The automotive world is undergoing a massive transformation. While trends like self-driving cars, ride-sharing, and app-based ownership gain traction, they sometimes seem to overshadow the pure passion for automobiles and the vibrant car culture. However, dismissing younger generations as uninterested in cars would be a mistake. We are witnessing an exciting fusion of technology and tradition, a blend of analog craftsmanship and artificial intelligence. This is especially evident in the incredible high-performance machines currently available.
To celebrate this exciting era, we’ve revisited and updated our list of the 25 best supercars of this century. This is inherently a subjective selection. Some cars on this list might not be the absolute fastest or the most agile, but they have captured our imaginations and pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. And let’s be honest, some of them are simply the cars we dreamt of drawing as kids, the ones that still ignite a sense of wonder. These are the future classics, and their existence assures us that the automotive passion will thrive for generations to come.
McLaren F1
Image Credit: Seth Wenig/AP/Shutterstock.
While technically a product of the 1990s, the McLaren F1 rightfully earns its place as the starting point and benchmark for this list of best supercars. Its top speed of 231 mph in 1992 was unprecedented for a production car, setting a new standard for performance. The F1 was a revolution, built with a feather-light carbon-fiber chassis, an unwavering focus on weight reduction, and a custom-built six-liter, 627 hp BMW V-12 engine. This potent combination allowed it to accelerate to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds.
Priced near $1 million at launch, it was undeniably expensive. Today, if one of the 106 examples rarely appears on the market, expect a price tag around $20 million. Is it the ultimate supercar? For many, the answer is an unequivocal yes. — Howard Walker
Ferrari LaFerrari
Image Credit: Kailin Huang/Shutterstock.
2013 marked a pivotal year for supercars, with the debut of three groundbreaking models from McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari, collectively known as the “Holy Trinity.” Each car, distinct in its approach, incorporated a hybrid powertrain.
Among the trio, only the Ferrari LaFerrari featured a V-12 engine—a naturally aspirated and incredibly vocal one. The LaFerrari also emerged as the most powerful and, arguably, the most charismatic of this exceptional group. Named to embody the essence of Ferrari, this 950 hp hypercar might be remembered not only as the pinnacle of its era but also as one of the greatest Ferraris ever created. — Basem Wasef
McLaren P1
Image Credit: Oleksiy Maksymenko/imageBROKER/Shutterstock.
Of the celebrated hybrid hypercars launched in 2013, the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder came from established marques. In contrast, the McLaren P1 represented a relative newcomer, though one with a significant legacy thanks to the legendary McLaren F1 of the 1990s. However, the long gap between these flagships meant McLaren essentially started anew in building this hypercar.
McLaren utilized advanced carbon-fiber construction, drawing upon techniques from its more accessible models. The P1, as the top-tier offering, boasted a remarkable 903 hp and a remarkably lightweight chassis. This made it a formidable challenger to the established supercar elite of the time. —BW
Porsche 918 Spyder
Image Credit: auto-data.net/Shutterstock.
The 918 Spyder was a true game-changer, proving the potential of plug-in hybrid technology in the supercar realm. 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 debuted as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show to gauge interest. Production began 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 road-legal Porsche ever made. Production concluded in mid-2015, and the 918 remains a highly sought-after collector car today. — Robert Ross
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ferrari.
While the era of Ferrari’s 12-cylinder flagship models might be evolving due to 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 genuine hypercar delivering 1,000 hp from three electric motors and a twin-turbo V-8.
Its combination of exceptional hybrid performance and striking aesthetics draws inspiration from the best of Ferrari’s previous mid-engined models. Elements like the side scoops reminiscent of the 488 and a motorsport-inspired front end clearly link it to Ferrari’s racing heritage—as its name, Scuderia Ferrari 90th anniversary, proudly proclaims. — Marco Della Cava
SSC Tuatara
Image Credit: Courtesy of SSC North America.
