Supercars combine engineering expertise with cutting-edge scientific advancements. Through effective modifications to bodywork and technology, they redefine modern mobility. The race among automakers to bring the ultimate supercar to market dates back to the late nineteenth century. Since the invention of the automobile over 130 years ago, the pursuit of speed has been just as important as improving transportation.
In the late 1940s, the world was in crisis and the economy was struggling. World War II had led to the destruction of many European car factories. Engineers who had dedicated their talents to the armaments industry during the war could only now return to vehicle development. The automotive industry was recovering slowly from the ravages of war, but manufacturers soon sought to present their super sports cars internationally.
In the early 1980s, global prosperity increased. The booming economy created a new demographic for car buyers. Even basic cars became affordable for more and more people. The supercar segment also benefited from this boom. Advances in computer technology and new homologation procedures for racing cars led to a number of new and inspiring car models, such as the Audi Quattro, the BMW M1, and the Aston Martin Vantage.
Supercars: They put hundreds of horsepower on the road, cost millions, and are faster than many race cars. When the Lamborghini Diablo was unveiled in 1990, it replaced the legendary Countach model. From 1992 onward, the McLaren F1, the last non-electric supercar, shaped the face of the automotive industry. In the same year, the British car manufacturer Jaguar launched the XJ220, intended to rival the McLaren F1 as the fastest production car.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the supercar unexpectedly faced competition from a new type of vehicle: hypercars. These highly advanced models surpassed supercars in several areas. When the Bugatti Veyron was launched in 2005, its more than 1,000 horsepower set a milestone in automotive history. In 2016, the traditional Italian company Pagani unveiled the Huayra model. The Pagani Huayra has been described as the jet engine of hypercars.