered among the “greats” of the 21st century? Because we are confident that the 1,000 hp Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 car for the road, anticipated next summer, will continue to astound for years to come.
Unveiled as the Project One concept in 2017, this road-going beast faced technical hurdles, inherent in creating a Formula 1 car suitable for everyday roads.
Powered by a hybrid-boosted 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 these $2.6 million marvels are already spoken for. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko
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. The Agera’s successor, the aggressively winged, 1,660 hp Jesko—named in honor of Christian’s father—may possess the capability 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, 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 been pre-sold. —HW
Pininfarina Battista
Image Credit: Pininfarina S.p.A.
Pininfarina’s name is synonymous with automotive legend. The Italian design house’s 62-year collaboration with Ferrari, for example, yielded icons like the 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the Tom Selleck “Magnum P.I.” classic, the 308 GTS. The Cadillac Allante? Perhaps less so.
With support from India’s Mahindra Group, who rescued Pininfarina in late 2015, and collaboration with Croatian EV specialists Rimac, 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 two-seater 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 150 cars being produced—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, priced closer to $2.9 million, and already sold out. —HW
Lotus Evija
Image Credit: John Wycherley, courtesy of Lotus Cars Limited.
The Lotus Evija is simply the most powerful series-production road car ever built. It delivers 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 just 9.1 seconds. The top speed? Limited to 217mph.
This is the all-electric Lotus Evija from the iconic British sports-car manufacturer founded by 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 Williams Advanced Engineering.
This powertrain is truly remarkable, with powerful electric motors at each wheel and a mid-mounted battery pack, echoing Lotus’ tradition of mid-engine placement. The pure electric driving range is approximately 250 miles. Using an 800 kW charger, 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? Expect to pay around $2.3 million. —HW
Ferrari Daytona SP3
Image Credit: Ferrari S.p.A.
The Icona series of limited-production models pays homage to Ferrari’s heritage by encasing modern technology in retro-futuristic designs. The third Icona model from Modena is the Daytona SP3, recalling the Ferrari 330 P4s that achieved a 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967.
While its air intakes and aerodynamics are functional, the SP3 is primarily nostalgic—specifically its naturally aspirated V-12 engine, revving to 9,500 rpm and producing 829 horsepower. From its flared fenders to its dramatically straked rear, the $2.2 million Daytona SP3 will serve as kinetic art for its 599 owners. —BW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster
Image Credit: Hennessey Special Vehicles
We were impressed by the outrageous 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 break the elusive 300 mph barrier. While it hasn’t yet reached that specific target, a recorded top speed of 271.6 mph demonstrates its potential.
Now, it’s the Venom F5 Roadster’s turn to aim 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 hypercar could well achieve that speed milestone. However, the removable, lightweight carbon-fiber roof panel—weighing just 18 pounds—must remain in place to approach the 300 mph club.
Yet, the true appeal of the Venom F5 Roadster lies in removing the top and experiencing the full roar of those eight cylinders as it approaches its 8,500 rpm redline. Hennessey plans to build 30 examples of the Roadster, each priced at a cool $3 million. —HW
Lamborghini Sterrato
Image Credit: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
In the world of supercars, “more” is often the mantra. But for the final iteration of the V-10-powered Huracán, Lamborghini chose a different kind of excess: knobby tires, a 1.7-inch increase in ride height, and protective cladding for this rugged all-wheel-drive coupe designed for off-road adventures. A roof-mounted air intake and auxiliary lights on the front evoke images of overlanders and rally racers, bringing an unexpected go-anywhere spirit to the Lamborghini lineup.
While the Sterrato sacrifices 30 hp for enhanced drivability on loose surfaces (reducing the total to 601 hp), its Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires deliver a different kind of thrill by sliding and drifting through corners. As Lamborghini transitions into its hybrid and electric era, it bids farewell to the gasoline-powered era with a wonderfully dusty flourish. —BW
Pagani Utopia
Image Credit: Pagani Automobili S.p.A.
