Defining a Dream Car is subjective; it varies from person to person. For some, a practical yet sporty BMW M3 might suffice, while others might only consider an ultra-rare Bugatti Chiron worthy of the title. However, we believe there are five core qualities that generally apply when considering what elevates a vehicle to “dream car” status.
Updated June 2023: The allure of owning a dream car is a powerful motivator for many. While the reality might be years away for some, the internet serves as a perfect platform to fuel these aspirations and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. We’ve revisited this article to showcase even more dream rides currently capturing the hearts of online communities in 2023.
Firstly, price becomes almost irrelevant. Whether it’s within reach after years of saving or remains a distant fantasy, the cost shouldn’t diminish its dream car appeal. Secondly, coolness is paramount. While “cool” is subjective, a dream car must resonate as exceptionally desirable and impressive in your personal view of the automotive world. Thirdly, it should stir positive emotions or memories. Perhaps it’s a car you admired in your youth, or maybe it’s reminiscent of a vehicle your family once owned – a dream car evokes a strong personal connection.
Fourthly, a dream car often stands out as uniquely special. This uniqueness could stem from groundbreaking performance, exceptional sportiness, and exhilarating driving dynamics, or perhaps from its unparalleled luxury or status as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. We acknowledge that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, allowing for some flexibility in this criterion. Lastly, and crucially, it should be fun to experience. Owning a dream car should bring joy and excitement. While not every dream car needs to tick all these boxes, they provide a solid framework for identifying those truly special vehicles.
Beyond the realm of sold-out supercars and hypercars that undoubtedly top many wish lists, more accessible performance sports cars are also heavily favored online. These status symbols represent success and prove that a dream car doesn’t necessarily need to be among the world’s most luxurious and expensive cars to offer style, luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Who wouldn’t aspire to that? Whether you’re a devoted automotive enthusiast or simply appreciate stunning vehicles, prepare to be captivated by some of the most sought-after dream cars on the internet.
RELATED: 10 Popular Dream Cars Everyone Wants That Owners Regret Buying
15. Volkswagen Golf R
Known For: The Quintessential Hot Hatch
For a generation accustomed to instant gratification, the Volkswagen Golf R represents a dream car that feels genuinely attainable. This German hot hatch doesn’t command an exorbitant price tag, making it a more realistic aspiration compared to some of the more outlandish vehicles on this list. Its focus on driver engagement and pure fun has solidified the VW Golf R as a hugely popular dream car, particularly among younger enthusiasts.
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While “affordable” is relative in the dream car context, the value proposition of the VW Golf R, around $45,000, is undeniable. It boasts exceptional handling and delivers a thrilling 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This power translates to a claimed 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds, establishing the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R as the ultimate all-in-one vehicle for those who want performance and practicality.
14. Tesla Model S Plaid
Known For: Reigning Supreme in the Electric Vehicle World
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Tesla revolutionized the perception of electric vehicles, shifting them from niche, eco-focused machines to desirable, high-performance roadsters with impressive range and style. This transformation has cultivated a devoted following for Tesla, extending beyond traditional car enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that the Tesla Model S frequently appears on internet dream car lists. Many even envision a Tesla Model S Cabriolet as the pinnacle of open-top electric motoring.
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For EV devotees, the Tesla Model S Plaid variant is the ultimate dream. It holds the title of the fastest production sedan globally. Tesla states the Model S Plaid can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a mind-bending 1.9 seconds and conquer the quarter-mile in a mere 9.23 seconds. This astonishing performance is attributed to its all-wheel-drive system and a tri-motor electric powertrain unleashing a staggering 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, making it a true dream in electric form.
13. Nissan GT-R
Known For: Supercar Performance at a Sports Car Price Point
While Godzilla attacks might be the stuff of nightmares for most, the 2022 Nissan GT-R Nismo Special Edition is a “Godzilla” that car enthusiasts eagerly embrace. Many in America grew up dreaming of the Nissan Skyline GT-R, from the R32 to the legendary R34. However, due to the Nissan Skyline GT-R being initially illegal in America, enthusiasts patiently waited for the R35 generation to be officially released, finally bringing the dream to reality.
