A roaring engine with a stylishly designed exterior is the first thing you notice when supercar brands drive by.
Supercars have evolved to be the pinnacle of automobile engineering, comparable to a top supermodel.
With over 50 brands in the automobile industry, only a few have grown to become supercar brands.
Innovative technology, artistic design, and incredible handling capabilities have allowed these brands to dominate the world of fast-moving vehicles.
Some supercar brands mustn’t base their entire lineup on supercars. A brand like Porsche has a few supercars in its product lineup and offers sports cars.
Supercars require incredible engineering feats, and keeping such drive speed from producing enough lift to take the car off the ground was arduous.
One of the essential requirements of a supercar is adequate downforce. The take-off speed of airplanes is about 150 miles per hour.
This figure becomes interesting when comparing it to the fastest supercars hitting 270 miles per hour, and it means if you gave wings to supercars, they would fly.
There are several sports car brands, but only a few are worthy of the Supercar brand. Before now, only a few brands boasted of four-door sports cars.
The case is no longer the same as the recently launched Koenigsegg Gemera, which has broken the jinx with enough space to seat four adults.
Take a sip of good wine and relax as we go through the supercar brands. Also, you can skip to your favorite brands if you are looking for specific information.
Rise of Super Car Brands
As the 1900s sped by, two regions played crucial roles in developing automobiles.
Europe made some notable progress in its transportation sector, with innovations that resounded across the globe.
The United States of America was not left out as it continued to improve on its successful automobile lineup.
Americans referred to muscle cars as supercars in the 1960s, and it soon became an industry trend.
The 1965 edition of the American magazine Car Life included multiple references to supercars.
As muscle cars faced a decline in the 1970s, supercars turned around to represent high-performance cars such as the Ferraris and the Lamborghini.
People saw supercars as limited production models for enthusiasts, and the supercars evolved beyond the description of standard cars with modifications for increased performance.
Today, there are several American supercar brands for car enthusiasts.
Ferrari and Lamborghini owe their birth to Europe. Despite the advent of several supercar brands, they still lead the supercar industry by a mile.
The Lamborghini Miura holds the title of the world’s first supercar, coming to life between 1966 and 1973.
It heavily influenced the definition of a supercar in many ways. Consequently, people referred to supercars as mid-engine cars with two seats and at least eight cylinders.
Other interpretations included speed, sports handling, sleek and eye-catching design, and an exclusive price segment.
In addition, people saw supercars as limited production vehicles, which led to the high cost of purchasing such an exclusive piece of engineering.
Characteristics of Supercars
Only a handful of people will deny the beauty of supercars. The sleek lines, the incredible car headlights, and the powerful engines all add up to give the supercar experience.
Nevertheless, one might be tempted to ask what these supercar brands have in common.
Appearance
Perhaps there is nothing that moves people like visuals, and the design plays a vital role in creating and leaving an impression of superiority.
This notion is why the world’s fastest and most expensive cars have the most iconic, robust, and stunning designs.
The design has risen above being just a form factor to bring specialty to these vehicles.
Supercar brands craft and tun their cars to appeal to the wealthy. Indeed, these men of affluence need vehicles that scream luxury and power.
Supercars need to have eye-catching and breathtaking designs despite meeting other requirements, and they won’t turn heads if it isn’t spectacular and rare.
Indeed, a supercar is not something you see on the road often.
Build Quality
No rich man expects a low-quality vehicle after spending hundreds and even millions of dollars on a brand.
They desire something of immense quality, well crafted to precision elegance. Supercars are not just status symbols but objects of fast driving.
Hence, manufacturers must incorporate every bit of quality to keep them together as they push speed limits.
No one wants to spend money on a vehicle that fades in a few years.
The paint job, engine, transmission, and bodywork must maintain a certain quality throughout its lifespan.
Imagine driving a hundred miles per hour and hearing a creaking sound from the back suspension.
Consequently, safety plays a crucial part in the supercar experience, and this is because safety breeds trust and integrity.
Manufacturers of supercars produce components from the highest quality materials available.
Engine Power
There was a time when supercar brands were involved in the battle of horsepower.
They outwitted themselves trying to build their cars’ most powerful engines. Notwithstanding, engines do not power the car only.
Supercar engines are capable of moving the car at insane speeds. They drive past you and disappear from the horizon in a twinkle of an eye.
