Horsepower. It’s a term synonymous with speed, power, and automotive supremacy. In the world of cars, horsepower is often the ultimate bragging right, the key metric in playground debates and pub arguments about which car truly reigns supreme. Whether it’s the raw, earth-shattering roar of a massive combustion engine or the silent, neck-snapping thrust of electric motors, the pursuit of higher horsepower is a driving force in automotive engineering.
But which cars sit at the very pinnacle of this power pyramid? Forget your everyday family cars; we’re venturing into the realm of automotive masterpieces, where engineering boundaries are pushed and price tags soar into the millions. Creating cars with the highest horsepower demands not just brute force, but intricate engineering, cutting-edge technology, and a no-compromise approach to performance. Prepare to meet the titans of torque and the monarchs of muscle – the cars boasting the highest horsepower figures currently available or on the horizon.
Here are the top contenders in the horsepower race, the vehicles that redefine what it means to have power at your fingertips:
-
Devel Sixteen: 5,007hp
The Devel Sixteen. Just the name itself conjures images of mythical beasts and otherworldly performance. When it burst onto the scene in 2017, it sent shockwaves through the automotive world with its заявленные (claimed) 5,007 horsepower. This audacious figure is produced by a monstrous 12.3-liter V16 engine, augmented by not one, not two, but four turbochargers.
To put that power into perspective, consider the Rimac Nevera, a car that has dominated Carwow drag races and is renowned for its blistering speed, boasts a comparatively “modest” 1,914hp. The Devel Sixteen aims to deliver over two and a half times that power. However, the caveat remains: the Devel Sixteen is still yet to enter full production, leaving some to question if this monumental horsepower figure will ever be fully unleashed on public roads.
-
Koenigsegg Gemera: 2,300hp
While the Devel Sixteen exists in a realm of almost mythical potential, the Koenigsegg Gemera stands as a tangible, albeit incredibly exclusive, powerhouse. With a staggering 2,300 horsepower, the Gemera is arguably the most powerful car currently in production and available for purchase. What sets it apart further is its practicality – it’s a four-seater. Yes, you and three fortunate passengers can experience the full force of 2,300 horses.
This immense power is generated by a sophisticated hybrid powertrain, combining a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with an electric motor. This combination not only delivers breathtaking horsepower but also ensures a broad spread of torque for relentless acceleration. Owning this pinnacle of power and luxury comes at a price, naturally, with the Gemera demanding around £1.5 million.
-
Lotus Evija: 2,000hp
Making its mark as the first fully electric vehicle on this list, the Lotus Evija represents a new era of high-horsepower cars. This all-electric hypercar is the most powerful production vehicle ever created by the iconic British brand, a testament to the transformative impact of electric powertrains. The Evija’s development was fueled by significant investment from its Chinese parent company, Geely, allowing Lotus to push the boundaries of electric performance.
The Evija employs a quartet of electric motors, one for each wheel, to achieve a combined output of 2,000 horsepower and a colossal 1,704Nm of torque. This translates to blistering acceleration, with 0-60mph dispatched in under 3.0 seconds. Exclusivity is guaranteed with the Evija, and owning one requires parting with over £2 million for this ultra-rare electric hypercar.
-
Rimac Nevera: 1,914hp
The Rimac Nevera has firmly established itself as a performance benchmark. It currently shares the top spot on the Carwow drag race leaderboard, a testament to its phenomenal power and traction. This Croatian electric hypercar is propelled by four electric motors delivering a combined 1,914 horsepower, making it one of the most potent electric cars in the world.
The Nevera’s acceleration is nothing short of brutal, launching from 0-60mph in a mere 1.84 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 256mph. Despite its extreme performance, the Nevera isn’t a stripped-out track machine. The interior is luxuriously appointed, reflecting its £1.7 million price tag, proving that high horsepower can coexist with high-end comfort.
-
Hennessey Venom F5: 1,842hp
Hailing from the United States, Hennessey Performance is renowned for its obsession with power. The Venom F5 is their latest creation, a hypercar designed to deliver extreme performance, particularly favored in the North American market where Hennessey enjoys a strong following.
