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The Safest Supercars On The Road Today

Throughout the history of supercars, safety has, at times, seemed like more of an afterthought than an actual priority. Power, looks, speed, and (to a large extent) prestige were often far higher up on the list, and these trends continued well into the 1980s.

However, when the 1990s arrived, there had been enough accidents and fatalities with supercars that brands finally started to pay more attention to the quality of their safety systems.

Now, 30 years after the first really safe supercars hit the showroom floors, safety has become probably the highest priority due to the birth of the hypercar age. These are vehicles that can travel in excess of 240 MPH, which many thought was the fastest a road car could go when the McLaren F1 was built for the sole purpose of being the greatest supercar in the world.

Advances in motorsports have also helped bring true race-grade safety design and driver safety aids to the forefront as well. The most prominent of these designs has also influenced supercar and hypercar design in the 21st century—what motorsports designers call the “safety cell,” but what is more commonly known as a monocoque.

We can wax on for ages about all the advances that have been brought to the fore through supercar design, but showing you what these advances have done for overall driver safety is far more effective. Quite a few manufacturers have played their part over time, and we will, of course, give the nod to them as we go over all the safety systems they brought forth.

What Are the Safest Supercars You Can Buy Right Now?

While there are many supercars out there, there are three that show safety advances in manufacturing methods, driver aids, and new materials better than any of the others.

Ferrari F40

You can’t talk about supercars without talking about one of the primary companies that brought the term to common usage. Before 1987, Ferrari was mostly concerned about selling cars with the brand logo on them to fund Scuderia Ferrari, the F1 racing team.

However, after the 288 GTO in 1984 woke the world up to what the Italians from Maranello could do when they actually tried, the first supercar designed to mimic the GT racing cars of the time (and the first to be made entirely of exotic materials) was released. We are, of course, talking about the Ferrari F40.

Oddly enough, the design concept of the monocoque being made entirely out of carbon fiber and the restraints being actual four point harnesses is still in use today at Ferrari. If you look at any of their “Speciale” cars, you will see that same basic engineering design in use—although with much more modern carbon composites.

The ultimate demonstration of this in the past few years is with the Ferrari 488, which has a twin-turbocharged V8 smack dab in the middle of the car and can reach ungodly speeds. Yet it scores nearly perfectly in the EuroNCAP crash test ratings, as well as the NHTSA ratings for America.

The 488 is famous for its side impact resistance without needing reinforcing beams in the doors, and, as you can see in the video below, it can survive a spin-out crash at 70 KPH (43 MPH)—hitting a solid fencepost and a tree trunk without the safety cell being compromised in any way.

https://youtu.be/Wuj74bPP3FY

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe

When speaking about driver safety, another company that has been at the absolute cutting edge in terms of driver aids is Mercedes Benz. While many of their executive saloons and coupes have enough power to be considered supercars, they prefer to remain understated and are simply labled a “luxury brand.” But when you visit their AMG department, you come across one of the safest supercars that money can buy—the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe.

Via Mercedes-AMG USA.

Mercedes has had a long track record of driver aid and safety system firsts. They were the first manufacturer to have radar guided cruise control, the first with side curtain airbags as standard on all their cars, the first to develop crash detection and mitigation systems, and the like.

In the AMG GT (in any trim), this has become so advanced that even before the driver might even see or feel a possible crash happening, the dedicated safety computer will have already been acting for a second or more.

If the car detects a slide, it will apply traction control and braking to bring the car back into line. If it detects the driver is possibly getting hypnotized by the road or is tired, it will sound an alarm and automatically apply gentle braking.

Most importantly, if the computer detects that there is an unavoidable crash about to happen, it will apply emergency braking, tension the seatbelt, set the infotainment system to emergency mode (which can, if set up, automatically call emergency services using your phone), cut the fuel flow to the engine, and calculate which airbags need to be set off before the driver will have even moved his foot to the brake pedal.

Koenigsegg Regera, Agera, & Others

Via Motor1.com

One of the safest supercars out there (which actually tickles at being a hypercar) is pretty much anything that comes from Swedish manufacturer Koenigsegg.

Koenigsegg supercars are known for being brutally powerful, astoundingly fast, and expensive enough to drain the average bank account dry 10 times over. But when you pay $1.5 million (or more) for your Koenigsegg, you are quite literally buying a car made out of the most advanced materials available to keep you safe.

https://youtu.be/EC1P6LBeTEw

While major manufacturers might seem like the place to go for materials research and development, it is in fact “the small guys” that do most of the work. A beautiful example is the development of carbo-tanium by Italian manufacturer Pagani, where threads of titanium are hand woven into sheets of carbon fiber to add elasticity so that the carbon fiber doesn’t shatter on impact.

Koenigsegg set out from day one to have the most advanced materials, the most revolutionary engines, and produce the best cars with those two items.

This led to the development of what Koenigsegg calls the “carbon honeycomb tub” as the main structural member of all of their cars, which is also the monocoque safety cell. After thousands of hours testing multiple grades of carbon fiber made at the factory and selecting the best types for the best places on the tub, this pre-impregnated carbon fiber is then bonded under extreme vacuum and heat to an aerospace grade aluminum honeycomb.

This is what a Koenigsegg Agera’s safety cell looks like before the car is built up around it. Via Koenigsegg.

The result is a core stress member of the entire car that weighs less than the average European male, yet has a tensile strength that makes normal automotive steel and aluminum look like paper in comparison.

In fact, this tub is so strong that when the company was crash testing the Koenigsegg Agera, they would run it into a wall at twice the necessary speed for crash testing, replace any body carbon fiber that needed to be replaced, and then crash test the same tub from a different angle.

What Are the Causes of Supercars Being “Unsafe?”

