The 12 Highest-Performance Hybrid Road Cars Ever Made

When we talk about hybrid cars, we usually think about fuel-efficient options like the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, and Kia Niro, but over the last decade, several manufacturers have aggressively invested in hybrid performance. A bulk of these carmakers are based in Europe, where speed and performance remain a priority, despite the union’s increasingly stringent emissions laws and regulations. Electricity is a great way to extract more power from a drivetrain, because it provides instant torque.

The cars on this list represent a decade of passion, ingenuity, and speed. They paint a picture of what we can expect from performance cars in the future and highlight why there is still so much potential for the internal combustion engine.

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 manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Road and Track. The cars on this list are ranked based on combined horsepower output, from lowest to highest.

12 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

Combined Power: 671 Horsepower

The all-new Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid represents the peak of the Stuttgart brand’s hybrid sedan lineage. The new model promises exhilarating acceleration abilities with a claimed 3.0-second 0-60 MPH time. It boasts a comfortable ride and enough space to carry a nuclear family and some luggage.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Porsche)

Porsche continues to promote its electrification strategy with this new five-door liftback sedan. The model retains its acclaimed twin-turbocharger 4.0-liter V-8 producing a combined 671 horsepower with the help of one permanent-magnet motor. The result is an astonishing 2.8-second 0-60 MPH tested time in real-world conditions.

Pros

• Blistering acceleration for a sedan
• Practical interior space
• Sleek exterior design

Cons

• Too many digital displays
• Hybrid system not as efficient as advertised
• Much more expensive than the main rivals

11 Lamborghini Countach LPI-800

Combined Power: 802 Horsepower

The New Countach is based on the now archaic Lamborghini Aventador chassis, but the brand adopts its new hybrid powertrain, which first made its appearance in the Sian. Although it celebrates the iconic Countach, it also introduces a lot of new elements that represent the Raging Bull’s future in electrification.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Lamborghini)

The 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12 produces 770 horsepower without any electrical assistance. A 48-volt electric motor and a supercapacitor produces an additional 34 horsepower bringing the combined output of the car to a staggering 803 horsepower with 531 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed semiautomatic transmission delivers seamless gear shifts, resulting in a 0-60 MPH time of 2.8 seconds and a 221 MPH top speed.

Pros

• Unique and distinctive styling
• Exclusive production run
• A pure supercar experience

Cons

• Purists see it as a cash-grab successor
• Not much cabin space
• Premium doesn’t justify it over an Aventador

10 Lamborghini Sian FKP 37

Combined Power: 808 Horsepower

The Lamborghini Sian is the brand’s first-ever electrified car, but it uses a lot of old parts, namely the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12. As mentioned, it introduced the mild-hybrid system, which has now become the standard offering in its current flagship model.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Lamborghini)

The SIan is fundamentally the same as the aforementioned Countach, but with some distinctive alterations. The exclusive Italian supercar produces a combined 808 horsepower, resulting in a 2.8-second 0-60 MPH time and 217 MPH top speed.

Pros

• Dazzling and head-turning exterior
• Precise handling characteristics
• Amazing engine note

Cons

• Unforgiving suspension
• Impractical hybrid system
• Clumsy proportions

9 Ferrari 296 GTB And GTS

Combined Power: 819 Horsepower

The Ferrari 296 GTB and 296 GTS feature a potent 654 horsepower V-6 twin-turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an electric motor capable of adding an extra 165 horsepower in isolation. Together, this powertrain generates a combined 819 horsepower exclusively to the rear wheels. This is a huge increase from the F8 Tributo, which it essentially replaces.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Ferrari)

A 7.5 kWh battery pack powers the electric motor. This battery pack boasts an EPA-estimated 15-mile range in all-electric mode. The model also features an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which guarantees a seamless and lightning-fast gearshift, resulting in a rapid 2.8-second 0-60 MPH acceleration time, but tests reveal the GTB completes the sprint in a mere 2.3 seconds.

Pros

• Enjoyable V-6 Powertrain
• Enjoyable at all speeds
• Attractive exterior design

Cons

• Frustratingly complex switchgear
• Outdated cabin design
• Big price increase from the F8

8 Porsche 918 Spyder

Combined Power: 887 HP

Despite being a decade old, the 918 Spyder is still one of the most advanced cars the German marque has ever created. Its official follow-up is rumored to be an all-electric model, representing a perfect evolution between this and the formidable Carrera GT. The 918 marries the best of Porsche’s ICE and EV technologies derived from its extensive motorsport programs.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Porsche)

The primary driving force behind the 918 Spyder is its twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V-8 derived directly from the potent RS Spyder track car. It generates 608 horsepower in isolation, but this increases to 887 horsepower with the help of two electric motors positioned on the front axle. Porsche claims a 2.8-second 0-60 MPH time, but tests reveal 3.2 seconds to be realistic, which is still impressive for its time.

Pros

• Cool open-top roof design
• Still turns heads and outperforms modern hypercars
• Peak exclusivity

Cons

• Still no successor
• Limited EV range
• Almost unattainable

7 McLaren P1

Combined Power: 903 Horsepower

The McLaren P1 remains the brand’s peak as it is still one of the most technical and aspirational models it has ever created. It features technology derived directly from its Formula One division, which is still being used for its latest hybrid models. The brand’s older twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 sits at the rear, with an electric motor that gives it a noticeable edge.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from McLaren)

The hypercar boasts a 903-horsepower combined output, granting it a 2.7-second 0-60 MPH time and 217 MPH top speed. McLaren is still dedicated to its P1 clientele, and recently developed an upgraded battery. The catch is that it charges $156,700 for parts and delivery, with a six-year warranty.