Horacio Pagani famously established his namesake supercar atelier after his previous employer, Lamborghini, resisted his push for 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, combining carbon and titanium with chrome subframes to achieve 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, powering the rear wheels, and offers an available manual gearbox. Staying true to its lightweight philosophy, Pagani opted for an automated single-clutch unit for the automatic option, which, while less smooth than a dual-clutch, is lighter. Pagani plans to produce 99 examples of the Utopia, maintaining its exclusivity for a select few. —BW
Lamborghini Revuelto
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 age of electrification, they do so while retaining this large-displacement engine as the centerpiece of their new hybrid powertrain. Augmenting the 814 hp gasoline engine are three electric motors, boosting the wedge-shaped beast to 1,001 hp, the highest output of any plug-in hybrid Lamborghini. Notably, this four-digit horsepower figure is achieved without turbochargers, preserving the unadulterated exhaust note.
With numerous upgrades refining the Revuelto, from a more spacious cabin to a long-awaited smoother dual-clutch transmission, Lamborghini’s new flagship supercar is poised to offer formidable and charismatic competition. —BW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Image Credit: Porsche AG
Since its introduction 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 another level. With its towering rear wing generating immense 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, intuitive suspension, the RS is a track weapon with the rare ability to transform a good driver into a great one. —HW
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 limited numbers to re-establish Maserati in racing. The mid-engined MC20, with its unique carbon-fiber structure, the 621 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine (developed in-house), and authentic supercar dynamics and agility, is a far more convincing and compelling supercar.
Initially launched as a scissor-doored coupe in 2020, the new open-top Cielo is even more visually striking. Both versions offer blistering acceleration, race car-like handling, and surprising daily drivability. An all-electric version is anticipated soon. —HW
Zenvo Aurora
Image Credit: Zenvo Automotive A/S
Danish manufacturer Zenvo named its newest and most potent creation after the aurora borealis, a fitting choice considering this Aurora aims to accelerate with 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 Aurora achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 2.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 280 mph.
Two versions will be available when production commences in 2025: the track-focused, rear-wheel-drive Agil, and the all-wheel-drive Tur grand tourer. We anticipate it will be a significant disruptor in the hypercar market. —HW
Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda
Image Credit: Gordon Murray Automotive
Gordon Murray, the mastermind behind the original McLaren F1 road car and McLaren’s Formula One dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s, continues to create blistering performance machines. The GMA T.50S Niki Lauda, a track-only supercar, 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 from Cosworth, optimized to produce 772 horsepower. Weighing a mere 1,924 pounds, GMA states that its power-to-weight ratio per ton surpasses that of naturally aspirated LMP1 cars. — Sean Evans
Ferrari 12Cilindri
Image Credit: Ferrari
While much of the supercar world is exploring hybridization, Ferrari engineers remain unimpressed. The GT successor to the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri, is powered by a massive, naturally aspirated V-12 engine. To the heroes in Maranello, we say molto bene. This 6.5-liter engine revs to 9250 rpm, producing 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. In-house designer Flavio Manzoni and his team deserve accolades for the overall shape and silhouette of the $417,000-plus 12Cilindri, which arguably surpasses the original Daytona coupe it honors in aesthetic appeal. —SE
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37
Image Credit: Martyn Lucy
Sián, meaning “flash of lightning” in Bolognese, is an apt name for Lamborghini’s hybridized V-12, their first-ever 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 sold instantly with starting prices around $3.7 million. However, some are now listed on the market for upwards of $5 million. —SE
Bugatti Tourbillon
Image Credit: BUGATTI AUTOMOBILES
The Chiron’s successor, the Bugatti Tourbillon, marks several Bugatti firsts: the first V-16, 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 rare feat when transforming a combustion vehicle into a hybrid. Rimac and the Molsheim engineers and designers achieved this through intelligent component integration into the monocoque chassis. Producing 1,800 horsepower, the Tourbillon’s top speed, according to Bugatti, is 276 MPH, though the Swiss-watch-inspired speedometer extends to 550 KPH—or 341 MPH. Expect high-speed runs well into the 300s. —SE
McLaren Speedtail
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 priced at a minimum of $2.6 million—this 1,035-horsepower, 250-mile-per-hour hybrid will command attention whether displayed at a concours event or speeding past on the highway. (And it will be a blur: the Speedtail accelerates from 0 to 186 MPH in just 13 seconds.) The Speedtail is filled with innovation, from flexible carbon fiber ailerons integrated into the clamshell tail to the standard 24K gold toolkit. However, the customization options are where these supercars truly shine. For instance, if you desire crushed diamond dust incorporated into the paint, McLaren will accommodate. Or, if a platinum front badge is desired, that’s also available—for $56,000. —SE
Authors
- Howard Walker
- Basem Wasef
- Robert Ross
- Marco Della Cava
- Sean Evans
