The automotive world is undergoing a monumental transformation. While innovations like self-driving cars, widespread ride-sharing, and app-based car ownership offer convenience, they sometimes seem to overshadow the pure passion and culture surrounding automobiles, especially for younger generations. However, dismissing the enthusiasm of new car lovers would be a mistake. We are currently witnessing a fascinating intersection of technology and tradition, where analog passion meets artificial intelligence, and this is spectacularly embodied in today’s high-performance supercars.
To celebrate this exciting era, we’ve updated our curated list of the 25 Best Super Cars introduced this century so far. This selection is inherently subjective; some cars might not be the outright fastest or most agile, but each has captured our imaginations or pioneered new levels of automotive innovation. And let’s be honest, some of them are just the cars our inner child is compelled to sketch endlessly. These are the future classics, and their existence assures us that the love for the automobile will thrive in generations to come.
McLaren F1: Setting the Benchmark
While technically a creation of the 1990s, the McLaren F1 rightfully earns its place at the top of this list as the gold standard against which all subsequent supercars are measured. Back in 1992, its astonishing top speed of 231 mph was unprecedented for a production car. It was a paradigm shift, redefining performance. The McLaren F1 achieved this through a relentless pursuit of lightweight engineering, featuring a featherweight carbon-fiber chassis and a bespoke six-liter, 627 hp BMW V-12 engine, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds.
Priced near $1 million at its launch, it was undeniably expensive. Today, if one of the mere 106 examples surfaces for sale, expect a price tag around $20 million. Is it the ultimate supercar? Many argue unequivocally yes. — Howard Walker
Ferrari LaFerrari: The Charismatic Hybrid Icon
2013 was a landmark year for supercars, witnessing the debut of three groundbreaking models from McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari, collectively known as the “Holy Trinity.” Each car uniquely embraced hybrid powertrain technology.
Among the trio, the Ferrari LaFerrari stood out, uniquely boasting a naturally aspirated V-12 engine – a roaring masterpiece of engineering. The LaFerrari was not only the most powerful of the three, generating 950 hp, but also, arguably, the most charismatic. Eponymously named to represent the very essence of Ferrari, this hypercar is poised to be remembered not just as the pinnacle of its era, but as one of the greatest Ferraris ever created. — Basem Wasef
McLaren P1: A New Contender from a Legendary Marque
Of the “Holy Trinity” hybrid hypercars that revolutionized 2013, the McLaren P1 stood alongside established giants Ferrari and Porsche as a relative newcomer. While McLaren’s legacy was cemented by the legendary 1990s F1, their extended absence from the hypercar scene meant the P1 was essentially a fresh start.
Leveraging advanced carbon-fiber construction techniques refined in their more accessible models, McLaren equipped the P1 with a thrilling 903 hp hybrid powertrain and a remarkably light chassis. This combination made the P1 not just a worthy competitor, but a force to be reckoned with, directly challenging the supercar establishment of the time. —BW
Porsche 918 Spyder: Redefining Hybrid Performance
The 918 Spyder was a true innovator, showcasing the immense potential of plug-in hybrid technology in the high-performance supercar segment. A naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 engine producing 599 hp was augmented by two electric motors, resulting in a combined output of 877 hp and a staggering 944 ft lbs of instant torque.
Designed by Porsche’s chief designer, Michael Mauer, the 918 debuted 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 high demand from Porsche enthusiasts eager to own the most powerful road-legal Porsche ever built at that point. Production concluded in mid-2015, and the 918 remains a highly sought-after collector car today. — Robert Ross
Ferrari SF90 Stradale: Embracing the Hybrid V8 Era
While the era of Ferrari’s V-12 halo models might be evolving with environmental concerns, the eight-cylinder SF90 Stradale more than compensates. Conceived as a road-going tribute to Ferrari’s SF90 Formula 1 car, the SF90 Stradale is a full-fledged hypercar boasting 1,000 hp from a combination of three electric motors and a twin-turbo V-8 engine.
