Whether it's muscle cars, pickup trucks, or cool sports cars: America has it all. Being one of the most developed automotive industries in the world, the country allows its citizens to purchase and drive almost any car from the global market they desire. Even some cars that have previously been banned are attaining classic status and becoming free for import in the US.
For most countries in the rest of the world, however, that is not the case. Whether it's Europe, Asia, Australia, and especially Africa, a major portion of automotive brands and models will never reach consumers' hands due to various legal restraints. In other words, many countries in the rest of the world are missing out on a lot more cars than America.
Still, while it may be hard to hear, some supercars have been banned from the United States because they are considered to be too dangerous to be driven on American roads. They haven’t passed American standards, for example, some of them have toxic emissions that are deemed too high while others haven’t met the national safety requirements. Others are simply too powerful, too fast for American roads, and it is because of these reasons that these supercars were banned from the United States. A shame, really, considering how cool they are.
10 Lamborghini Strosek Diablo
Lamborghini is known for making awesome cars that boast agility and speed. Its cars are mostly considered supercars. A special version of the iconic Diablo, the Strosek Diablo is powered by a mid-mounted engine which gives this car the ability to outperform many cars in its class. It was produced between 1990 to 2001 and replaced by the Lamborghini Murcielago.
However, the 1997 model is blacklisted in the United States because it is considered unsafe to be driven on public roads. Its headlights are considered too small and it is too fast.
9 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R
The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R is a loved and arguably Japan's most popular sports car. It has a cult following and is considered one of the most legendary cars ever built. It's illegal in the United States, however, because it failed to pass American safety standards.
The only thing most Americans can do is create memes about it and cry or get themselves any other Skyline but the R34 GT-R. Importing this car is illegal and could get one into a lot of serious legal trouble.
8 Lotus Exige S1
The Lotus Exige S1 is downright insane. It goes from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and can finish a standing quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds. What's even more surprising is that it does that thanks to a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four engine. It is a mid-engine rear-wheel-drive car with a 5-speed manual transmission.
This British car weighs just 1,600 lbs, which explains the insane performance despite the lack of displacement. The Lotus is illegal in the United States as it is considered a safety hazard to drivers and other road users.
7 Jaguar XJ220-S
The Jaguar xJ220 is a unique supercar, not just because of its performance, but also its history. It is one of the cars that were hated when they were brand new but later gained the love and attention of millions of true car enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, Americans do not have the luxury of importing one or driving it on US roads. After all, it was once the world’s fastest car and its lightning-fast speed makes it a road hazard.
6 LaFerrari FXX-K
The LaFerrari FXXX-K places performance above anything else. It is a high-end supercar that is powered by a 6.3 liter naturally aspirated F140 V12 engine and can reach a top speed of 217 mph.
However, the LaFerrari FXX-K is a sinister beauty and considered illegal on American roads because it doesn’t meet standard safety requirements...not that many people will object, given it costs $2,000,000.
5 TVR Tuscan
The TVR Tuscan is a truly hidden gem from the 1990s and early 2000s. It is a mid-engine rear-wheel drive car that has an in-line-6 engine which puts out 350 hp.
This car is too fast and has been banned because of this reason. European automotive laws are a lot looser than those in the United States. The TVR Tuscan is deemed unsafe for American drivers.
4 Noble M600
Unfortunately, Americans can’t get their hands on this hand-built custom-designed British supercar. The model packs a twin-turbo V8 engine and produces 450 hp.
The turbo kit comes equipped with a variable boost which can get the car to as much as 650 hp. The Noble M600 is a truly stunning car that many American car enthusiasts wish they could get their hands on.
3 Pagani Huayra
The Pagani Huayra is one of Pagani’s fastest cars, and its notable design makes it one of the coolest sports cars in general. The 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine under its hood is a that produces 720 hp.
It is safe to say that the Pagani Huayra is a serious rarity in the car world with only 100 units having been produced. It was banned because it is doesn’t follow American safety regulations.
2 Koenigsegg Agera R
The Koenigsegg Agera R is one of the most desirable supercars ever made. Its acceleration is brutal, it goes from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. Its design also sets it apart from other supercars.
It was designed by Christian Von Koenigsegg who decided that the car would be cool if it had a reactive rear wing and a triplex suspension system. It has a retail price of $1.5 million however, it doesn’t meet certain US federal standards.
1 Lotus 340
In 2000, Lotus made the Lotus 340R which was equipped with a 4-cylinder engine that propels the car to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds. It boasts incredible weight distribution and extremely light for a supercar.
The Lotus 340R is actually designed to be a track car and doesn’t meet safety standards to legally be driven on US roads. It has been over a decade and it is still one of the most interesting supercars today.