When talking about the best roadsters of all time, models like the infamous Mazda MX-5 Miata, the BMW Z3, the BMW Z4, the Mercedes-Benz CLK Class, or the Toyota MR2 may come to your mind. All are two-seated, drop-top, hair-blowing machines that are bound to put a grin on your face on the twisty roads and while you’re carving up the canyons.
One of the essential traits of a good roadster is its nimble and responsive handling, which all of these models have, but one thing that these famous roadsters don’t have is face-melting power and ludicrous speed. While they are some of the best roadsters of all time for reasons from being modern-day classics to featuring as a sought-after Bond car, they don’t have that explosive power output of some of the other memorable roadsters on our roads that combine speed, two-seater thrills, and planted-to-the-asphalt handling.
This is why we have compiled a list of the 10 best and most unforgettable roadsters ever based on horsepower. We have used a wide range of sources to bring you information about each model of the best roadsters of all time and have included information about their performance specifications, what makes them one of the best roadsters of all time, and the features they are equipped with that makes them performance demons.
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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including, Hagerty, J.D. Power, Classic.com, Hennessey Performance’s YouTube Channel, and FuelEconomy.gov. The following most unforgettable 10 best roadsters of all time have been chosen for their monumental horsepower output and have been ordered from the least powerful of the 10 to the most powerful. All the following models are equipped with engines that can produce more than 800 horsepower.
10 2024 Pagani Imola Roadster
Maximum Horsepower: 838 Horsepower
Acting as a testament to Pagani’s unrelenting dedication to pushing the boundaries of what can be done with a car, the 2024 Pagani Imola Roadster is an exotic-looking, raw-power-pumping 2-seated machine that exudes class, strength, and hypercar credentials. Featuring a sophisticated titanium monocoque chassis, that ensures both lightness and durability, makes it ideal for achieving optimal performance on and off the track, while the use of Barco-Triax HP62 and Carbo-Titanium materials throughout the design balances strength and agility in a way that few competitors can match.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 6.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-12 |
Transmission | Seven-Speed Automatic Sequential |
Horsepower | 838 Horsepower |
Torque | 811 LB-FT |
Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | < 3 Seconds |
Top Speed | 217 MPH |
Beneath the Imola Roadster’s sleek and artistic exterior, this beast of a roadster showcases an AMG-sourced powertrain, which has been optimized further by Pagani engineers to create a smooth and raucous output and has been mated to a seven-speed Xtrac automated sequential automatic transmission for smooth and performance-orientated shifts, highly suitable for circuit racing. Alongside this, Pagani has utilized aerospace-grade aluminum alloy throughout the suspension system to ensure that everything is as lightweight as possible, but to ensure it remains glued to the road whilst you are driving aggressively or through quick corners.
Pros
- There are only 8 being made, so this is a very exclusive roadster.
- Massive V-12 pumps out some serious horses.
- Boasts a unique style.
Cons
- It costs $6.6 million.
- Nearly impossible to buy one.
- It will cost a lot to run and maintain.
9 2022-2023 Lanzante McLaren P1 Spider
Maximum Horsepower: 903 Horsepower
The Lanzante McLaren P1 Spider, crafted by British racing specialist Lanzante, offers you an exhilarating blend of modern tech and pure power in a race-ready package. Lanzante, known for its rich and successful race history, has converted McLaren’s already insanely powerful P1 Coupe into an open-top monster, but without compromising its aerodynamic integrity. Lanzante has re-engineered the carbon-fiber MonoCage chassis to support open-top dynamics, maintaining a feather-light curb weight of just 3,153 LBS, and has emphasized its aerodynamic prowess by utilizing an adjustable rear wing and front splitter, both borrowed from McLaren’s Formula 1 heritage.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.8-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 Hybrid |
Transmission | Seven-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic |
Horsepower | 903 Horsepower |
Torque | 664 LB-FT |
Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | 2.8 Seconds |
Top Speed | 217 MPH |
Driven by a relatively small displacement V-8, the P1 Spider’s hybrid powertrain is paired with an electric motor that helps to boost the insane amount of power you can get from one of these elusive hypercar/roadsters. The hybrid powertrain is enhanced by McLaren’s unique IPAS (Instant Power Assist System), which ensures rapid acceleration by injecting power from the electric motor on demand, while the Drag Reduction System (DRS) further optimizes high-speed aerodynamics.
