There’s no denying the automotive world is undergoing a massive transformation. The rise of self-driving technology, widespread ride-sharing, and new digital ownership models, while offering convenience, risk diminishing the deep-seated passion for automobiles and the vibrant car culture they inspire.
However, it’s wrong to assume that younger generations are losing interest in cars. We’re living in an exciting era where technology and tradition converge, where analog passion meets artificial intelligence. This is especially evident in the current crop of ultra-high-performance machines hitting the market. These aren’t just cars; they are rolling embodiments of dreams, pushing the boundaries of engineering and design.
That’s why we’ve revisited and updated our list of the 25 Best Supercars of this century so far. Choosing the “best” is always subjective. Some cars on this list might not be the absolute fastest or most agile, but each one has captured our imaginations and introduced groundbreaking innovations. And let’s be honest, some are simply the cars our inner child can’t stop sketching – constantly. The fact that these machines are destined to become the classics of tomorrow gives us confidence that the love for cars will thrive for generations to come.
McLaren F1
Image Credit: Seth Wenig/AP/Shutterstock.
Okay, technically, the first car on our list hails from the 1990s, but the McLaren F1 serves as the definitive benchmark for all supercars that followed. A top speed of 231 mph in 1992 was unheard of for a production car. It was, and still is, mind-blowing. The McLaren F1 achieved this by focusing relentlessly on lightweight design, employing a feather-light carbon-fiber chassis and a custom-built six-liter, 627 hp BMW V-12 engine. This allowed it to accelerate to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds.
Priced at nearly $1 million at launch, it was also incredibly expensive. Today, if one of the 106 examples ever becomes available, expect to pay around $20 million. Is it the ultimate supercar? Many argue that it unequivocally is, setting the standard for what the best supercars should aspire to be. — Howard Walker
Ferrari LaFerrari
Image Credit: Kailin Huang/Shutterstock.
2013 was a landmark year for supercars, witnessing the debut of three exceptional models from McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari, collectively known as the “Holy Trinity.” Each of these cars, while unique in its own right, adopted a hybrid powertrain.
Among the trio, only the Ferrari LaFerrari boasted a naturally aspirated V-12 engine – a roaring, visceral masterpiece. The LaFerrari was also the most powerful and, arguably, the most charismatic of this extraordinary group. Aptly named to represent the very essence of Ferrari, this 950 hp hypercar may not only be remembered as the pinnacle of its era but also as one of the greatest Ferraris ever created, solidifying its place among the best supercars of all time. — 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 came from established automotive giants. The McLaren P1, however, represented a relative newcomer to the hypercar scene. While McLaren had cemented its hypercar credentials with the legendary F1 in the 1990s, their absence from the top tier for a while made the P1 feel like a fresh start.
Utilizing advanced carbon-fiber construction techniques borrowed from their more accessible models, the P1, as McLaren’s flagship, delivered a staggering 903 hp and an incredibly lightweight chassis. This combination made it a formidable competitor against the established supercar elite, proving its mettle as one of the best supercars of its generation. —BW
Porsche 918 Spyder
Image Credit: auto-data.net/Shutterstock.
The 918 Spyder was a true paradigm shift, showcasing the immense potential of plug-in hybrid technology in the high-performance supercar domain. It combined a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 producing 599 hp with two electric motors, resulting in a total 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 were sold out by the end of 2014, demonstrating the eagerness of Porsche enthusiasts to own the most powerful street-legal Porsche ever built. Production concluded by mid-2015, and the 918 remains a highly sought-after collector car, recognized as one of the best supercars for its innovative technology and performance. — Robert Ross
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ferrari.
While the era of Ferrari’s V-12 halo cars may be fading in today’s environmentally conscious climate, the eight-cylinder SF90 Stradale more than compensates. Billed as a road-going homage to Ferrari’s SF90 Formula 1 car, the SF90 Stradale is an unapologetic hypercar boasting 1,000 hp from three electric motors and a twin-turbo V-8.
Its fusion of exceptional hybrid powertrain performance and striking aesthetics draws inspiration from the finest rear-engined Ferrari models. Notice the subtle nod to the 488’s side scoops and the overt motorsport cues – the front end clearly echoes racing DNA. This car proudly celebrates its lineage with its name: Scuderia Ferrari, 90 years. The SF90 Stradale firmly establishes itself as one of the best supercars by blending heritage with cutting-edge technology. — Marco Della Cava
SSC Tuatara
Image Credit: Courtesy of SSC North America.
The ultimate goal: 300 mph. That’s the target set by Washington State–based SSC North America for their groundbreaking SSC Tuatara hypercar. To achieve this ambitious speed, the carbon-fiber Tuatara, named after a spiny lizard native to New Zealand, is equipped with a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine producing a massive 1,726 hp.