This notion is why supercars have some of the most powerful engines. However, the insane speed comes at a considerable cost.
Those engines require gallons of fuel to generate the much-needed power. Manufacturers are beginning to lean towards hybrid cars and even full electric supercars.
Speed
Movie franchises like Fast and Furious may have introduced us to the crazy world of fast cars.
Nonetheless, those vehicles are still shy of the actual speeds of supercars.
As mentioned earlier, supercars move at high speeds, with some hitting close to 300 miles per hour.
Today, these speeds and performance have found their way to even four-door sports cars and saloons.
Top speed has always held priority among supercar brands, with each racing to overtake the other.
They continue to push the limits of engineering as they break new speed boundaries.
In essence, the actual value of a supercar comes from the freedom to control a machine moving at over 200 mph.
Handling
Handling can make or mar a supercar driving experience, and high speeds need to come under the perfect control of the driver.
Hence, supercar brands invest in crafting the perfect body to ease handling. All parts of the supercar must have excellent balance during driving.
The steering wheel must have high precision to maintain speed and not veer off the road.
Supercar brands carry out a lot of quality controls on the handling of their models to ensure they are crafted to perfection.
Purchasing Price
Supercars sit high in the pricing segment of vehicles, and it is practically impossible to find a supercar at the same price as your average passenger vehicle.
You will see high standards when you look at a supercar. Of course, these standards come at a price that only the rich can afford.
In essence, they bear equivalence to buying a unique piece of artwork from a prestigious art gallery.
Cheap products often entail low quality and average design, and they lack the level of excellence their expensive counterparts carry.
This reality is why supercars are expensively affordable to a select few in society.
Even the cheapest modern Ferrari model will set you back a hundred thousand dollars.
Limited Production
While average passenger car brands can afford to produce tens of thousands of models, supercar brands often have limited production. Finding up to a thousand units of a supercar model is rare.
Manufacturers practice exclusivity to make their vehicles worth the high price tags.
Also, handcrafting is one factor that limits the number of units produced. Consequently, the more detailed the car is, the lesser the quantity.
Think of it this way. You wouldn’t spend considerable money on a car you see at every block you turn, and it loses its intrinsic value to wow the crowd as it becomes more common.
Similarly, supercars have become so rare that the only place to see them is on the TV.
Street Legal
Some vehicles are faster than supercars, but you will probably never see them on the road.
This exclusion is caused by specific laws that determine what cars are allowed in traffic and which ones need to stay on track only.
Many countries have these laws to protect pedestrians on the road. However, supercar owners want to drive their vehicles in traffic and on track.
It would be disappointing to own such value and be unable to show it off on the road.
Drivers love to drift across the curvy country roads and tracks but also want to take their cars into traffic.
Acceleration
Ever heard of figures such as 0 to 60 in 3 seconds? Those values represent acceleration which is a crucial player in the supercar experience.
It is not enough for a supercar to have a top speed; it should be able to climb up to that speed in the shortest possible time.
Race drivers will point to acceleration as a determining factor in winning races. They need to move their vehicles from a standstill to blinding speeds in a second.
Excellent acceleration is a core characteristic of a supercar, and you can’t compare its value with that of a brand-new station wagon.
Many drivers derive fun from the quick jolts and turns as they cruise by in their supercars.
As a result, many supercar brands turn to electric motors to provide the needed acceleration.
Power-to-Weight Ratio
The last but not the listed characteristic on our list is the power-to-weight ratio.
It will make no sense to place a powerful engine in a heavy body, and as a result, the engine will expend most of its power, pulling the vehicle’s weight.
New technologies like carbon fiber have allowed manufacturers to reduce the weight of their cars while maintaining crucial structural integrity.
It is a continuous battle as brand manufacturers continue to find the sweet spot between power and weight.
Top Supercar Brands
With so many fast cars pulling into the market every day, only a handful of car manufacturers have released models in the supercar segment.
These vehicles have distinguished themselves with remarkable technology and futuristic attributes.
Supercars continue to work towards blurring the lines between road-worthy cars and track vehicles.
Their speeds continue to rise, with some accelerating from 0 to 60 km/h in less than 2 seconds.
Below, we will explore the top 8 supercar brands globally.
1. Aston Martin
Aston Martin Lagonda has become an independent manufacturer focused on luxury sports cars and grand tourers. Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford founded its predecessor in 1913.
