Is every sports car a supercar, and what exactly elevates it to hypercar status? In this blog we answer these questions and more: examining some unique creations, stunning innovations plus the fastest and most aesthetically pleasing launches on the planet.
It’s time to lift the bonnet on what really defines our super and hypercars.
What Is a Hypercar?
To get to the bottom of what makes a hypercar, we need to examine the wider category that elite vehicles fall into. There’s a specific bracket that sits above what we’re used to seeing on the roads, which covers supercars and hypercars.
Sports cars fit outside of the bracket, although they’re obviously not like normal cars either. They’re built for speed and, unlike muscle cars, have a sleek and compact design.
Speed is just one element of performance, though, which is why there are two more classes of cars to explore.
Let’s start by identifying what makes a car a supercar.
What is a Supercar?
Supercars are high-performance vehicles. There isn’t a set checklist to determine what exactly a supercar is, which makes the term subjective. However, most people will agree on the kinds of attributes a supercar is expected to have. They don’t just rely on speed, as they have considerable horsepower to match.
Examples of supercars include the Lamborghini Murcielago, the Ferrari 488 and the Maserati MC20. Their designs and technology have been finely tuned to create thrilling driving experiences. Their looks certainly don’t hurt either, each possessing elegant and sporty aesthetics.
Simply put, they fall into the supercar category because performance is supreme. But don’t just take our word for it, check the stats.
In track tests, we’ve seen the Maserati go from 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. The Ferrari 488 packs a punch with a max power output of around 661 hp. As for the Murcielago, it can hit top speeds of 212 mph.
Impressive undoubtedly, but this doesn’t meet the hypercar threshold entirely. How does a car jump from this category to being a hypercar? It has to tick all these boxes and more.
What Makes a Car a Hypercar?
It doesn’t come down to the manufacturer, as supercars and hypercars can come from the same name, with Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin all crossing the divide. When looking at what makes a car a hypercar, one specific word springs to mind: extreme.
They push boundaries in all sorts of directions, including speed, design, rarity and price.
If the performance is jaw-dropping, then you can guarantee that it’s a hypercar. It’s not all about the money, but the price tag is certainly a guide, as these cars are out of almost everyone’s budget.
For example, the Bugatti Chiron, which built on the success of the Veyron, will set you back around £2.5 million. The one-off Chiron Profilée sold for £8.7 million.
You don’t head down to the nearest dealer to buy a hypercar. Auctions and direct orders from manufacturers for limited production lines are common. For example, the Pagani Huayra Roadster BC costs over £2.8 million, and only 40 were produced. As such, these cars can’t be bought by anyone, in some cases you have to be chosen by the manufacturer to even have a chance of getting a brand new Hypercar.
That brings us to another characteristic of hypercars. They have to bring something unique. More often than not, owners are in an exclusive club. Not just because of the cost, but because they’re limited edition or extremely rare.
Some of the best hypercars spring to mind when thinking of limited production runs. For example, there are only 150 Aston Martin Valkyrie’s, and as for Ferrari LaFerrari there are only 499.
At the end of the day, though, defining what a hypercar is comes down to performance. The design, engineering, speeds and capabilities will go further than any supercar.
Whether it’s unique systems to make the most of a powerful engine or body panels that are light or create unusual lines, hypercars, like the McLaren P1, make you feel like you’re living in the future.
Hypercar vs Supercar: The Main Differences
If you’re in the market for something extraordinary, you can use this table to work out what each option brings.
| Supercar | Hypercar | |
| Release | Supercars usually have production runs of thousands of models, and you can usually find different trims and options. | Hypercars have limited releases as they’re exclusive and expensive to produce. It depends on the hypercar, but there could be a few hundred or just a handful in existence. |
| Price | There’s no specific price tag, but most will cost anywhere from £150,000 up to £1 million. | Hypercars usually cross the million-pound mark. Prices often go over £2 million, and it’s not unheard of to reach £4 – 5 million. |
| Appearance | Aerodynamics and sleek and elegant appearance are priorities for supercars, making them striking and a pleasure to look at. | Hypercars are also stunning to look at. However, the appearance is often unique thanks to specific design quirks, such as a monocoque structure, carbon fibre body and other flamboyant design queues to make it look extraordinary. |
| Performance | Supercars are high-performance vehicles. From acceleration and horsepower to handling and responsiveness, you can expect an advanced and thrilling driving experience. | Hypercars deliver extreme performance. The power is unrivalled, the speeds unparalleled, and the driving experience is like that of a track car. Most are road-legal, but they blur the line between professional and amateur driving. |
| Design and Technology | Luxury and advanced technology go hand in hand. You’ll get fuel efficiency, responsive controls and entertainment systems. | This cutting-edge technology focuses more on pushing the car to its limits. Making it lighter, reducing drag, and bringing new materials, systems and shapes is what it’s all about. |
Which To Buy: Supercars or Hypercars
Budget is one of the most significant factors when it comes to buying a hypercar. If you need to ask “What is the cheapest hypercar?”, then you might want to set your sights on a supercar instead. Options like the Lamborghini Aventador, Audi R8, and McLaren 12C all offer something exciting and unique without draining your bank account entirely.
If you’ve got your heart set on something rare with extreme performance, then you’ve got a fun decision to make.
For a racing hybrid with a difference, the Aston Martin Valkyrie is one of the fastest and most expensive options. You can top that, though, with the Lotus Evija, an electric weapon or even go another route with the iconic naturally aspirated V12 Ferrari LaFerrari, which is seen by many as one of Ferrari’s greatest hits for a number of reasons.
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