With advancements in modern technology and the increasing prevalence of forced induction, naturally aspirated engines are becoming rarer than ever.
While this may be disappointing for dedicated automotive enthusiasts, it enables manufacturers to extract greater power from smaller engines.
A prime example is the updated Toyota GR Yaris, which boasts over 300 horsepower from its turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine. And that’s just the beginning.
Recently, Koenigsegg introduced the world’s most powerful three-cylinder engine, named the Tiny Friendly Giant, which produces an astonishing 1,700 horsepower and 2,581 pound-feet of torque. Not magic. Not trickery. Just the power of turbocharged engineering.
Beyond hot hatches and compact cars, supercharged, turbocharged, and even plug-in hybrid supercars and hypercars have surpassed what was once thought possible in terms of performance. This list highlights the most powerful turbocharged cars ever created.
12. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
Horsepower: 1,183 hp
The Bugatti Veyron remains one of the most significant cars in automotive history. In April 2005, the standard Veyron reached a record-breaking top speed of 253.8 mph, surpassing the legendary McLaren F1 as the world’s fastest car.
However, Bugatti wasn’t finished just yet and, in 2010, introduced an even more extreme version the Super Sport.
Using the same W-16 engine as the base model, the Veyron Super Sport was fine-tuned for even greater performance. It shed weight to reach 4,470 pounds and incorporated an extensive amount of carbon fiber.
These enhancements allowed the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport to set a new world record in 2010, reaching an astonishing top speed of 267.86 mph.
Other Impressive Feats
- Aerodynamic coefficient of 0.348
- 9.7-second quarter-mile
- Gear shifts in just 100 milliseconds
11. Hennessey Venom GT
Horsepower: 1,244 hp
Hennessey has built a reputation for pushing the limits of performance, known for power-packed creations like the 708-horsepower Chevrolet C8 Corvette.
However, its in-house supercars have also made waves none more so than the Venom GT, the vehicle that first put Hennessey on the global map.
Often regarded as the ultimate American supercar, the Venom GT may resemble a Lotus, but beneath its sleek exterior lies a twin-turbo V-8 derived from the LS2 engine.
Producing over 1,000 horsepower, this powerhouse propelled the Venom GT to a top speed that even surpassed the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.
Other Impressive Feats
- 0-200 mph in just 14.51 seconds
- Quarter-mile time of 9.92 seconds at 163 mph
- Lightweight construction with a 2,732-pound curb weight
Also Read: The 10 Most Powerful Engines Ever Put in a Car
10. SSC Ultimate Aero TT
Horsepower: 1,287 hp
Founded by Jerod Shelby, Shelby Super Cars (SSC) specializes in crafting high-performance, low-volume vehicles that push automotive engineering to its limits.
In the early 2000s, SSC introduced the Ultimate Aero, powered by a supercharged V-8 based on the legendary LS1 engine.
A few years later, SSC refined the Ultimate Aero, swapping out the supercharged engine for a twin-turbocharged V-8 that delivered well over 1,000 horsepower.
With this upgrade, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT became faster than the reigning Bugatti Veyron. Along with its immense power, the car featured advanced aerodynamics, including an air brake and a drag coefficient of 0.367.
Other Impressive Feats
- Accelerates from 0-300 kph (186 mph) in 15.1 seconds
- Weighs just 2,800 pounds
- Quarter-mile sprint in 9.9 seconds
9. Koenigsegg Agera RS
Horsepower: 1,341 hp
Swedish hypercar manufacturer Koenigsegg is known for crafting some of the most desirable high-performance vehicles in the world, and the Agera RS is among its most iconic creations.
Featuring an aggressive aerodynamic design paired with an immensely powerful twin-turbo V-8, the Agera RS produces a staggering 1,341 horsepower when equipped with the 1MW engine upgrade.
In 2019, the Koenigsegg Agera RS set a new benchmark by accelerating from a standstill to 400 kph and back to zero in an astonishing 33.29 seconds, breaking the previous record held by the Bugatti Chiron.
