Today’s exotics are so much more, especially when you consider the hypercars being built today by the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and McLaren.
All three brands are known for their exotic cars, although Porsche less so than Ferrari and McLaren. And even though McLaren’s original creation, the F1, is understood to be one of the greatest exotics of all time, the brand only returned to manufacturing cars for enthusiasts in 2009 when the MP4-12C was unveiled. And as you will see below, manufactured one of the most incredible cars ever to drive on public roads, the P1.
Ferrari is known the world over as the Italian car maker building exotics many of us dream about and a select few add to their collections. Ferrari in recent years has been building cars the well healed drivers among us can afford and the rest of us drool over at our local Cars & Coffee events. But like McLaren, Ferrari realized creating the ultimate exotic was within reach by combining the magnificent gasoline combustion engines they are known for with today’s electric technology. And they have created the LaFerrari, a car they simply named after themselves.
As mentioned above, Porsche is new to the exotic car game. Not only are they highly regarded by enthusiasts for the performance of their sports cars but they are at least regarded by the same crowd as ‘affordable’. Buying a used Porsche is easily within reach of the average aficionado although the classics are increasing in value at a torrid pace. Following the same model as McLaren and Ferrari, Porsche mixed a little electric horsepower with that of a gasoline engine to create a truly super exotic, the 918 Spyder.
Here’s a brief synopsis of each manufacturer’s hyper exotic cars.
McLaren P1
On the traditional gasoline side, the McLaren P1 is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with a maximum output of 727 bhp and 531 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. On the electric side there’s a 177 bhp motor providing an additional 192 lb-ft of torque.
When working in tandem, both motors provide a total of 904 bhp and 723 lb-ft of torque. When left in its automatic setting, the electric motor can fill in the gaps as the V8’s turbos spool up.
The P1 reaches 62 mph (100 kph) in 2.8 seconds and continues on to 124 mph (200 kph) in 6.8 seconds and 186 mph (299kph) in 16.5 seconds. The McLaren’s top speed is limited to 218 mph (351 kph) but with it removed, the P1 can reach 249 mph (401 kph). Amazing yes, but not surprising from a car company involved in auto racing for decades.
Ferrari LaFerrari
Ferrari’s ultimate hyper exotic is the LaFerrari. And yes, we know, that’s a very strange name. But as any Ferrari enthusiast can tell you, the LaFerrari is the Italian brand’s stamp on what makes an incredible car today…the mix of a high performance gasoline engine with the extra boot from an electric motor.
The LaFerrari packs a 6.3 liter V12 producing 789 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 520 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm. Additionally, the car has a 161 bhp electric motor similar to what is seen in today’s Formula 1 cars and is commonly referred to as a KERS or kinetic recovery system.
Both motors together produce 950 bhp and 664 lb-ft of torque delivering a top speed of 217 mph (349 kph). As far as the other speed stats, the LaFerrari will hit 62 mph (100kph) in less than 3 seconds, 124 mph (200 kph) in under seven seconds and 186 mph (300 kph) in about 15 seconds. Ferrari has said the LaFerrari has lapped the Fiorano Test Circuit in 1:19.70, making it the fastest car Ferrari has made for normal street use.
Porsche 918 Spyder
And last but not least is Porsche and their 918 Spyder. It, like the others, starts with a gasoline powered engine mated to electric motors for that extra kick.
The 918 features a 4.6 liter V8 delivering 608 hp but goes a step further by having two electric motors developing an additional 279 hp. All told, the Porsche packs 887 hp and a top speed of 210 mph (340 kph).
One 154 hp electric motor drives the rear wheels in parallel with the V8. The second electric motor has 125 hp and drives the front wheels. It includes an electric clutch to disconnect the motor when it’s not in use.
The other important stats is an acceleration time of 2.5 seconds to 62 mph (100 kph), 7.2 seconds to 120 mph (200 kph) and 19.9 seconds to reach 190 mph (300 kph).
The downside to cars like these is there’s far fewer made when compared to other makes and models. And, of course, the cost. These cars are incredibly expensive. But there is an upside and that’s learning a few exotic car hacks towards buying, owning and selling exotic cars. With a little extra inside info, you never know what may land up in your garage.