Production is underway, with a planned 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 two runs averaging 282.9 mph, results verified by Racelogic. More recently, it officially clocked 295 mph, making it a leading contender for the title of the world’s fastest car and securing its position among the best supercars focused on top speed. —HW
Aston Martin Valkyrie
Image Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin.
Supercar greatness is now being realized in the form of Aston Martin’s Valkyrie, which has entered production. This model represents a new performance benchmark for Aston Martin in the realm of street-legal production cars. 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, incredibly 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 will be limited to just 150 examples, each priced at $3.2 million. The Valkyrie’s F1-inspired engineering and extreme performance firmly place it among the best supercars for those seeking track-level capabilities in a road car. —HW
Rimac Nevera
Image Credit: Philipp Rupprecht, courtesy of Rimac Automobili.
Landmark cars often emerge from unexpected places, and the Rimac Nevera has delivered a seismic shock to the supercar world. This all-electric marvel has not only surpassed internal combustion engine records but obliterated them by delivering a staggering 1,914 hp to all four wheels, outperforming zero-to-60 mph times of supercars from McLaren to Koenigsegg. Even more astonishingly, this EV hypercar 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 unbelievable performance figures, but its legacy will extend beyond just a single model. In the summer of 2021, the Croatian startup acquired a majority stake in Bugatti, marking the first, and likely not the last, instance of a legacy supercar brand being taken over by an EV upstart. The Nevera’s groundbreaking performance and its role in reshaping the supercar industry make it undeniably one of the best supercars and a symbol of the electric future. —BW
Mercedes-AMG One
Image Credit: Courtesy of Daimler AG.
How can a car that has just entered production be considered one of the “greats” of the 21st century? Because we are supremely confident that the 1,000 hp Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 racer for the street, which finally emerged this summer, will continue to astound for years to come.
Originally unveiled as the Project One concept in 2017, this road-legal monster faced numerous technical hurdles. However, that’s to be expected when you essentially build a Formula 1 car that’s street-legal.
Powered by a hybrid-boosted 1.6-liter turbo V-6 and three electric motors, it’s projected to accelerate from zero to 124 mph in under 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph. Unsurprisingly, all 275 examples of this $2.6 million engineering marvel are already spoken for. The Mercedes-AMG One’s direct connection to Formula 1 technology and its extreme performance guarantee its place among the best supercars ever conceived. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko
Image Credit: Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.
Back in 2017, Christian von Koenigsegg’s Agera RS from Sweden became the world’s fastest production car, achieving 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 have what it takes 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 of the production run are already pre-sold. With its blend of extreme power and innovative lightweight engineering, the Koenigsegg Jesko is a prime candidate for the title of the fastest production car and a definitive member of the best supercars club. —HW
Pininfarina Battista
Image Credit: Pininfarina S.p.A.
Few names in automotive design carry more weight than Pininfarina. The Italian studio’s 62-year partnership with Ferrari, for instance, gave birth to icons like the 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the classic Ferrari 308 GTS from Magnum P.I. The Cadillac Allanté? Perhaps less iconic.
Thanks to support from India’s Mahindra Group, who rescued Pininfarina in late 2015, and collaboration with Croatian EV experts at Rimac, we have the sensational Pininfarina Battista hypercar. Packing 1,900 hp and 1,696 ft lbs of torque from its 120 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and quad motors, this breathtakingly beautiful electric two-seater coupe can launch from zero 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 built – priced from $2.2 million each – has already been delivered. For something truly exclusive, there’s a lavishly equipped Anniversario edition, limited to just five units. These are priced closer to $2.9 million, but unfortunately, all are sold. The Pininfarina Battista, with its stunning design and groundbreaking EV performance, rightfully earns its place among the best supercars and signifies a new era for the iconic design house. —HW
Lotus Evija
Image Credit: John Wycherley, courtesy of Lotus Cars Limited.
Simply put, it’s the most powerful series-production road car ever created. The Lotus Evija boasts an astonishing 2,011 hp and 1,256 ft lbs of torque. This is sufficient to catapult this low-slung projectile from zero to 62 mph in under three seconds and propel it from zero to 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 the visionary Colin Chapman in 1952. The new Evija – meaning “the living one” – features a full carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, Le Mans-inspired aerodynamics, and a state-of-the-art electric powertrain developed by the engineering wizards at Williams Advanced Engineering.
And what a powertrain it is. With powerful electric motors at each wheel and a mid-mounted battery pack echoing Lotus’s tradition of mid-engine placement, the pure electric driving range is around 250 miles. Connect it to an 800 kW charger, and the entire battery pack replenishes in just nine minutes.
