Posted on 06/03/2013 4:12:27 PM PDT by jjotto
Petrol heads, continue to rejoice: Car manufacturers have not ignored your cries for high-powered cars and trucks. Despite tightening emissions regulations and rising fuel costs, automakers are building an increasing number of vehicles putting out at least 500 horses.
Based on our research, there are over 80 cars sold in the United States that deliver these burnout-inducing numbers (not including tuners such as Mosler or Callaway). That's up about 10 cars from the list we did last year.
Each automaker takes its own approach to supplying adrenaline junkies with 500-plus hp, whether through massive turbochargers, supercharging, or just sticking to naturally aspirated goodness.
Cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG shun forced induction but can still churn out 563 hp of V8 power.
Then there are cars such as the Nissan GT-R that rely on turbochargers (two in that case) to produce an output of 545 hp from its 3.8-liter V6. The Bugatti Veyron uses four turbochargers to power its 16.4-liter W16 engine to produce 1,200 hp (for the Super Sport and Grand Sport Vitesse models).
Superchargers power up the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, which pumps out 638 hp from its 6.2-liter V8.
We're also seeing an increasing use of hybrid technology in high-powered supercars, with the forthcoming Porsche 918 Spyder and the Ferrari LaFerrari (not on sale yet) both producing over 850 hp using a combination of electric and gasoline-powered motivation.
Our list features not only cars, but trucks as well, some of which might do surprisingly well on the track. Manufacturers like BMW produce their X5M and X6M models, which both produce 555 hp from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. Land Rover also produces the supercharged Range Rover, which achieves 510 hp.
Then there are the hyperexotics, such as the Koenigsegg Agera and the Pagani Huayra (pronounced “why-ra”). The Agera reaches Bugatti territory, with its twin turbo 5.0-liter V8 producing an outrageous 1,140 hp. The Huayra, produces 700 hp from its AMG-sourced, twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12.
Horsepower does come at a price, though: The cheapest member of the 500 club is the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, stickering at $54,350. For the other cars, you'll have to have even deeper pockets.
Below is our list of the notable production cars that arrive with 500 hp or more. They are organized by horsepower from least to greatest; you'll notice some manufacturers grouped together if they use same engine.
Bask in all of this list's high-powered glory and feel free to sound off below on which ones you want, or already have, in your garage.
500 Club...
It's a 15L Cummings that probably outweighs a 2014 Shelby...Oh, and it has 788+ thousand miles on it.
Uh...I have no desire to own a flashy car or hot rod which goes 160mph...I got over that by the time I was 21. Besides, what are ya going to with it? Race it around the neighborhood? Take it to the store to impress grandma? Pose for pictures with it?
Enjoy it just like you would a fine meal, a good bottle of bourbon, a vacation or a seashore sunset.
They're for the idle wealthy, like celebrities you mentioned...
First time I've heard the explanation as to what the difference was, thanks. Never really looked but have been wondering for decades.
Regarding fast vehicles, all I have is a dirt bike that goes 0-60 in under 3 secs (in perfect conditions and pro skills which I don't have). But even if it takes me 3.5 it's plenty exciting and I don't want to go more than 60 anyway.
If you can’t afford it, don’t buy. That should be understandable, shouldn’t it? For those on a budget, there are very affordable used high HP vehicles available if one is patient and shops around. I know, I’ve done it.
The bitter tongue belies an envious heart. I get it too often. Impress grandma? WTF? This post will get pulled if I say another word to you which is unfortunate because there are several things I would really like to say to you.
Drag queen seems to be jealous or envious of those who have accomplished something or those who enjoy things that he/she can't have or doesn't want. What is perplexing is why he/she cares.
His posts seemed like something I might expect from an OWS type. I get a lot of attention driving around in my car. Random people come up and talk to me about it. Kids are especially enamored with it. I’ll always let them check it out and have been known to give rides with mom’s permission of course. They get a kick out of it and I like to think that it shows them what a little hard work, responsibility, and education can do for you. When I was kid, I drooled over the stingrays and truly believed that I would never be able to own such a thing as I was quite poor growing up. Well, now I have one and I absolutely love it. I regularly come across jealous types who feel the need to disrespect me and the car too. Someone spit on it once. I know of another vette that had a lit cigarette thrown into it in a parking lot. Some people appreciate its beauty and style, others despise it.
I was similar. I worked while attending college and was able to afford a used '57 Chevy. I bought a new '68 Torino GT and that was the last automobile I owned until a few years ago. Everything else I owned were 4WD pick ups and SUVs. When I finally had some free time and some spending money I started searching for the cars I always had dreamed about owning and driving that wouldn't totally break me.
Because I wasn't in a hurry, wasn't head over heels in love with a certain year or model, I could pick and choose in a timely fashion. The chase is almost as much fun as driving the cars. It is a hobby. My collection now includes a couple of Corvettes, a Jag V-12, a MB 380 SL and a Mustang GT. I've got my eye on a BMW Z3, but haven't come to an agreement on price yet.
Mine was AWD and a level 6 built 4l70e trans and my driveline loss was more than 25%.
It was really fun. I wish I still had her... Just not as my daily driver lol.
Well that's very commendable and the reasons mentioned above as to why these old guys in their 80s spend the wad on some flashy high end cars...They're looking for some attention...
Whatever spins your spokes!
BTW, you seem really angry..
Cheer up!
nice collection. I’m jealous now! ;-). so many cars, so little time.
I bought a corvette (at 37 years old incidentally) because they are one of the few things being built to last a lifetime these days. It is, in fact, the finest car built by GM. The fact that it looks cool, goes fast, and gets 30 mpg is all just...icing on the cake.
So, I will be driving it when I'm 80 years old because it will have lasted that long. It's high quality and, if one has the money for high quality, why disparage them for it? Should I have bought something of lesser quality for some reason? Why?
Of course you are. Just up thread ya commented that your post would be pulled if ya really told me what ya thought...
Pretty dramatic stuff RC.
My post were not even directed at you. But you clearly became angry, sensitive and somehow offended.
In fact my initial comments simply pointed out many of these high end sleds in today's America are drivin by feeble guys in their 80s, attempting to impress...Which clearly caused you significant anger...
Take a deep breath, relax... There is nothing to get angry about here.
oh, and throughout this thread, you haven’t been insulting to me and everyone else who chooses to drive around in a nice car, have you Mr. Sourgrapes? Now you’re trying to pretend like you haven’t been-like I’m just an angry person. Well B.S. You dragged my grandmother into this argument and I really only have two words for you after that.
LOL!
I give this a 8 on the honking hoot scale...
Yuk, yuk...
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