This is both an easy and difficult question to answer.

The easy answer is that most supercars built in the 21st century are, in fact, quite safe. They have some of the most advanced traction control and stability systems, excellent tensile strength, and exotic materials far in excess of the bare minimum a car needs to have. They are also crash tested aggressively and extensively.

Via EuroNCAP and Bugatti Media. A crash test of a Bugatti Chiron at a full 80 MPH one-third offset. The minimum crash test speed for EuroNCAP is 30 MPH, but most cars are tested at 50 MPH and above. You can see the lines of the safety cell keeping the driver’s compartment intact as the car deforms around it.

The more difficult answer is that what makes a supercar “unsafe” is also what makes them supercars: the engine. When you buy a Ferrari or an Aston Martin, you are buying pedigree and motorsports know-how. When you buy a Lamborghini, you’re buying the insane looks and the famous “wedged wing” body shape. When you buy a Bugatti, you’re buying the total engineering might of every company under the Volkswagen Group flag, focused on one car.

Yet, to a car, they are all about power. To make an example, take your average family hatchback, for example a Ford Fiesta, and put it side by side with a sports car like the Porsche 911 Carrera. Both are cars. Both are perfectly driveable in normal traffic, and both are engineered very well. Now turn that Fiesta into the corner-munching monster that is the Fiesta ST, and the Carrera into the 911 Turbo S supercar.

One is the best sporty hatchback (what the Europeans call a hot hatch) money can buy, with 201 HP and handling that was fine tuned and perfected by Ford Performance’s UK branch. The other is an all wheel drive monster, with 640 very German horses in a flat-six configuration. Both can break the speed limit of most cities in second gear by quite a margin, yet despite the absolutely fantastic crash test ratings and superb driver aids of the Porsche, it is still considered the more unsafe of the two cars.

This comes down to the water-powered organic computer that is part of every car, namely: you. With the little Fiesta ST, there’s enough power to throw you back in your seat and pull a grin across your face, but not enough to really get you in trouble. Pin the throttle in that Turbo S, however, and you’ve suddenly stepped on the button that activates warp speed.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is one of the safest cars to be in on the road. It is engineered specifically to be an everyday supercar, which doesn’t need to sit in a climate controlled garage and isn’t afraid of rain or even snow. The simplest answer to the difficult question is, quite simply, the human operating the machine.

Are Supercars More Vulnerable to Non-Vehicular Safety Hazards?

We’ve all experienced driving tired at some point in our lives. You’ve had a long day at work, you’re still recovering from last month’s flu, and you haven’t been drinking as much water as you should have been during the day. You get behind the wheel of your car, and off you go onto the freeway.

The lines in the road, the lane markings, the constant, unending grey of the pavement—before you know it, you snap awake because someone is blaring their horn off to your right as you slowly meander that way.

In your everyday city, fatigued driving is a factor in many rush hour accidents (although the damage is usually more to the vehicle, through its designed crumple zones and safety systems, than to the driver). Now, flip that experience around and imagine what happens if you doze off behind the wheel of a 700 HP carbon fiber monster?

That moment of the weight of your unconscious leg pushing down on your foot—and thus, the accelerator—before you snap awake is enough to send a supercar into triple digit speeds.

However, there is one cause above all else that doesn’t discriminate by wealth, car, class, background, or creed. Distracted driving is now one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents and is quickly becoming the number one cause of fatalities during those accidents (for more info, check the IIHS 2019 motor vehicle fatalities snapshot from the US Department of Transportation).

A full 6% of all fatal crashes involved distraction, with 62% being attributed to loss of awareness of driving (or daydreaming) and another 13% being attributed to non-urgent use of electronics such as cell phones or infotainment systems.

Via Pixabay.

During our research for this piece, we connected with several experts to get their ideas on why the above may be true. According to Dennis Hernandez & Associates, rates of distracted driving are higher among supercar owners (or at least, lawsuits with them as a factor are higher).

This can be attributed to the fact that many supercars (and even hypercars, nowadays) have their safety systems and materials on proud display in their information brochures and owners manuals. The marketing for these cars, to an extent, has become so much like that of “normal” cars that buyers are treating them the same way when they’re behind the wheel.

But supercars are, for the most part, race cars for the road. They are the distilled and purified essence of the driving experience, of feeling at one with the machine and hearing the howling power of the engine racing through your blood and brain. They are meant to go faster, corner harder, brake harder, and perform in ways that the average car can’t. They are pieces of pure adrenaline, contained in carbon fiber.

So when you get behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Aventador, get on the freeway, and then start checking your phone for messages from work, you’re driving distracted. All the safety systems in the world won’t help you if you don’t focus on the actual task of driving—and you need to be hyper-aware in a supercar because even the smallest twitch of your foot can send many of them into warp speed.

So Why Do People Say Supercars Are “Unsafe?”

While distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents (and becoming one of the leading causes of fatalities on the road), supercars and hypercars barely make any impact on injury accidents and fatality statistics.

To prove the point, we couldn’t find any meaningful numbers at all from the IIHS regarding high performance cars. The closest car to a supercar mentioned there was the Audi S6, which had a total of 3 fatalities in 2015.

However, because these crashes and accidents are so exceedingly rare, when one does happen, it’s big news. And since America is a very litigious nation, civil lawsuits regarding damages, insurance write-offs, and both medical and emotional trauma are more likely to be filed against the driver of a supercar involved in an accident because, frankly, it is a fairly blatant and loud display of wealth.

The truth of the matter is that all the safety features that now come standard on most average cars are there because supercars and hypercars had them first.

Via Rimac. A Rimac Nevara (at the time of the testing the C_Two) crashed repeatedly from the front and back, on the same safety cell, without it deforming due to advanced carbon composite materials.