Its blend of exceptional hybrid performance and striking aesthetics draws inspiration from the best of Ferrari’s existing mid-engined models. Design cues like the 488’s side scoops and a motorsport-inspired front end, proudly displaying “Scuderia Ferrari, 90 years,” pay homage to the marque’s racing legacy. — Marco Della Cava
SSC Tuatara: Chasing the 300 MPH Dream
SSC North America, based in Washington State, set an ambitious target for its new hypercar: to reach 300 mph. The carbon-fiber SSC Tuatara, named after a reptile found in New Zealand, is powered by 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 held 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 across two runs, verified by Racelogic. More recently, it officially clocked 295 mph, inching ever closer to the 300 mph barrier. —HW
Aston Martin Valkyrie: Formula 1 Engineering for the Road
The Aston Martin Valkyrie represents supercar excellence, setting a new benchmark for street-legal performance for the British marque. 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 and incredibly strong carbon monocoque chassis.
Adding to its pedigree, the Valkyrie’s design is by Adrian Newey, a Formula 1 design icon and current chief technical officer for Red Bull Racing. Production is limited to just 150 examples, each priced at $3.2 million. —HW
Rimac Nevera: The Electric Hypercar Revolution
Landmark cars often emerge from unexpected places, and the Rimac Nevera from Croatia has sent shockwaves through the supercar world. This all-electric hypercar shattered internal combustion records by delivering 1,914 hp to all four wheels, outperforming zero-to-60 mph times of even McLaren and Koenigsegg models. Even more remarkable, the Nevera 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 astounding performance figures, but its legacy transcends a single model. In the summer of 2021, Rimac acquired a majority stake in Bugatti, marking a historic moment where a legacy supercar brand came under the ownership of an EV startup, signaling a significant shift in the industry. —BW
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Power for the Streets
How can a car just entering production be considered one of the best super cars of the 21st century? Because the 1,000 hp Mercedes-AMG One is essentially a Formula 1 race car adapted for road use, and it’s poised to remain breathtaking for years to come.
First unveiled as the Project One concept in 2017, this road-going beast faced technical hurdles, but that’s expected when you essentially engineer a Formula 1 car for everyday driving.
Powered by a hybrid-assisted 1.6-liter turbo V-6 and three electric motors, it’s 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 marvel are already spoken for. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko: Aiming for the Top Speed Crown
In 2017, Christian von Koenigsegg’s Agera RS became the world’s fastest production car, achieving a two-way average top speed of 277.9 mph. The Agera’s successor, the Jesko, named after Christian’s father and featuring a prominent rear wing and 1,660 hp, has the potential to surpass the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport’s 304.7 mph record.
The $3 million Jesko incorporates cutting-edge technology, including a high-revving 5.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine featuring the world’s lightest V-8 crankshaft, weighing a mere 28 pounds. It’s no surprise that all 125 planned production units have been pre-sold. —HW
Pininfarina Battista: Electric Grandeur from an Iconic Design House
The name Pininfarina is synonymous with automotive design royalty. Their 62-year collaboration with Ferrari yielded icons like the 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the Ferrari 308 GTS of Magnum P.I. fame.
Now, with backing from India’s Mahindra Group, who revitalized Pininfarina in 2015, and electric powertrain expertise from Rimac, comes the stunning Pininfarina Battista hypercar. Boasting 1,900 hp and 1,696 ft lbs of torque from its 120 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and quad motors, this breathtaking electric coupe 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 offers a range exceeding 230 miles.
The first of 150 Battista cars, priced from $2.2 million, has already been delivered. For ultimate exclusivity, the Anniversario edition, limited to just five units, is priced closer to $2.9 million, and all are sold. —HW
Lotus Evija: Electrifying Power Redefined
The Lotus Evija holds the title of the most powerful series-production road car ever built. It delivers an astounding 2,011 hp and 1,256 ft lbs of torque. This translates to blistering acceleration, launching from 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds and reaching 186 mph in a mere 9.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 217 mph.
