Try our newest merchandise
By their very existence, supercars don’t simply draw crowds of admirers; they summon them. We’re speaking concerning the type of automotive majesty that makes even essentially the most jaded amongst us drop our lukewarm espresso, fumble for a smartphone, and whisper, “Holy hell, have a look at that.” These are the machines that characterize the head of engineering, design, and infrequently, fiscal irresponsibility — even when we will’t precisely afford to place them in our personal climate-controlled garages. We’ll discover a method.
Whereas supercars are already superb, some limited-edition supercars are even rarer, much more progressive, and much more drool-worthy to have a look at. These are the type of automobiles we’d promote our youngsters for, pull off a loopy financial institution heist a la Ocean’s Eleven with out the plot holes, or lastly delete our ex off of Fb. Talking of exes, that is all about seems to be. It’s not about substance, efficiency, options, or pleasing drives. Let’s all simply admit we’re shallow generally and might acknowledge a shocking automotive after we see one, and we’ll proceed to fantasize even after studying of its shortcomings. Allow us to have this.
What’s a Supercar, Actually?
To really grasp how a restricted or particular version supercar can deliver any road to a standstill, we have to return to the start. Many take into account Lamborghini to have kicked off the trendy supercar period with the jaw-dropping Miura in 1966 — a mid-engined supermodel that made the whole lot else seem like a tractor (which, paradoxically, was Lamborghini’s authentic enterprise). Not each superior sports activities automotive is a supercar — supercars are unique, hard-to-obtain, costly, prestigious, and push boundaries in the case of efficiency and design, making the Corvette Z06 seem like a rental automotive.
Restricted editions, whether or not it’s a track-focused monster or a road-going sculpture, are available all shapes and types: higher-spec engines, suspension setups so stiff they’ll rearrange your inside organs, and, in some instances, beauty upgrades that price greater than a kidney. You solely must browse the illustrious historical past of the Porsche 911, chock stuffed with “specials,” to see how far carmakers will go to promote you a subtly totally different model of the identical automotive for twice the worth. All of which include a considerably greater sticker worth, often with sufficient zeros to make your accountant cry.
Little marvel that carmakers are so eager to pander to consumers’ needs to face out from the gang. As a result of who desires to be simply “wealthy” if you could be “exclusive-edition-supercar-rich?”
Jaguar XJ220
Achingly stunning, the Jaguar XJ220 attracts admiring glances wherever it goes, often accompanied by hushed whispers of “Is that the XJ220?” Launched as an idea in 1988, Jaguar promised a mid-engined V12 supercar boasting an all-wheel-drive chassis and a blistering 220 miles per hour prime velocity. Pre-orders poured in like rain in a monsoon, with consumers shelling out £50,000 deposits.
Then got here the fact examine. By the point manufacturing started in 1992, the engine had, let’s consider, “streamlined” to a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (derived from a Group B rally automotive, however nonetheless, a V6) powering the rear wheels solely. This bait-and-switch, coupled with a world monetary disaster, made the £470,000 price ticket (over $700,000 USD on the time) a bitter tablet to swallow.
Regardless of briefly being the quickest manufacturing automotive on the earth (213 mph measured), the XJ220 “flopped” spectacularly, failing to satisfy its deliberate run of 350 automobiles. Jaguar solely managed to seek out 282 consumers. However hey, a untimely minimize in manufacturing solely made it a extra unique supercar long-term, turning a industrial flop right into a collector’s Holy Grail. Who wants a V12 when you’ve gotten a V6 with the soul of a cheetah?
Porsche 959
The primary true supercar? That declare sparks extra arguments than a household vacation dinner. However for a lot of, the Porsche 959, arriving in 1986, was the definitive assertion. Consider it because the 911 Turbo in its remaining, most insane type, refined, quicker, and rarer, if additionally considerably extra complicated. Not like its rival, the uncooked, minimalist Ferrari F40, Porsche believed “extra is all the time higher,” stuffing the 959 with cutting-edge tech.
It boasted a twin-turbocharged 2.85-liter flat-six engine making 444 hp, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system (PSZ) that would range torque distribution, and adjustable journey peak. It hit 197 mph, shattering data. Porsche capped manufacturing at 292 street automobiles (plus prototypes and race automobiles), making it an prompt legend.
Thirty years later, any true fanatic will cease, stare, and doubtless shed a tear of respect for the 959’s wider physique, flared arches, and built-in rear spoiler. It’s the supercar that introduced computer systems to the occasion whereas everybody else was nonetheless utilizing slide guidelines.
