Since the first automobiles were produced for the masses over one hundred years ago, gearheads have been in fearsome debate over which cars are the best. As automotive technology advanced, enthusiasm followed suit, creating arguments ranging from “best twin-clutch gearbox,” to “the greatest hypercars,” and everywhere in between.
Hypercars are among the world’s fastest, quickest, most agile, most beautiful, and most expensive cars. While the scale may slide as auto tech advances, hypercars typically meet the following requirements: top speed north of 200mph, 0-60mph acceleration south of 3.0 seconds, and a price tag north of $500,000. If you’re lucky enough to own a hypercar, invest in a custom enclosed trailer and a track-day membership – it’s what every adrenaline junkie needs.
Hypercars are supercars, but supercars will never be hypercars. When it comes to performance, supercars are certainly no slouch; most touch 200mph and go from zero-to-sixty in less than 4 seconds. However, the slowest hypercars eclipse 215 mph and go from 0-60mph in around 3.1 seconds. Hypercars are faster and quicker than supercars, and superior aerodynamics give these beasts looks ranging from wild to mind-bending – a special extra something over supercars.
Launched in 2002 and named after Ferrari’s founder, Enzo, the Ferrari Enzo was a 651hp, V-12 monster designed to leap ahead of rival Lamborghini. Capable of reaching 221mph and a 0-60mph time of 3.14 seconds, the Enzo was (and still is) a great hypercar. Plus, the body was engineered entirely for aerodynamic function – a revolutionary concept.
As the long-awaited successor to the legendary McLaren F1, the McLaren P1 viciously turned heads with its striking, fully aerodynamic design as it joined the hybrid hypercar “Holy Trinity” among rivals Ferrari and Porsche in 2013. From a 3.8L twin-turbo V-8 coupled with a 176hp electric motor, 903hp launches the P1 to a (limited) top speed of 217mph and a 0-62mph time of 2.8 seconds.
In terms of speed, the Koenigsegg Agera RS is in a class of its own with a verified top speed of 285mph – shattering the Bugatti Veyron’s world record. With a 5.0L twin-turbo V-8 tuned to produce a mindboggling 1,341hp, the Agera RS was unleashed in 2015 with one objective – take down the Chiron. Clearly, mission accomplished.
Porsche launched the 918 Spyder in 2013 in battle with rivals McLaren and Ferrari for hybrid hypercar supremacy. While 875hp from a 4.6L V-8 and two electric motors are least among the “Trinity,” clever aerodynamics make the Spyder among the fastest with a 218mph top speed and 2.6 second 0-62mph time. Plus, 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steering make the Spyder, arguably, the nimblest of the trio.
With its low profile, gorgeous curves, and beautiful steampunk-like cabin, the Pagani Huayra is a stunning clash of sensuality and immense power. At the center lies a 720hp, 6.0L twin-turbo V-12 from Mercedes-AMG. Plus, those “gorgeous curves” are fully functional pieces of aerodynamic wizardry designed for superior grip and stability. The Huayra fires from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds on route to a top speed of 238mph.
With an 8.0L, quad-turbo W-16 engine producing an astonishing 1,578hp, the Bugatti Chiron set off to win the hypercar war in 2016. Plus, its sensual, aerodynamic curves create atmospheric levels of downforce. Put it all together, and the Chiron launches from 0-60mph in 2.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 261mph – all for a cool $2.9 million.
“Ferrari, the Ferrari” launched in 2013 as Ferrari’s latest flagship hypercar to join the “Holy Trinity.” With a top speed of 217mph and a 0-60mph time of 2.4 seconds, it is blisteringly fast. At heart lies a massive 6.3L V-12 engine coupled with a unique Formula One-style 163hp electric motor. This electrical helper provides extra power when the gas engine is “reloading.”
The fully electric Concept One from Croatian automaker, Rimac, is a fantastic piece of automotive engineering. Powered by four silent electric motors (one for each wheel), the Concept One flies from 0-60mph in 2.4 seconds and soars up to 221 mph (limited). The Concept One may not bring the noise like the others, but it is undoubtedly among the world’s great hypercars.
The Bugatti Veyron was the undisputed speed king (267.856mph) from 2010 to 2016. Launched in 2005, the Veyron was, arguably, the most technologically superior production car ever made. The engine was an unheard-of 8.0L, quad-turbocharged W-16 (basically two V-8s side-by-side) cranking out, up to, a stratospheric 1,184hp.
In the eyes of many, it was the greatest hypercar ever built. Launching in 1992, the McLaren F1 shocked the automotive world with its central cockpit, brute force, and 231mph top speed. This sleek monster was powered by a 6.1L V-12 engine, unleashing 618hp. At its peak, the F1 reached 240.1mph in 1998, making it the world’s fastest production car until 2005 (Koenigsegg CCR).
We hope you enjoyed our look at the best hypercars of today and yesterday. If you are lucky enough to own one of these or plan to buy one in the future, protect your investment by transporting it with a Rail Ryder custom enclosed self-loading trailer.
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