The ambition: to reach 300 mph. This is the target set by SSC North America, based in Washington State, for its new SSC Tuatara hypercar. To achieve this, the carbon-fiber Tuatara—named after a New Zealand lizard—packs a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 producing a massive 1,726 hp.
Production is underway with a goal of 100 examples, each priced at $1.6 million. SSC has a history of high-speed achievements. 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. However, on January 17, 2021, the SSC Tuatara reclaimed the record with an average speed of 282.9 mph over two runs, verified by Racelogic. More recently, it officially clocked 295 mph. —HW
Aston Martin Valkyrie
Image Credit: Courtesy of Aston Martin.
Supercar greatness is now a reality with the Aston Martin Valkyrie, currently in production. This model sets a new benchmark for Aston Martin in terms of street-legal, production car performance. 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 within a lightweight, ultra-strong carbon monocoque structure.
Adding to its appeal is the design by Adrian Newey, a Formula 1 design icon and the current chief technical officer for Red Bull Racing. Production is limited to 150 units, each priced at $3.2 million. —HW
Rimac Nevera
Image Credit: Philipp Rupprecht, courtesy of Rimac Automobili.
Landmark cars often emerge from unexpected places, and the Rimac Nevera has undeniably shaken the supercar establishment. This battery-electric Nevera shattered internal combustion records by delivering 1,914 hp to all four wheels, surpassing zero-to-60 mph times of even McLarens and Koenigseggs. Even more remarkably, 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 sensational performance figures, but its long-term legacy will extend beyond 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 startup. —BW
Mercedes-AMG One
Image Credit: Courtesy of Daimler AG.
How can a car just entering production be considered one of the best supercars of the 21st century? Because we are confident that the 1,000 hp Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 car for the road, expected to arrive next summer, will continue to be astonishing for years to come.
Initially unveiled as the Project One concept in 2017, this road-legal monster faced technical hurdles. However, building a Formula 1 car for everyday roads is inherently complex.
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 these $2.6 million marvels are already spoken for. —HW
Koenigsegg Jesko
Image Credit: Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.
In 2017, Christian von Koenigsegg, founder of the Swedish marque, witnessed his Agera RS become the world’s fastest production car with a two-way average top speed of 277.9 mph. The Agera’s successor, the aggressively winged, 1,660 hp Jesko—named after Christian’s father—possesses the potential 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 only 28 pounds. It’s no surprise that all 125 units scheduled for production have been pre-sold. —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 produced icons like the 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the classic Ferrari 308 GTS from Magnum P.I. The Cadillac Allanté? Perhaps less so.
Now, with support from India’s Mahindra Group, who acquired Pininfarina in 2015, and collaboration with Croatian EV specialists Rimac, comes 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 stunning electric 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 150 cars being built—priced from $2.2 million—has already been delivered. For ultimate exclusivity, the lavish Anniversario edition, limited to just five units, is priced closer to $2.9 million, and all are already sold. —HW
Lotus Evija
Image Credit: John Wycherley, courtesy of Lotus Cars Limited.
The Lotus Evija is simply the most powerful series-production road car ever created. It delivers an astounding 2,011 hp and 1,256 ft lbs of torque. This is sufficient to propel this low-slung projectile from zero to 62 mph in under three seconds and from zero to 186 mph in a mere 9.1 seconds. Top speed? 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 new Evija—meaning “the living one”—features a carbon-fiber monocoque, Le Mans-inspired aerodynamics, and a cutting-edge electric powertrain developed by Williams Advanced Engineering.
With powerful electric motors at each wheel and a mid-mounted battery pack echoing Lotus’s mid-engine tradition, the Evija offers a pure electric range of around 250 miles. Using an 800 kW charger, the battery pack can be fully replenished in just nine minutes.
Only 130 examples of the Evija will be produced, with initial deliveries in early 2023. The price is approximately $2.3 million. —HW
Ferrari Daytona SP3
Image Credit: Ferrari S.p.A.