Aston Martin DBR22
Aston Martin is not any stranger to producing automobiles so stunning they make angels weep, and personalised commissions via their “Q by Aston Martin” division. Launched in 2022 to have fun ten years of the “Q” personalization service, the DBR22 is basically a road-legal idea, showcasing the model’s inventive and sporting pedigree. Naturally, this celebration mannequin is briefly provide, with solely 22 automobiles deliberate for manufacturing, making it rarer than a sober fanatic at a Nürburgring 24-hour race.
Beneath the pores and skin, it’s a well-known (and superb) setup that makes use of Aston Martin’s 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12, additionally discovered within the DBS Superleggera. This pedigree means the DBR22 isn’t solely stunning however brutally quick, too. With 705 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque below your proper foot, the DBR22 is supercar quick, posting a 0-60 mph time of three.4 seconds and a prime velocity of 198 mph.
It’s the last word bespoke flex, designed for the person who finds a typical Aston Martin just too frequent.
Lamborghini Aventador LP-780-4 Ultimae
Ah, the Lamborghini Aventador LP-780-4 Ultimae. “The Aventador’s remaining outing!” they proclaimed. Lamborghini has made the “remaining V12” declare extra instances over the Aventador’s lifespan than I’ve seen fanatics swear they’re “simply trying” at a automotive present, solely to disclose one other particular version a month later. This one, although, actually is the final of a breed for the pure, naturally aspirated V12 in a non-hybrid manufacturing Lambo. As a final hurrah, restricted to simply 350 Coupes and 250 Roadsters, the LP780-4 Ultimae is a smartphone digicam magnet and a chiropractor’s nightmare.
All Aventadors are particular, whether or not it’s the visceral bellow of the 6.5-liter mid-engine V12 (cranking out 769 hp) or the impossibly low bodywork that makes velocity bumps an existential menace. They don’t name this one the King of Supercars for nothing; it’s a pure, unadulterated slice of Italian flamboyance that rips to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and hits 221 mph.
Get pleasure from that unfiltered V12 symphony, of us, as a result of the following era will in all probability have a battery pack whispering at you.
VLF Pressure 1 V10
VLF Automotive? By no means heard of them, you say? Effectively, you may know its co-founder, Henrik Fisker, the person behind some beautiful designs (and some monetary quagmires). VLF’s credentials are past reproach; it was based in 2012 by Fisker, Bob Lutz, and Gilbert Villarreal, centered on constructing the last word U.S. supercar. The recipe started with a Fisker Karma stripped of its hybrid powertrain, initially rising as one thing else fully.
Then, designer Fisker steered manufacturing in the direction of one thing much more potent: the legendary Dodge Viper’s chassis and, extra importantly, its monstrous 8.4-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine. This allowed the VLF Pressure 1 V10 to pack a potent punch, rated at 745 hp and 638 lb-ft of torque, with a claimed prime velocity of 218 mph. Whereas it shares its naked chassis with the Viper, the whole lot externally is exclusive and cast from carbon fiber for lightness.
Solely 50 Pressure 1 V10s have been deliberate, making it one of many rarest supercars and sure one most informal fanatics received’t acknowledge. In case you see one, you recognize, and should you don’t, you’re lacking out on a very wild American beast.
Pagani Huayra Tricolore
Restricted editions of already uncommon supercars are nothing new to Pagani. The Huayra, first produced in 2011, is available in quite a few variants starting from road-going specials to track-only automobiles. For the Huayra Tricolore, simply three automobiles have been made. That’s proper, three. Impressed by the Italian Air Pressure’s Frecce Tricolori show workforce, this impossibly uncommon Tricolore wears a novel naked carbon fiber end adorned with the Italian nationwide colours. It’s so uncommon, seeing one in individual is like recognizing a UFO at a drag strip.
Basically equivalent to the track-only Huayra R below the pores and skin (however one way or the other road authorized!), the Tricolore is a potent supercar boasting an 829 hp, Mercedes-AMG 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12. It won’t scream to 9,000 rpm like another exotics, however it makes 775 lb-ft of torque and a claimed prime velocity of 238 mph, asserting its arrival lengthy earlier than this carbon-fiber supercar comes into view.
If you’re fortunate sufficient to see or hear the Tricolore, it’s going to absolutely be the focal point, principally as a result of it in all probability prices greater than a small nation’s GDP.
Lexus LFA
Supercars are often the lifeblood of European area of interest producers, commanding consideration with their unique badges. Nevertheless, there are some superb exceptions, notably the Lexus LFA. Produced between 2010 and 2012, simply 500 examples of this uncommon technological marvel exist. Whereas its badge may lack the inherent “wow” issue of a Ferrari or Lamborghini for the uninitiated, the LFA is not any shrinking violet; it’s a masterclass in precision and sonic glory.