Further proving that Lanzante McLaren P1 Spider is racetrack-ready is the utilization of McLaren’s RaceActive Chassis Control, which enhances handling ability with hydraulic suspension damping, enabling you to drive hard and fast through most corners in most conditions. Visually, the Lanzante P1 Spider embraces an aggressive stance with aerodynamic scoops and carbon fiber accents, providing you with a light, loud, raucous, and stylish blast that not only performs like an F1 car, but is road-legal.
Pros
- Very powerful mixture of raw power and modern tech,
- Stunning-looking car to own.
- Menacing sound from the tailpipes.
Cons
- Only 5 were ever made.
- Almost impossible to find one for sale.
- They cost over $3 million new and prices are likely reach higher prices in a few years.
8 2013 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
Maximum Horsepower: 936 Horsepower
The 2013 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta was a ground-breaking moment for Ferrari when it was first designed in the early 2010s. It was the first time that one of their naturally aspirated engines could kick out such immense horsepower and was a leader in the use of hybrid technology in hypercars. It blends the exotic tastes of Ferrari with stunning hybrid power production, and the allure of a roadster, and to this day, is still one of the most powerful roadsters to ever grace our roads.
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The LaFerrari Aperta’s design radiates Ferrari’s DNA, from the bold front fascia to its front splitter, rear diffuser, underbody vortex generator, and aerodynamically optimized curves along the body. It screams in the oh-so-recognizable cacophony of sound that is so loved about open-top Ferraris, but will cost you on average $3 million to buy one today.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 6.3-Liter V-12 Hybrid |
Transmission | Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
Horsepower | 963 Horsepower |
Torque | 664 LB-FT |
Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | 2.8 Seconds |
Top Speed | 218 MPH |
At the heart of the LaFerrari Aperta is a naturally aspirated 65-degree V-12 with a compression ratio of 13.5:1, adaptive oil pump, variable intakes, and is paired with Ferrari’s HY-KERS hybrid system. The Formula 1 hybrid system utilizes a high-output electric motor that can kick out 163 horsepower on its own, offers immediate torque by the bucket load, and compliments the massive V-12 under the hood. Ferrari has also utilized their F1-inspired dual-clutch transmission to provide rapid shifts, while the LaFerrari’s traction control system manages output to maintain control even in the most challenging maneuvers.
So, not only is this crazy hybrid roadster fast in the straights and extremely powerful, with a motorbike-esque redline of 9,250 RPM, but it is more than capable of flying around a track with all four corners planted on the floor.
Pros
- Exclusive Ferrari to own; only 210 Apertas produced.
- Insane performance.
- Great on the track and on the road.
Cons
- Can only achieve around 12 MPG.
- Rare to find for sale today.
- Expensive in every way to run.
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7 2023 Ferrari SF90 XX Spider
Maximum Horsepower: 1,016 Horsepower
What Ferrari started with the LaFerrari Aperta has been exemplified by the 2023 Ferrari SF90 XX Spider. By incorporating Ferrari’s latest advancements in hybrid supercar technology and combining a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with three electric motors, it is the latest edition of what Ferrari is capable of.
Weighing in at approximately 3,693 LBS, this lightweight and chair-pinning roadster boasts Ferrari’s innovative 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, which ensures instant gear changes and an uninterrupted power flow, while Ferrari’s eSSC (electronic Side Slip Control) system and FDE2.0 (Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer) enhance stability, handling, and cornering precision, allowing you to push the XX Spider to its limit confidently.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 |
Transmission | Eight-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 1,016 Horsepower |
Torque | 593 LB-FT |
Driveline | Four-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | 2.3 Seconds |
Top Speed | 199 MPH |
The three electric motors featured in the 2023 SF90 XX Spider are capable of kicking out 230 horsepower on their own, so paired with the 786 horsepower V-8 makes for an insanely powerful and innovative roadster. To enhance the Spider further, the Assetto Fiorano package can be added to include titanium springs and lightweight carbon fiber door panels, which help in shedding crucial pounds for track days, while the retractable rear wing and front air vents, that adjust according to speed and conditions, ensure that your driving is as performance-orientated as it should be in a car of such esteemed racing heritage.