With production limited to just 24 coupes and 30 open-top variants, the Venom F5 is an exceptionally rare machine. Power comes from a 6.6-liter V8 engine, unleashing a staggering 1,842 horsepower. Owning a Venom F5 requires not only deep pockets – several million dollars deep – but also a brave disposition to handle such immense power.
-
Bugatti Tourbillon: 1,800hp
The Bugatti Tourbillon marks the dawn of a new era for the legendary French marque. Successor to the iconic Chiron, the Tourbillon breaks with tradition by ditching the W16 engine in favor of a naturally-aspirated V16 engine, augmented by three electric motors. This hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 1,800 horsepower and a monstrous 2,300Nm of torque.
The result is a top speed of 277mph and a 0-60mph time of under 2.0 seconds. The Tourbillon retains Bugatti’s signature blend of breathtaking performance and exquisite craftsmanship. The interior is as meticulously crafted as you would expect, and prices start at an eye-watering £3.2 million.
-
Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut: 1,600hp
Koenigsegg makes its second appearance on this list, further cementing its reputation for building hypercars that redefine performance. Unlike the four-seater Gemera, the Jesko Absolut is a track-focused machine engineered for ultimate speed and handling.
At its heart lies a 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing a colossal 1,600 horsepower – but this peak output is achieved when running on E85 race fuel. On regular pump fuel, the horsepower figure drops to a still-impressive 1,280hp. This visually striking hypercar commands a price of £3.4 million, making it a prized addition to any serious car collection.
-
McLaren Speedtail: 1,070hp
The McLaren Speedtail evokes the spirit of the legendary McLaren F1 of the 1990s, not just in name but also in its central driving position. This special-edition McLaren is designed for aerodynamic efficiency, its sleek silhouette crafted to minimize drag and maximize speed.
Positioned behind the driver is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine working in conjunction with an electric motor. Together, they produce 1,070 horsepower and 1,150Nm of torque. The Speedtail accelerates from 0-60mph in approximately 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed electronically limited to 250mph.
-
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: 1,034hp
Moving into slightly more “accessible” territory, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is a four-door family EV that still packs a serious horsepower punch. While it might be more practical than the hypercars above, its 1,034 horsepower dual-motor powertrain is anything but ordinary. The 0-60mph time of just 2.2 seconds is supercar-rivalling, demonstrating the incredible performance potential of electric vehicles.
The Taycan Turbo GT is also available with the Weissach Package, which enhances its track focus with features like weight reduction through the removal of the rear seats – a somewhat unusual feature in a four-door saloon. Significantly more affordable than the hypercars on this list, the Taycan Turbo GT starts from £186,300, making high horsepower performance accessible to a broader audience.
-
Tesla Model S Plaid: 1,020hp
When it comes to delivering immense horsepower for the money, the Tesla Model S Plaid is a standout performer. For a starting price around £65,000 (though availability in the UK may vary), you get a luxury EV with 1,020 horsepower capable of launching from 0-60mph in under 2.0 seconds.
The Model S Plaid offers incredible value in the high-performance EV segment. While UK availability has been limited, some left-hand drive models have made their way to UK shores. A track package further enhances its performance capabilities with upgraded brakes and a top speed raised to 200mph.
Highest Horsepower Cars FAQs
What is the Highest Horsepower Car in the world?
Currently, the Devel Sixteen holds the title of the highest horsepower car on paper, boasting a claimed 5,007hp from its V16 engine. However, as it’s still in development, the Koenigsegg Gemera, with its 2,300hp and production status, could be considered the most powerful car practically available.
Can a car have 5,000hp?
Technically, yes. The Devel Sixteen’s 12.3-liter V16 engine has reportedly demonstrated 5,007hp in testing, proving it’s possible to engineer an engine with such power. The real challenge lies in effectively harnessing and transferring that immense power to the road.
Cars Change? Carwow!
Looking to upgrade your ride or explore the world of high-performance vehicles? Carwow provides a seamless platform to sell your car for a competitive price and discover fantastic deals on your next vehicle. Whether you’re in the market for a new car, a used car, or considering car leasing, Carwow is your comprehensive resource for new car deals.