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Purchasing a Nissan R35 GT-R grants you not only a genuine high-performance sports car but also the renowned reliability of Japanese engineering. When the GT-R first debuted, its capabilities were revolutionary, establishing it as one of the most influential cars of the 21st century. While American muscle cars offered raw power, they often lacked the refined handling previously associated with European vehicles. The GT-R provided an alternative for those seeking a unique blend of performance and finesse, capable of keeping pace with the best in the world.
12. Audi R8
Known For: Exotic Styling and a Roaring V10 Engine
There’s an undeniable appeal to the precise engineering, build quality, and performance of German automobiles, making them incredibly well-rounded packages. Audi had long established itself with fast sedans, wagons, and even rally cars, but a mid-engine supercar with the striking design of the R8 was uncharted territory. Leveraging the resources of the Volkswagen Group, Audi possessed the necessary components to create a true showstopper without starting entirely from scratch. The Audi R8 isn’t just a top dream car online; it’s also a dream realized for Audi itself.
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Beyond its captivating aesthetics, the Audi R8 shares components with the Lamborghini Huracan, lending it a legitimate performance pedigree. Powering the base 2023 Audi R8 is an enchanting 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine, revving to a thrilling 8,700 rpm and producing 562 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s famed Quattro all-wheel-drive system, it achieves a sub-three-second 0-60 mph time and a top speed exceeding 200 mph. For many, choosing the 2023 Audi R8 over the 2023 Porsche 911 is a serious consideration, highlighting the R8’s enduring desirability even as its production nears its end.
RELATED: 10 Reasons Why We Love The Audi R8
11. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport
Known For: Record-Breaking Speed and a Colossal W16 Engine
Despite reports that Volkswagen incurred a $1.6 billion loss with the Bugatti Veyron, its impact on automotive history is undeniable and will resonate for decades. The Chiron succeeded the Veyron, and the Chiron Super Sport stands as one of its most recent and celebrated iterations. Beyond its extreme price and limited production, its performance transcends mere driving; it’s an experience. Of course, all within legal speed limits…mostly.
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Unless you frequent Monaco or similarly affluent locales, the probability of encountering a Chiron Super Sport in person is akin to spotting a unicorn. It truly exists in the realm of dreams for most. Fortunately, countless online videos allow you to witness its magnificence from afar, letting others foot the fuel bill as it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.3 seconds or attempts to reach its staggering top speed. For a reminder of its sheer audacity, watch the Bugatti Chiron shatter the 300 mph barrier, etching its name in history.
10. Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
Known For: The Ultimate Fusion of Luxury and Off-Road Capability
Originating as a vehicle designed for military applications, the G-Wagon, short for Geländewagen, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a coveted dream car. Once tasked with transporting soldiers, it’s now more commonly seen in the hands of affluent individuals and celebrities. Its distinctive boxy silhouette sets it apart from conventional SUVs, instantly signaling its exclusivity and unconventional nature.
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Mercedes-Benz comprehensively redesigned the G-Wagon in 2018, prioritizing interior refinement, advanced safety features, and cutting-edge technology, aligning with its now six-figure price point. The G-Wagon consistently ranks among the top luxury SUVs, and its desirability is so high that pre-owned models often command prices 150 to 200 percent above their original MSRP, with some exceeding even those figures. This premium pricing underscores why the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is considered the ultimate badass luxury SUV of our time.
9. Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Known For: Advanced Engineering and Road-Legal Race Car DNA
Many children dream of becoming race car drivers, but for most, this ambition remains a fantasy. Access to the extensive research and development of a professional racing team is typically out of reach. However, Porsche, while not having a dedicated Formula 1 team (yet), offers the closest experience to a factory race car for the road: the 911 GT3 RS.
