A manufacturer’s single-minded pursuit of a performance-crazed vehicle – more often than not – results in the birth of a supercar. Lamborghini’s V12 Miura held the title of the world’s fastest car when it debuted and is often credited as the founding member of the supercar genre. Since its inception in 1966, the formula for denizens of speed has always been to produce a car on the bleeding edge of performance and power. In the early 2000s, supercars were characterized by their athletic engines mustering tarmac-splitting amounts of power housed in captivating physiques. Some examples include the Ferrari 360 Modena, Mercedes-McLaren SLR, Porsche Carrera GT, and the Ford GT.
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In recent years, many automakers have, as the bar for performance in this category has been raised over the years, opted to rely on all-wheel-drive systems in many of their supercars. In turn, this has resulted in the archetypal high-horsepower and lightweight supercar feeding power exclusively to their rear wheels becoming a rarity within the supercar landscape. In 2024, there are only 13 supercars offered in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Here they are listed in alphabetical order.
13 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06
Chevrolet’s all-American mid-engine supercar
Engine
LT6 5.5-liter, V8
Horsepower
670 hp
Torque
460 lb-ft
Transmission
8-speed automatic
0-62 mph
2.6 seconds
Top speed
195 mph
America’s supercar. The Z06 badge first appeared in 1963 as a tuning package that offered a more hardcore variant of the C2 Corvette. After a hiatus spanning two Corvette generations – the C3 and C4 – the Z06 badge was brought back to life in the C5 generation and has been a mainstay in every Corvette generation since. The latest member of the Z06 bloodline is the mightiest and most capable rendition of the Z06 moniker ever. The rear-wheel-drive Corvette C8 Z06 ditches the brawny 490 hp 6.5-liter V8 that powers the 2023 Stingray in favor of the more athletic 670 hp LT6 5.5-liter DOHC flat-plane V8. Fun fact, the LT6 engine may only produce 20 hp more than the supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 engine in the previous generation Z06, but it does so without the whiny inhaler and smaller displacement.
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The stance of the Z06 is 3.6 inches wider than the Stingray to accommodate the 345-section rear tires. The medley of ample rubber to burn, the Z06’s launch control system, and the electronic limited-slip differential allow the 3434-pound mid-engine ‘Vette to sprint from a standstill to 60 mph quicker than the slightly less power-dense all-wheel-drive, V10-powered 2023 Audi R8.
You might think that Chevy updated to AWD with the all-new 1,000 + hp ZR1, but no. This new track monster sends all its power to the rear wheels.
12 Ferrari 12Cilindri
Ferrari calls it the “dodici-cilindri”, pronounced “dodi-chi chilin-dri”
Engine
6.5-liter, naturally-aspirated, V12
Horsepower
819 hp
Torque
500 lb-ft
Transmission
8-speed automatic
0-62 mph
2.9 seconds
Top speed
211 mph
The 12Cilindri is the latest spawn from the Maranello factory, inspired by its two-seater V12-powered forefathers of the 1950s and 60s and standing at the forefront of the firm’s forward-focused powertrain philosophy. A front-mounted 6.5-liter unassisted V12 engine, inheriting upgraded components and software from the 812 Competizione, features a throaty redline of 9500 rpm, burdening 819 hp and 500 lb-ft on the rear wheels. Key elements purposed to perfectly resonate the efforts of a large displacement powerhouse with a dozen cylinders are the equal-length exhaust tracts and a new 6-into-1 exhaust manifold for every cylinder bank.
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Ferrari focused on producing an all-aluminum chassis, two-seater Berlinetta exuding elegance without sacrificing performance. Several aerodynamic elements, like the 25-mm nolder (the little ducktail) on the boot lid, active aero flaps, and a specially designed underbody with front-mounted vortex generators help achieve the interplay between a stunning physique and aerodynamic efficiency. Ferrari has leveraged the knowledge and technology used by its most recent heavy hitters, like the 812 Competizione and 296 GTB, to underpin the most technologically advanced road-going Prancing Horse to date.
