Top 20 Supercars Of 2021 – The Coolest, Best & Most Exciting Cars In The World This Year
2021 was a banner year for exotic and supercar enthusiasts, with new entrants and class heavyweights all jostling for a share of the market. From the track-focused McLaren 765LT to the open-top Ferrari F8 Spider and the mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette C8, there was something to excite every performance car aficionado. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does highlight some of the most exciting and desirable supercars available for purchase in 2021, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive engineering, design and performance.
McLaren 765LT
It was hard to see how McLaren could top the 720S, widely regarded as one of the best modern-era supercars – then the 765LT was launched. With a more aggressive bodywork, reworked turbocharged engine and chassis, the 765LT quickly made a name for itself with its explosive acceleration and track-focused capabilities.
At its core, a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 churns out a thumping 755 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. In skilled hands, it will rocket from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and obliterate the quarter mile in about 10 seconds. The McLaren 765LT is the latest iteration of McLaren’s ‘Long Tail’ lineup, a term reserved for the carmaker’s hardcore high-performance, track-focused vehicles that also include the 600LT, 675LT and the legendary FT GTR Long Tail.
Ferrari F8 Spider
The Ferrari F8 Spider may share an aluminum chassis with its 488 predecessor, but it still boasts significant enhancements that make for a better driving experience. Power is supplied by a 3.9-litre V8 taken from the formidable 488 Pista. The twin-turbocharged V8 generates up to 710 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, fed to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Expect a sub-3-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed north of 200 mph, with the open-top allowing unfiltered access to the V8 soundtrack.
An S-duct in the nose and brake cooling channels incorporated into the headlights are just a couple of the styling enhancements visible on the car. It contributes to an aerodynamics package that helps improve airflow, enhancing downforce and overall performance, solidifying the F8 Spider’s position as a worthy successor to the 488.
Chevrolet Corvette C8
The eight-generation Corvette was a big gamble for GM. A switch to a mid-engine layout was a first for a production Corvette, a car that debuted in the ’50s. It was a move that turned out to be a genius master-stroke, with a mid-engine platform unlocking new levels of performance for America’s beloved sports car. There are several variants of the C8 Corvette, but even the base spec, with a 6.2-litre V8 and 490 hp on tap, is still a pretty compelling package. Positioned at a significantly more accessible price point than many of its European rivals, the C8 Corvette opens up the world of supercar performance to a wider range of enthusiasts.
Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD
The Huracan Evo RWD is the least expensive member of the Huracan lineup and not the most powerful. However, that does not make it any less fun to drive. In any case, its high-revving naturally aspirated 610-hp V10 unit is nothing to sneeze at. The car saves precious weight with a rear-wheel-drive layout, encouraging playful oversteer, rewarding skillful driver input and making every corner a thrilling challenge. A ‘Corsa’ mode unleashes the full potential of the car’s powerplant, maximizing overall performance for track driving.
Porsche 911 Turbo S
It would be almost impossible to leave out a car like the 911 Turbo S off a compilation like this. The 911 Turbo first joined the 911 lineage in 1974, but the Turbo S has been in production since 2019 and is currently positioned as the head honcho of all 911 Turbo road cars. For the 2021 model year, the 911 Turbo S packed a rear-mounted 3.7-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six that puts out 640 hp. That power places it above challengers like the Audi R8, Lamborghini Huracan, and the Mercedes-AMG GT R. It’s not just for show, either. The 911 Turbo S can accelerate to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. An available Lightweight package shaves off a few tenths, allowing the car to reach the same mark in just 2.2 seconds. Other plus points include Porsche’s trademark build quality, crisp-shifting transmission and comfortable interior space.
Ferrari 812 GTS
The Ferrari 812 GTS launched in 2019 as the open-top variant of the 812 Superfast. It retained the key ingredient that made the Superfast such a special performance platform. Mounted up-front, just behind the front axle, is a potent naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 that generates 780 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque.
The engine’s position allows for a 47/53 front-to-rear weight distribution, enhancing the car’s overall handling capabilities. Positioned as a grand tourer, the 812 GTS also comes with a host of driving assistance features and modern ‘nice-to-haves’ like comfortable seats, air-conditioning and premium sound system.
Ferrari SF90 Spider
The SF90 Spider is not very practical as a daily driver, with only about three cubic litres of boot space. However, with almost 1,000 hp of hybrid horses at your disposal, luggage space quickly becomes an afterthought. This is not a car for mundane errands; it is a weapon of unfiltered driving exhilaration. The SF90 Spider is armed with the same powertrain as the coupe. That means a 769-hp 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and a bank of three electric motors for an additional 217 hp. In total, the hybrid setup puts out 986 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The SF90 Spider is about 220 lbs (100 kg) heavier than the coupe, an acceptable trade-off for the retractable hard-top that allows occupants to enjoy the full open-top fury of the hybrid supercar.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster
Few cars can match the drama of Sant’Agata’s V12 bull. For years, the Aventador has thrilled enthusiasts with its aggressive styling and character – the SVJ variant is no different. Powered by Lamborghini’s famous V12, the 6.5-litre engine is a raucous unit with up to 770 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. The power is fed to all four wheels, allowing for incredible traction off the line and well-balanced overall handling and control. The Aventador SVJ roadster is peak Lamborghini, with lightweight carbon-fibre components, aerodynamic enhancements and advanced suspension systems. They all combine for an unforgettable driving experience, accompanied by the symphony of the naturally aspirated engine howling away from its position behind the passenger cabin.
Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
The ‘Black Series’ badge is usually reserved for vehicles that showcase the peak of AMG brilliance – hardcore performance machines that seamlessly blend raw engine power with cutting-edge automotive engineering. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is no different. Launched in 2020, the GT Black Series quickly established itself as the most powerful and extreme road-legal AMG GT ever made.
It is built around a hand-built 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, generating an impressive 720 hp. The formidable engine, combined with extensive use of lightweight components, allows the car to achieve blistering speeds and mind-boggling acceleration. A massive double-decker wing ensures exceptional high-speed stability and cornering grip, making the Black Series a formidable force on the track as well.
Nissan GT-R NISMO
The Nissan R35 GT-R ‘Godzilla’ caused a stir in the car community when it made its first public debut in 2007. Now, having been around for several years, it’s having a harder time keeping up with its rivals. However, the GT-R still represents the pinnacle of Nissan’s performance capabilities, and there’s plenty left in its tank, especially if you opt for the NISMO version. The 2021 model packs a 3.8-litre V6, the same basic engine that’s always powered the GT-R. However, it now makes 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque. The car is also fitted with a high-capacity turbo taken from a Nissan GT-R GT3 race car. It does not add more power but shaves weight, sharpening overall reactions to throttle inputs. Add that to the GT-R’s incredibly responsive all-wheel-drive system and overall balance, and you’ve got a very capable modern-performance car. The GT-R may be on its last legs, but it’s certainly planning to go out on a high.