David Brown took over the leadership in 1947, steering the brand to become associated with expensive grand touring cars in the 1950s and 1960s.
This led the company’s DB5 model to be featured in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger.
Today, many people and the car industry regard Aston Martin as a British cultural icon.
A 22-hectare facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England, holds its headquarters and main production center.
The site was formerly a ground for the R.A.F. Gaydon, and it lies adjacent to the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon Center.
Another 3.6 facility in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, currently houses the Aston Martin Works classic car department, focusing on heritage vehicles and services sales.
Current models in the Aston Martin lineup include the DB11, the D.B.S. Superleggera, and the Aston Martin Vantage.
Upcoming models include the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the Aston Martin Valhalla.
Aston Martin announced that the Valkyrie variants would be coming with at least 1,000 bhp, and the highest spec version will drive with 1140 bhp under its hood.
2. Bugatti
Bugatti came into prominence when it claimed the title of the world’s fastest production car with the Veyron Sport.
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 SS shattered the world record when it climbed to a top speed of 431 km/h.
Bugatti has had a rocky story since Italian industrial designer Ettore Bugatti founded it in 1909.
The company struggled to stay afloat financially until a purchase focused on the airplane parts business.
This supercar company continued its erratic run until Volkswagen acquired the brand in 1998.
Subsequently, the Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. charged Giorgetto Guigiairo to manufacture its first concept vehicle, the EB118.
The EB118 debuted at the 1998 Paris Auto Show as a coupe, and it features a 405 KW or 547 bhp with a W-16 engine.
In addition, the company revealed its EB218 and 18/3 Chiron concepts at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show and 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, respectively.
Bugatti basked in the glory of its Veyron models, maintaining production for a decade from 2005 to 2015.
The very last Veyron called the La Finale, had its sale in 2016. Henceforth, Bugatti has focused on the Chiron model, perfecting the vehicle’s performance.
The different models of the Chiron supercar include Chiron Sport (2018), 110 Ans Bugatti (2019), Les Légendes du Ciel (2020), and Chiron Super Sport 300+ (2019).
Recent models are the Chiron Super Sport (2022), the Chiron Pur Sport (2020), and the Chiron Noire (2020).
Bugatti revealed its one-off special supercar, the La Voiture Noire, at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
The car draws its design from the Chiron, including the Type 57 S.C. Atlantic concepts. In essence, it celebrates the company’s distinctive design history.
3. Ferrari
Ferrari holds a special place among supercar brands. Eight out of every ten kids may know Ferrari.
This Italian luxury sports car manufacturer has its base in Maranello, Italy. It owes its life to Enzo Ferrari, who established it in 1939 from the Alpha Romeo racing division.
1940 saw the release of the company’s first car. However, they had to wait for seven years to brand a car as theirs fully.
Ferrari has featured in car racing for as long as I can remember, being the oldest and most successful team in Formula One.
Furthermore, it holds the most constructors’ championships (16) and has the highest number of drivers’ championship awards (15).
People see Ferraris as supercars and symbols of speed, wealth, and luxury. These iconic works of art owe their production to the 165,000 square-meter Maranello factory.
Consequently, Brand Finance rated the company as the world’s most powerful brand in 2014.
The 1963 250 GTO became the most expensive car in history, changing ownership for a record price of $70 million in June 2018.
Ferrari climbed to the 10th spot among the most prominent car manufacturers by market capitalization a few years after that.
Ferrari produced its first supercar, the 288 GTO, in 1984, extending its supercar lineup to the Enzo Ferrari and the LaFerrari.
The company revealed its latest mid-engine V8 supercar, the F8 Tributo, at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show.
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is the first-ever Ferrari to come as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).
Here, the vehicle integrates the internal combustion engine with three electric motors, two of which maintain independence at the front axle.
4. Koenigsegg
Christian Von Koenigsegg founded the company in 1994 with the purpose of manufacturing world-class sports cars.
After that, the company spends years in development and testing, resulting in the production of the CC8S.
The CC8S became Koenigsegg’s first street-legal production car, introduced in 2002.
In 2006, the company continued to produce the CCX using an in-house engine specially designed for the car. Its main target was to enter the United States market.
In March 2009, Forbes listed the Koenigsegg CCXR among the most beautiful cars.
A year later, Koenigsegg went on to clinch the B.B.C. Top Gear Hypercar of the Year Award.
Also, Koenigsegg is involved in green technology besides its sports cars segment.
