Horsepower. It’s a term synonymous with speed, performance, and automotive bragging rights. In the world of cars, the pursuit of higher horsepower is a relentless quest, pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology. Whether it’s the raw aggression of a massive displacement engine or the instant surge from electric motors, the cars boasting the highest horsepower figures represent the absolute zenith of automotive engineering.
But when we talk about the most powerful cars, what exactly are we looking at? Forget your everyday family cars; we’re entering the realm of hypercars and engineering marvels where cost is often secondary to the sheer thrill of power. Achieving these staggering horsepower figures requires immense technical prowess and often comes with a price tag that matches.
So, which vehicles stand at the top of the horsepower hierarchy? Buckle up as we explore the list of cars that redefine the meaning of power, delving into the details of these automotive titans.
Here are some of the cars currently leading the horsepower race:
- Devel Sixteen: 5,007hp
- Koenigsegg Gemera: 2,300hp
- Lotus Evija: 2,000hp
- Rimac Nevera: 1,914hp
- Hennessey Venom F5: 1,842hp
- Bugatti Tourbillon: 1,800hp
- Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut: 1,600hp
- McLaren Speedtail: 1,070hp
- Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: 1,034hp
- Tesla Model S Plaid: 1,020hp
1. Devel Sixteen – 5,007 Horsepower
The Devel Sixteen is not just a car; it’s a statement. Unveiled to the world in 2017, this hypercar immediately sent shockwaves through the automotive industry with its mind-boggling horsepower figure. At the heart of the Devel Sixteen lies a colossal 12.3-liter V16 engine, augmented by not one, not two, but four turbochargers. This monstrous combination is engineered to unleash an astonishing 5,007 horsepower.
The Devel Sixteen, a hypercar aiming for unparalleled horsepower.
To put this into perspective, consider the Rimac Nevera, a car celebrated for its blistering speed and currently a top contender in Carwow drag races. The Nevera boasts a ‘mere’ 1,914 horsepower, less than half of what the Devel Sixteen claims to offer. However, there’s a significant point to note: the Devel Sixteen, despite its sensational claims, has yet to enter full-scale production. It remains a car shrouded in both awe and skepticism, a potential king of horsepower that the world is still waiting to see fully realized.
2. Koenigsegg Gemera – 2,300 Horsepower
In contrast to the Devel Sixteen’s theoretical might, the Koenigsegg Gemera is a tangible powerhouse that you can actually purchase, making it arguably the most powerful production car available today. While its 2,300 horsepower might seem modest compared to the Devel, it’s still an absolutely staggering figure. What sets the Gemera apart is not just its power but also its practicality – it’s a four-seater, meaning you can share the exhilarating experience of 2,300 horsepower with three lucky passengers.
The Koenigsegg Gemera, a four-seater hypercar with immense power.
The Gemera achieves this impressive output through a sophisticated hybrid powertrain. It combines a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with electric motor assistance. This combination not only delivers immense power but also enhances responsiveness and efficiency. Owning this blend of luxury, practicality, and extreme performance comes at a cost, with a price tag starting around £1.5 million. For those who can afford it, the Gemera offers a unique blend of hypercar performance and everyday usability.
3. Lotus Evija – 2,000 Horsepower
Stepping into the electric era, the Lotus Evija marks a significant milestone for the British brand. Under the ownership of Geely, Lotus has been revitalized, and the Evija is a testament to this new chapter. This all-electric hypercar is the most powerful production vehicle Lotus has ever created, boasting a clean 2,000 horsepower.
The Lotus Evija, an all-electric hypercar pushing the boundaries of EV performance.
The Evija’s power is derived from a quad-motor setup, with each wheel driven by its own electric motor. This configuration not only delivers 2,000 horsepower but also an immense 1,704 Nm of torque, resulting in breathtaking acceleration. The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in under 3.0 seconds, placing it firmly in hypercar territory. Exclusivity comes standard with the Evija, reflected in its price tag exceeding £2 million. This ultra-rare machine represents the cutting edge of electric hypercar technology.
4. Rimac Nevera – 1,914 Horsepower
The Rimac Nevera has firmly established itself as a leader in the electric hypercar segment. Currently sharing the top spot on the Carwow drag race leaderboard with the McMurtry Spierling, the Nevera’s performance is undeniable. Its quad electric motors combine to produce a staggering 1,914 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful electric cars in the world.
It’s not just about straight-line speed; the Nevera is also incredibly quick off the mark. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a blistering 1.84 seconds and continues to a top speed of 256 mph. Despite its extreme performance, the Nevera is not a stripped-down racer. The interior is luxuriously appointed, justifying its £1.7 million price tag. The Rimac Nevera is a testament to how electric powertrains are redefining hypercar performance, blending immense power with sophisticated technology.
5. Hennessey Venom F5 – 1,842 Horsepower
Hailing from the United States, Hennessey is a name synonymous with high-performance and extreme power. The Venom F5 is their latest hypercar, designed to deliver blistering speed and immense horsepower. With a 6.6-liter V8 engine at its core, the Venom F5 produces a colossal 1,842 horsepower.