Ferrari’s Icona series of limited-production models pays homage to the past by combining modern technology with retro-futuristic designs. The third Icona model from Modena is the Daytona SP3, inspired by the Ferrari 330 P4s that achieved a 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967.
While its air intakes and aerodynamics are functional, the SP3’s spirit is purely nostalgic—especially its naturally aspirated V-12 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 when its 599 owners take delivery. —BW
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster
Image Credit: Hennessey Special Vehicles
We admired the outrageous 1,817 hp Venom F5 Coupe from John Hennessey and his team at 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 top speed of 271.6 mph shows its immense potential.
Now, the new Venom F5 Roadster aims for 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 machine could well achieve that speed benchmark. However, the lightweight 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 lies in removing the roof and experiencing the full roar of its eight cylinders as it approaches its 8,500 rpm redline. Hennessey plans to build 30 examples of the Roadster, each priced at $3 million. —HW
Lamborghini Sterrato
Image Credit: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
In the world of supercars, excess is often the norm. But for the final edition of the V-10-powered Huracán, Lamborghini chose a different kind of excess: 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 pay tribute to rally racers, adding an unexpected go-anywhere attitude to the Lamborghini lineup.
While the Sterrato sacrifices 30 hp for improved off-road drivability (reducing total output to 601 hp), its Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain tires deliver a different kind of thrill—drifting through corners on loose surfaces. As Lamborghini moves into a hybridized and electrified era, it concludes its gasoline-powered chapter with a thrilling, dust-kicking statement. —BW
Pagani Utopia
Image Credit: Pagani Automobili S.p.A.
Horacio Pagani famously founded his supercar company after Lamborghini resisted his push for lightweight carbon-fiber materials. Pagani’s successor to the Huayra, the Utopia, embraces next-level lightweighting through a “Carbo-Titanium” chassis, combining carbon and titanium with chrome subframes for a remarkably low dry weight of 2,822 pounds.
The new Utopia, named after Thomas More’s 1516 work, retains the Huayra’s 852 hp AMG V-12, powering the rear wheels, and offers a manual gearbox option. Staying true to its lightweight philosophy, the automatic option uses an automated single-clutch unit, lighter than a dual-clutch, though less refined. Pagani plans to build 99 examples of the Utopia, emphasizing its exclusivity for a select few. —BW
Lamborghini Revuelto
Image Credit: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
The mid-mounted 6.5-liter V-12 has been a defining feature of Lamborghini’s Murciélago and Aventador flagships. Lamborghini embraces electrification while staying true to its heritage by keeping the large-displacement V-12 as the core of its new hybrid powertrain. Augmenting the 814 hp gasoline engine are three electric motors, boosting the total output to 1,001 hp, the highest of any plug-in hybrid Lamborghini. Impressively, this four-digit horsepower figure is achieved without turbochargers, preserving the signature Lamborghini exhaust note.
With updates throughout, from a more spacious cabin to a smoother dual-clutch transmission, the Revuelto, Lamborghini’s new flagship, is poised to fiercely challenge its competitors with its bold character and performance. —BW
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Image Credit: Porsche AG
Since its introduction in 1999, the constantly evolving Porsche 911 GT3 has rightfully earned the title of “ultimate sports car.” Equally thrilling on the road and highly capable on the track, the GT3 embodies the essence of a driver’s car.
The latest GT3 RS takes everything to the next level. With its towering rear wing generating immense downforce for exceptional cornering, a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six producing 518 hp and revving to 9,000 rpm, and fully adjustable suspension, the RS is a track weapon that elevates even good drivers to greatness. —HW
Maserati MC20 Cielo
Image Credit: Maserati S.p.A.
While Maserati’s MC12 from 2005 was arguably its first true supercar, it was essentially a re-skinned Ferrari Enzo, built in limited numbers to revive Maserati’s racing heritage. The mid-engined MC20 is a more convincing and authentic supercar, featuring a unique carbon-fiber structure, a 621 hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 developed in-house, and genuine supercar agility and dynamics.
