The definition of a supercar has changed over the decades, as well as cars themselves. Some people imagine exotic, unique, limited-edition cars when they hear the term supercar. Some believe that supercars are something about incredible technical features, especially top speed. The truth lies somewhere between engineering superiority and overall aesthetic beauty. To some extent, all supercars are a story about a mindset: supercars must appeal to those for whom the driving experience is an essential part of life. We all had those bedroom wall posters — Lamborghini and Ferrari — a pipe dream to drive them and perhaps one day to own. However, after a while, they all start to seem a bit tedious. Here is the case when being too extraordinary plays a trick — at least where sales are concerned.
Many supercars promise to show incredible road performance, outrageous asking prices, and tremendously low sales volumes. But, for some reason, they have been all relegated to obscurity. And it’s a pity that we neglect car makers who are ready to take risks and experiment beyond their power. So below, we’ve gathered 17 magnificent supercars you’ve never heard of.
W Motors Fenyr Supersport
The Fenyr SuperSport is a Lebanese sports car designed by W Motors, who initially became famous due to their incredible Lykan Hypersport. The Lykan Hypersport is renowned for its appearance in Fast and Furious 7. After a resounding success, the manufacturer decided to double its luck and improved some technical features of the Lykan (aerodynamics and track capabilities) to present the Fenyr SuperSport. As a result, the company targeted a top speed of 250mph and a 2.8s 0-60mph acceleration time.
Vencer Sarthe
The Vencer Sarthe is the first niche supercar produced by the Dutch car manufacturer Vencer. The model was built in extremely low volumes, with five to six cars assembled during the first year of production. The Sarthe was inspired by 1980s racing cars, and it’s intended to offer both a stylish interior design and stunning on-road performance.
Trion Nemesis
Trion is an American-based car manufacturer with its headquarters in Las Vegas. Their first concept was called Nemesis, and it impressed the public with its 2000 horsepower twin-turbo V8 capable of exceeding 270mph and doing 0-60mph in 2.8s. Additionally, the vehicle’s interior is significantly spacious, with enough legroom to fit drivers up to seven feet tall.
Spania GTA Spano
After 15 years of racing background with Spania GTA Competición, team director Domingo Ochoa wanted his dream of creating a Spanish sports car to come true. In 2009, after five years of hard work, the GTA Spano was first unveiled to a select group of people in Valencia. The prototype used an 8.3L twin-turbocharged Viper V10 engine producing 780 hp on regular pump gas and up to 820 hp on E85 biofuel and offered three transmission options. The original GTA Spano was first displayed to the public at the 2010 Top Marques Monaco exhibition. It had the exact specifications as the previous year’s concept. The supercar’s exterior attracted much attention due to its innovative aerodynamic design elements like integrated-door air intakes and badge-enabled access.
Panoz Abruzzi
The Panoz Abruzzi is a grand tourer built by the US-based manufacturer Panoz Auto Development. The concept is renowned for its multilayer composite known as REAMS (Recyclable Energy Absorbing Matrix System), a rear transaxle, and a ‘Trifecta’ cooling system. Apart from its elegant exterior, the supercar has a 6.2L LS3 V8 that lets it run up to 205mph.
Lotec Sirius
German automotive company Lotec unveiled their unique Lotec Sirius to the public in 2000. The company was initially engaged in producing racing cars. However, in 1990 Lotec was commissioned by an oil baron from the UAE to create a supercar for him. That gave birth to the Sirius that could go from 0 to 60mph in 3.8 seconds and had a top speed of 249mph. This concept car took three years to complete. Besides, Lotec promised to produce a road-going version of this car. However, no road-going copies have ever been presented or made.
Laraki Fulgura
The Laraki Fulgura is Morocco’s first and only supercar. Designed in 2002, the Fulgura was mainly based on the frame and mechanicals of a Lamborghini Diablo. The concept had a quad-turbo Mercedes-Benz 6.0L V12 engine showing the result of 0-60mph in 3.4s and hitting its 217mph top speed.
Isdera Commendatore 112i
The Isdera Commendatore 112I is a concept car designed by the German luxury car producer Isdera. The model was named in honor of Enzo Ferrari (Commendatore II was his title). The supercar exceeds any expectation with its 6.0L Mercedes-Benz M120 V12, a 4.7s 0-60mph acceleration time, a 212mph top speed, and its sleek handcrafted bodywork – a pure dream of any big boy. Unfortunately, the lack of financial support led the company into bankruptcy; that’s why they released only one copy.