Naturally, its Japanese origin ensures each facet of the LFA works in excellent unison, delivering the last word supercar expertise. Beneath the hood, a 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine, co-developed with Yamaha, cranks out 552 hp and spins to a dizzying 9,000 rpm. It’s thought of one of many biggest fashionable engines, emitting a high-revving soundtrack so good, it may make a grown man weep.
Launched as Lexus’ halo automotive, there are formally no plans to succeed the LFA, making it a very distinctive unicorn. It’s proof that generally, the quiet child at school is secretly a rock star — or perhaps a semi-popular Twitch streamer.
Panoz Abruzzi
Extra for the flawed causes, maybe, driving a Panoz Abruzzi will certainly garner seems to be and admiration for the way totally bonkers it seems to be. Not like its aesthetically pleasing friends, American producer Panoz opted for uncooked operate over standard type, making the Abruzzi one of many much less aesthetically pleasing supercars to some eyes. Regardless of its otherworldly, nearly Batmobile-esque seems to be, this automotive eye-catcher discovered a cult following, particularly in Europe, the place its racing heritage was higher understood.
Getting previous the love-hate seems to be (it’s constructed like a tank designed by a grumpy robotic), Panoz knew what they have been doing with the Abruzzi. Putting the supercharged 6.2-liter LS3 engine (sure, a mighty American V8!) farther again within the chassis improved weight distribution and dealing with, hinting at Panoz’s in depth racing intentions. With a potent 640 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, it may hit 190 mph.
Restricted to simply 81 road-going automobiles (every designed to be “ADTT” – “Abruzzi-Designed To Take”), stumbling throughout an Abruzzi is a uncommon photograph alternative — and an opportunity to ask your self, “What’s that factor?”
Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss
Stunningly stunning and mind-blowingly uncommon — two statements you wouldn’t usually affiliate with a mainstream producer like Mercedes-Benz — this SLR Stirling Moss Version is a crowd-pleaser in every single place it goes. Constructed to commemorate a legendary Mercedes racer, Sir Stirling Moss, and his iconic 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, this particular version transforms the “peculiar” SLR into a panoramic, Nineteen Fifties-inspired roadster with no roof, no home windows, and no windshield. Driving it requires a helmet, goggles, and an iron will.
Apparently, the roofless supercar styling isn’t German; it was sculpted by Korean designer Yoon Il-Hun, drawing direct inspiration from the basic 300 SLR. However don’t let the retro influences idiot you; beneath the carbon-fiber bodywork lies a totally fashionable 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine sending 641 hp to the rear wheels.
In complete, solely 75 SLR Stirling Moss editions have been produced over simply six months in 2009, solely for current SLR house owners. It’s the last word sunny-day assertion automotive, simply don’t get caught in a bug storm
Ferrari 288 GTO
Each fanatic acknowledges the F40, Ferrari’s uncooked, brutal, first 200-mph supercar. However few informal followers will keep in mind the 288 GTO, its arguably extra refined, twin-turbocharged predecessor. Current in small numbers for street use, the 288 GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) was a homologation particular, constructed to compete within the notorious Group B rally sequence (which was sadly canceled earlier than the GTO may compete). It famously resembled the beloved 308, however, below the hood, issues have been very, very totally different.
Borrowing closely from the Scuderia F1 race workforce, Ferrari mixed its 2.85-liter F114B V8 with twin IHI turbochargers, unleashing 395 hp and 366 lb-ft of torque from a comparatively decrease displacement. It may hit 189 mph. Consider the 288 GTO because the true predecessor to the F40, and to many, it’s really extra fascinating and rarer, with solely 272 examples constructed for street use (plus a couple of Evoluziones). It’s the quiet genius that laid the groundwork for future legends.
Maserati MC12
Staying with uncommon Italian supercars, Maserati rejoined the supercar fray in 2004 with the MC12. Visually, the MC12 is a shocking, elongated nod to the model’s FIA GT Championship race sequence aspirations. However all isn’t because it first seems: limiting manufacturing to simply 50 road-spec automobiles complemented by 12 for competitors use, the MC12 is mechanically intently associated to the legendary Ferrari Enzo. It’s principally an Enzo in a custom-tailored, extra dramatic go well with.
As a race car-inspired supercar, the MC12 wears an extended and wider physique (over a foot longer than the Enzo) than its donor, making a extra dramatic entrance, particularly with that detachable hardtop. Any true automotive connoisseur doesn’t want an excuse to note the MC12’s arrival. Tucked away behind the cockpit, you discover a detuned Ferrari F140 V12 growing 621 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque.