Hybrid drive? Thank Audi, Toyota, and Porsche for that one with their racing cars. Direction sensing safety systems to deploy the right airbags for maximum safety faster than a human can think? Mercedes-AMG takes that one handily with their C36 AMG. Crumple zones on your car that are designed to deform to protect the driver? The BMW E36 M3 was the first high-performance “supercar” to test it out, and now all cars are made with crumple zones.

It’s not the car that’s unsafe. You are more likely to survive a crash, in fact, in a supercar or hypercar because of the inherent strength of carbon fiber and the array of safety systems that come with the high price tag.

It’s the drivers of supercars and hypercars that are unsafe, and at a rate below that of “normal” car drivers. So the next time you see a supercar pass by, rest assured in the knowledge that five to ten years down the road, your car will have the same safety systems that half-million dollar car does.

November 3, 2021 / Comments Off

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The 10 Best Cars that Came with V10 Engines

V10 engines, like many of their internal combustion counterparts, are an endangered breed today as carmakers continue to explore alternatives like hybrid and all-electric powertrains. But even in their prime, ten cylinders arranged in a ‘V’ were never as popular as other engine types. Automobile manufacturers would either go all out by using the monster V12 in their vehicles or take the conservative route by opting for compact and less-complicated V8 units.

The V10 engine did have its moments, though, and these engines found their way into some pretty impressive cars—as you will discover in a moment. Here’s our list of the 10 best cars that came with V10 engines.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #10: Porsche Carrera GT

Via Mecum.

The magnificent Porsche Carrera GT is considered a legend today, and rightfully so. This hypercar debuted with a host of revolutionary technology that set it apart from the competition.

It was the first car to utilize carbon fibre reinforced plastic for both its monocoque and engine carrier. It also led the line when it came to the use of forged magnesium wheels.

Then, there’s that glorious mid-mounted aluminum V10 power plant at the heart of the vehicle’s performance. It was derived from Porsche’s cancelled LMP 2000 racing program and shares similarities with the 3.5-litre F1 engine of the 1992 era.

The 5.7-litre packs a pretty potent punch, too, able to crank out 605 hp at 8,000 rpm and 435 lb-ft of torque at 5,750 rpm. It delivers all that power with one of the best-sounding engine notes ever emitted by a production car.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #9: Lexus LFA

Via Mecum.

Lexus did not muck around when it decided to create its first-ever and only supercar to date. The LFA program took off in 2000—an entire decade before the car itself went into final production in 2010.

This supercar earned praise for its excellent grip and handling, but it received the loudest plaudits for its V10 beating heart. The engine unit howls like a banshee, all the way to a 9,000 rpm redline, churning up an impressive 552 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It also supplied enough grunt to rocket the LFA to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, on its way to a 202 mph top speed.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #8: Lamborghini Gallardo

Via Mecum.

The Lamborghini Gallardo is one of the company’s most successful models. Over 14,000 units were sold during a production run that spanned ten years (from 2003–2013).

The Gallardo’s engine played a crucial role in that success story. In its base form, the V10 put out 520 hp and 374 lb-ft of torque. That power could propel the sports car to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and up to a 196 mph top speed.

Later variants were even more powerful. Tweaks to the engine led to a power bump, resulting in 552 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque in the 2014 Gallardo LP560-4 model.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #7: 2006 Dodge RAM SRT-10

Via Mecum.

During the 2000s, pickups were mostly seen as work trucks; just a means to haul small cargo from one point to another. The hulking Dodge RAM SRT-10 did not quite fit that mould, though, when it debuted in 2004.

A lowered ride height, among other modifications, meant this truck was not a very practical road-hauler. What it did have was a reputation as one of the fastest production trucks in the world—enough to earn it some serious bragging rights.

The SRT-10 could barrel its way to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. That bonkers performance came courtesy of a Dodge Viper-sourced V10 engine, good for 500 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #6: 2008 Audi RS6 Avant

Via Top Car Rating.

The 2008 Audi RS6 Avant created quite a stir when it hit the market. Here was a formidable super wagon that boasted well over 550 hp and had enough of an arsenal to surprise the unwary sports car driver on the highway.

The 5.0-litre V10 at its core was a reworked version of the same engine unit in the Audi S6. It produced a thumping 580 hp at 6,250 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque from just 1,500 rpm.

That power combined well with Audi’s famous AWD Quattro system to send the RS6 to 60 in about 4.4 seconds. That’s over a second faster than a Mustang sports car from the same period.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #5: Lamborghini Huracan Evo

Via Mecum.

Lamborghini had found a winning formula with its V10 engine, and the carmaker stuck with it when designing the successor to the Gallardo. The Lamborghini Huracan was named after a fighting bull—and true to form, the supercar was no slouch.

The naturally aspirated V10 engine in the Huracan Evo is a 5.2-litre powerhouse that generates 631 hp, up from 602 hp in the base model. The Huracan Evo was designed to be more of a daily driver compared to the hardcore Performante variant, but it can still check off the 0 to 60 mph sprint in about 2.5 seconds.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #4: 2005 BMW M5

Via BMW Blog.

This sports sedan marked the end of an era for BMW’s ‘M’ division. It was the last M5 super-saloon that got a naturally aspirated engine, but what an engine it was!

The engine in this car was developed at the same facility used by BMW to build Formula One engines at the time, and it displayed a similar level of technological advancement. Back then, the powertrain packed the most powerful ECU unit ever fitted on a production car.

The 5.0-litre V10 was primed to produce an impressive 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. That power output put it right in the mix with rivals like the RS6 Avant and the Mercedes Benz E55 AMG.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #3: 2016 Dodge Viper ACR

Via Car and Driver.

