Top 10 Supercars of 2009 – The Coolest, Best & Most Exciting Cars in the World This Year

Despite a continuing financial crisis, the supercar was alive and well in 2009. This year was particularly fruitful since many companies debuted production supercars that were planned far in advance of the recession. Of these, the Lexus LFA is currently at the top of our list as it redefines the brand and offers exceptionally elegant design.

Since almost all concept cars from 2009 focus on electric propulsion and compact construction, there are only two on the list. Until batteries can harness as much power as gasoline, the electric supercar is still a product of the future. Without further ado, we present the top 10 supercar releases of 2009 with a single honorable mention for Devon.

As always our top 10 supercar list is never actually ten cars (it is 17 this year) because we always get carried away. It is also never really just production ready supercars and includes concepts, one-offs and coach-built cars, again because we just get super excited. With that in mind, enjoy the best supercars, concepts, coach cars and soon to be produced roadcars of 2009. 

Related: Don’t forget to check out all our best supercar lists for more insanity. 

Ferrari F458

One of the best ever. Period. 

Continuing the stepwise evolution of Ferrari’s mid-engine supercar, the 458 introduces several key features into the model range including a 570 bhp direct injection engine and a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission. Furthermore, the shape of the car has been heavily reworked by Pininfarina including an elegant new interior. The car’s name comes from its 4.5-liter, 8-cylinder engine which is “the highest-revving street-legal production V8”. It’s notable for its direct 2900 psi gasoline injection capable 570 bhp at speed and 565 on the dyno. “Further to its credit, this new 4.5-liter V-8 is not only more flexible and powerful than the 4.3-liter engine it replaces, it also consumes 13 percent less fuel, according to Ferrari. Learn more…

Lexus LFA

Best naturally aspirated engine ever?

With a fairly long and public development period, the Lexus LFA debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2009 (in fairness it is a 2010 model but we couldn’t help but include it here). Called the 1LR-GEU, the new V10 has a narrow angle of º72. To reduce size, the unit has dry-sump lubrication which force feeds oil from a separate reservoir. Lexus says this new engine has the same dimensions as their V6. Furthermore, the aluminum block has a fully integrated crankcase and the intake includes individual throttle bodies. The unit is mounted very far back in the engine bay to achieve a 48:52 front to rear weight balance. Learn more…

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

Truly modern barchetta

Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster. The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h. Learn more…

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

Ultimate limited edition Murcielago

Like the LFA this is really a 2010 model but since it was announced in 2009 it makes our list of most exciting supercars of 2009. The Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The 6.5 liter twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 KM/h (205 mph). The open-top Reventón is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has limited the series. Learn more…

Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce

For those who can’t afford the Reventon

The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the 6.5 liter V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp. This catapults it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around 342 km/h (212 mph). Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this 350-unit limited edition series conveys its full potential from the very first glance. Learn more…

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

Aka sideswipe. Future Corvette???

SIDESWIPE takes the form of a sleek, vision concept dreamed up by the Corvette designers at GM. The design is influenced by the original Stingray race car, introduced in 1959, but also draws on Corvette heritage cues from other generations. It brings them together in a futuristic shape that seems to be equal parts racecar and space ship. Learn more…

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

Nod to New BMW design direction

We now know that this became the BMW i8. The BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities. Learn more…

Mercedes SLS

Gullwings are back

Built as the Mercedes-Benz flagship, the SLS marks the return of Gullwing doors to the lineup and also provides an answer to the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren which ceased production. The takes makes use of the M159 V8 engine that was specifically designed for motor sports applications. Despite having a displacement of 6208 cc, the engine is marketed as a 6.3 in honor of the Mercedes-Benz M100. Learn more…

McLaren MP4-C

Mclaren is back in the road car game

We are excited about this one (yes, we know it is technically a 2010 model). The McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive, the independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the world’s best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group. Learn more…

Bertone Mantide

Coachbuilt ZR1. Castriota lines

Using a Corvette chassis and engine, the designers at Bertone have fabricated this fabulous prototype called the Mantide. The shape was slowly revealed over a series of youtube videos known simply as Project M. Jason Castriota is responsible for the car’s exterior design which features unique flying buttresses, angular wheel wells and a busy rear end. A clay model of Bertone’s Mantide was first displayed at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show. Learn more…

Devon GTX

Coachbuilt Viper

Conceived by a visionary industrial artist, brought to life by some of the world’s leading automotive engineers and designers, and proven on some of the most demanding race tracks in America, the all-new 2010 Devon GTX stands ready to stake claim as the next great American supercar. The 2010 Devon GTX was introduced today on the famed judging stand at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The limited edition supercar is the first product from Los Angeles-based industrial design house Devon Motorworks (devonmotorworks.com). It will go on sale in the first quarter of 2010. Learn more…

Ferrari California

Finally a true everyday Ferrari

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse’s 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment. The California’s 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a “flat” crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari. Learn more….

Lotus Evora

The thrill of driving

Evora is the first all-new Lotus since the iconic Elise made its debut in 1995. It enters the sports car market as currently the world’s only mid-engined 2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 PS, and weighing just 1350 kg (prototype specification), the Evora promises breathtaking performance. The Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations in mind, and future derivatives are planed, these including amongst others, a convertible. Learn more…

Porsche 911 GT3

More powerful, faster, and more refined

Porsche is adding yet another new model to the second generation of the 911 model series: the new GT3 even more powerful, faster, and refined than its predecessor. In developing the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 with a normal-aspiration power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of know-how gained in motorsport. Indeed, this is precisely why the new GT3 is truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the race track. Learn more…

Lamborghini Balboni

Rear wheel drive Gallardo

Announced in 2009, this is a 2010 model Lambo. With it own distinctive design and exclusive equipment the Balboni is Lamborghini letting us having fun again. The 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is for rear wheel drive. That’s right, this is a rear wheel drive Lamborghini. The special exclusivity of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is guaranteed – it is limited to 250 units. Learn more…

Audi R8 V10

Best chassis gets one of the best engines

With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start – and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition. Learn more…

Aston Martin DBS Volante

Open top V12 GT

Completing the DBS line-up, the new Volante will afford customers the combination of the DBS’s already-established benchmark sports car characteristics with all the thrills of open-air motoring. Broadening the DBS’s character, the DBS Volante will appeal to drivers who wish to combine the excitement of driving a finely-tuned sports car with the invigorating feeling of being open to the elements. Learn more…