Throughout automotive history, the term “supercar” has evolved greatly. Earlier ones were all about raw power & lightning speed, while later ones also focused on weight, aesthetics, and handling.
Fast forward to today, a supercar is the ultimate package – powerful, speedy, responsive, high-tech, luxurious, comfortable, and pricey, of course.
But when we say “greatest supercars,” we mean the following few gems that truly pushed the boundaries, set new benchmarks for excellence, and influenced future designs.
Lamborghini Miura
While the word “supercar” existed since the 1920s, no car truly lived up to the name until 1966, when Ferruccio unveiled the Miura. In a world dominated by front-engine grand tourers such as Ferrari 275 GTB & Aston Martin DB5, Miura, with its mid-mounted V12 engine, made a remarkable entrance. This innovative layout was like saying goodbye to the traditional supercar formula.
The mid-mounted powerhouse translated not only to higher acceleration, i.e., 0-60 in just 5.8 sec and a maximum speed of 180 mph (for the SV variant), but also superior handling, making the rivals struggle to keep pace with Miura. The low, sculpted design with pop-up headlights, monocoque chassis, & lightweight aluminium body further solidified Miura's place as the first “true supercar.”
Ferrari F40
This ride holds a special place among the greatest supercars ever built, not just for its impressive engine but for the exhilarating experience it offers. Launched in 1987, the F40 was the last car Enzo approved.
The fusion of kevlar, aluminum, & carbon fiber kept the weight down to a mere 1100 kg, while the wind-tunnel design and unassisted steering offered precise handling. All this engineering contributed to the car's sensational performance – 0-60 under 4 sec and a top speed exceeding 201 mph, beating Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV and even its family member Ferrari Testarossa.
F40 may not be the most comfortable grand tourer, but that wasn't its purpose. It was a supercar designed for pure driving thrill and it delivered that rightly.
Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper entered the American market in 1992 as a supercar. It boasted a powerful V10 8-litre engine with over 600 horsepower, going from 0-60 in just 4 seconds and reaching the highest speed of 200 mph. Dodge introduced several Viper variants despite halting production twice.
Its 2016 Dodge Viper ACR recorded the fastest lap time at Laguna Seca. While the Dodge Viper had its drawbacks, such as lack of comfort and challenging driving experience, its raw power, affordability, and track dominance make it a worthy addition to our list.
Jaguar XJ220
XJ220 was Jaguar's entrance into the supercar world. Its mid-mounted, twin-turbo V6 engine was built to compete with Porsche 959 and Ferrari F40. With 540 horsepower, the XJ220 achieved a top speed of 213 mph, smashing the record for the world's fastest production car at that time.
But it wasn't all about the power and acceleration; Jaguar XJ220 had exceptional handling capabilities, too.The aerodynamic features, including a large rear diffuser, improved the car's handling during high-speed cornering.
Unlike other supercars of the late 90s, the XJ220 didn't neglect comfort, though. The interior boasted Connolly leather seats, a material renowned for its quality and luxurious feel, with ample legroom.
McLaren F1
In an era where automakers were increasingly adopting turbochargers, McLaren F1, with 240 mph top speed, set the record for the world's fastest production car with a naturally aspirated V12 engine. While many Bugatti models have since surpassed this figure, F1's achievement with a non-turbocharged engine is still impressive.
F1's design was also a hit. It was the first road car to have a carbon fiber chassis and unique three-seat design with the driver positioned centrally in the front. This idea led to a lighter supercar with improved visibility, handling, and stability.
Ferrari Enzo
Ferrari Enzo holds a special place in the hearts of supercar lovers. It arrived in 2002 with a design straight out of F1. The low curvaceous body turned heads while the 6.0 liter V12 promised a thrilling ride with a sound that gave goosebumps.
With nearly 700 horsepower, the 0-60 time of Ferrari Enzo was 3 seconds and 220 mph of top speed. But this supercar's brilliance goes beyond its power and looks. Ferrari Enzo had an active aerodynamic system to generate maximum downforce for superior grip on the road.
This technology, once new, is now common in modern supercars and hypercars, highlighting Enzo's forward-thinking design. With only 400 units ever made and a premium cost, Enzo was a true street-legal supercar.
Porsche Carrera GT
If the McLaren F1 ruled the 90s with its natural power and unique design, the early 2000s also saw a legend: the Porsche Carrera GT. It boasted a V10 engine that was originally planned for the LeMans 9 R3 – the car that never got a chance to showcase its stamina on the racetrack.
This 605-horsepower machine propelled the 3042-pound Carrera to 330 km/h, making it the best among the brand's supercar lineup. Porsche took the bold step in transmission, too. At the time when many supercars were coming with automatic gearboxes, Porsche preferred sticking to the six-speed manual transmission. The aim was to put the driver in complete control while providing a natural feel.