Nevertheless, there are some trade-offs for that dramatic bodywork: Maserati’s attention-grabbing aero really reduces the MC12’s prime velocity to 205 mph versus the Enzo’s 217 mph. However who cares a couple of measly 12 mph if you look that good?
Morgan Aeromax
Don’t be fooled by the totally charming, decidedly retro styling cues; Morgan’s Aeromax is an actual supercar, albeit one sculpted from fashionable Superformed aluminum and boasting a novel “fastback” roofline. It’s an identical story below the pores and skin, the place an extruded and riveted aluminum chassis dispels Morgan’s near-legendary (and infrequently roasted) use of wooden for chassis building. Regardless of the high-tech updates, the Aeromax retains a well-known, quirky form, mimicking the primary Morgan +8 street automobiles of the Sixties, simply with a way more elaborate derrière.
Beneath the hood, there’s nothing dated or retro. BMW Energy is the only engine selection within the Aeromax, a 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 362 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. These may seem to be small numbers by fashionable supercar requirements, however weighing a featherlight 2,535 lbs, the Aeromax posts a sub-five-second 0-60 mph time (4.5 seconds) and can run to 170 mph flat out.
Solely 100 Aeromax automobiles exist, marking the model’s centenary 12 months. It’s a gentleman’s supercar that mixes old-world attraction with simply sufficient fashionable grunt to shock a couple of scorching hatches.
McLaren 675LT
Supercar makers always produce particular editions of their “common” automobiles; it’s virtually a sport in itself. McLaren is not any totally different. The MP4-12C got here first, outmoded by the 650S, which, in flip, was joined by the 675LT – a extra centered, lighter, and admittedly, angrier supercar. The “LT” (Lengthy Tail) prefix isn’t only for present; it harks again to the carmaker’s well-known F1 GTR Longtail race automobiles that dominated Le Mans. By means of better use of weight-saving carbon fiber, the 675LT sheds a big 220 lbs (100 kg) over the 650S, bringing its dry weight down to simply 2,712 lbs.
McLaren additionally up to date the three.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a revised engine map, unlocking an additional 25 hp, bringing the full to 666 hp (which in all probability proves the satan actually is within the particulars) and 516 lb-ft of torque. Whereas these modifications might sound “small” to the untrained eye, for a track-focused machine, they’re monumental. The 675LT rips to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and tops out at 205 mph.
This “Lengthy Tail” provides a way of exclusivity strengthened by a strictly restricted run of 500 Coupes and 500 Spiders. It’s the last word “much less weight, extra energy” mantra delivered to life, and a reminder that McLaren is aware of find out how to make a very particular version.
Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo
As soon as in a era, a U.S. supercar maker like Saleen outperforms itself, and the S7 Twin-Turbo is that second. This revision of the already quick S7 took American uncooked energy to a wholly new degree. Exterior revisions to the entrance and rear air splitters added essential downforce to tame the automotive’s prodigious energy output. Regardless, in both naturally aspirated or twin-turbo trim, Saleen’s supercar is a crowd-stopper wherever it goes, principally as a result of it seems to be prefer it escaped from a GT racing grid.
A better have a look at the numbers for the S7 Twin-Turbo reveals an influence hike to a staggering 750 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque from its 7.0-liter twin-turbocharged Ford V8. The beneficial properties did little to the automotive’s 0-60 mph acceleration time, shaving only a tenth to 2.8 seconds (as a result of how a lot quicker are you able to get off the road?). However on the different finish of the efficiency scale, the S7 Twin-Turbo will get inside touching distance of hypercars, boasting a claimed prime velocity of 248 mph.
Precisely what number of Twin-Turbo automobiles exist is a bit murky, however Saleen figures level to roughly 30 automobiles modified to this specification, making it one of many rarest, most brutal American supercars ever conceived. It’s the automotive equal of a heavyweight boxer in a tailored go well with.
Closing Ideas: Flashy, Quick, and Gone in a Blink
Restricted-edition supercars are about extra than simply uncooked velocity; they’re about presence. They’re about that visceral feeling they evoke, each for the motive force and for everybody fortunate sufficient to witness them. Some are mid-engine masterpieces and others are V12 monsters, however they’ve one factor in frequent: they’re outwardly beautiful past what most individuals may ever think about. Smooth traces, wild options, intense stances — it’s laborious to look away.
These are usually not the standard Vehicles and Espresso suspects. They slot in higher at Pebble Seashore. However you’d even spot them within the sea of automobiles at that prestigious occasion — they’re that eye-catching and mesmerizing. They don’t simply scream “have a look at me,” they whisper, “you would like you can.” So go forward, add one to your lottery dream storage. Simply don’t overlook to think about the price of a non-public jet for elements supply.
