In 2013, three of the world's best sports car brands released a few of the best sports cars and supercars on the market – all hybrids. Also known as the holy trinity, the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, and Porsche 918 Spyder became the mark of true performance thanks to their shocking performance results.
After 2013, most enthusiasts had to reevaluate their beliefs, as hybridization was what these sports cars used to unlock their performance. Over the years, hybrids have become the ideal tools for enthusiasts who need to quench their need for speed.
10 BMW i8
When launched in 2014, the i8 was the first plug-in hybrid from BMW. It had a revolutionary interpretation of BMW's driving pleasure and sustainability. The i8 remains a forward-looking sports car with a 2+2 seat configuration.
It uses the LifeDrive architecture to offer an aerodynamically groundbreaking body design. The interior is also visionary, helping provide an intense driving experience. BMW offers the i8 with only a single powertrain, a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, and two electric motors to produce a combined output of 369 hp.
9 Polestar 1
The Polestar 1 is one of the prettiest 2+2 plug-in hybrids that features a technically innovative and highly advanced powertrain. It retains Volvo's richness and signature style thanks to its refined interior materials and design.
Under the hood of the Polestar 1 is a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Polestar 1 also has three electric motors that boost its output to 619 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. It uses an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.
8 Lexus LC500h
The Lexus LC range offers instantaneous response and distinctive styling, while the hybrid adds efficient performance. The LC500h provides a harmonious blend of top-tier driving performance and emotional design. It offers dynamic handling characteristics thanks to the front and rear suspension enhancing ground contact feel.
The LC500h is the first Lexus to use the Multi Stage Hybrid system. It gets a punchy 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors to provide a combined output of 354 hp. The LC500h offers a highly engaging driving feel, especially when shifting through the paddle shifters.
7 Acura NSX Type S
The NSX Type S is the flagship of Acura's model range. It celebrates the final year of the second generation NSX with a limited run of only 350 units. Even though other similarly priced sports cars offer more raw power or sharper handling, the Type S is easier to live with and drive daily.
It utilizes a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors to satiate your need for speed. The Type S delivers power to all wheels through a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Besides offering blistering acceleration, the NSX Type S has a Quiet mode that helps make it feel maneuverable daily.
6 McLaren Artura
The Artura is one of the newest offerings from McLaren. It's a high-performance supercar and a comfortable mid-engine two-seater that takes advantage of the new lightweight McLaren platform. The Artura offers impressive performance estimates of 2.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a 205-mph top speed.
The Artura uses a new hybrid system that features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and an e-motor located within the housing of the 8-speed gearbox to help offer 671 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. Besides offering exhilarating performance, the new powertrain provides up to 11 miles of all-electric range.
5 Porsche 918 Spyder
When Porsche launched the 918, they aimed at making the future of the sports car. The 918 Spyder was among the best contestants in the holy trinity and a worthy successor to the vaunted Carrera GT. It was also the first vehicle to beat the record of seven minutes around the Nürburgring with a time of 6:57 minutes.
Porsche's mid-engine supercar had a 4.6-liter V8 and two electric motors with a combined output of 887 hp and 944 lb-ft of torque. The setup helped the 918 deliver tenacious handling, Bugatti-like acceleration, and a 211-mph top speed.
4 Ferrari SF90 Stradale
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Rarely will a Ferrari be the first car you think of when you hear the words plug-in hybrid. However, this Italian sports car giant offers an electrified setup with the SF90 Stradale. Unlike most hybrids, the SF90 delivers otherworldly handling and blistering acceleration.
The SF90 gets power from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing 769 hp and three electric motors producing 217 hp. The result is a combined gas-electric output of 986 hp and 590 lb0-ft of torque. Power goes to all four wheels making the SF90 the first mid-engine Ferrari with all-wheel drive.
3 Lamborghini Countach
The new Countach marks the return of a legendary Lamborghini supercar. It's a retro-inspired limited-edition supercar with a mid-mounted V12 and a small electric motor to offer 802 hp. While it borrows some bits from the Aventador and Sian, the Countach captures the original's iconic design.
The Countach lacks the original's massive rear wing and pop-up headlights but retains the trademark scissor doors and hexagonal wheel arches. Unlike the predecessor, the Countach gets a 6.5-liter V12 and a small electric motor to produce 802 hp.
2 Mercedes-AMG One
The AMG One is nothing but a Formula 1 road vehicle. Thanks to the collaborative minds of the Petronas Motorsport team and Mercedes-AMG, the AMG One gets a highly integrated powertrain featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engine and four independent electric motors.
Two motors work with the front wheels, while the others work with the turbocharger and crankcase. The result is over 1,000 hp and a blistering top speed of over 217 mph. The AMG One also gets a race start function that, combined with the elimination of turbo lag, helps propel the hypercar from 0 to 124 mph in under 6 seconds.
1 McLaren Speedtail
The Speedtail is McLaren's first hyper GT that aims to offer the ultimate road car experience. It harmonizes seamless and sleek beauty with extreme performance and pioneering technologies. The Speedtail features a carbon fiber McLaren monocage body structure and gets a McLaren F1-inspired central driving position.
It gets power from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 and an electric motor to produce 1,035 hp and 848 lb-ft of torque. Velocity mode offers active dynamics to achieve the optimum speed, helping the Speedtail become the fastest accelerating McLaren.