11 Ferrari 296 GTB
The first six-cylinder powered road-going Prancing Horse
Engine
3.0-liter, twin-turbo, Plug-in-hybrid, V6
Horsepower
819 hp
Torque
545 lb-ft
Transmission
8-speed automatic
0-62 mph
2.9 seconds
Top speed
205 mph
Debuting in 2021, the Ferrari 296 GTB was the first road car from the Maranello factory to be powered by the then-newly developed 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The 296 GTB is founded on a rear-wheel-drive-only PHEV system consisting of the new V6 engine and a rear-mounted electric motor. Ferrari introduced the Transition Management Actuator (TMA), which oversees the interplay between the two power units and manages the switch between a joint effort and up to 15 miles of all-electric propulsion. Further down the powertrain, there is an eight-speed DCT and an E-differential.
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The 296 GTB boasts impressive vehicle dynamics that are a result of several hardware and software elements working together to elevate its performance capabilities. The new PHEV foundation affixed to the shorter wheelbase, 50 mm shorter than the previous mid-rear-engined Berlinettas, is a significant pairing that helped achieve the Coupé’s commendable driver engagement. However, it was also the result of the integration of the 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor system, TMA, with the ABS evo controller that resulted in the 3240-pound GTB’s dynamism.
10 Ferrari 812 GTS
The bastion of the 812 moniker
Engine
6/5-liter, naturally-aspirated, V12
Horsepower
789 hp
Torque
529 lb-ft
Transmission
7-speed automatic
0-62 mph
< 3 seconds
Top speed
> 211 mph
Offered solely in convertible configuration, Ferrari has taken to its 812 GTS with an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude, as the V12-powered two-seater has remained unchanged since its debut in the US in 2020. Essentially, the open-top variation of the late Superfast mode, the GTS carries on the legacy of the 812 moniker. Sharing the same specifications and capabilities as its Coupé counterpart, the GTS is distinguished by its redesigned exterior elements. The spider variant’s rear features a revised roof, tonneau cover, and luggage space. Additionally, the GTS lacks the aerodynamic bypass duct on the rear wheel arch afforded to the Superfast model and compensates for this with a revised rear diffuser featuring a triple-plane wing.
The front of the 812 GTS relies on a double-wishbone suspension system whereas the rear features a multi-link setup. The GTS derivative is further distinguished from the Coupé derivative by way of forged multi-spoke aluminum wheels.
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9 Gordon Murray Automotive T.50
Modern McLaren F1
Engine
3.9-liter, naturally-aspirated, V12
Horsepower
656 hp
Torque
344 lb-ft
Transmission
6-speed manual
0-62 mph
< 3 seconds
Top speed
226 mph
Gordon Murray’s T.50, the modern interpretation of the hallowed McLaren F1, is a marvel of automotive engineering. At the core of the carbon fiber monocoque chassis is a 3.9-liter V12 with a ludicrous redline of 12,100 rpm, which is the result of a collaborative effort between venerated power unit supplier, Cosworth, and Gordon Murray Automotive. A driver must row through all six gears on their own while sending 656 hp to the rear wheels of a three-seater supercar weighing only 2198 pounds.
Wherever the eye falls on this car, a unique and extensively developed component can be found. Still, among the many wonders of the British supercar, one of the more notable aspects of it is the 400mm fixed pitch multi-blade fan jutting out of the rear of the GMA T.50. In tandem with the active rear spoiler and diffuser, the fan increases downforce by 50%, reduces drag, adds horsepower to the car’s output and decreases the braking distance roughly 33 feet from 150 mph. Supporting the featherweight T.50 is a forged aluminum double wishbone suspension system. It also has a low center of gravity that aids in the dynamism of the T.50 as it experiences less pitch during braking and cornering, allowing the T.50 to maintain its poise in intense driving scenarios.
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8 Gordon Murray T.33
GMA’s second all-new supercar
Engine
3.9-liter, naturally-aspirated, V12
Horsepower
607 hp
Torque
333 lb-ft
Transmission
6-speed manual
0-62 mph
< 3 seconds
Top speed
208 mph
Joining the jet-fighter-inspired T.50 and the more hardcore T50s Niki Lauda, Gordon Murray Automotive unveiled its second all-new British supercar, the T.33. Two seats, a revised 3.9-liter V12 configuration, and no 400mm fan poking out of its rear are some of the more noticeable differences between it and its older sibling, the T.50. The reconfigured V12 engine – possessing new variable valve timing, camshafts, and engine mapping – produces its maximum output of 607 hp at 10,500 rpm but will go another 500 rpm more before hitting its redline. Without the large fan implemented in the T.50, the T.33 relies on ground effect aerodynamics. Avoiding the need for aggressive bodywork, the aerodynamic qualities of the front and rear diffuser – along with the active rear spoiler – are some of the elements of the T.33’s carbon fiber frame that help it achieve 330 pounds of downforce at 150 mph.