The development programs began with the CCXR flex-fuel sports car and continue to the present-day Jesko.
Plug-in electric car systems and next-generation reciprocating engine technologies are seeing much work from this Swedish company.
Subsequently, the company introduced its new cam-less piston engine in the Gemera in 2020.
Notable company lineup models include the CC models, Koenigsegg Quant, Agera, Regera, Jesko, and Gemera.
Koenigsegg might not have the popularity of the Ferraris, but it is slowly taking the supercar industry by storm.
5. Lamborghini
I know you may have been wondering when I will mention the Lamborghini. Here you have it with an exciting look at the Lamborghini supercars.
Automobili Lamborghini S.P.A is an Italian brand and producer of luxury sports cars based in Sant’Agata Bolognese, and Volkswagen currently owns the company through its subsidiary Audi.
Ferruccio Lamborghini, an Italian manufacturing mogul, started the Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini S.P.A in 1963 to rival Ferrari.
The company found balance and popularity in its use of the rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
Lamborghini witnessed stellar growth figures during its first decade before succumbing to the 1973 worldwide financial downturn and oil crisis.
After that, the firm saw a change in leadership three times, including bankruptcy in 1978.
The American Chrysler Corporation took control of the company in 1987 before selling it to the Malaysian investment group Mycom Setdco and the Indonesian group V’Power Corporation in 1994.
Four years later, Volkswagen came on board as a new owner under the control of the Audi division.
The current models in production include the Aventador models, Huracan variants, and the Urus.
Despite having fast cars in its lineup, Lamborghini has not been able to claim the world’s fastest car title. Maybe it is not interested in the numbers.
Nevertheless, the Lamborghini Veneno holds the title as the fastest Lamborghini, hitting 221mph in top speed.
6. Pagani
Pagani Automobili S.P.A is an Italian manufacturer focused on sports cars and carbon fiber components.
Argentinian Horacio Pagani founded the company in 1992, with its headquarters in San Cesario Sul Panaro near Modena, Italy.
A little dig into history will reveal that Horacio Pagani once managed Lamborghini’s composites department.
He started the Pagani Composite Research in 1988, working with Lamborghini on numerous projects.
The company began designing its car in the 1980s, then called the C8 Project.
Pagani plans to rename the C8 the “Fangio F1” as a mark of honor to his friend, Juan Manuel Fangio, who won the Argentinian Formula One championship five times.
Later, Pagani dropped the Fangio name after the driver died in 1995. Zonda became the new name for the manufacturer’s lineup, rolling with the C12 to the 1999 Geneva Motor Show.
In June 2010, Pagani claimed to have beaten the Ferrari 599XX at the Nürburgring with the Pagani Zonda R, completing the lap in 6mins 47 seconds.
Today, the most notable models in the Pagani lineup are the Zonda variants and the Huayra.
7. McClaren
McClaren has enjoyed much of its success in the racing industry. The British motor racing team has its base at the McLaren Technology Center in Woking, Surrey, England.
Racing enthusiasts know McLaren as the second oldest active team and second most successful team in Formula One after Ferrari.
The company has won 183 races, 12 Drivers’ and 8 Constructors’ championships.
McLaren has also competed in the American Open-wheel racing as an entrant and a chassis constructor.
It has clinched the Canadian-American Challenge Cup sports car racing championship award.
Its current models include the McLaren 720S Spider, 765 LT, McLaren GT, McLaren Elva, and the ultra-rare McLaren Speedtail.
8. Porsche
You can’t speak of supercars in the world today without mentioning Porsche.
This supercar brand is into everything from supercars to electric vehicles and is constantly innovating to accommodate the changes in technology and global concerns.
The company’s full name is Dr.-Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. The German car manufacturer specializes in high-performance sports cars.
Also, the company manufactures SUVs and sedans from its headquarters in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Volkswagen AG owns the Porsche company, with the Porsche Automobili Holding S.E. having a controlling stake.
Its current products include the 718 Boxster/Cayman, the 911/992, the Panamera, the Macan, the Cayenne, and the Taycan.
In addition, Porsche is offering electric variants to its supercar models, with the Taycan becoming the purest expression of an electric sports car.
Conclusion
Supercar brands continue to bring innovative and environmentally friendly technologies into their models.
They spend considerable time improving the looks of their vehicles.
Supercars are not just road vehicles but status symbols, affordable to a select few in society.