Moreover, with a top speed of 277.87 mph, the Agera RS once again dethroned Bugatti, solidifying its place among the fastest hypercars ever built. However, exclusivity is key only 25 units of the Agera RS exist, making it one of the rarest vehicles on this list.
Other Impressive Feats
- Generates 485 kg of downforce at 250 kph
- Engine weighs only 189 kg
- Lightweight carbon fiber central-locking wheels
8. Czinger 21C
Horsepower: 1,350 hp
The Czinger 21C is anything but conventional, even by hypercar standards. With a bold, futuristic design and groundbreaking manufacturing techniques, this vehicle redefines the limits of automotive engineering.
While the phrase “3D-printed car” might evoke images of models or toy replicas, Los Angeles-based Czinger leverages cutting-edge production methods including 3D printing to build some of the most advanced performance machines on the planet.
The level of innovation that went into designing the Czinger 21C extends beyond just the car itself it includes the software that helped construct it.
While the 21C’s design is a marvel on its own, its powertrain is equally impressive. A mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged V-8 producing 950 horsepower revs up to an astonishing 11,000 RPM.
This internal combustion engine is complemented by an 800-volt electric drive system that adds 300 additional horsepower through a pair of independent front motors integrated into the front sub-frame.
Combined, the total system output reaches 1,250 horsepower, with an optional upgrade to 1,350 horsepower.
Other Impressive Feats
- 11,000 RPM redline
- Frame is primarily 3D printed
- Claimed to reach 248 mph from a standstill in just 21.3 seconds
7. Koenigsegg CC850
Horsepower: 1,385 hp
The Koenigsegg CC850 stands out as one of the most captivating hypercars ever created. Drawing inspiration from the early-2000s CC8S, it seamlessly blends retro styling with modern innovation.
One of its most unique features is its transmission offering drivers the ability to switch between a gated six-speed manual and a nine-speed automatic.
Inside, the CC850 boasts a cockpit that masterfully integrates leather and carbon fiber, further enhancing its luxurious yet performance-driven character. In every sense, this is the most powerful manual-production car available today.
One of the CC850’s most remarkable capabilities is its adaptable power output, which depends on the type of fuel used.
When running on standard gasoline, it delivers 1,185 horsepower, but with E85 fuel, that figure increases to an incredible 1,385 horsepower.
Like other Koenigsegg masterpieces, production is extremely limited only 70 road-legal units of the CC850 exist.
Other Impressive Feats
- Perfect 1:1 power-to-weight ratio
- 8,500 RPM redline
- Features an analog Chronocluster gauge cluster
6. Koenigsegg Regera
Horsepower: 1,479 hp
Staying true to Koenigsegg’s legacy, the Regera features a mid-mounted twin-turbo V-8 like its Swedish counterparts.
However, it stands out by incorporating three electric motors that significantly boost its power output. One of the Regera’s most innovative aspects is its unique single-speed gearbox, setting it apart from conventional hypercars.
As of now, the Koenigsegg Regera holds the record for the fastest time for a production car to accelerate from a standstill to 400 kph (249 mph) and come back to a full stop.
However, the Regera isn’t just about raw performance it also places a strong emphasis on luxury.
It comes equipped with Android Auto, an induction phone charger, two cupholders, carbon bucket seats with memory foam, and even a reverse camera, offering a blend of comfort and cutting-edge technology.
Other Impressive Feats
- Achieved 0-400 kph (249 mph) in just 28.81 seconds
- Features a removable hardtop roof
- Equipped with rear-wheel steering
5. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport
Horsepower: 1,577 hp
At the time of writing, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ holds the title of the world’s fastest production car, reaching an astounding top speed of 304.773 mph.
The main distinctions between the Chiron Super Sport and the 300+ version lie in the removal of the electronic speed governor, along with several modifications to the cooling system and aerodynamics.
Despite these differences, the standard Bugatti Chiron Super Sport is still an engineering marvel.
Its quad-turbocharged W-16 powerplant produces an immense 1,517 horsepower and allows the car to reach 273 mph before encountering the limiter.