Pros
- Relatively cheaper than most other cars on our list.
- True racing pedigree.
- Lots of performance-orientated enhancements.
Cons
- The relatively lower starting price is between $528,765 and $580,000.
- Low diffuser height may mean scuffing or damaging it on bad roads.
- Only 599 were produced and they have all been sold.
6 2015 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse
Maximum Horsepower: 1,183 Horsepower
The 2015 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse remains one of the most formidable roadsters ever produced, utilizing an enormous and rarely seen 8.0-liter W-16 with four turbochargers. The Veyron Grand Vitesse houses an absolute beast of an engine that can push this heavyweight roadster (4,162 LBS) to some stunning top speeds of over 250 MPH while still boasting a luxury and grandiose interior and exterior design.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 8.0-Liter Quad-Turbocharged W-16 |
Transmission | Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
Horsepower | 1,183 Horsepower |
Torque | 1,100 LB-FT |
Driveline | All-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | 2.6 Seconds |
Top Speed | 255 MPH |
Bugatti’s attention to detail to luxury is apparent in the cabin, with custom leather upholstery and precision-stitched details complimenting the high-tech and innovative controls. As a much-sought-after targa top to compete with the Veyron Super Sport, this legendary roadster is electronically limited to its top speed, but in reality, we think that over 250 MPH is quite the achievement anyway.
Bugatti has employed innovative cooling and aero systems to manage the intense heat that is produced from the gnarly W-16 under the hood, while the use of a retractable rear wing and air brakes, which adjust in real-time depending on speed, carbon-fiber body parts, bespoke Michelin PAX tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, and the Veyron’s signature all-wheel-drive system, allows for extreme traction, a lightweight, thrilling, and confidence-boosting ride.
Pros
- Owners have complimented the insane power and stopping power.
- Set up for precise handling.
- Very exclusive car to own.
Cons
- The Veyron can only achieve a combined MPG rating of 10 MPG and will cost you over $6,000 on gas a year.
- No storage space.
- Exterior design is not for everyone.
5 2011 Hennessey Venom GT
Maximum Horsepower: 1,226 Horsepower
Hennessey has taken great pride in selling the 2011 Hennessey Venom GT as a direct competitor to the Bugatti Veyron, saying; “When a Bugatti Veyron seems a little too tame…” on their website, and to be fair, this lightweight (2,743 LBS) and face-melting roadster outstrips the Veyron for top speed and horsepower with an added American flair.
Featuring a predominantly carbon-fiber and aluminum build, based on the Lotus Elise chassis, the Venom GT is designed to be a driver’s car with a Ricardo six-speed manual transmission, mid-engine layout, and rear-wheel drive – plus, the Texas-esque stables of horses under the hood, which helps to make it one of the fastest production cars to ever exist.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 7.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 |
Transmission | Six-Speed Manual |
Horsepower | 1,226 Horsepower |
Torque | 1,155 LB-FT |
Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | 2.5 Seconds |
Top Speed | 275 MPH |
The LS7 V-8 that is boasted in the Venom GT is borrowed from the Corvette Z06 but is highly customized by Hennessey to reach hypercar performance levels. The powertrain is constructed from an aluminum block, keeping it relatively lightweight while delivering durability under extreme conditions. Within, forged steel connecting rods and a precision-machined billet crankshaft provide a robust foundation for high outputs, while forged aluminum pistons are showcased and are capable of withstanding the heat pressure produced by the twin Precision ball-bearing turbochargers.
Known for its record-breaking straight-line performance, the Venom GT is an engineering marvel that highlights the appeal of American hypercars: straightforward, potent, and unapologetically fast.
Pros
- Insane top speed.
- Incredibly fast to 60 MPH.
- Impressive power-to-weight ratio of 0.447 horsepower per pound.
Cons
- Bland interior.