Only 130 examples of the Evija will be produced, with initial deliveries in early 2023. Expect to pay around $2.3 million. The Lotus Evija’s record-breaking power and innovative EV technology firmly establish it as one of the best supercars pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. —HW
Ferrari Daytona SP3
Image Credit: Ferrari S.p.A.
The Icona series of limited-production models pays homage to Ferrari’s past by cloaking modern technology 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 purely nostalgic – particularly its naturally aspirated V-12 engine that revs to 9,500 rpm and produces 829 horsepower. From its sculpted fenders to its dramatically louvered rear end, the $2.2 million Daytona SP3 will serve as rolling art when its 599 owners take delivery of their exclusive machines. The Daytona SP3’s blend of classic design and modern performance secures its place among the best supercars for those who appreciate heritage and visceral driving experiences. —BW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster
Image Credit: Hennessey Special Vehicles
We were captivated by the outrageous 1,817 hp Venom F5 Coupe from John Hennessey and his team at Hennessey Special Vehicles in Texas. When it debuted in 2021, the Venom F5 was designed to shatter the elusive 300 mph barrier. While it hasn’t quite reached that specific target, a recorded top speed of 271.6 mph certainly demonstrates its potential.
Now, it’s the turn of the new Venom F5 Roadster 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 torpedo could very well achieve that benchmark. However, the removable, lightweight carbon-fiber roof panel – weighing just 18 pounds – must remain in place for the Roadster to get anywhere near the 300 mph club.
Yet, for us, the true appeal of the Venom F5 Roadster lies in removing the top and experiencing the full roar of those eight cylinders as it screams to its 8,500 rpm redline. Hennessey plans to build 30 examples of the Roadster, each priced at a cool $3 million. The Venom F5 Roadster’s extreme power and open-top thrill make it a unique and exhilarating addition to the list of best supercars. —HW
Lamborghini Sterrato
Image Credit: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
In the supercar world, more is often considered better. But for the final iteration of the V-10-powered Huracán, Lamborghini opted for a different kind of excess: knobby tires, a 1.7-inch increase in ride height, and extensive cladding to protect the ruggedized all-wheel-drive coupe from off-road challenges. A roof-mounted air intake and auxiliary lights on the front echo souped-up overlanders and rally racers, bringing an unexpected go-anywhere attitude to the Lamborghini lineup.
Although the Sterrato sacrifices 30 hp in favor of enhanced drivability on loose surfaces (reducing the total to 601 hp), its Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires deliver a different kind of excitement by slipping, sliding, and drifting through corners. As Lamborghini transitions into a hybridized and electrified future, it bids farewell to the gas-powered era with a wonderfully dusty and adventurous flourish. The Lamborghini Sterrato, defying supercar norms with its off-road focus, carves out a niche as one of the best supercars for those seeking unconventional thrills. —BW
Pagani Utopia
Image Credit: Pagani Automobili S.p.A.
Horacio Pagani famously established his eponymous supercar atelier after his previous employer, Lamborghini, resisted his advocacy for lightweight carbon-fiber materials. Pagani’s successor to the Huayra model, the Utopia, embraces next-level lightweight construction through what the brand calls a “Carbo-Titanium” chassis. This combines a carbon and titanium structure with chrome subframes, resulting in a remarkably low dry weight of 2,822 pounds.
The new Utopia, whose name references 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’s automatic option is an automated single-clutch unit, lighter, though less smooth, than a dual-clutch system. Pagani states that only 99 examples of the Utopia will be built in total, emphasizing that ownership is reserved for a select few. The Pagani Utopia, with its handcrafted artistry and focus on driving purity, undoubtedly belongs among the best supercars for connoisseurs of automotive excellence. —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, and the Italian brand enters the era of electrification with a roar, retaining this large-displacement engine as the heart of its new hybrid powertrain. Supplementing the 814 hp gasoline engine are three electric motors, boosting the wedge-shaped beast to a combined 1,001 hp – the highest output of any Lamborghini plug-in hybrid. Notably, this four-digit horsepower figure is achieved without turbochargers, preserving the visceral exhaust note.
With a suite of enhancements rounding out the Revuelto, from a more spacious cabin to a long-awaited smoother-shifting dual-clutch transmission, Lamborghini’s new flagship is poised to offer formidable, charismatic competition. The Lamborghini Revuelto, embracing hybridization while retaining its signature V-12, marks a significant step for the brand and earns its spot among the best supercars of the hybrid era. —BW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Image Credit: Porsche AG
Since its introduction in 1999, Porsche’s continuously evolving 911 GT3 has rightly earned the title of “ultimate sports car.” Equally thrilling on the road and incredibly capable on the track, the GT3 is the quintessential driver’s car.
