Hyper Powered
Robb Report Singapore|June 2020
Charting the evolution of the hypercar, the most powerful cars on the planet and the pinnacle of automotive evolution.
Daryl Lee
Hyper Powered

Ever since humankind went from horsepower to horsepower modes of transport, there has been an obsession with speed and power. To go faster and more powerfully than the people who went before.

Even when the automobile was in its infancy, there were countless speed record attempts and races, which only goes to show how fascinated people are with speed. And it soon emerged that there was a market for people who only demanded the best, the fastest and the most powerful.

Thus, the ‘hypercar’ was born – although the name, and indeed, its lesser cousin, the ‘supercar’ – probably wouldn’t have a proper appellation until at least the 1980s.

Even today, the hypercar and supercar defy any sort of formal codification. Today’s sports cars, and for that matter, sports saloons, are packing the sort of performance that a hypercar from barely 20 years ago could only dream about.

An example we frequently cite is that of the Ferrari F355, a superlative sports car from the mid-1990s that developed 380hp from its 3.5-liter V8 and could accelerate from rest to 100km/hr in 4.7 seconds.

These days, those figures would be bested by the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, which has 421hp from an engine with half as many cylinders and would despatch the century sprint in 3.9 seconds. Impressive numbers on their own, but even more so when one considers that the car achieving that level of acceleration is a hot hatchback that’s roomy enough for the kids and will happily do grocery runs with a smile on its grille.

This story is from the June 2020 edition of Robb Report Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2020 edition of Robb Report Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ROBB REPORT SINGAPOREView All
Luxe Hold Hands
Robb Report Singapore

Luxe Hold Hands

'Tis the season for the best luxury collaborations across motoring, watches and fashion.

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2024
TIMELY PURSUITS
Robb Report Singapore

TIMELY PURSUITS

The CEO of Sincere Fine Watches, Ong Ban, on evolving expectations of luxury watch retail.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Don't Ride This Wave* *Unless your name is Hamilton, Slater or Moore
Robb Report Singapore

Don't Ride This Wave* *Unless your name is Hamilton, Slater or Moore

The 2024 Olympic surfing competition will be held at Tahiti's Teahupo'o, a monster swell that rears up over a razor-sharp reef. Going for gold could be deadly.

time-read
9 mins  |
March 2024
Carpe Diem
Robb Report Singapore

Carpe Diem

JW Marriott’s Stay in the Moment experience encourages guests to embrace the fleeting yet profoundly meaningful moments of life at JW Marriott Jeju Resort Spa.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
A Week in Peru
Robb Report Singapore

A Week in Peru

Well-heeled epicureans can get a true taste of the South American country’s majestic landscapes, culture and cuisine with Scott Dunn Private.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
Waves Of Memories
Robb Report Singapore

Waves Of Memories

Shaped by time and coastal embrace, Glenglassaugh’s Serpentine Coastal Cask Collection—aged since the 1970s—will inspire ruminations and reminiscences.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Heartwarming Spirit
Robb Report Singapore

Heartwarming Spirit

On the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, we make a stop at Michter’s, an all-American whisky distillery that’s more alive than ever.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2024
Building Possibilities
Robb Report Singapore

Building Possibilities

A newcomer is poised to make a name for itself in the world of spirits—introducing Neit, maker of Irish whisky.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
This Month's Feed
Robb Report Singapore

This Month's Feed

Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
In The Studio With Annie Morris
Robb Report Singapore

In The Studio With Annie Morris

Between multiple shows across three continents—not to mention a home renovation—the British artist has a lot to do.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024