The idea of owning a road car with more horsepower than that of a Formula 1 vehicle has long intrigued automotive enthusiasts. While the highly tuned single-seaters typically boast the world’s top drivers, achieving a 1000bhp road car remains an impressive achievement. Such machines must not only be manageable for everyday drivers but also function without a dedicated team of technicians. As road cars increasingly embrace extraordinary power, the emergence of vehicles surpassing the 1000bhp mark showcases remarkable engineering, particularly with many still relying on traditional internal combustion engines.
Here, we explore the newest members of the 1000bhp elite.
Ferrari F80 – Hybrid
We begin with the recently unveiled Ferrari F80, which symbolizes the latest evolution in the brand’s supercar lineage, typically introduced every decade or so. While multi-million-pound Ferraris are less of a rarity than before, the F80 stands out not just as a limited-edition design flagship but also as a preview of the innovative technologies that will be integrated into Ferrari’s more accessible models over the next ten years.
As such, the renowned V12 engine is absent here. Instead, the F80 features a high-performance V6 engine located at the rear, complemented by three electric motors—one positioned beneath the engine and two on the front axle. Together, this setup yields a staggering 1183bhp.
Moreover, the engine’s two turbochargers are equipped with their own electric motors, effectively eliminating turbo lag. But that’s not all; there are also four additional motors—one attached to each suspension tower—that enhance the adaptation of the Purosangue’s active suspension system.
This active suspension doesn’t merely focus on weight management; it is engineered to support the incredible downforce the F80 can generate. With a newly designed carbon tub, 3D-printed suspension elements, a cleverly staggered driving position, and Ferrari’s first carbon fibre five-spoke wheels, this vehicle combines exceptional high-performance technology that compensates for the slightly underwhelming number of cylinders.
McLaren W1 – Hybrid
Coincidentally, McLaren unveiled its latest hypercar just a week before Ferrari, inviting an intriguing comparison between the two brands’ visions for the future of supercar design. While Ferrari opts for a V6 engine supported by innovative electric turbochargers, the McLaren W1 offers a more substantial V8.
McLaren claims this engine is entirely new, and although it shares a similar swept capacity with existing models, its peak combined output of 1258bhp exceeds that of all previous McLaren vehicles—and slightly surpasses the Ferrari F80.
Like its competing counterpart, the power distribution heavily favors the petrol engine, with the V8 alone delivering an impressive 915bhp, supplemented by a single electric motor. This power is directed to just two wheels, unlike the Ferrari’s four-wheel drive.
Additional features include exceptional downforce, 3D-printed suspension components, and cutting-edge packaging. A thrilling drag race is inevitable.
Aston Martin Valkyrie – Hybrid
In contrast to the highly sophisticated Ferrari and McLaren models, Aston Martin’s Valkyrie takes a simpler approach in its technology. While it incorporates a small hybrid unit, the majority of its power comes from the petrol engine, which undoubtedly dominates the car’s personality.
At its core, the Valkyrie utilizes a naturally aspirated V12 developed by Cosworth, paired with a small electric motor to generate a total of 1160bhp. With a thunderous sound and an astonishing 11,100rpm redline, this vehicle feels more like a Le Mans racer designed for the road.
This ambition is evident, as the Valkyrie was originally conceived to compete in the WEC Endurance Hypercar class, serving as the road-legal counterpart for Aston’s racing ambitions.
The project encountered delays but is back on track with the AMR Pro variant, set to join the racing arena in 2026 against Ferrari’s formidable 499P contender.
Bugatti Tourbillon – Hybrid
If the Valkyrie resembles a road-ready racer, the Bugatti Tourbillon represents the pinnacle of automotive artistry. Bugatti’s modern hypercars showcase a powertrain that is undeniably important, yet its true brilliance lies in the smart design and production that harmonizes luxury, speed, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Interestingly, Bugatti and Aston share Cosworth as their engine development partner. For the Tourbillon, this collaboration has birthed a remarkable V16 engine, augmented by three additional electric motors. This marked the first instance in nearly 80 years that a 16-cylinder engine has been offered in a production vehicle, producing an astonishing combined output of 1774bhp.
There’s so much to appreciate about the new Tourbillon that a brief overview hardly captures its depth. The 3D-printed suspension components use advanced biomimicry for creating delicate yet robust elements that seem display-worthy. The exquisite carbon bodywork and mind-blowing aerodynamics further elevate its status.
With a price tag exceeding £5m, the Tourbillon serves as a testament that exceptional design and engineering still thrive in the automotive world.
Rimac Nevera R – EV
If the Bugatti Tourbillon can be classified as a piece of art, the Rimac Nevera R functions as a technological powerhouse designed to impress with its dynamic performance rather than its static presence. Ironically, both vehicles now share a lineage, following Rimac’s integration into the Volkswagen family through a complex process involving Bugatti. Rimac has emerged as a pioneer of cutting-edge electric mobility rather than focusing solely on profitability.
Given the Nevera’s status, it wasn’t designed to be a bestseller but rather to challenge the limits of electric vehicles. With an astonishing output of 2107bhp, it proudly claims the title of the most powerful car on this list. It can sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 1.81 seconds, making it a true speed demon.
Unlike its more subdued counterpart, the R model boasts an exhilarating chassis setup, enhanced aerodynamics, and a sophisticated design and interior.
While it may lack the glamour of Bugatti or the technical complexity of the W1 and F80, Rimac continues to carve its own path in the automotive landscape, supported by the expansive Volkswagen umbrella, ensuring its journey continues for years to come.
AMG Project One – Hybrid
Having more power than a current Formula 1 car is impressive, but there’s only one entry on this list featuring an actual F1 engine nestled beneath the hood: AMG’s intriguing Project One. Developed concurrently with Aston’s Valkyrie, it was tasked with a monumental challenge: harnessing a 1.6-litre V6 engine derived from the AMG Petronas F1 team.
The total system power of 1063bhp originates from the V6 combined with four electric motors powered by a cutting-edge 800V battery pack. Two of these electric motors are connected to the front axle, similar to the F80 and Tourbillon, while another is attached directly to the engine, with the last one integrated within the turbo.
However, adapting an engine meant to endure just a few hundred miles of racing to a road car’s standards has proven challenging for AMG. These difficulties have resulted in delays, leading to the Project One’s somewhat subdued entry into the market.
Bonus: Lucid Air Sapphire – EV
While the 1000bhp league has become more crowded, the models we’ve discussed remain seven-figure investments. Enter the Lucid Air Sapphire.
With its price tag of $250,000 still considerable, the Sapphire nevertheless has the potential to outrun several hypercars listed above in a drag race.
This relatively accessible price point does not entail significant compromises, as the 1234bhp triple-motor powerhouse can launch from 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds and complete the quarter mile in approximately 9 seconds—all while accommodating four passengers and their luggage. You could even bring along a small dog if you so choose.
Additionally, the Sapphire excels in cornering performance, offering excellent road grip and sophisticated technology that elevates it above the ‘pile on the power and hope for the best’ approach seen in some Teslas and newer Chinese EV manufacturers.