- Owners have complained about hard cornering.
- Very exclusive to buy and at prices of over $1 million.
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4 2016 Koenigsegg Regera
Maximum Horsepower: 1,479 Horsepower
The 2016 Koenigsegg Regera is a Swedish hypercar roadster that stands out with its innovative hybrid powertrain and its focus on luxury without compromising its incredible performance. Combining a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 with three electric motors, each contributing to different tasks. Two YASA electric motors are attached to the rear wheels, delivering instant torque, while a third motor sits on the crankshaft, filling in torque at lower speeds and during acceleration.
One of the Regera’s groundbreaking features is Koenigsegg’s Direct Drive system, a world-first for production cars. Instead of a traditional multi-speed transmission, the Regera utilizes a single-speed fixed gear ratio, which directly connects the engine to the wheels. This system minimizes energy loss, ensuring that power reaches the wheels with maximum efficiency while allowing you to benefit from nearly instant available torque and a smooth driving experience.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 |
Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
Horsepower | 1,479 Horsepower |
Torque | 738 LB-FT |
Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | < 3 Seconds |
Top Speed | 249 MPH |
As the 2016 Koenigsegg Regera is designed to be both a luxurious and powerful car, the inside is as luxe as the exterior is sporty. Boasting plush memory foam seats and a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes smartphone integration, navigation, and climate control. The cockpit showcases an intuitive central touchscreen, surrounded by quality materials like leather and carbon fiber.
The Regera’s combination of hybrid tech, luxurious interior, and innovative transmission system solidifies its reputation as a groundbreaking vehicle, pushing the boundaries of what a roadster can achieve in terms of luxury, performance, and technology.
Pros
- Luxurious and powerful.
- A very individualistic car.
- Stylish interior design.
Cons
- $2 million price tag when it was released.
- Very difficult to find for sale with only one 2020 example being sold in the last 5 years.
- Expensive to run.
3 2024 Bugatti Mistral
Maximum Horsepower: 1,578 Horsepower
The 2024 Bugatti Mistral is Bugatti’s final roadster to feature the legendary 8.0-liter W-16, a powerplant that has defined the brand’s modern lineup, so not only is the Mistral a hugely powerful roadster, which Bugatti says is going to be the most luxurious, innovative, and memorable one yet. Along with the incredible horsepower output, the W-16 features two sets of parallel turbochargers that minimize turbo lag while ensuring that air intake remains at its peak across a wide rev range.
The Mistral’s body is crafted from carbon fiber reinforced with lightweight materials, which allows it to handle the immense forces generated by the W-16 without adding excess weight. The entire exterior design is both aggressive and streamlined to optimize airflow, from the air intakes positioned to maximize cooling efficiency to the rear design that enhances aerodynamics. The Mistral also features a unique roof structure that provides added strength and rigidity to handle open-top-speeds, allowing you to experience the raw sound of the W-16.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 8.0-Liter Quad-Turbocharged W-16 |
Transmission | Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
Horsepower | 1,578 Horsepower |
Torque | 1,180 LB-FT |
Driveline | All-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | 2.5 Seconds |
Top Speed | > 260 MPH |
Inside, the Bugatti Mistral is impressive, blending technology with luxury. The cockpit is outfitted with high-quality materials which include leather, carbon fiber, and polished metals, creating an opulent yet functional environment, while a digital instrument cluster and high-end infotainment system provide you with performance data and convenience features.
As a finale to the legendary powerplant, Bugatti has priced the 2024 Mistral accordingly. With a price tag of $5.4 million and with only 99 available, though they have already all been sold, this is the last of these legendary roadsters to see the light of the road and will be missed by Bugatti fans the world over. If you can get hold of one of these Mistrals, you will own a part of automotive history. The Mistral’s combination of iconic design, the ultimate W-16, and advanced aerodynamics make it a historic model in Bugatti’s lineup, representing the pinnacle of Bugatti’s roadster engineering and offering a very fitting farewell to one of the most powerful engines ever to be featured in a production car.
Pros
- A great farewell to the W-16.
- Racetrack ready.
- Sporty and luxurious.