It’s remarkable to consider that nearly two decades later, Bugatti continues to refine the same engine concept introduced with the legendary Veyron.
Other Impressive Feats
- Features front fender vents inspired by the iconic Bugatti EB110
- Equipped with specially designed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for optimized performance
4. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut
Horsepower: 1,578 hp
For now, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut represents the pinnacle of Koenigsegg’s V-8-powered hypercars.
While the standard Jesko is designed as a track-focused machine, the Absolut is engineered with a singular goal achieving maximum speed. Its aerodynamically optimized body is purpose-built for this mission.
Instead of utilizing a massive rear wing like its track-focused sibling, the Jesko Absolut is designed with two vertical fins to enhance high-speed stability.
Additional aerodynamic enhancements include an elongated rear end, dished rear wheels, underbody flaps, and a reduced maximum downforce of just 150 kg (331 lbs).
When paired with its near-1,600 horsepower output, Koenigsegg estimates that the Jesko Absolut should be capable of surpassing 310 mph.
Other Impressive Feats
- Features a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.278
- Boasts an 8,500 RPM redline
- Houses the world’s lightest V-8 crankshaft, weighing only 12.5 kg (27.56 lbs)
3. Bugatti W16 Mistral
Horsepower: 1,578 hp
Sharing its powerhouse with the Chiron Super Sport, the Bugatti Mistral brings open-top driving to the lineup while delivering the kind of performance expected from a $5-million hypercar.
At its core, the legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W-16 engine unleashes 1,578 horsepower, with a seven-speed automatic transmission managing the gear shifts.
To call the Mistral fast would be an understatement, though in comparison to the Chiron Super Sport, it is slightly more restrained.
Despite its extravagant price, every unit of the Mistral has already been sold, securing its place in automotive history.
Inside, the Mistral offers a luxurious cabin that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with premium materials.
However, Bugatti ensures that the focus remains on the car’s breathtaking aesthetics, staggering performance, and the historical significance of its creation.
Other Impressive Feats
- A key member of the Chiron lineage
- Capable of reaching a 261 mph top speed
- One of the rare drop-top Bugattis
2. SSC Tuatara
Horsepower: 1,750 hp
Following in the footsteps of the Ultimate Aero, the SSC Tuatara continues the American tradition of high-performance V-8-powered hypercars, but with a major leap forward in technology and power.
Under the hood, a twin-turbocharged 5.9-liter V-8 generates 1,350 horsepower on 91-octane fuel. However, when running on E85, that figure skyrockets to an astonishing 1,750 horsepower.
The SSC Tuatara is not only one of the most powerful hypercars in existence but also among the fastest, boasting a near-300-mph top speed.
Despite its extreme performance focus, SSC has integrated luxury features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, a rearview camera, and side cameras to enhance the driving experience.
Other Impressive Feats
- Aerodynamic design with a drag coefficient of just 0.279
- High-revving V-8 with an 8,800 rpm redline
- Lightning-fast gear shifts, taking less than 100 milliseconds between changes
1. Hennessey Venom F5
Horsepower: 1,817 hp
Claiming the title of the most powerful turbocharged car in the world, the Hennessey Venom F5 continues the legacy of the Venom GT and other high-performance creations from Hennessey.
Equipped with a twin-turbocharged V-8 named “Fury,” this beast delivers over 1,800 horsepower without any assistance from electric motors.
Inside the Venom F5, the cabin exudes a race car feel, featuring a carbon fiber yoke-style steering wheel, an F1-inspired digital gauge cluster, and lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats with minimal padding.
Recently, the track-focused Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution achieved a major milestone by setting a new production car record at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) with a lap time of 2:10.90 an impressive seven seconds faster than the McLaren P1.
While the Venom F5 has yet to officially validate its full performance capabilities, it has already made its mark as a record-breaking machine.
Other Impressive Feats
- 8,500 rpm redline
- 0.39 drag coefficient
- Lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis weighing just 190 lbs
This collection of hypercars represents the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering, each pushing the boundaries of speed, design, and power in their own unique way.