The 2,403-pound supercar is supported by a double-wishbone front suspension system with coil-over spring dampers and an anti-roll bar, while the rear is also equipped with a double-wishbone setup.
7 Hennessey Venom F5
A potent high-performance weapon
Engine
6.6-liter, twin-turbo, V8
Horsepower
1817 hp
Torque
1194 lb-ft
Transmission
7-speed semi-automatic
0-62 mph
2.6 seconds
Top speed
> 311 mph
Hennessey Performance’s Venom F5 is, for lack of a better word, mental. At the core of its carbon fiber monocoque chassis is a monstrous twin-turbocharged powerhouse, aptly dubbed “Fury”, which generates 1,817 hp and nearly 1,200lb-ft of torque and sends it straight to the Coupe’s rear wheels. Thanks to various software systems like the one that limits power to each rear wheel depending on the amount of traction, an electronic stability program, and probably black magic, the 2,998-pound Venom F5 can violently sprint from a standstill to 124 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Independent double-wishbone setups are employed on the front and rear of the Venom F5, each sporting Penske fully adjustable coil-over dampers. Rowing through all seven gears is done via the aluminum shift levers flanking the carbon-fiber yoke-style steering wheel. When it debuted in 2020, a single Hennessey Venom F5 would set you back by only $2.1 million.
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6 Koenigsegg CC850
An homage to a moniker of old
Engine
5.0-liter, twin-turbo, V8
Horsepower
1185 hp/1385 hp
Torque
1020 lb-ft
Transmission
6-speed manual/ 9-speed automatic
0-62 mph
Unknown
Top speed
Unknown
Like Gordon Murray’s T.50 and T.33, Koenigsegg’s CC850 is, in its own right, a marvel of automotive engineering. The two-door, two-seater carbon fiber-laden “megacar” has been brought into this world as a tribute not only to Koenigsegg’s founder but also to the 20th anniversary of the CC8S of yore. The 5.0-liter flat-plane V8 with its 8,500 rpm redline outputs 1185 hp on regular gasoline, but when fed E85, its output climbs to 1385 hp, fully felt at 7,800 rpm. While the engine powering the CC850 is a notable attraction of the tribute car, one of the more beguiling aspects of it is the trick transmission.
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Based on the Light Speed Transmission we’ve seen used in the likes of the Jesko, the CC850 relies on the new Engage Shift System to allow different gear ratios to be used depending on the driving modes. What this results in is the ability for an adaptable transmission, which, in the CC850, can be switched on-the-fly between a six-speed manual transmission and a rapid nine-speed automatic. Underneath the pre-impregnated carbon fiber body lives a double wishbone system with a hydraulically adjustable ride height and gas-hydraulic shock absorbers.
5 Maserati MC20
Signaling Maserati’s return to the supercar category
Engine
3.0-liter, twin-turbo, V6
Horsepower
621 hp
Torque
538 lb-ft
Transmission
8-speed automatic
0-62 mph
2.8 seconds
Top speed
202 mph
The MC20 was a much-needed break from what Maserati had been peddling for years. In contrast to the four-door Quattroporte, hulking Levante, and aged Ghibli, the MC20 was an injection of performance and athleticism into the lackluster lineup. At its core is the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 engine with an 8,000 rpm redline. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is employed alongside the Nettuno powerplant. Power is directed exclusively to the rear wheels, but a mechanical limited-slip differential that comes standard aids in its ability to achieve a sprint from a standstill to 62 mph in under 3 seconds. Maserati does offer an electronically controlled listed slip differential as an option.
The entire car is supported by a forged aluminum double wishbone suspension system on the front and rear axles and includes active shock absorbers. Stopping power comes from the combination of Brembo ventilated carbon ceramic brakes paired with six-piston floating calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.