The Dodge Viper thrilled gear heads for over two decades before it finally bowed out in 2017. But there was no way this all-American sports car was just going to slip quietly into the sunset, and the swansong 2016 Dodge Viper ACR was one of the most potent variants.

This performance car was a beast on race tracks, with a slew of aero upgrades and a gigantic wing for maximum downforce as it attacked corners. It did not disappoint in the power department, either—a massive 8.4-litre V10 shoehorned into the car’s hood provided up to 645 angry horses at peak 6,200 rpm.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #2: Audi R8

Via Mecum.

You don’t need to be clairvoyant to know that the Audi R8 is on its last legs. The model line has been trimmed for 2021 and will eventually be phased out as Audi repositions itself for an EV future. Whatever happens, though, the Audi R8 will no doubt leave behind very fond memories.

This car debuted at the 2006 Paris Motor Show as a V8 model, but it soon gained a V10 powertrain—one that has been a part of the supercar ever since. The first V10 was based on the same engine that powered its sibling rival, the Gallardo. It had 525 hp for the 2008 model, but that number has been bumped up over time with various modifications and tweaks.

The V10 in the 2021 Audi R8 boasts up to 602 hp—the same output as the Lamborghini Huracan RWD.

Best Cars with V10 Engines #1: Volkswagen Touareg V10 TD1

Via Car Throttle.

The infamous Volkswagen ‘Dieselgate’ emissions scandal has left a permanent stain on the reputation of the V10 engine that powered this vehicle. It’s such a shame, because the powertrain showcased the best of the carmaker’s engineering prowess when it first launched in 2004 with the Volkswagen Touareg TDI.

This SUV had a well-appointed luxurious interior that targeted the upper-middle-class segment. Even better was its 10-cylinder twin-turbo 5.0-litre diesel engine. Horsepower output was just about average at 309 hp, but it had a truly impressive 553 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 rpm. Fifth Gear journalists demonstrated the strength of the torquey Touareg TDI when they used it to haul a Boeing 747 aircraft!

October 30, 2021 / Comments Off

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Best Naturally Aspirated Cars Ever Made

Top 20 Naturally Aspirated Cars Ever

As a preamble, it is important to note the context and the era in which this list is being created. The automotive industry has already begun its transition towards a future dominated by electrically powered vehicles, with the vast majority of automakers aiming to have their entire lineups at the bare minimum, hybridized, before the turn of this decade.

Going back just a little further, the wheels were already in motion for the sweeping changes we’re seeing today. It can be argued that the first step towards a more fuel-efficient (and eventually, fuel-less) future started with the mass proliferation of turbocharged engines. For long before that, turbochargers were perceived as a centerpiece for many high-performance sports cars, which hardly had a reputation for being eco-friendly. However, with improvements in technology, their application evolved to that of a more widespread and economical nature.

We’ve already crested over the peak of this transition period in recent times; the likes of Ferrari and Porsche forgoing naturally aspirated engines in favor of the more emissions-friendly, forced-fed power plants. Today, we’re seeing the EV and high-performance hybrid taking the stage. The absence of the naturally aspirated automobile leaves a gaping void; one which will likely never be filled.

Suffice to say, the process of phasing out of the naturally aspirated engine has been long and drawn out but hardly subtle nor evitable. Now that process looks to be on a trajectory that is accelerating exponentially with perpetual improvements to EV technology, driven by the acknowledgement and acceptance of this changeover on a global scale.

This has brought us to a stage of reminiscing and nostalgia; our favorite atmospherically-strung power plants are soon to be a thing of the past. There was, is, and always will be, a lot to love about the most iconic NA cars ever produced – astronomically high revs, a satisfyingly linear power delivery, unparalleled aural soundtracks, instantaneous throttle response, underappreciated durability, and some of the world’s most epic displays of technology on four wheels.

Here are some of the best naturally aspirated cars made, ever, in no particular order.

Ferrari 812 Superfast

The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the successor to the Ferrari F12 and is now the company’s fastest front-engined GT Car. Wrapped in a curvaceous Italian body and paired to one of the greatest chassis we have ever experienced, the 812 Superfast is one for the ages.

The 812 Superfast carries a new 6.5L V12 engine that delivers an astounding 789 hp @ 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 718 Nm @ 7,000 rpm. The engine is still front-mid mounted, making the car that much more unique in the already crowded luxury grand touring segment. It can reach speeds of 340 km/h and can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds.

It features a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, advanced active aerodynamics, and four-wheel steering. Despite the controversy that is sometimes associated with a Ferrari engine sitting in front of the driver, the 812 Superfast remains an absolutely engaging and soul-satisfying Ferrari experience every single time you get into it. The perfect car. The perfect Ferrari.

Porsche 911 R / Speedster

Arguably the purest form of the 911 model range, the 2016 Porsche 119R pays homage to the brand’s epic heritage with the most modern of concoctions. Providing a manual transmission alternative for Porsche’s range-topping-naturally aspirated model is what the 911R is known best for, but it ends up being so much more than just that.

It is the perfect blend of spartanism and elegance that you can call upon in the crowded lineup of 911 models. The absence of outrageous aerodynamics purposes the car more for canyon runs than Nürburgring records, but that’s also the beauty of it. For those who want the absolute best of the 991-gen 911 – without the obligation of having to prove its value on the race track – the 911R is undoubtedly a very proper and special car.

The 911 Speedster is spiritually the convertible version of the 911R, following the same purist principles as its coupé counterpart. Released in 2019, it has some slightly newer tech and a bit more power too. Its schematic has forged a 911 with a silhouette based on the 4S Cabriolet body, carbon fiber bits borrowed off the 911 R, and front and rear bumpers from the GT3 Touring. That is not to say that there aren’t any unique offerings on the Speedster, with its shorter, more inclined windshield frame and lower fly-line being amongst its exclusive features.

