The British car industry is awash with uber-luxurious cars and a long list of luxury sports car brands such as Bentley, Aston Martin, McLaren, Lotus, and more. British car brands have made a lasting mark with advancement and constant innovation spanning over a century.
Sports cars are one of the most popular car classes among the manufacturers in Britain. People love them due to their fun driving experience that mostly results from their high performance. On top of that, they are usually beautiful machines that stand out on the highways and parking lots alike.
British Sports cars are some of the most luxurious, stylish, powerful, and fast cars money can buy. Although prices are often high, these cars don't compromise on speed, cabin quality, or handling abilities. We have curated a list including some of the most powerful sports cars produced by British car manufacturers.
10 Noble M600 – 650 HP
Noble, the British low-volume car manufacturer, produced the handmade Noble M600 between 2011 and 2016. The car was a two-dour two-seat coupe and followed the British sports car mantra, making small, lightweight cars with massive engines. That's why Noble slapped a mid-mounted 4.4-liter twin-turbo Yamaha-built V8 engine in the mostly carbon fiber car body that weighs a total of 1.2 tons. The resulting power-to-weight ratio is better than that of the Bugatti Veyron.
With power and traction control, the driver can adjust the power output from 450-hp in road mode, 550hp in track mode, and 650 hp in race mode.
9 McLaren F1 – 680 HP
The McLaren F1 production ran from 1992 to 1998, and only 100 units were ever made. A BMW 6.1-liter V12 engine powered the car. It made up to 680 hp in the F1 LM trim. The car remained the fastest production car ever built until Koenigsegg CCR took over the crown in 2005.
The McLaren F1 is still one of the most iconic supercars of the modern age. The car remains an astonishing achievement, with a top speed of 240 mph, which means it's still the fastest naturally aspirated car ever made and can still hold a candle to the best supercars.
8 Bentley Continental – 700 HP
The Bentley Continental range makes a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and bold styling. The GT was launched in 2003 and was an instant global hit. Over the years, Bentley has made steady improvement, and the current Bentley GT runs on a 6-liter W12 bi-turbo engine producing 650 hp. However, the Supersport trim in brief production between 2017 and 2019 made 700hp.
The Continental Supersport is the most powerful Bentley ever built and has a top speed of 209 mph and accelerates from 0-62 in 3.5 seconds.
7 McLaren 720s – 710 HP
Futuristic exterior, reasonable fuel economy, and stupefying supercar performance best describe the two-seater, mid-engine, and mostly carbon fiber 720s. McLaren introduced the car in 2018 with a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produced 710 hp. The car accelerates from 0-60mph in just 2.5 seconds.
The McLaren 720s is incredibly light due to its heavy carbon fiber presence. It checks all ticks for a supercar with exotic looks, thrilling performance, agility, and uncompromised ride quality.
6 Aston Martin DBS– 715 HP
The Aston Martin DBS is a sports car made for performance and comfort in equal measures. The 5.2-liter V-12 engine makes 715hp and produces a spine-tingling exhaust note that complements its brutally quick acceleration. Boasting a top speed of 211 mph, a passerby will likely miss the car's carefully sculptured and suave appearance.
The DBS lacks the refined handling found on competitors such as the Ferrari 812 Superfast, making for a challenging but rewarding drive around the twists and curves. Also, it impresses as a grand tourer with its posh interior and Bond-like styling.
5 Aston Martin One-77 – 750 HP
Produced between 2009 and 2012, the One-77 is an ultra-rare hypercar that thoroughly tested the limits of British engineering. The car featured a 7.3-liter V12 engine producing 750hp. A six-speed transmission directs all power to the rear wheels, enabling the car to launch to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 220mph.
Sheer beauty houses this impressive engine, making for an exceptionally sculptured supercar. While it is not the fastest Aston Martin, it is exceptional.
4 McLaren Senna – 789 HP
According to McLaren engineers, the Senna is the most direct and responsive car they have ever produced. That is a big claim from a manufacturer known for producing exceptional cars. The car's name pays homage to the legendary Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, and it shines on the track just like the drive it is named after.
The Senna has track-focused performance, comes with thunderous acceleration and crisp braking. The car's 4-liter V8 generates 789 hp. This helps it launch to 60mph in 2.8 seconds.
3 Aston Martin Vulcan – 820 HP
The Aston Martin Vulcan is a track-only monster named after the British Avro Vulcan strategic bomber. Under the car's long hood is a 7-liter V12 powerplant that churns out 820hp.
This car is extremely exclusive, with only 24 units being made. If you got to buy one, you'd probably not get to drive it around town, since only one was converted for street legal use. That said, Aston Martin properly tuned the Vulcan with sufficient downforce and excellent mass distribution for maximum confidence on the track.
2 Bristol Fighter T – 1012 HP
If you thought Bugatti had the monopoly of having a 1000hp+ car, then you were wrong. Before entering liquidation in 2020, Bristol Cars had produced a car that made a massive 1012hp. Incredible figures achieved by Bristol Fighter T's 8-liter V10 twin-turbo powerplant.
Bristol claims the car can do 270mph but is electronically limited to 225mph for safety reasons. The former UK aircraft engine maker made high-performance vehicles and the Fighter T was their best car yet, but, sadly, they went out of business.
1 Ultima Evo – 1020 Hp
Ultima Sports Ltd holds a collection of world speed records for production road cars that demonstrate the Briton's world-beating-performance capabilities. Well, if still in doubt, Ultima created the 6.8-liter V8 Ultima Evolution that makes 1020hp and launches to 60mph in 2.3 seconds. More impressive is the top speed that can go as high as 240 mph.
The Ultima Evo is well-engineered and tamed, too. A stiff chassis, fancy steering, and suspension systems help keep the car safely on the road. Also, this car with more power than the original Bugatti Veyron costs just about $130,000.