Which Manufacturers Produce the Finest Supercar Engines at Present?

What qualities elevate a supercar like the Lamborghini Revuelto to greatness? Is it its stunning design? The intensely immersive driving experience? Or perhaps the dynamic powertrain concealed within its sleek exterior? While all these elements are essential to capture the attention of the ultra-affluent, we believe that the performance offered by the exotic engine is what truly distinguishes a supercar from ordinary vehicles. Therefore, we have created a compilation of the top-performing engines and the exceptional power units they are integrated into, all of which are presently featured in production supercars. This discussion will not focus on reliability; however, we have information available if that is a concern for you.

Selecting favorites is always a challenge, which is why we have narrowed down the selection to just the top 10 exhilarating and potent powerplants available today. While this is not an exhaustive list (that would require a substantial volume), it encompasses some of the most exceptional engines currently in production, presented here in no particular order of superiority.

1 Lamborghini Revuelto

6.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V12 Plug-in Hybrid

The Revuelto commands attention with its robust hybrid powertrain. In a strategic move to retain the distinctive essence of the brand, Lamborghini opted to maintain a naturally aspirated V12 engine, which is now supplemented by three electric motors: two at the front and one at the rear. This V12 represents Lamborghini’s lightest and most potent powerplant to date, generating 814 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, reaching an impressive 9,500 rpm redline. With the combined contribution of the three electric motors, the power output surges to 1,001 hp and 739 lb-ft of torque.

2 Ferrari SF90 Stradale

4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 Plug-in Hybrid

Inspired by the renowned SR-71 Blackbird high-altitude bomber, this vehicle not only appears poised for flight but possesses the capability to do so, thanks to the most power-dense motor ever integrated into a production automobile. The 2.88-liter twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 generates up to 1,350 horsepower and can rev to an impressive 11,000 rpm. It achieves 0-62 mph in just 1.9 seconds, with the company setting its sights on conquering lap records at esteemed tracks worldwide.

Czinger also seems keen on pursuing maximum speed accolades. Two years back, the company introduced the V Max iteration alongside the standard 21C model.

5 Pagani Utopia

6.0-liter Twin-Turbo AMG V12

The 6.0-liter AMG V12 engine with twin-turbos is a product of Mercedes-AMG specifically crafted for Pagani. It delivers a staggering 852 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. Although the performance is undeniably exceptional, Pagani refrains from boasting about its 0-60 mph sprint times. Rest assured, if you are financially capable, an investment of $2.5 million will yield substantial returns.

We are simply pleased that the Utopia is a reality. Initially, Pagani had plans for an electric hypercar, as it is the favored powertrain for speed-oriented machines. In 2022, however, these plans were abandoned in favor of continuing the production of V12 hypercars, as per latest reports.

6 McLaren 750S

4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8

The flat-plane crank V8 inside the 750s now flaunts increased boost compared to the 720s, integrating the pistons from the 765LT and other enhancements, resulting in an output of 740 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The performance uptick wasn’t monumental, noticeable mainly at higher speeds, but the engine’s melodious rumble is undeniably tear-inducing. Once this engine, born as a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, takes its leave, it will be sorely missed.

Moving forward, McLaren’s focus will be on electrified powertrains, a positive development. Our recent encounter with the new Artura revealed its twin-turbocharged hybrid V6, a technological marvel. While not as vociferous, it certainly doesn’t lack power.

7 Ferrari 12Cilindri

6.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V12

While not the mightiest powerplant Ferrari has crafted (it lacks 10 lb-ft of torque compared to the 812 Competizione), the 819 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque will exhilaratingly thrust you back into your seat with abandon, thanks to the swift-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that’s 30% quicker than the 812. Significant effort was also invested in refining the engine note to deliver more growls and pops than ever before, a crucial aspect often driving the choice of a vehicle like this. It’s heartwarming to witness a company still devoted to crafting old-school naturally aspirated V12s among Ferrari’s hybrid lineup. As stated earlier, nothing quite matches the experience of a high-revving naturally aspirated V12.

8 Ford Mustang GTD

5.2-liter Supercharged V8

Ford has unleashed a Mustang in pursuit of supercars, an unexpected move. The American automaker’s effortsmentions that the supercharged V8 in the 5.2-liter engine generates over 800 horsepower, with specific details yet to be disclosed except for a redline that exceeds 7500 rpm. The ability to achieve a sub-seven minute Nürburgring lap time has been highlighted by the company, placing it among the elite supercars ever manufactured. We are eagerly anticipating experiencing that melodious whine of the supercharger at maximum throttle. The GTD is scheduled for production later this year, which is why it earns a place on this ranking.

9 Aston Martin Valkyrie

6.5-liter Naturally Aspirated Cosworth V12 Hybrid

The naturally aspirated engine developed by Cosworth is worthy of being showcased in a museum by itself. However, when combined with the Rimac hybrid battery system and the electric motor from Integral Powertrain Ltd, it transforms into a beast capable of producing 1,140 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque, echoing its prowess up to an 11,000 rpm redline. This automobile truly embodies a Le Mans hypercar for the streets, and the firm plans to validate this proposition by entering it into the prestigious 24-hour race next year. The fact that Max Verstappen possesses one of these vehicles is the epitome of a celebrity endorsement.

10 Koenigsegg Jesko

5.0-liter twin-turbo V8

The Jesko epitomizes ultimate performance, brought to life by the twin-turbo V8 engine at its core. Running on regular 95 Octane fuel, it can deliver up to 1,280 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. However, when fueled by E85, the power output surges to 1,603 horsepower, demanding a firm grip for those thrilling rides. With an 8,500 rpm redline and an (estimated) top speed exceeding 330 mph, Koenigsegg intends to put this proposition to the test worldwide shortly, and we eagerly await the outcome.