This is the all-electric Lotus Evija, from the legendary British sports car manufacturer founded by Colin Chapman in 1952. The Evija – meaning “the living one” – features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, Le Mans-inspired aerodynamics, and a state-of-the-art electric powertrain developed by Williams Advanced Engineering.
With powerful electric motors at each wheel and a mid-mounted battery pack echoing Lotus’s tradition of mid-engine placement, the Evija 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 Evijas will be produced, with deliveries starting in early 2023. The price? Around $2.3 million. —HW
Ferrari Daytona SP3: Nostalgic Design, Modern Performance
The Icona series from Ferrari pays homage to the past, wrapping modern engineering in retro-futuristic designs. The third Icona model from Modena is the Daytona SP3, recalling the Ferrari 330 P4s that dominated the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, finishing first, second, and third.
While its air intakes and aerodynamics are functional, the Daytona SP3’s essence is nostalgic, particularly 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 will be a rolling work of art for its 599 owners. —BW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster: Open-Top Pursuit of 300 MPH
We were impressed by the outrageous 1,817 hp Venom F5 Coupe from Texas-based Hennessey Special Vehicles. When it debuted in 2021, the Venom F5 was designed to break the elusive 300 mph barrier. While it hasn’t officially reached that mark, a recorded 271.6 mph shows its immense potential.
Now, the Venom F5 Roadster is stepping up to chase 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 achieve that speed benchmark. However, the lightweight, removable carbon-fiber roof panel (weighing just 18 pounds) must remain in place to approach the 300 mph club.
The true appeal of the Venom F5 Roadster, however, might be removing the roof and experiencing the full roar of its V-8 engine as it screams to its 8,500 rpm redline. Hennessey plans to build 30 Roadster examples, each priced at $3 million. —HW
Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato: The Off-Road Supercar Surprise
In the world of supercars, more is often considered better. However, for the final edition of the V-10-powered Huracán, Lamborghini took a different approach: knobby tires, a 1.7-inch increase in ride height, and protective cladding for off-road adventures. A roof-mounted air intake and auxiliary lights hint at overlanding and rally racing influences, bringing an unexpected go-anywhere attitude to the Lamborghini lineup.
While the Sterrato sacrifices 30 hp for enhanced off-road drivability (reducing total output to 601 hp), its Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires deliver a unique thrill, allowing for controlled slides and drifts through corners. As Lamborghini transitions to hybridized and electric powertrains, the Sterrato marks a memorable, dust-kicking farewell to its gas-powered era. —BW
Pagani Utopia: Lightweight Artistry and V12 Power
Horacio Pagani, founder of his eponymous supercar company, famously left Lamborghini due to their reluctance to embrace lightweight carbon-fiber materials. Pagani’s Huayra successor, the Utopia, pushes lightweight construction even further with a “Carbo-Titanium” chassis, combining carbon and titanium with chrome subframes for a remarkably low dry weight of 2,822 pounds.
The Utopia retains the Huayra’s 852 hp AMG V-12 engine powering the rear wheels, and offers a manual gearbox option. Staying true to its lightweight philosophy, the automatic version uses a lighter, albeit less smooth, automated single-clutch transmission. Pagani plans to build 99 Utopia examples, with production slots reserved for a select few. —BW
Lamborghini Revuelto: V12 Hybrid with Ferocious Performance
The mid-mounted 6.5-liter V-12 has been a defining feature of Lamborghini’s Murciélago and Aventador flagships. Lamborghini embraces electrification while fiercely holding onto this tradition, retaining the large-displacement V-12 as the heart of its new hybrid powertrain in the Revuelto. Augmenting the 814 hp gasoline engine are three electric motors, boosting total output to 1,001 hp – the highest of any plug-in hybrid Lamborghini. Notably, this power is achieved without turbochargers, preserving the V12’s signature exhaust note.