Honorable mention: The 997 GT3RS 4.0, for being the grandfather of these cars.

Honda S2000

For many years, Honda’s beloved roadster held the distinction of producing the most hp per liter of any car on the planet via its F20C engine. Despite being a convertible, the S2000 is renowned for its rigid chassis, which helps to provide one of the most raw driving experiences one can have in a production road car. The slick 6-speed manual – the only choice of transmission – was a perfect match to the car’s 2.0L VTEC powerplant, which produced 240 hp and revved all the way up to 9,000 rpm. Later variants of the S2000 featured a strokered 2.2L engine which delivered more power in the lower rev-range and had slightly shorter gearing to improve acceleration.

Speaking of nostalgia, the Honda S2000 has found a way to tug at many car lovers’ heartstrings, with the used market completely blowing up over the last 10 years. Many examples are going for prices near brand new MSRP, with newer and more rare models (such as the CR) commanding even higher amounts. The Honda S2000 embodies everything that is awesome about a naturally aspirated sports car that is built around the driver; and now, many enthusiasts and collectors alike are seeking to own their piece of its brilliant history.

Lexus LFA

The Lexus LFA features a naturally aspirated 4.8L V10 engine which produces 552 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That may seem rather modest in this age of 1,000 hp hypercars, but the LFA is more of an analog machine than most of those vehicles and is regarded by many as one of the best supercars from the last decade.

Lexus only made 500 units, and I assumed those 500 sold out quickly. I was wrong. Despite the fact that the automaker hasn’t produced the Lexus LFA since 2012, there are still seven brand new LFA models for sale in the US, according to Carscoops. With all that said, the LFA came with one of the best V8s ever produced by a Japanese automaker. This makes the car ripe for following a similar fate to the Porsche Carrera GT, which didn’t sell well when it was first released before going on to establish a cult following many years later. I would imagine that someday these cars will be worth a lot more than their original MSRP.

Dodge Viper ACR

Even if the Dodge Hellcat is hogging all the headlines these days, there’s always something you have to admire about the lunacy of having a two-seater sports car powered by a naturally aspirated 8.4L V10 engine. No, the Dodge Viper ACR doesn’t do subtlety very well. Yes, it does happen to fall under the ‘Old Testament’ definition of awesome.

With 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque being produced from that colossus of an all-aluminum engine, the Viper has the exhaust note of a semi-dormant volcano. It would make absolutely no sense at all if it weren’t just so damn fast.

Variants such as the SRT-10 and ACR-X took the road-going version of the car to the next level, with the latter being a turn-key, non-street legal race car that participates in Viper racing leagues around the world. The Dodge Viper SRT-10 in particular boasts more of what performance aficionados crave: kick-in-the-pants, throw-back-in-the-seat power, combined with benchmark braking, world-class ride and handling, a race-inspired interior, and bold exterior styling.

Ferrari 458 Italia

Collectively, the Ferrari 458 Italia is one of our most-loved vehicles here at supercars.net. You wouldn’t have to dive very deep to find out why that might be the case, as even just a cursory glance at the car is more than suggestive enough.

Whether it be its sleek and timeless Pininfarina design or its epic 562 hp naturally aspirated V8 engine with a 9,000 rpm redline; the 458 was destined for greatness the moment the first car drove off the production line. It has already become a modern classic. Let’s also mention that its F136-FB V8 engine provides one of the most thrilling soundtracks produced by any road-going vehicle out there, courtesy of an orchestra that octaves all the way to 9,000 rpm. Bellissima!

Such was the car’s influence that it would also go on to serve as the platform for the models which followed – namely, the 488 GTB and F8 Tributo – with the original spirit of the 458 Italia remaining intact and on full display through its successors.

Subsequent models and trims such as the Spider, Speciale and Challenge commanded varying degrees of premium in terms of performance, features, and price, over the original car.

Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06

The C8 Corvette serves as an example of keeping things simple and going back to what worked best. The previous-gen C7 Corvette Z06 was the first of its kind to feature a supercharged version of its V8 engine. While this certainly made it the most powerful Z06 ever produced, the force-inducted unit was widely susceptible to overheating issues on the race track.

Chevrolet has already confirmed that their upcoming Z06 – based on the new mid-engined C8 platform – will be reverting back to a naturally aspirated power plant. This will undoubtedly address most of the shortcomings of the outgoing Z06 and make it much more viable for track use.

While many Corvette enthusiasts were hoping for a return of the monstrous 7.0L naturally aspirated LS7 engine from the C6 generation, we’re currently being told to expect a 5.5L V8 flat-plane crank engine which will redline at close to 9,000 rpm and produce roughly 650 hp – around the same as the C7’s supercharged unit. This smaller, lighter engine will be an essential part of the new Corvette’s mid-ship design, and we can’t wait to see it.

Honorable mention: The C6 Corvette, for reminding Chevy that less can still do more.

BMW E36 M3

BMW has a long history of building amazing cars and an equally long history of powering those cars with awesome engines. There isn’t just one path to producing a great engine, and the folks at BMW have shown over the years that they are adept at trying new things and experimenting with technology to great effect.

The E36 M3 was the model that really launched BMW’s M division to the masses. It targeted the executive buyer who wanted performance but in a tamer package than the original E30 (which was more of a true enthusiast’s car). The second iteration of the M3 brought classiness and refinement that the first generation didn’t deliver.

With a 240 hp 3.0L naturally aspirated inline-6 that was silky smooth and rock-solid, the car had plenty of low-end power and was easy to drive right off the bat. Our pick of the lot is for the 1996 model year cars; the engines were upgraded to a 3.2L displacement, producing the same horsepower but with more torque than the original unit.

