Most Beautiful Cars of the 2000s

Why We Picked It:

Unveiled in 2009, this masterpiece is aptly named, as only 77 units were ever produced, adding an aura of rarefied exclusivity to its allure. At the heart of the One-77 lies a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12 engine, handcrafted to deliver a breathtaking 750 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines in a production car

Aston Martin's commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the car's chassis, constructed from a lightweight and robust carbon fiber monocoque, ensuring a perfect balance between agility and strength. What truly sets the One-77 apart is its bespoke approach. Each unit was meticulously tailored to the owner's specifications, allowing for personalization rarely seen in the automotive world.

The design, a harmonious blend of elegance and aggression, further emphasizes the car's exceptional character. The Aston Martin One-77 is not just a car; it's a rarefied work of automotive art, an embodiment of unparalleled craftsmanship, performance, and exclusivity.

Why We Picked It:

The SLR from Mercedes-Benz McLaren marked the continuation of the SLR's glorious history and the return of Mercedes-Benz to high-performance sports cars. The Uhlenhaut Coupe is a manifestation of this profound love of automobiles.

Like its 1955 predecessor, the 21st-century SLR brings cutting-edge racetrack technology to the road via a contemporary take on the classic SLR's design elements and details from the 2003 Formula 1 Silver Arrows. Mercedes-Benz and its Formula One partner, McLaren, showcased their combined talents in designing the super sports vehicle, a high-performance sports automobile.

This SLR features state-of-the-art technology, just like its legendary 1955 predecessor. AMG experts used their nearly thirty years of motorsport experience with Mercedes-Benz's exacting specifications to design the powertrain. Following much conceptualization, they settled on an eight-cylinder layout, including a five-bearing crankshaft, a screw-type compressor, a 5.5-liter displacement, and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees.

Why We Picked It:

Produced between 2004 and 2007, the Porsche Carrera GT is a supercar that will go down in automotive history as a remarkable example of engineering excellence combined with design and performance. Using a thrilling six-speed manual transmission and a race-derived 5.7-liter V10 engine to deliver an astounding 605 horsepower for the rear wheels, the Carrera GT strays from the era's trend toward automated gears.

Porsche's dedication to state-of-the-art technology is evident in its push-rod suspension, ceramic brakes, and carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. The Carrera GT's open-top design gives the driving experience a more visceral quality, and its appearance seamlessly combines aerodynamic efficiency and visual refinement.

Because only 1,270 Carrera GTs were made, the car's scarcity makes it even more desirable, cementing its place in history as a classic representation of Porsche's quest for automotive perfection and an icon of automotive engineering.

Why We Picked It:

The A10, Ascari's third model, was released to commemorate the company's first decade in operation. Similar in appearance to the Ascari KZ1, the A10 is lighter and more robust because of Ascari's use of carbon fiber throughout the body. The vehicle's handling and responsiveness were further enhanced by installing a new suspension. Lee Noble, who is also known for creating the Noble M10, designed the A10.

The A10's 5.0-liter BMW V8 engine produced an impressive 625 horsepower, giving it exhilarating acceleration. The lightweight construction, featuring a carbon fiber body on a tubular steel chassis, contributed to its dynamic handling and agility. Significant advancements have been made when comparing horsepower per ton to a Bugatti Veyron. The Ascari A10 can accelerate to 60 mph in around 2.8 seconds from a complete stop.

With only 50 devices manufactured, the Ascari 10 had a short existence, as production halted in 2007. But many in the car industry still hold it in the highest esteem. This car is mind-blowing in its design, performance, and engineering.

Why We Picked It:

The Saleen S7 was the pinnacle of Steve Saleen's (founder and CEO) extensive career customizing Ford Mustangs, which began in 1983. This car achieved its iconic status through its extraordinary power, design, and performance combination. At its core, a handcrafted 7.0-liter V8 engine produced a formidable 750 horsepower, propelling the S7 to top speeds of over 200 mph. The distinctive butterfly doors, which accentuated its aerodynamic profile, contributed to its striking appearance and improved its high-speed stability.

The Saleen S7's chassis was an aluminum monocoque structure, contributing to its lightweight yet robust construction. Notably, it featured a mid-engine layout, providing an optimal weight distribution for superior handling. With its racing heritage and limited production numbers, the S7 became a symbol of exclusivity, with only a handful produced annually. Ultimately, the Saleen S7's blend of power, design innovation, and exclusivity solidified its place as a legendary American supercar.

Why We Picked It:

Pagani's first production car, the Zonda C12, debuted at the 1999 Geneva Autoshow and went on sale in 2001. The interior of the unique coupe was as impressive; it had a curved windshield and was designed like a fighter jet. The Mercedes-sourced 6.0-liter V12 engine produced 394 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque when mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The groundbreaking use of carbon fiber in Pagani's debut vehicle, the Zonda C12, directly resulted from Pagani's experience working with the material at Lamborghini. He could employ it creatively in his debut car, the Zonda C12. According to CEO Horacio Pagani, they aimed for a "sensual" design, with the rear bonnet symbolizing a woman's hips and the wheel arches evoking a woman's bosoms.

The seats inside would be designed to enclose the shoulders like an inverted pyramid, giving the impression that the woman is safe and the man is strong. It's a difficult search for fundamental ideas. In conclusion, the Zonda.