The Carrera GT wasn't for the faint of heart due to the unavailability of various electronic driver assistance features, like traction and stability control. Yet it was welcomed and praised greatly. Only 1270 units were produced, of which Americans owned 644. Even today, the Carrera GT can easily fetch millions at auctions.
Lamborghini Gallardo
The 2003 Gallardo was the Lamborghini's best-selling model. It boasted a 5.0-litre V10 engine generating 500 hp to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Gallardo had various trim levels, including the LP550-2 and the track-focused Superleggera.
Its design was pure Lambo. The sharp angles, muscular curves, aggressive stance, and signature scissor doors made it a guaranteed head-turner on the road.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
It's one of those supercars that the world didn't quite remember, and frankly, it's simply unfair. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S was a supercar worth praising. With a supercharged V8 engine cranking out a whooping 641 horsepower, it could go from 0-60 under 3 sec with a top speed of 315 km/h.
Sure, some rivals boasted even more power figures, but the 722 S was a fusion of performance, luxury, & comfort. It was a supercar for those who craved the thrill of a racetrack and the comfort of a grand tourer.
But some saw it as a drawback. The high price tag and limited production (150 units) further restricted its popularity, and the McLaren SLR lost in the crowd.
Ford GT
The successor of the legendary Ford GT40 – a consecutive Le Mans winner, was launched at the Detroit Auto Show, and it instantly became a hit with gearheads. It was powered by a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine that cranked out an impressive 660 horsepower.
GT featured an innovative anti-lag turbo system, translating to instant power during cornering and gear shifting. The sculpted body was meticulously designed to achieve optimal aerodynamics. From the buttress and adjustable ride height to the rear wing, all contribute to drag reduction, optimizing airflow and handling.
Even with its track-focused design, the Ford GT was suitable for everyday driving. A front-lift mode allowed the car to navigate challenging paths smoothly, making it an all-rounder supercar that can do well on both tracks and open roads.
Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron ruled the racetracks with a 1,001 horsepower engine, getting it from 0 to 60 in just 2.5 seconds and an impressive 253 mph top speed. BBC's Top Gear crowned it “Car of the Decade,” and the new version “Super Sport” set the record for “world's fastest supercar” by hitting 268 mph on Volkswagen's test track.
If we talk about its design, the sculpted exterior and hand-crafted interior scream luxury and exclusivity. With an average price of $1 million approx, Veyron is a true example of how a supercar could be.
Pagani Huayra
The Pagani Huayra has a powerful Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V12 engine, helping it reach 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and crazy top speeds of 383 km/h. It was introduced in several variants: BC, Roadster, R, etc. Of these, the Pagani Huayra Roadster earned more recognition as an exceptional supercar.
The Huayra Roadster featured a sleek, curvy design with exotic materials and detailing. Inside, it's like stepping into a luxurious cabin with a carbon-fiber roof, top-notch leather seats, and a high-tech co*ckpit.
The exterior is full of styling and functionality, especially the highly active aerodynamic system featuring four flaps (2 front + 2 rear) that adjust their angles and positions to optimize downforce. With only 100 units ever produced and an eye-watering price tag, Pagani Huayra is one of the most sought-after supercars.
Ferrari 458 Speciale
After the 458 Italia, Ferrari wanted to create a sharper, more thrilling version, so the 458 Speciale was born. Its naturally aspirated V8 wasn't just powerful (579 horsepower) but also speedy enough to go from 0 to 60 in mere 3 seconds.
With an F1-inspired steering wheel, driver-focused co*ckpit, and Alcantara seats, the 458 Speciale gave the whole vibe of a racing car. And the exterior? It's cool and functional. The large rear diffuser, Side Slip Angle control system, and adaptive suspension work collectively to refine handling, making the 458 Speciale every enthusiast's dream.
SSC Tuatara
SSC Tuatara is one of those rides that has blurred the lines between supercars and hypercars. Unlike most American cars, the company didn't rely on European engines. Instead, they built their 5.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that pumps out 1350 hp on regular fuel but jumps to 1750 hp with E85 Ethanol.
Tuatara proved this power a reality by setting a production car speed record with 282.9 mph, leaving European cars in the dust in 2021. But it's not just about raw power.
A lightweight chassis, advanced transmission, & cutting-edge aero designs make Tuatara navigate corners as smoothly as it hugs straightaways. With only 100 units planned, owning an SSC Tuatara could be your chance to experience the thrill of a modern supercar.
Koenigsegg Jesko
Succeeding the legendary Agera RS, Koenigsegg Jesko further pushed the boundaries with its 5.0-liter aluminum twin-turbo V8 that churns out up to 1600 horsepower on E85 fuel. It's enough thrust to get Jesko from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and propel towards a top speed of 310 mph (claimed).
Jesko comes in two variants: the track-focused Attack and the speed-demon Absolut. The former boasts a rear wing and front splitter for razor-sharp cornering while the latter is a low-drag design, suitable for fast acceleration. With limited production to 125 units and an average price of $4 million for the Absolut model, Jesko will remain a highly praised supercar for years.