Honorable mention: The E30 M3 and E46 M3, for being almost as cool.

Honda Integra Type R

Known for producing legendary naturally aspirated engines and front-wheel-drive cars in its heyday, Honda built the Integra Type R to have both of those things. Nimble like a go-kart and durable like… well, a Honda… the Integra Type R was a popular choice for the weekend racer on a budget. The DC2 platform (1996-2001) is certainly the most popular, with its 4-cylinder B18C5 VTEC engine able to produce 197 hp @8,000 rpm and 130 lb-ft of torque @ 5,700 rpm. Already a classic because of these inherent characteristics, the Integra Type R is becoming a bit of a collector’s car.

Like the Honda S2000, the aforementioned DC2 ITR has created a bubble in the used marketplace, with many examples currently going for astronomically high prices. The newer DC5 (2001-2005) Integra Type R variants are far less popular as a whole, although their engines (K20A) are often swapped into the DC2 platforms. While the idea of doing so would irk preservationists, the K20A / DC2 combo is widely considered to be an all-around performance upgrade.

McLaren F1

Launched in 1992, the McLaren F1 would go on to revolutionize the supercar industry with many of its core characteristics still referenced in the production of today’s most exotic vehicles. It paved the way for increasingly mainstream use of materials such as carbon fiber, kevlar, and titanium in sports cars and was the first production car to use a monocoque chassis.

Designed by the legendary Gordon Murray, who had one goal in mind, the McLaren F1 was built to be the fastest and best-handling production car in the world. Namely, the ultimate road car – one that is enjoyable in everyday conditions while still at the zenith of road car performance.

To plug Honda and its enthusiasts, Murray has been less than coy when it comes to where he drew his inspiration for the creation of the F1. Indeed, it was the Honda NSX that set the precedence and direction for the F1 and its overall design directive, ultimately having a profound effect on the end product.

Furthermore, Murray initially wanted to leverage McLaren’s relationship with the Japanese automaker and had initially envisioned Honda supplying the engine for the McLaren F1. However, they would end up partnering with BMW’s M Division to commission a power plant exact to Murray’s desired specifications – he wanted an engine with at least 4.5L in a V10 or V12 configuration and without forced induction.

This collaboration would end up being the catalyst in creating one of the best engines ever made – a naturally aspirated 6.1L V12 with 627-horsepower. Throughout the project, Murray was adamant about not using turbochargers or superchargers to achieve those figures, as he felt that this would help in emulating the resilience of the Honda NSX’s immensely reliable motor.

Ford Mustang GT350

The Shelby GT350 is a powerful yet nimble version of the Mustang that is equally at home on the race track as it is on the city streets. One of its most remarkable traits is its super high revving 5.2L V8 engine which redlines at an astronomical 8,250 rpm. The sport-tuned suspension is very capable on the circuit but refined enough for daily use.

The GT350R is available for those who prefer to have a more hardcore track-toy or weekend warrior via an even firmer chassis and a set of lighter carbon fiber wheels. Arguably better than its faster supercharged big brother, as it is a more balanced unit, with the NA engine making for a better feeling experience.

Our favorite version of the GT350 / GT350 R is the Heritage Edition. Ken Miles is best-known for driving the Ford GT at Le Mans to help Ford beat Ferrari. However, Miles also raced a 1965 Ford Mustang GT350 fastback on occasion. To commemorate this, Ford has rolled out a new Shelby GT350 and GT350 R in the same colors colorways as Miles’ race car. The car features a Wimbledon White paint job with Guardsman Blue stripes. The car also gets GT350 rocker lettering at the rear.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

In late July 2018, the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ became the latest production car to break the lap record at the legendary testing ground that is the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It would be more than a month later before the car was officially unveiled to the public, during Monterey Car Week taking place in Pebble Beach, California. It was going to take nothing short of special to dethrone the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and Lamborghini’s new flagship car is something beyond even that.

Becoming a production car lap record holder at the ‘Ring takes a lot more than just a flashy paint job and hype. To power it’s way around this treacherous course, the Aventador SVJ employs a naturally aspirated 6.5L V12 engine which delivers 770-horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 530 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm to its all-wheel-drive system. It is able to do 0-100 km/h in only 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of over 349 km/h.

With the prolific use of carbon fiber and lightweight materials throughout the car, the SVJ weighs only 1,525 kg. Four-wheel steering remains a feature on the SVJ, and it also benefits from suspension upgrades over the regular Aventador to improve overall mechanical grip, rigidity, and driving feel. Production numbers of the Aventador SVJ will be limited to just 900 units (which is includes the special edition SVJ 63).

Lamborghini Huracán STO

No Lamborghini model range would be complete without a healthy serving of special editions and one-off versions, and this is certainly no different when it comes to the Huracán. While it doesn’t yet boast the plethora of uber-rare cars that its predecessor (the Gallardo) can, special edition models are coming in thick and fast as we approach the final 3 years of the Huracán era.

The Lamborghini Huracán STO is the latest of this batch and also functions as the latest track-focused variant of the Huracán. Too hardcore to simply be considered a replacement for the Performanté (of which an Evo version is likely on the way), the STO possesses remarkable aerodynamic features such as a roof snorkel and extra-large rear wing. Carbon bucket seats with race harnesses also come standard.

The 2021 Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Omologata (STO) is inspired by the Huracán Evo Super Trofeo race car developed by Lamborghini’s motorsport division – Squadra Corse – to run in its own competitive race series. The key difference between the two cars is that the STO is completely street-legal.