4 McLaren GTS
Blending performance and practicality while replacing the outgoing GT
Engine
4.0-liter, twin-turbo, V8
Horsepower
626 hp
Torque
465 lb-ft
Transmission
7-speed automatic
0-62 mph
3.2 seconds
Top speed
203 mph
Replacing the McLaren GT and building upon the grand tourer philosophy, the new McLaren GTS is a V8-powered two-seater with looks that could kill and a skill set ticking nearly every consumer’s box. The GTS can rocket from a standstill to 60 mph in just over three seconds but also offers a total cargo space of 570 liters (150 liters at the nose and 420 at the rear). This Jekyll and Hyde combination, comprised of a carbon monocoque tub and underscored by double wishbone suspension setups with continuously variable twin-valve hydraulic dampers, is made sweeter by the “Hammerhead” styling.
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The mid-engine GTS relies on the SSG transmission to rapidly alternate between its seven gears, or it can be done manually by the driver via the paddle shift levers that flank the steering wheel. Fully loaded, the GTS tips the scales at 3,362 pounds, but with the large carbon ceramic brakes, it takes only 105 feet to come to a stop, from 62 mph and 417 feet from 124 mph.
3 McLaren 750S
The successor of the 720S
Engine
4.0-liter, twin-turbo,V8
Horsepower
740 hp
Torque
590 lb-ft
Transmission
7-speed automatic
0-62 mph
2.7 seconds
Top speed
206 mph
Although the 750S borrows a lot of the components that underpinned the outgoing 720S, it’s a considerable step up from its predecessor, now claiming the spot as the lightest and most powerful series-production McLaren. The rear wheels are the sole recipients of the 740 hp and 590 lb-ft generated by the uprated 4.0-liter eight-cylinder beating heart. Compared to the 720S, the 750S is 66 pounds lighter, makes 30 more horsepower, and is 0.1 seconds faster to race from a standstill to 62 mph. The bellowing of the power-dense 4.0-liter V8 is retorted through two center-exit exhausts inspired by those found on the rear of the iconic McLaren P1. The carbon fiber monocoque allows the total dry weight of the 750S to be just 2,815 pounds. Aside from more power and less weight, the 750S has been developed to be slightly more civilized than the model it supersedes.
Introduced to the new model are new linked-hydraulic suspension PCC III with new dampers and revised suspension geometry. The new and lighter suspension springs at the front are softer while the rear is stiffer, which aids in overall ride comfort, body roll control, and balance through corners. The 750S also features a new interior with a driver-focused column-mounted instrument display.
2 McLaren Artura
A medley of hybrid power and ICE grunt
Engine
3.0-liter, twin-turbo, Plug-in-hybrid, V6
Horsepower
690 hp
Torque
531 lb-ft
Transmission
8-speed automatic
0-62 mph
3 seconds
Top speed
205 mph
The Artura is the second model from McLaren to feature a Plug-in-hybrid system, the first being the P1. Unlike the rest of the McLaren fleet that employs a twin-turbo V8 as its power source, the Artura relies on the twin-turbocharged M630 V6 alongside an E-motor. The interplay between the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and the Axial Flux E-motor allows the Artura, which is based on the carbon fiber McLaren Lightweight Architecture chassis featuring an integrated 7.4kh lithium-ion battery pack consisting of five modules.
A sprint from a standstill to 62 mph is achieved in 3 seconds flat and is capable of completing a quarter-mile sprint in 10.7 seconds. McLaren states that in the pure EV mode, the Artura can cover a distance of up to 18.5 miles.
1 Pagani Utopia
“A glance to the future, a tribute to the past”
Engine
6.0-liter, twin-turbo, V12
Horsepower
864 hp
Torque
811 lb-ft
Transmission
7-speed manua/ 7-speed automatic
0-62 mph
< 3 seconds
Top speed
> 220 mph
Compared to the rest of the Pagani lineup, the Pagani Utopia is rather tame if you can even call an 864 hp V12-powered rear-wheel-drive hypercar with a seven-speed gated manual transmission tame. Built around three central ideas: simplicity, lightness, and the pleasure of driving, the Utopia is the third spawn by Horacio Pagani that bucks the idea of hybrid assistance and cumbersome batteries and instead opts for a bespoke V12 built by Mercedes-AMG and affixed to a manual seven-speed gearbox with an electro-mechanical differential. The select few that can get an allocation for one can opt for an Xtrac seven-speed transversal AMT gearbox.
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