Cons
- Insanely expensive to buy and run.
- The end of an era.
- Very hard to buy and own with prices likely to go up in the future.
2 2024 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut
Maximum Horsepower: 1,600 Horsepower
The 2024 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut is built with one purpose in mind: to be the fastest Koenigsegg ever produced. It incorporates a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, meticulously engineered with lightweight components like a flat-plane crankshaft and titanium intake valves, which enable it to rev all the way up to 8,500 RPM, providing a responsive and huge power output.
The Jesko Absolut utilizes a Light Speed transmission, a nine-speed multi-clutch system capable of shifting between any gear almost instantly. The transmission doesn’t rely on traditional synchros, instead, it uses a smart system of clutches that engage simultaneously, enabling seamless, near-instantaneous gear changes.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.0-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 |
Transmission | Nine-Speed Light Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 1,600 Horsepower |
Torque | 1,106 LB-FT |
Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | 2.6 Seconds |
Top Speed | 310 MPH (Estimated) |
The Absolut’s carbon-fiber monocoque chassis ensures structural integrity while keeping the weight incredibly low, with a lightweight curb weight of 3,064 pounds, while aerodynamics are kept as a priority with rear wheel covers, a smooth underbody, and a streamlined front end all designed to reduce drag to a minimum. Inside, the Jekso Absolut also offers you a driver-focused experience, with a digital instrument cluster that displays real-time performance data and a ‘SmartWheel’ steering wheel that places key controls at your fingertips.
The 2024 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut’s purpose-driven engineering, unique transmission, and obsessive attention to aerodynamics make it one of the most remarkable roadsters focused on speed, taking Koenigsegg’s performance reputation to unprecedented levels.
Pros
- Unbelievable theoretical top speed.
- Reviews have praised its handling.
- Boasts a low drag coefficient of 0.278 Cd.
Cons
- Limited cargo space.
- Costs $3.4 million.
- To benefit from the highest horsepower, you need to use E85 fuel.
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1 2024 Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Roadster
Maximum Horsepower: 1,792 Horsepower
The 2024 Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Roadster takes the Hennessey hypercar to soaring new heights, combining open-top exhilaration with a track-focused engineering ethos. This special model builds on the Venom F5’s powerful DNA with enhancements designed for even more aggressive performance. At its core is Hennessey’s bespoke ‘Fury’ V-8, which boasts a predominantly aluminum build, a precision-balanced crankshaft, forged pistons, and custom turbochargers that produce a direct and thrilling throttle response.
The F5 Revolution Roadster utilizes a carbon fiber chassis that keeps the weight down close to 3,000 pounds, while the removable roof panel only weighs 18 pounds yet maintains structural rigidity without adding excessive weight, ensuring you get to experience the sound and feel of the Fury V-8 in an open-air setting. Aerodynamic refinements on the Revolution Roadster include a prominent rear-mounted track-focused spoiler, high-flow side air intakes, and an optimized front splitter.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 6.6-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V-8 |
Transmission | Six-Speed Manual |
Horsepower | 1,792 Horsepower |
Torque | 1,193 LBS |
Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | 2.6 Seconds |
Top Speed | > 300 MPH |
Inside, the Venom F5 Revolution Roadster combines luxury with a performance focus. The cabin is clad in premium leather and Alcántara upholstery, which makes it durable enough for the racetrack yet comfortable for longer drives. A digital driver’s display provides real-time telemetry, including G-forces, lap times, and performance metrics essential for track days. The center console is also streamlined to minimize distractions while keeping controls accessible and intuitive, ensuring that everything is performance-orientated.
Not only is the 2024 Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Roadster the most powerful roadster on the road at the moment, but with its lightweight build, enhanced aerodynamics, and raw power, this roadster isn’t just a high-speed hypercar – it is a track weapon designed for those who want both electrifying performance and the thrill of open-air driving.
Pros
- It is the most powerful roadster ever.
- Manual transmission is the only transmission available.
- 300 MPH+ top speed.
Cons
- Minimal sound-proofing.
- Only 12 have been made – near impossible to buy.
- Must be registered for Show and Display use, which will limit how much you can drive it.
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