The STO has clearly been made to carve up any race track, which is highlighted by a 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 engine that produces 640 hp and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power to the rear wheels. Around a lap, the STO will be the fastest street-legal Huracán by a considerable margin. The base price is listed at US$334,133, with the first deliveries expected to arrive later in 2021.

Honorable mention: The Huracán Performanté, for being the basis upon which the new Evo variants and the STO were inspired.

Aston Martin One-77

Probably the least well-known car on this list – as there were only 77 ever produced – the One-77 is considered to be Aston Martin’s ultimate expression of design, engineering, and craftsmanship. The proverbial blank check along with the green light to do as they sought fit…if you will.

After three years of teasers and prototypes, Aston Martin put the One-77 into production in early 2011. This completely hand-built supercar was boldly marketed as an alternative to the Bugatti Veyron. The 7.3L naturally aspirated V12 engine was based on the power plant used in the DB9 and was designed by engine builder Cosworth. Producing 750 hp and 750 Nm of torque, the One-77 was the most powerful naturally aspirated road car in the world when it was first released.

Porsche Carrera GT

The Porsche Carrera GT has become one of the most iconic and sought-after Porsche models in the realm of exotic car idolization and ownership. It is hard to believe that things didn’t really start off that way.

When the Porsche Carrera GT was released in 2004, it was anticipated to stir up plenty of fervor. It certainly had all the attributes to do so. It was a mid-engined V10 hypercar – one of the first to be considered a step beyond supercar status – and introduced a variety of industry-first technologies and features to the production car market.It was hard to argue against the Carrera GT having the performance, appearance, and stature to justify its $440,000 USD price tag when brand new.

Nevertheless, Porsche dealerships would have a difficult time selling them despite costing over $200,000 USD less than a new Ferrari Enzo; the Carrera GT’s intended target and rival. The slower than forecasted sales are likely the cause for Porsche ending production after just 1,270 units. Though a run of 1,500 units were originally planned, the German marque went on record to blame “changing airbag regulations” for their decision to ax the car. Thankfully, this turn of events would not prove ominous for the Porsche Carrera GT over the long run. In fact, quite the opposite.

Interestingly enough, we can thank the ongoing technological advancements taking place in the automotive industry for the Porsche Carrera GT’s resurgence into the limelight. Besides being equipped with a wicked state-of-the-art, naturally aspirated, 612 hp engine which was ahead of its time, the Carrera GT was otherwise an extremely analog machine, and it is this very characteristic that would elevate its appeal over time. This was helped on mainly by the fact that since the Porsche Carrera GT was released, the exotic car landscape has shifted dramatically to the production of more user-friendly, technologically refined, and easy-to-live-with supercars – the fastest for the masses, if you will.

Ferrari Enzo

Branding race-derived technology to road cars is not a new idea, especially to Ferrari. Up until the late 1950s, Ferrari’s road cars and racing cars were essentially the same product. Since that time, safety regulations, manufacturing costs, and practicality have more clearly distinguished the cars we race from the cars we drive on the streets. The goal of the Enzo was to bridge this gap.

Racing-inspired technology lays the foundation of the Ferrari Enzo. As such, the chassis is built from carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb panels, forming a rigid tub. At the center of the chassis is an all-new, 12-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Dubbed the F140, it is one of the largest Ferrari engines, only being eclipsed by the Can-Am units. Having such a large displacement allows the Enzo to deliver a healthy amount of torque; specifically, 137 ft-lb more than the F50 and at 1,000 rpm sooner. Despite the engine’s large displacement, it still manages to achieve 110 hp per liter, thanks to many variable systems.

With no hybrid setup, no turbochargers, and no dual-clutch transmission, the Ferrari Enzo is the last old-school Ferrari supercar before those dang hypercars came around. It is also the last naturally aspirated Ferrari supercar, with a wonderful 6.0L V12 that just screams. With 650 hp, a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds, and a top speed of 217 mph, the Enzo had performance figures that spoke for themselves. The Enzo’s sharp detailing and Formula 1-derived aerodynamics look just as good today as they did back then. It’s a tough car to drive fast, and that’s what we love about it – a true old-school supercar.

Honorable mention: The Pagani Zonda for sharing the same engine.

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The most exciting car to be announced by Ferrari in 2012 was the F12berlinetta. It is the third-gen Ferrari GT which follows the 599 GTB Fiorano and 550 Maranello and would be eventually become the predecessor of the 812 Superfast also mentioned in this list. When released, Ferrari called it the fastest Ferrari ever built and cited a lap time around the Fiorano test track of 1:23.

A highlight of the car is its 65º V12 engine which produces 750 hp without the aid of turbochargers or superchargers. This unit uses variable timing and direct gasoline injection for improved efficiency. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a dual-clutch transmission and an active electronic differential.

In 2015, Ferrari revealed the F12tdf which pays homage to the Tour de France – the legendary endurance road race that Ferrari dominated in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly with the 1956 250 GT Berlinetta which won four consecutive editions in a row. The F12tdf shares the same engine with the F12berlinetta and is the ultimate expression of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track. Only 799 were built.

Mercedes Benz AMG SLS Black Series

Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing version, the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG boasts a fascinating mix of breath-taking design, outstanding driving dynamics, and uncompromising lightweight construction. The Black Series features a 6.3L naturally aspirated V8 engine which produces 631 hp @ 7,400 rpm and accelerates the most iconic ‘gullwing model from 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 315 km/h.

The Black Series’ engine is an improvement over the one found inside the regular AMG SLS in many key areas; the redline was increased from 7,200 to 8,000 rpm, revised camshafts were installed, restrictions were reduced, and the ECU retuned. As a front mid-engine configuration, the power plant was mounted behind the front axle, which helps to provide a weight distribution that is favorable to high-performance driving.