The latest GT3 RS simply amplifies everything to an extreme level. With its towering rear wing generating immense downforce for cornering precision, 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 that elevates even skilled drivers to greatness. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS, embodying track-focused performance and driver engagement, stands as one of the best supercars in the sports car category. —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 primarily for racing homologation. The mid-engined MC20 is far more convincing as a genuine supercar, featuring a unique carbon-fiber structure, a 621 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine developed in-house, and true supercar dynamics and agility.
Initially introduced as a scissor-doored coupe in 2020, the new open-top Cielo version is even more visually striking. Both variants offer blistering acceleration, race car-like handling, and surprising daily drivability. An all-electric version is anticipated soon. The Maserati MC20 Cielo, blending Italian flair with modern supercar engineering, secures its place among the best supercars offering both performance and open-air enjoyment. —HW
Zenvo Aurora
Image Credit: Zenvo Automotive A/S
Danish manufacturer Zenvo named its newest and most powerful creation after the aurora borealis, a rare celestial phenomenon. A fitting choice, considering this Aurora aims for near-light-speed acceleration, or at least it feels that way. Powered by a quad-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine enhanced by twin electric motors, delivering up to 1,850 hp, the Aurora achieves zero-to-60 mph in approximately 2.0 seconds with a top speed of 280 mph.
Two versions will be available when production begins in 2025: the track-focused, rear-wheel-drive Agil and the all-wheel-drive Tur grand tourer. We see it as a significant disruptor in the hypercar market. The Zenvo Aurora, with its extreme power and innovative configurations, positions itself as a future contender among the best supercars pushing performance boundaries. —HW
Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda
Image Credit: Gordon Murray Automotive
Gordon Murray, the mastermind behind the original McLaren F1 road car and much of McLaren’s Formula One dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s, is still creating blistering performance machines at 78 years old. Case in point: the GMA T.50s Niki Lauda, a track-only supercar that 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 claims its power-to-weight ratio per ton exceeds that of naturally aspirated LMP1 cars. The Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda, a testament to lightweight engineering and track-focused design, is a standout among the best supercars for purists and track enthusiasts. — Sean Evans
Ferrari 12Cilindri
Image Credit: Ferrari
While much of the supercar world is exploring hybridization, Ferrari engineers remain non impressionato. Thus, 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 and delivers 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. In-house designer Flavio Manzoni and his team deserve applause for the overall shape and silhouette of the $417,000-plus 12Cilindri, which arguably surpasses the original Daytona coupe it honors in terms of visual appeal. The Ferrari 12Cilindri, championing the naturally aspirated V-12 in a hybrid world, is a remarkable addition to the best supercars for those who value traditional performance and stunning design. —SE
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37
Image Credit: Martyn Lucy
Sián means “flash of lightning” in Bolognese, a fitting name for this hybridized V-12 Lamborghini, the Italian marque’s first-ever electrified vehicle. (The FKP 37 designation honors former Volkswagen group chairman Ferdinand Karl Piëch and his birth year.) This combination of a 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 roadster models, all of which sold out instantly, with starting prices around $3.7 million. However, some are now on the market for as much as $5 million. The Lamborghini Sián FKP 37, representing Lamborghini’s entry into electrification while retaining its V-12 heart, is a highly exclusive and desirable member of the best supercars club. —SE
Bugatti Tourbillon
Image Credit: BUGATTI AUTOMOBILES
The successor to the Chiron boasts a series of Bugatti firsts: the first V-16 engine, 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, an unusual feat when transforming a combustion vehicle into a hybrid. Rimac and the engineering and design teams in Molsheim 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 reaches 550 KPH—or 341 MPH. Expect high-speed runs well into the 300s. The Bugatti Tourbillon, representing Bugatti’s next chapter with a V-16 hybrid, is poised to redefine the boundaries of hypercar performance and solidify its position among the best supercars in the world. —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 sold for at least $2.6 million – this 1,035-horsepower, 250-mile-per-hour hybrid will command attention whether parked at a concours event or blurring past you on the highway. (And it will be a blur: the Speedtail accelerates from 0 to 186 MPH in just 13 seconds.) Magic is woven into the Speedtail, from the 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 in the paint, McLaren can do it. Or if you want a platinum badge on the front, that’s also available – for $56,000. The McLaren Speedtail, blending hypercar performance with bespoke luxury and a unique three-seat layout, is a truly exceptional and desirable addition to the list of best supercars. —SE
Authors
Howard Walker
Basem Wasef
Robert Ross
Marco Della Cava
Sean Evans