Pros

• Requires real skill to drive fast
• Still a technological marvel
• Breathtaking acceleration for a rear-wheel drive car

Cons

• Awkward rear visibility
• Only a handful were made
• Upgraded battery costs a fortune

6 Ferrari LaFerrari

Combined Power: 950 Horsepower

The Ferrari LaFerrari boasts a remarkable powertrain that paves the way for future hybrid supercars. Like the P1, it is a direct result of the brand’s longstanding history in Formula One. The limited model features a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V-12 and a single permanent-magnet motor with a KERS system for small bursts of additional power.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Ferrari)

The engine produces 800 horsepower, but Magnetti Marelli’s electrical system increases the total system output to 950 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The result is a 2.5-second 0-60 MPH claimed acceleration time and 218 MPH top speed, which are figures that the latest performance cars struggle to beat.

Pros

• The most powerful hybrid of its era
• Unique and heroic exterior design
• Great manufacturer support after a decade

Cons

• Unforgiving suspension
• Uncomfortable interior
• Inconsistent safety standards

5 Ferrari SF90 Stradale

Combined Power: 986 Horsepower

The SF90 Stradale PHEV is an ingenious performance car that combines Ferrari’s traditional elements and leading-edge technology for an unprecedented driving experience and an excellent, jaw-dropping package. A lot of reviewers consider it the best Ferrari ever made, with its powerful hybrid engine, lightweight design, and advanced aerodynamics.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Ferrari)

The SF90 range features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, capable of producing 769 horsepower on its own. The hybrid powertrain brings its total output to a mind-blowing 986 horsepower, making it the most powerful Ferrari ever built. This enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 2.5 seconds and hit a 211 MPH top speed, making it one of the fastest cars currently available.

Pros

• The best mainstream Ferrari on offer
• Luxurious cabin
• Distinctive and exotic design

Cons

• Catastrophically expensive
• No smartphone integration
• Cargo space as good as nil

4 Lamborghini Revuelto

Combined Power: 1,001 Horsepower

At the heart of the all-new Lamborghini Revuelto is a revolutionary V-12 hybrid plug-in hybrid engine sourced from the aforementioned Sian. This advanced technology represents a new chapter in the brand’s history, as Lamborghini has always been known for its powerful and uncompromising naturally aspirated combustion engines. One thing that remains unchanged is the absence of turbochargers.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Lamborghini)

The powertrain features three electric motors that are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, which you can use without the ICE for low-speed driving stints. When it comes to performance, the Revuelto is in a league of its own, with more than 1,000 horsepower, a claimed 0-60 MPH time of 2.5 seconds, and a 217 MPH top speed figure.

Pros

• A great follow-up to the Aventador
• Easy to drive fast
• Characterful engine

Cons

• Immediately sold out despite high price
• Still uses the Aventador chassis
• Limited EV range

3 McLaren Speedtail

Combined Power: 1,036 Horsepower

The McLaren Speedtail is the most unique car on this list and the only model that is not road-legal in the U.S. This is because of its unique three-seater layout with a central driving position. The reason for its position in this list, however, is thanks to its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 and permanent-magnet motor configuration.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from McLaren)

The model produces a combined 1,036 horsepower and 848 pound-feet to the rear wheels, making it the most powerful road-going McLaren ever made. The result is a 2.9-second 0-60 MPH time and 250 MPH top speed, which is about 10 MPH faster than the iconic F1.

Pros

• Cool three-seater layout
• The sleekest hypercar design
• High top speed

Cons

• Not legal in the U.S.
• Only sold to an exclusive clientele
• No EV mode

2 Koenigsegg Regera

Combined Power: 1,757 Horsepower

The Koenigsegg Regera features one of the most impressive powertrains ever added to a production car. The mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V-8 twin-turbocharged unit and triple electric motor system. THisproduces a combined 1,500 horsepower, but this increases to 1,757 horsepower via the 1.31 Megawatt Environmental Power upgrade package.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Koenigsegg)

Koenigsegg opts for a direct-drive electric motor, as opposed to a conventional transmission, which works by directing all the power from the engine and the electric motor to the rear wheels. It sprints from 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and hits a 251 MPH top speed. Active rear-wheel steering keeps the car stable at high speeds.

Pros

• Neck-breaking performance
• Refined drivetrain
• One of the most exclusive hypercars

Cons

• Limited interior visibility
• No cargo space
• No gear shifts

1 Koenigsegg Gemera

Combined Power: 2,300 Horsepower

The Gemera is available with a unique three-cylinder engine, but its V-8 powertrain is the most powerful option, boasting a 2,300-horsepower combined output. This is the same engine found in the Regera, but the key difference is the Dark Matter electric motor, which produces a whopping 800 horsepower and 922 pound-feet. The only way to get the 2,300-horsepower figure is by filling it up with E85.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Koenigsegg)

Unlike the Regera, this model adopts an all-wheel drivetrain and a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Adding to its appeal is the fact that it is a fully functional family car with a 31-mile EV range claim. The top-of-the-range model sprints from 0-60 MPH in 1.9 seconds and tops out at 248 MPH.

Pros

• Comfortably seats four
• Zany interior setting
• Blistering performance

Cons

• Impractical doors
• Long production cycle
• Looks awkward at some angles