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The ultimate guide to the best hypercars of all time
Hypercars transcend the already impressive capabilities of supercars. While both categories feature high-performance luxury sports cars, hypercars are defined by their speed, automotive technology, and limited production runs. That makes hypercars some of the fastest cars in the world by milliseconds — time that makes all the difference. Fans can see these cars in action in this recap from the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Mike Whiddett at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024
© Eisa Bakos / Red Bull Content Pool
What can fans expect from the top performing hypercars? Learn more about the top six models.
01
Bugatti Veyron
This iconic hypercar redefined what a high-performance vehicle could achieve. With a W16 engine that produces almost 1,000 horsepower, the Bugatti Veyron can reach a top speed of 253 mph. With its quad-turbocharged engine, the Veyron set new benchmarks for speed and engineering, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
02
McLaren P1
The McLaren P1 is celebrated for its hybrid powertrain and exceptional hypercar performance specs. It features a twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor to produce a combined 903 horsepower. The P1 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 217 mph. The P1 demonstrated that hybrid technology can deliver incredible performance, influencing the future direction of high-performance cars. A McLaren P1 was proudly shown off by its driver 'Mad' Mike Whiddett at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
03
Porsche 918 Spyder
The 918 Spyder’s hybrid powertrain, adaptive aerodynamics, and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system set new standards. Released in 2015, the 918 Spyder proved that high performance and environmental responsibility could coexist, making it a landmark in the history of luxury sports cars.
This masterpiece of engineering, combining luxury, speed, and eco-friendly technology consists of a 4.6-liter V8 engine and twin electric motors, 95 kW in the front axle and 115 kW on the rear. The engine can produce a total of 887 horsepower, enabling a 0 to 62 mph time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph.
04
LaFerrari
Ferrari’s LaFerrari is the company’s most ambitious hypercar, blending supreme performance with stunning design. Powered by a V12 engine and an electric motor, it generates 949 horsepower. LaFerrari can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds, with a top speed of 218 mph. LaFerrari is Ferrari’s first Formula 1-derived hybrid production car, blending F1 technology with road-going performance. It’s also the first hybrid to achieve an impressive 963CV, which translates to about 949 horsepower.
05
Koenigsegg Agera RS
This record-breaking hypercar is known for its unparalleled speed and engineering prowess. Equipped with a five-liter V8 engine, the Koenigsegg Agera RS delivers 1,160 horsepower. The hypercar achieves 0 to 62 mph in three seconds with top speeds of 278 mph, making it one of the world’s fastest cars. The Koenigsegg Agera RS broke a speed record in Nevada for a homologated production car on a public road, with a top speed of 277.87 mph.
06
Pagani Huayra R Evo
The Huayra delivers 900 horsepower and an acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The powerful six-liter twin-turbo V12 engine can take this hypercar to a top speed of 230 mph. It features active aerodynamics with movable flaps and bespoke interiors crafted from exquisite materials, including titanium, leather, and a carbon-fiber trim. It’s earned a reputation as one of the most highly coveted collectible hypercars.
Latest hypercar models
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport
The Bugatti Chiron continues the legacy of its predecessor, the Veyron, with even more impressive capabilities. Featuring an eight-liter W16 engine with 1,578 horsepower, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds. The top speed maxes out at 261 mph. The super sport’s sleek design includes advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge A-pillars that go over the rear end. The Chiron remains one of the most sought-after limited-edition hypercars.
Rimac C_Two
This groundbreaking all-electric hypercar has four electric motors that generate 1,914 horsepower. It features autonomous driving capabilities and an advanced brake system.
The Rimac C_Two’s powertrain represents the future of high-performance cars.The Rimac C_Two goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.85 seconds, with a top speed of 258 mph. Less than two seconds to reach 60 mph is something any racing driver dreams of achieving.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar at the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain 2019
© Dan Istitene/Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing, designed to be the ultimate road-legal track car. Its 6.5-liter V12 engine, coupled with an electric motor, delivers 1,160 horsepower. The Valkyrie, with its F1-inspired technology, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 220 mph. Production is limited to 150 units.
Lotus Evija
The Lotus Evija exemplifies the future of all-electric, high-performance hypercars Similar to the rest of the hypercars on the list, the Lotus Evija can hit 62 mph in under three seconds. Its four electric motors generate 1,972 horsepower, enabling a 0 to 186 mph acceleration within nine seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph.
The Evija features advanced aerodynamics, lightweight carbon fiber, and cutting-edge battery technology. Its predecessor, the Lotus 88, has one of the weirdest car designs to grace F1.
Key features of hypercars
Performance and speed
Hypercars are engineered for extreme performance, with some engines surpassing the 1,000-horsepower mark and with capabilities of exceeding 200 mph. This immense power translates into incredibly fast acceleration, allowing these vehicles to go from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds.
From all angles the RB17 looks seriously fast
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
These remarkable features aren’t just about being the fastest cars on the planet, as they make hypercars exceptionally well-suited for long-distance endurance racing, rather than shorter races. Rather than focusing on short sprints like F1, hypercars are built to excel in grueling races lasting from six to 24 hours. This makes them perfect contenders for events like the 24-hour Circuit de la Sarthe race in Le Mans, France.
Design and aerodynamics
Hypercars feature unique design elements that are both aesthetically stunning and functionally superior. The sleek, futuristic lines of these vehicles are not just for show—they enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Advanced designs provide the needed traction and reduced downforce so drivers remain stable with responsive cars at top speeds. The use of lightweight materials like carbon fiber and titanium contributes to their performance, making hypercars faster and more agile.
Technology and innovation
Manufacturers consistently push the boundaries of what’s possible. The integration of hybrid and electric powertrains provides an unparalleled combination of performance, efficiency, and positive environmental impacts.
Front quarter view of the RB17 hypercar from Red Bull Advanced Technologies
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
The RB17 hypercar embodies this trend with its state-of-the-art hybrid technology and aerodynamic design, setting new standards for future high-performance cars. Sophisticated driver assistance systems, improved traction and stability control, and autonomous driving further enhance the driving experience of these ultra-luxury hypercars.
Exclusivity and price
Exclusivity is a hallmark of hypercars, with many models produced in extremely limited numbers. Hypercar production ranges anywhere from 1 to 1,000 vehicles, with less than 6,000 registered worldwide.
Market prices for hypercars often start in the seven-figure range; the Bugatti Centodieci, for example, fetches a price of nearly $9 million. This high cost is justified by the unparalleled quality, innovation, rarity, and prestige associated with these vehicles.
The timeless allure of hypercars
From iconic models like the McLaren P1 to the latest innovations like the RB17, hypercars remain at the top in the automotive world. They blend speed, design, and technology in ways that captivate F1 drivers, collectors, and car fans alike. As symbols of luxury and exclusivity, hypercars are modes of transportation and competition that capture the imagination of cars.