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When Porsche designates a 911 with the GT3 badge, it signifies their most extreme, stripped-down, and high-performance creation, incorporating aerodynamic elements typically found on dedicated race cars. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS features a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine with a stratospheric 9,000 rpm redline, producing an otherworldly soundtrack alongside its 502 horsepower output. Factors contributing to the Porsche 911 GT3 RS’s dream car status include its blistering 2.7-second 0-60 mph acceleration, telepathic steering feel, and exceptional handling prowess. It’s an undeniably sensational machine, and we encourage you to explore why the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS flat-six engine is pure automotive bliss.
8. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Known For: The Most Powerful Mustang Ever Produced
The Ford Mustang is an enduring American icon for countless enthusiasts, gracing roads worldwide for over six decades and continuously evolving with time. Cherished and admired, it’s a dream car for many and consistently ranks among the most desired vehicles online. This dream car status extends to legendary classic Mustangs like the Shelby GT350, GT500 Cobra Jet, and the Boss 429, all of which cemented the Mustang’s cult following among muscle car aficionados.
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As electric vehicles gain prominence and threaten the traditional muscle car segment, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, recognized as HotCars’ best muscle car of 2021, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Producing a formidable 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque from a hand-built 5.2-liter supercharged V8, the Shelby GT500 Mustang has reached a level of performance capable of challenging European rivals and outperforming many imports. Its sub-three-second 0-60 mph acceleration will redefine your perception of speed, and it exhibits impressive handling, even on winding roads, holding its own against the best Europe has to offer. Considering its capabilities, is there a more compelling pre-owned performance bargain than a barely-driven 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with only 1,300 miles? It’s highly unlikely.
7. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Known For: Retro-Inspired Design and Unmatched Muscle Car Power
Introduced in 1970, the Dodge Challenger is another vehicle that has steadfastly kept the spirit of the V8-powered muscle car alive. Research from Stress-Free Car Rental indicates that the Dodge Challenger was the most frequently tagged vehicle with the hashtag #dreamcar on Instagram in 2021, making it the social media platform’s most popular dream car. The modern SRT Hellcat Challenger, with its iconic muscular styling and potent Hellcat engine, particularly captivates enthusiasts.
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The inaugural Dodge Hellcat-powered muscle car debuted in 2015, equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 generating an astounding 707 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque. Dodge has since expanded the Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup with even more potent variants. The Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye boasts 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.4 seconds and a limited top speed of 203 mph. The even more extreme SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak edition pushes the boundaries further with 807 horsepower – an outrageous output for any adrenaline enthusiast. We’ve also outlined 10 compelling reasons why every gearhead should experience the 2022 Challenger Hellcat Jailbreak Edition, should you require any further justification.
RELATED: 5 Dream Muscle Cars And Their Cheaper Alternatives That Are Almost As Cool
6. Lamborghini Aventador
Known For: Striking Design and Raw V12 Performance
For many who grew up with Lamborghini posters adorning their bedroom walls, the aspiration of owning one someday was a recurring thought. The breathtaking Lamborghini Aventador is a modern Lamborghini model that has profoundly captured the imagination of car enthusiasts online. Named after a renowned fighting bull, it certainly charges its way into the hearts of many and secured the second position in Instagram posts using the #dreamcar hashtag.
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The Aventador’s appeal lies in its wild, exotic aesthetics, characterized by sharp lines and aggressive styling. While it may not be the most practical for parking, fuel-efficient, or spacious (seating only one passenger besides the driver), dream cars aren’t about practicality; they are about desire. It houses a ferocious 769-hp V12 engine, delivering incredible 0–60 mph acceleration in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 221 mph. It’s no wonder there’s a sense of melancholy surrounding the end of the Aventador era, as Lamborghini hypercars will never quite be the same.
5. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut
Known For: Swedish Engineering and Unparalleled Speed
Koenigsegg, despite being in operation for only three decades, is already considered by many gearheads to rival established marques like Bugatti, McLaren, and Ferrari – perhaps even surpassing them in certain aspects. Koenigsegg specializes in crafting ultra-exclusive, hyper-performance vehicles with incredible speed capabilities, and the Jesko Absolut is arguably their pinnacle achievement.
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The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut is a high-speed iteration of the Jesko, with Koenigsegg claiming it will be capable of reaching a staggering 350 mph top speed, potentially making it the fastest production car ever. It’s powered by a 5.1-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 1,281 horsepower, coupled with a nine-speed Koenigsegg LST multi-clutch gearbox, resulting in breathtaking performance.
4. Pagani Utopia
Known For: Unrivaled Beauty and V12 Power
Similar to Koenigsegg, Pagani has rapidly ascended to the top tier of Italian sports car manufacturers since its inception in the 1990s. Pagani’s success story began with the Zonda in 1999, followed by the Huayra a decade later. As the Huayra’s production run concludes, Pagani has unveiled its successor – the Utopia.
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Continuing Pagani’s tradition, the Utopia is a rolling work of art. It incorporates design elements reminiscent of the stunning Huayra, but Pagani has engineered a new structure prioritizing lightness, simplicity, and driver engagement. At the heart of the Utopia lies a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine producing 852 horsepower, ensuring blistering speed and performance befitting its dream car status.
3. Aston Martin Valkyrie
Known For: Pioneering the First Aston Martin Hypercar
Aston Martin has a rich history of producing some of the most iconic British sports cars ever conceived. However, a hypercar had always been absent from their lineup until the unveiling of the Valkyrie.
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The Valkyrie represents a radical departure from any Aston Martin before it. Instead of the elegant, somewhat understated design typically associated with Aston Martin, the Valkyrie showcases extreme styling and striking features like dramatic gullwing doors. Powering the Valkyrie is a massive 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine working in conjunction with an electric motor. With a combined output of 1,139 horsepower, the Valkyrie ranks among the most potent hybrid vehicles ever created.
RELATED: These Are The Reasons Why The Aston Martin Valkyrie Is An Absolute Beast
2. Ferrari Daytona SP3
Known For: Retro-Inspired Aesthetics and Modern Hypercar Performance
Ferrari’s Icona series has been a resounding success in recent years. This program focuses on creating vehicles that seamlessly blend vintage design cues, reminiscent of Ferrari’s iconic past, with contemporary engineering and technology. Following the Monza SP1 and SP2, Ferrari introduced the latest Icona model – the Daytona SP3.
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The Daytona SP3 boasts a breathtaking design directly inspired by the legendary Ferrari 330 P4 race car. Its performance is equally impressive, thanks to a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine generating a staggering 829 horsepower. The Daytona SP3’s price tag exceeds $2 million, positioning it among the most expensive Ferraris ever produced.
1. Hennessey Venom F5
Known For: America’s Hypercar and an Astounding 1,800+ Horsepower Output
American automakers traditionally haven’t been major players in the hypercar market, but Hennessey Performance is determined to change that. After decades of enhancing and tuning vehicles from other manufacturers, Hennessey decided to embark on building its own high-performance supercars. The Venom F5 emphatically demonstrates that Hennessey is serious about entering the hypercar arena.
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Despite being Hennessey’s first in-house designed and built vehicle, the Venom F5 exhibits a supercar-worthy design and the performance to match, fueled by Hennessey’s 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing an unbelievable 1,817 horsepower. Hennessey asserts that the Venom F5 is capable of exceeding 300 mph, although official speed tests are still pending.
Dream cars represent the pinnacle of automotive desire, embodying performance, beauty, innovation, and emotional connection. From attainable sports cars to ultra-exclusive hypercars, the dream car landscape is diverse and reflects the personal aspirations of enthusiasts worldwide.