Equus Bass 770
The Bass 770 is a supercar perfect for those looking for something resembling Ford Mustang or Dodge Charger with its ageless muscle-car-inspired exterior. Besides, if you look under the hood, you will find that it is equipped with seriously advanced tech, including a powerful 6.2L engine taken from a C6 ZR1, a magnetic suspension setup, and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes at all four wheels. Undoubtedly, even if it doesn’t look like a typical elegant exotic supercar, a 3.4s 0-60mph acceleration time and a 200mph top speed say otherwise.
Dome Zero
When you take a look at the 70s-era Italian-style Dome Zero (resembling Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos), you would hardly say that it actually came from Japan. Nonetheless, this eye-catching concept can take your breath away. Its 2.8L Nissan L28E engine, producing 143 hp, a ton-weight, five-speed manual, and affordable $60,000 price could make the concept the ultimate driver’s car.
Devon GTX
The first product of the American-based Devon Motorworks, the GTX model, was first presented at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The car featured an incredible carbon fiber body used for aircraft, “up and forward” articulating doors, and of course, an extremely powerful 8.4L V10 making 650 hp. Conceived by a super creative visionary industrial artist, designed by some of the world’s leading car engineers and experts, the Devon GTX was about to be the next greatest American supercar.
Covini C6W
Our list would never be entirely completed without the Covini C6W. Due to his passion for automobiles, Ferruccio Covini mainly focused on experimentation. His mighty six-wheeled monster with a 4.2L Audi V8 engine could produce 650 horses. Moreover, getting extra contact points and an additional set of brakes, the car was supposed to perform better in wet conditions and stop more effectively. In other words, this fabulous supercar was claimed to be the safest on the market. The 6CW production first started in 1974 and was promoted until it became too costly to maintain with the limited resources. With the lack of financial support and changing technologies, the production of the unique 6CW was finished.
Cizeta V16T
Cizeta V16T is a purely Italian sports car designed by automotive engineer Claudio Zampolli in a joint venture with music composer Giorgio Moroder. Created by a team of ex-Lamborghini engineers, it was the only product released by Cizeta. The vehicle resembling the Lamborghini Diablo exterior featured an actual 6.0L V16 engine, four pop-up headlights, and a lengthy 105.9-inch wheelbase. Although the brand ceased its production in 1995, those who wish to get a car can do it today on a made-to-order basis.
Bristol Fighter
Related to Dodge Viper, The Bristol Fighter is a sports car produced by Bristol Cars in small volume in the early 2000s. Beneath its lengthy hood, you may see a V10 producing 525 hp. Equipped with a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, the Fighter could do 0-60mph in just 4.0s before reaching its top speed of 210mph.
Ascari KZ1
Ascari KZ1 was named after Alberto Ascari, an Italian racing driver and Formula One World Championship double-winner. Founded in England by the Ascari Cars, specializing in small-run supercars for both the street and track, the Ascari KZ1 was a road-ready variant of the race A410 Le Mans prototype. Each copy featured a handcrafted carbon fiber body with a naturally-aspirated 5.0L V8 that produced 500 horsepower. In addition, all the supercar owners had the opportunity to test their KZ1’s at the Race Resort Ascari in Spain.
Arash AF8
Arash is a niche British supercar and hypercar manufacturer initially founded in England as Farboud Limited and later changed its name. The AF8 was designed in 2016 and later revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. It featured a carbon/steel-tube chassis and a mid-engined 7.0-liter V8 producing 505 hp. In many ways, the AF8 is similar to the Ferrari 458 and McLaren MP4-12C. The price for the car is about $250,000. However, despite some previous failures, the AF8 is the car that could bring Arash success.
Aixam Mega Track
If you’ve ever been interested in how sleek and smooth supercar’s body lines would interpret into a bulky off-road copy, the Mega Track will show you everything you would like to know. Mega, conceived by the sporty subsidiary of French manufacturer Aixam, was equipped with four full-size passenger seats, adjustable 13-inch ground clearance, and a full-time four-wheel-drive. Powered by a 6.0L naturally-aspirated V12 and 389 hp, a 5.8s 0-60mph acceleration time, and a top speed of 155mph, it was perhaps among the world’s most unusual cars ever produced, as was its $400,000 price tag in 1992.
