Believe the hype: Three next-generation hypercars built for pure performance

Extreme power, analogue driving and limited production. Simon de Burton explores three up-and-coming hypercars set to redefine high performance in 2026.

We’re told that the future of motoring is pure electric, but the demand among wealthy enthusiasts for extreme petrol-powered cars that deliver a raw and traditional driving experience seems to be stronger than ever. If you’re contemplating an upgrade or dipping a toe into the market, here are three new models due to hit the road in 2026 – including one that’s answering the call of driving enthusiasts for a return to good, old-fashioned “analogue” motoring with a manual gearbox.

Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Evolution

John Hennessey founded his eponymous, Texas-based tuning company in 1991, and it’s since been the go-to business for Americans seeking extreme power outputs from cars such as Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros and Dodge Challengers, as well as SUVs, including the Cadillac Escalade and Ford Raptor pick-up.

In 2017, Hennessey introduced its own limited-edition model, the Venom F5, with a 6.6-litre, twin turbo V8 engine producing  1,817 horsepower.

But during August’s Monterey Car Week, the firm pulled the wraps off an even more extreme, upgraded version – the F5 Revolution Evolution (pictured right) with a powerplant that has been extensively reworked by UK-based Formula One and Indycar engine builder Ilmor Engineering.

By fitting larger turbochargers, revising the engine internals and adding a “high flow” fuel injection system, Ilmor has managed to extract 2,031 horsepower from the car which, combined with aerodynamic improvements to its carbon fibre chassis and body, makes it capable of travelling from a standstill to 321km/h (200mph) in little more than 10 seconds.

This eye-watering acceleration is possible partly due to the car’s seven-speed, dual clutch gearbox, which changes ratios far more quickly than would be possible with a stick shift.

Five driving modes are available – Wet, Drag, Track, Sport and F5 – with the engine producing “only” 1,300 horsepower in the first four. To make maximum power, F5 mode must be engaged and high-ethanol E85 fuel used  (which is more readily available in the US than in Europe).

But considering Ferrari’s off-the-shelf F80 offers a mere 1,183 horsepower by comparison, the F5 Venom Revolution Evolution should have no trouble keeping up – even on a tight leash.

Specs: 2,031 horsepower; 0 to 100 km/h: < 2.5 seconds; top speed: 500 km/h; price: £2.5 million; hennesseyspecialvehicles.com

Capricorn 01 Zagato

German motorsport firm Capricorn – a major supplier and designer of engine components and precision parts for high-end car makers and racing teams since the 1930s – unveiled its first complete automotive creation at Belgium’s Zoute Grand Prix back in October.

Fans of Italian car design will likely recognise the “double bubble” roof as the work of the historic Zagato coach building company, which was commissioned by Capricorn to create what it calls a “real world driver’s car”.

The result features an American-built Ford 5.2-litre, supercharged V8 engine reworked by Capricorn to produce 900 horsepower and driving through a five-speed, racing-style “dogleg” manual gearbox (in which first is engaged by moving the lever left and down, rather than the left and up of most road cars).

The bodywork relies on largely hidden aerodynamic aids to keep the car glued to the road at speed, making for a “clean” look that speaks of sophistication rather than extravagance – the aim being to give the car a timeless appearance, so it still looks fresh in years to come.

The understated theme continues beyond the gull-wing doors, with an interior inspired by historic racing cars, hence the mid-mounted rev counter, four-point harnesses and lack of touch-screen controls.

The Capricorn’s pedals, steering wheel, gauges and manual, gated gear selector can be moved back and forth to create the perfect driving position, meaning the beautifully upholstered sports seats stay fixed within the carbon monocoque.

As a final retro touch, the car starts with a good old-fashioned key that slots into an ignition switch in the centre console.

Turning it to fire the engine produces a glorious V8 growl from beneath the Perspex engine cover, which also provides the exit for the serpentine, high-level exhaust system. Beautifully engineered, fabulous looking and with blistering performance, the Capricorn 01 is set to be one of the most coveted supercars of 2026 – especially since only 19 will be made, a number that pays tribute to 1919, Zagato’s founding year.

Specs: 900 horsepower; 0 to 100 km/h: 3 seconds;  top speed: 360 km/h; price: from £2.56 million,  plus taxes. capricorngroup.net

Vittori turbio

Don’t expect to see one of these on the road anytime soon – just 50 will be built and, if you want one, the chances are it will be well into 2027 before you get behind the wheel. But the fact that the first Vittori Turbio was unveiled as a running concept at The Concours Club  in Miami this year indicates that development towards a fully homologated road car is  well underway.

The Turbio joins an exclusive roster of hypercars with V12 engines, its version called the Orion V12. It’s the heart of a hybrid powertrain that has been developed by engineering firm Italtecnica and comprises the 6.8-litre petrol engine with electric backup that should produce a combined output of around 1,100 horsepower.

Official performance figures are not yet available, but zero to 100 km/h is likely to take less than three seconds and top speed will be in excess of 321km/h.

While Vittori is based in Palo Alto, California, the cars have been designed at Pininfarina’s Italian studios and will be built in Modena, home of Ferrari, Maserati and Pagani. Other “hyper-luxury mobility” projects of Vittori’s include electric passenger planes and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

Specs: 1,100 horsepower; 0 to 100km/h: < 3 seconds; top speed: 321km/h; price: $2.5 million; vittori.com

First published in the January 2026 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.