While Hennessey’s primary market is North America, the appeal of the Venom F5’s raw power transcends geographical boundaries. Production is limited to just 24 coupes and 30 open-top versions, making it an exceptionally exclusive machine. Owning a Venom F5 requires not only deep pockets but also a certain level of daring to handle a machine with over 1,800 horsepower. Hennessey’s Venom F5 represents the American approach to hypercar performance – bold, powerful, and unapologetically extreme.
6. Bugatti Tourbillon – 1,800 Horsepower
The Bugatti Tourbillon marks the dawn of a new era for the iconic French brand. As the successor to the legendary Chiron, the Tourbillon breaks tradition by moving away from the W16 engine that defined its predecessor. Instead, the Tourbillon embraces a naturally-aspirated V16 engine, augmented by three electric motors, resulting in a combined output of 1,800 horsepower and a massive 2,300 Nm of torque.
The Bugatti Tourbillon, the hybrid successor to the Chiron, blending V16 power with electric assistance.
This hybrid powertrain propels the Tourbillon to a top speed of 277 mph, and it can reach 60 mph from a standstill in under 2.0 seconds. True to Bugatti’s heritage, the Tourbillon is not just about performance; it’s also a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The interior is exquisitely crafted, and the overall design is breathtaking. With prices starting at a staggering £3.2 million, the Bugatti Tourbillon represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury and performance.
7. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut – 1,600 Horsepower
Koenigsegg makes its second appearance on this list, solidifying its reputation for building some of the most extreme hypercars in the world. Unlike the four-seater Gemera, the Jesko Absolut is laser-focused on track performance and outright speed. It’s designed to be the fastest Koenigsegg ever made.
The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, a track-focused hypercar engineered for extreme velocity.
The Jesko Absolut is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers a phenomenal 1,600 horsepower when running on E85 race fuel. On standard pump fuel, the output is still a formidable 1,280 horsepower. This wild-looking machine is not just about power; its aerodynamic design is meticulously crafted to minimize drag and maximize downforce. Adding the Jesko Absolut to your collection will set you back around £3.4 million, a price befitting its exclusivity and extreme performance.
8. McLaren Speedtail – 1,070 Horsepower
The McLaren Speedtail is a special edition hypercar that pays homage to the iconic McLaren F1 of the 1990s. Sharing the F1’s central driving position, the Speedtail is designed with aerodynamic efficiency as a primary focus. Its sleek, elongated silhouette is sculpted to minimize air resistance and achieve incredible speeds.
The McLaren Speedtail, a hypercar blending speed, luxury, and aerodynamic design.
Positioned behind the driver is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine working in conjunction with an electric motor. This hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 1,070 horsepower and 1,150 Nm of torque. The Speedtail accelerates to 60 mph in approximately 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 mph. It’s a blend of hypercar performance, luxurious comfort, and striking design, making it a highly desirable and exclusive machine.
9. Porsche Taycan Turbo GT – 1,034 Horsepower
Moving into slightly more ‘mainstream’ territory, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is a four-door family EV that still packs a serious punch in terms of horsepower. While it’s more practical than the hypercars above, its performance figures are anything but ordinary. The dual-motor powertrain delivers 1,034 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful electric sedans on the market.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, a high-performance electric sedan with impressive horsepower.
The Taycan Turbo GT accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 2.2 seconds, showcasing the instant torque delivery of electric motors. For those seeking even more track-focused performance, the Weissach Package removes the rear seats to save weight and adds further performance enhancements. Starting at £186,300, the Taycan Turbo GT is the most ‘affordable’ car on this list, offering hypercar-like acceleration in a (relatively) practical package.
10. Tesla Model S Plaid – 1,020 Horsepower
The Tesla Model S Plaid is often cited as the king of ‘bang for your buck’ when it comes to high-performance EVs. For a price point significantly lower than the hypercars on this list (around £65,000 in some markets), the Model S Plaid delivers an astonishing 1,020 horsepower. This makes it an accessible entry point into the world of four-digit horsepower figures.
The Model S Plaid’s tri-motor setup enables it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 2.0 seconds, rivaling the acceleration of much more expensive hypercars. While currently unavailable for direct order in the UK, some left-hand drive models have made their way there. With optional track packages that further enhance braking and increase the top speed to 200 mph, the Tesla Model S Plaid proves that extreme horsepower can be surprisingly attainable in the electric age.
Highest Horsepower Cars FAQs
What car has the most horsepower?
Currently, the Devel Sixteen is claimed to have the highest horsepower in the world, boasting a massive 5,007hp from its V16 engine. However, it’s important to note that the Devel Sixteen is not yet in full production, and its final specifications might vary. For a production car that you can actually buy, the Koenigsegg Gemera with 2,300hp is currently the most powerful.
Is 5000 horsepower possible in a car?
Yes, achieving 5,000 horsepower in a car is technically possible with a sufficiently large and powerful engine, as demonstrated by the Devel Sixteen’s claimed output. Their 12.3-liter V16 engine has reportedly been tested to produce over 5,000 horsepower. The challenge, however, lies in effectively harnessing and controlling that immense power and transferring it to the road.
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