Audi R8 V10

The Audi R8 underwent a facelift recently. It now has more aggressive styling. It’s the best looking the R8 has ever been. The front fascia is different, and it has new side skirts, a new rear bumper, a new rear diffuser, and a new spoiler. Inside, the cabin looks more or less the same.

For the 2021 model year, Audi has announced that the R8 will be permanently available in the rear-wheel drive configuration going forward. The 532 hp rear-wheel-drive R8 takes its place in the lineup as the entry-level R8 variant; if you want Quattro, you will have to opt for the Performance model. Both variants continue to be powered by a 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 engine. Thanks to the rear-wheel-drive now being the standard offering, the base price of the car is almost $30,000 lower than the previous year – making the Audi R8 as attractive a buy as perhaps it has ever been.

If the regular R8 is not enough, you can make the jump to the Audi R8 V10 Performance and get 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, all-wheel-drive continues to come standard in this trim, although this year makes for a more significant case with the elimination of Quattro in the non-Performance (now known as RWD) version. The power bump and addition of all-wheel drive go a long way to padding the performance figures in a desirable fashion, with the 0 to 60 mph time down to 3.2 seconds and top speed up to 205 mph. The Audi R8 has always been a true performer, and now it looks better than ever, too.

Gordon Murray Automotive T.50

The T.50 represents a culmination of Gordon Murray’s lifetime of aerodynamics, design, engineering, and Formula 1 experience. He was the original architect of the McLaren F1; to this day, still one of the greatest cars, let alone supercars, ever made. Ok, so the T.50 isn’t the F1. However, Murray himself said, “It’s not £20 million, so I point out to customers this is a car that delivers the same experience [as the F1], but better in every way, and with an 80 percent discount.” Well…when you put it that way, the GMA T.50‘s $2.6 million sticker price sounds like a steal.

According to EVO, the T.50 features a naturally-aspirated V12 engine that was built by the well-known engine developer Cosworth. This engine powers the rear wheels through a traditional six-speed manual transmission. It offers a 3.98L displacement, a 12,100 rpm redline, and will act as a stressed member of the chassis. There is, though, a 48-volt mild hybrid system that will work in tandem with the V12, producing a combined output of about 700 hp. While this technically means that the T.50 isn’t naturally aspirated by the letter of the law, the 12,000 rpm redline tells us that we ought to let this one slide.

September 30, 2021 / Comments Off

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Bentley Flying Spur named ‘Best Dream Machine’ by Motorweek

The Flying Spur W12 has been recognized in MotorWeek’s 2021 Drivers’ Choice Awards as the Best Dream Machine. Since 1981, MotorWeek judges the best in the automotive industry, looking at the buyer’s point of view and considering industry trends while looking towards the most innovative cars in the industry.

Now, with more than 40,000 examples sold since its launch in 2005, the Flying Spur continues to set the bar as the most successful luxury sports sedan in the world. Sporting details including industry-first three-dimensional leather, cutting edge Bentley Rotating Display, and a retractable, illuminated “Flying B”, each detail continues to be carefully created.

The bold exterior design of the Flying Spur is based on a new and modern vision that is unmistakably Bentley, utilizing the latest technologies in aluminum extrusions and castings. Longtime Creator, Host and Senior Executive Producer of MotorWeek, John Davis, comments:

“The Bentley Flying Spur is a car that fully lives up to our lofty automotive dreams when it comes to luxury, and then far exceeds them when it comes to performance. It effortlessly races to 60 miles per hour in well under 4.0-seconds, which is truly not enough time to enjoy the meticulously hand-crafted embrace that is the Flying Spur’s cabin.”

Bentley Americas CEO and President, Christophe Georges, comments:

“The Flying Spur has been part of Bentley since 2005 and since then has set the bar for the best of both worlds, combining limousine luxury and sports car performance, resulting in the ultimate Dream Machine. Our entire team is honored that MotorWeek has also recognized the Flying Spur as a leader in the industry.”

Effortless Luxury

Seamlessly integrating the very best in British craftsmanship with cutting-edge, innovative technology, the third-generation Flying Spur has become the new Bentley flagship.

The bold exterior design of the Flying Spur is based on a new and modern vision that is unmistakably Bentley. The latest generation Flying Spur has increased road presence from stronger, more muscular styling, which is evident in the full length of the car.

The interior of the Flying Spur showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating a modern cabin of unrivaled luxury and innovation. Stylish and unique, featuring supremely comfortable seats with Bentley’s ‘Wing’ theme across the lower console and fascia.

A sweeping horizontal veneer flows across the dashboard and into the doors, emphasizing the spacious width of the cabin. Crown Cut Walnut is offered as standard, which uses a straight cut process to provide a contemporary finish.

The Flying Spur incorporates a class-leading portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment tailored to the driver and passengers. An embedded SIM is provided, meaning My Bentley connected car features no longer require customers to provide their own data connection.

Other features include Apple CarPlay®, photorealistic landscapes through satellite maps, and advance warning of changing road or traffic conditions via the local hazard information service displayed on the vehicle’s infotainment system.

Through a range of optional equipment including Rear Seat Entertainment tablets, audio options up to the industry-leading Naim for Bentley system and even the luxury of an onboard two-bottle drinks cooler, the rear cabin of the Flying Spur is the ultimate place to work or relax while on the road.

All Flying Spurs are produced at Bentley’s home in Crewe – the world’s first carbon-neutral factory for luxury car production. Bentley’s unique application of cutting-edge and modern technology, seamlessly integrating the latest British craftsmanship with innovative features, pushes the existing boundaries of refinement and attention to detail to create the finest super-luxury sports sedan ever built.

From the Bentley Press Release (Reston, Va., 10 February 2021)

February 14, 2021 / Comments Off

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