Why We Picked It:

Unveiled at the turn of the millennium, the sporty two-seater BMW Z8 was the company's wager for the decade, and it left an impression on spectators with its breathtaking good looks and classic proportions. Equally impressive to the Z8's futuristic appearance is its self-supporting space frame chassis construction made of aluminum.

Under the hood of its stylish, component-attachable body is a potent eight-cylinder engine that displaces about five liters of fuel. A six-speed manual transmission sends 400 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from the vehicle's 4.9-liter V8 engine to the back wheels.

The Z8 had numerous characteristics with the M5 of its day, and it could have benefited from upgrades made to the Ferrari 360 Modena during that time. The BMW Z8 is the real-life counterpart of the Z07 concept, which debuted at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Salon, paying homage to the legendary BMW 507 Roadster.

Why We Picked It:

Representing Jaguar's dedication to aesthetics, the 2001 XKR displays classic British beauty with its graceful and elegant design and exquisite contours. There's no denying that it's one of the most breathtaking Jaguars ever made. A 4.0-liter supercharged V8 engine derived from the AJ-V8 family powers this grand tourer. The supercharger increases the engine's output to 370 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque.

The XKR's competent 5-speed automated transmission makes shifting gears a breeze and sends power directly to the back wheels. Its adaptable suspension technology improves handling and the overall driving experience.

Precision steering and fine-tuned chassis qualities expertly balance nimble handling and elegant cruising. The cabin's mood is elevated using leather seats, beautiful wood trim, and brushed metal accents. With the release of the XKR, Jaguar cemented its position as a leading maker of luxurious grand tourers.

Why We Picked It:

The Ferrari Enzo unveiled in 2002 is a testament to Ferrari's relentless pursuit of automotive perfection. Named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari, this hypercar represents the pinnacle of performance, design, and technological innovation. What makes the Ferrari Enzo truly special is its Formula One-inspired engineering.

Under the hood, it boasts a 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces a staggering 660 horsepower, catapulting it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.

The Enzo's chassis is a marvel, crafted from carbon fiber and composite materials, ensuring optimal strength and minimal weight. Its active aerodynamics, adaptive suspension, and advanced traction control make it a master of the track and the road. Limited to just 399 units, the Enzo's exclusivity adds to its allure, making it a prized collector's item.

Every detail, from its futuristic design to its roaring engine, contributes to the Ferrari Enzo's status as an iconic and extraordinary supercar in automotive history.

Why We Picked It:

The 2005 Ford GT was a modern interpretation of the legendary Ford GT40, a four-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, carrying the torch of Ford's racing heritage and evoking nostalgic memories for car enthusiasts.

The 2005 GT had exposed aerodynamic features, butterfly doors, and a sleek, low-slung silhouette similar to the original GT40. It wasn't just fast; it looked the part of a supercar.

Under the hood resided a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine generating 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse propelled the GT from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 205 mph, placing it squarely within the elite ranks of high-performance cars.

Unlike many modern supercars with many electronic aids, the 2005 GT focused on driver engagement. The six-speed manual transmission and responsive handling demanded skill and respect, rewarding experienced drivers with an unadulterated connection to the machine.

Why We Picked It:

James Bond. 007. Is there any other car in the world that is more synonymous with one thing, than the Aston Martin DB9? Probably not. Suffice to say, this British grand tourer was able to match the suave levels of its most famous driver, and then some. Succeeding the DB7, the Aston Martin DB9 debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The first cars in the series boasted a 5.9L V12 producing 444 horsepower; this made a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 4.8 seconds possible. The maximum speed was set at 299 km/h although some have claimed it can be pushed beyond 300 km/h.

The Aston Martin DB9 is a modern interpretation of a traditional Aston Martin sports car, representing a contemporary version of classic DB design elements and characteristics. “Aston Martins are not edgy cars – they don’t have sharp surfaces or pronounced power domes” said Hank Fisker, Director of Design. “The bodywork is elegant and gently curved, like a supremely fit person, with great muscle tone. But it is not like a body builder, who is bulky and out of harmony.”

Why We Picked It:

When the NSX was first introduced to the world in 1990, it sent shockwaves throughout the automotive dimension, pioneering an unprecedented amalgamation of characteristics and engineering principles. At a time when the words ‘supercar’ and ‘reliability’ couldn’t be spoken in the same sentence, the formula Honda used to create the NSX resulted in a vehicle that was truly unique for its time – it had all of the desirable characteristics of a supercar, but was packaged with the same reliability, build quality and sensibility of a Honda Accord.

By the time the new millennium had rolled in, the NSX had become a classic but aging beauty. In 2002, the car got a makeover which included some much needed aesthetic updates to modernize it. Fixed headlights to replace the pop-ups, along with more streamlined front and rear fascias, and larger wheels, ushered in a new era for the original NSX, dubbed NA2. Shortly after the facelift, Honda released a Type-R version of the NA2 NSX which was exclusive for MY2002 and for the Japanese market only – just like it did for the NA1 NSX in 1992. By this time, the Type-R moniker had become the official signature of ultimate Honda road car performance, and the 2002 Honda NSX Type-R (officially abbreviated to NSX-R on this occasion), certainly lived up to its badge.