With extensive updates, including a more spacious cabin and a smoother dual-clutch transmission, the Lamborghini Revuelto is poised to deliver a thrilling and charismatic challenge to its competitors. —BW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS: The Ultimate Track Weapon
Since its introduction in 1999, the Porsche 911 GT3 has rightfully earned its reputation as the “ultimate sports car.” Equally thrilling on the road and formidable on the track, the GT3 embodies the essence of a driver’s car.
The latest GT3 RS elevates everything to an extreme level. With its massive rear wing generating immense downforce for exceptional cornering grip, 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 missile that elevates good drivers to greatness. —HW
Maserati MC20 Cielo: Italian Open-Air Supercar Elegance
While Maserati’s MC12 from 2005 was arguably their first true supercar, it was essentially a re-skinned Ferrari Enzo, produced in limited numbers primarily for racing. The mid-engined MC20, with its unique carbon-fiber structure, in-house developed 621 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, and genuine supercar dynamics, is a far more convincing Maserati supercar.
Initially launched as a scissor-doored coupe in 2020, the open-top MC20 Cielo is even more visually striking. Both versions offer blistering acceleration, race car-like handling, and surprising daily drivability. An all-electric variant is anticipated soon. —HW
Zenvo Aurora: Danish Hypercar Challenger
Danish manufacturer Zenvo named its newest and most potent hypercar after the aurora borealis, the northern lights. A fitting name, as the Aurora aims for 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 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 2.0 seconds with 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 poised to be a significant disruptor in the hypercar market. —HW
Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda: Track-Focused Perfection
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 incredible 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 marvel is powered by a 3.9-liter naturally aspirated V-12 from Cosworth, tuned to produce 772 horsepower. Weighing a mere 1,924 pounds, GMA claims its power-to-weight ratio exceeds that of naturally aspirated LMP1 race cars. — Sean Evans
Ferrari 12Cilindri: V12 Grand Tourer in a Hybrid World
While much of the supercar world focuses on hybridization, Ferrari engineers remain unimpressed. The GT successor to the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri, is powered by a magnificent, naturally aspirated V-12 engine. We applaud Ferrari’s dedication to the V12. This 6.5-liter engine revs to 9250 rpm and produces 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Designer Flavio Manzoni and his team deserve accolades for the stunning design of the $417,000-plus 12Cilindri, which arguably surpasses the beauty of the original Daytona coupe it honors. —SE
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37: Lightning-Fast Hybrid V12
Sián, meaning “flash of lightning” in Bolognese, is the perfect name for Lamborghini’s first electrified vehicle, a hybrid V-12. (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, propelling 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. However, some are now listed on the market for around $5 million. —SE
Bugatti Tourbillon: A New Era of Bugatti Hypercar
The Bugatti Tourbillon, successor to the Chiron, marks several Bugatti firsts: their first V-16 engine, first electrified model, and first car under the leadership of CEO Mate Rimac. This $4.6 million-plus hypercar is surprisingly smaller and lighter than the Chiron, a remarkable feat for a hybrid. Rimac and the Molsheim engineering and design teams achieved this through intelligent component integration into the monocoque chassis. With 1,800 horsepower, the Tourbillon’s top speed, according to Bugatti, is 276 mph, but the Swiss-watch-inspired speedometer reaches 550 KPH – or 341 mph. Expect high-speed runs well into the 300s. —SE
McLaren Speedtail: The Streamlined Hybrid Hyper-GT
The Speedtail is the second McLaren to feature a three-seat configuration, following the revolutionary McLaren F1. With only 106 units produced, each priced at least $2.6 million, this 1,035-horsepower, 250-mph hybrid is a head-turner whether stationary or at full speed. (It accelerates from 0 to 186 mph in a mere 13 seconds.) The Speedtail is full of innovation, from flexible carbon fiber ailerons integrated into the clamshell tail to a standard 24K gold toolkit. Customization options are where these supercars truly shine; McLaren offers options like diamond dust-infused paint or a platinum front badge for an additional $56,000. —SE
Authors
- Howard Walker
- Basem Wasef
- Robert Ross
- Marco Della Cava
- Sean Evans