Introduced as a coupe in 2020 with scissor doors, the new open-top Cielo spyder is even more visually striking. Both versions offer blistering acceleration, race car-like handling, and surprising daily usability. An all-electric version is anticipated soon. —HW
Zenvo Aurora
Image Credit: Zenvo Automotive A/S
Danish manufacturer Zenvo named its newest and most potent creation after the aurora borealis. A fitting name, as the Aurora aims for near-light-speed acceleration, or so it seems. Powered by a quad-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 enhanced by twin electric motors, delivering up to 1,850 hp, it accelerates from zero to 60 mph in approximately 2.0 seconds with a top speed of 280 mph.
Two versions will be available when production starts 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. —HW
Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda
Image Credit: Gordon Murray Automotive
Gordon Murray, the mastermind behind the original McLaren F1 road car and McLaren’s Formula One dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s, is still creating 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 missile is powered by a 3.9-liter naturally aspirated V-12 from Cosworth, producing 772 horsepower. With a weight of just 1,924 pounds, GMA claims its power-to-weight ratio exceeds that of naturally aspirated LMP1 cars. — Sean Evans
Ferrari 12Cilindri
Image Credit: Ferrari
While much of the supercar world is figuring out hybrid solutions, Ferrari engineers remain unimpressed. The GT successor to the 812 Superfast, the 12Cilindri, is powered by a massive, naturally aspirated V-12. To the heroes in Maranello, we say molto bene. This 6.5-liter engine revs to 9250 rpm, delivering 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari designer Flavio Manzoni and his team deserve praise for the overall shape and silhouette of the $417,000-plus 12Cilindri, which arguably surpasses the original Daytona coupe it honors in design. —SE
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37
Image Credit: Martyn Lucy
Sián means “flash of lightning” in Bolognese, a fitting name for Lamborghini’s hybridized V-12, their first electrified vehicle. (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, launching occupants to 60 mph in under 2.8 seconds. Sián production was limited to 63 coupes and 19 roadsters, all sold instantly, with starting prices around $3.7 million. However, some are now listed for as much as $5 million. —SE
Bugatti Tourbillon
Image Credit: BUGATTI AUTOMOBILES
The Chiron’s successor, the Bugatti Tourbillon, marks several Bugatti firsts: the first V-16, the first electrified Bugatti, and the first Bugatti under CEO Mate Rimac’s leadership. This $4.6 million-plus coupe is actually smaller and lighter than the Chiron, a rare feat when transitioning a combustion vehicle to hybrid power. Rimac and the Molsheim engineers and designers achieved this through intelligent component integration into the monocoque chassis. Packing 1,800 horsepower, Bugatti states the Tourbillon’s top speed is 276 MPH, but the Swiss-watch-inspired speedometer reaches 550 KPH—or 341 MPH. Expect top speed runs well into the 300s. —SE
McLaren Speedtail
Image Credit: McLaren
The Speedtail is the second McLaren to offer a three-seat configuration, following the revolutionary McLaren F1. Limited to just 106 units—each sold for at least $2.6 million—this 1,035-horsepower, 250-mph hybrid will turn heads anywhere. (It accelerates from 0 to 186 MPH in just 13 seconds.) Magic is woven into the Speedtail, from flexible carbon fiber ailerons integrated into the clamshell tail to the standard 24K gold toolkit. Customization is a key aspect. Want crushed diamond dust in the paint? McLaren can do it. A platinum front badge? Available for $56,000. —SE
The Enduring Appeal of Supercars
These 25 vehicles represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design in the 21st century so far. They showcase the ongoing innovation and passion within the supercar world, proving that even in a rapidly changing automotive landscape, the allure of high-performance, beautifully crafted machines remains strong. From groundbreaking hybrid technology to breathtaking speeds and unparalleled luxury, these best supercars continue to inspire and captivate car enthusiasts worldwide. The future of the supercar is bright, and these models are leading the way.
