Need for Speed Movie Cars: Discover The Legendary Rides

10. 2010 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento - Source: Lamborghini Press

The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento was the true star of the movie and deserved the spotlight. This limited edition supercar made its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It was named after the atomic number of carbon, emphasizing the extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction. With a 5.2-liter V10 engine borrowed from Gallardo Superleggera that pumped out a breathtaking 562 horsepower, the Sesto Elemento is indeed one of the fastest Lambos ever produced.

But what really made it special was its weight, or, should I say, the lack of it. They stripped it down to the essentials, and if it didn't serve a purpose, it was gone. Covered in raw carbon fiber, it weighed just 2,202 pounds, a whopping 30% less than Superleggera. While only 10 of these beasts were made, the movie used a replica for that heart-pounding crash scene.

9. McLaren P1

McLaren P1 - Source: Robert Rouse from United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The McLaren P1 is a hybrid supercar that made its presence in the Need for Speed movie. This car was incredibly rare, with only 375 standard road cars produced, plus a handful of GTR spec machines. It took inspiration from the 12C's tub and the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 but added a mild hybrid system, resulting in a mind-blowing output of 903 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. McLaren P1 boasts a top speed of 217 mph with a 0 to 62 MPH time of 2.8 seconds.

In a movie filled with high-speed action and intense races, the P1's most memorable moment was its unfortunate spin caused by its rival, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento. But here's the twist—the P1 you saw somersaulting on the tarmac was actually a meticulously crafted replica.

 8. Koenigsegg Agera R

Koenigsegg Agera R - Source: Alexandre Prevot from Nancy, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Koenigsegg Agera R quickly stole the spotlight among the Need for Speed Movie cars. It played a pivotal role in the movie's revenge plot, and its tragic crash set the stage for a thrilling showdown. Launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Agera R held numerous performance records, including a jaw-dropping 0-186 mph time of just 14.53 seconds. It housed a monstrous twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that unleashed a staggering 1,140 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque on on E85 biofuel.

The Agera R also boasted an impressive braking system, thanks to a hydraulically operated, adjustable rear wing. It was the epitome of a hypercar in every sense. However, it's essential to note that the Agera R replicas used in the movie weren't the real deal; they were custom-built cars designed to look like the original.

7. Spania GTA Spano

Spania GTA Spano - Source: Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While it may have had a smaller role, the Spania GTA Spano managed to steal a few glances in the De Leon race. The Spanish GTA Spano first made its appearance as a concept in 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Packed with an 8.3 L supercharged Viper V10 developed by Lamborghini for the Dodge Viper, the pre-production model pinned 780 horsepower and 679 lb-ft of torque.

The first generation GTA Spano shown in the movie might not have the same fame as some of its counterparts, but it certainly held its own in the movie's thrilling finale. The production version used an 8.4L twin-turbocharged Viper V10 packing 887 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Production began in 2013, just before the movie's release in 2014. With a top speed matching that of the McLaren P1 at 217 mph, reports suggest that only 99 of these were ever built.

 6. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo - Source: Axion23, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Handcrafted American supercars are a rare breed, and the 2005 Saleen S7 Twin Turbo was one of the chosen few. Produced from 2000 to 2009, the exact number of S7s produced remains a subject of debate. Some say around 75, while others speculate wildly. This low-slung beast was powered by a Ford Windsor 7.0-liter V8 twin-turbocharged monster that briefly took on the established supercar giants on and off the screen. In its later production models, it boasted 750 horsepower and could rocket from 0 to 60 in about 2.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 248 mph.

The S7 Twin Turbo in 2006 was available with an optional competition package which increased the output to 1,000 horsepower along with other performance upgrades. Sadly, its on-screen journey met an untimely end in a collision with a law enforcement SUV. The earlier edition of this supercar, the 2000s S7, although was not featured in the movie, it’s the pioneer of the automaker.

 5. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport 16.4 - Source: Thomas Vogt from Paderborn, Deutschland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport stormed into the scene as the fastest and baddest supercar on the planet during the movie's release. With a mind-boggling top speed of 267.856 mph achieved on Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien (near Wolfsburg, Germany) high-speed test track in 2010, it left everything else in its dust. However, the De Leon race didn't take place on a straight road, giving the more agile competitors an advantage.

Originally priced at $2.5 Million Veyron Super Sport brags an output of 1,183 horsepower generated by its quad-turbocharged 8.0L W16 engine. It was a technological marvel, even if it meant that the tires could disintegrate at maximum speed or the fuel tank could run dry in just 15 minutes of full-throttle driving. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport was an engineering masterpiece, to say the least, although it is not the fastest Bugatti in the world anymore .

 4. 2013 Ford Mustang GT

2013 Ford Mustang GT - Source: Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2013 Ford Mustang GT Fastback added a touch of classic American muscle to the movie. This particular Mustang was custom-built for the film because an ordinary one just wouldn't cut it. It sported the looks inspired from a Shelby GT500, complete with a custom body kit and larger wheels, giving it the perfect look for its role. The car with its 5.0L V8 puts out 420 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.

A late plot twist made us believe that this Mustang would make a triumphant sprint to the finish line, bringing back American muscle car glory. Sadly, it met an untimely end at the hands of a tow truck. In 2014, it was sold for charity and fetched $300,000 at an auction event held by Barrett Jackson.

3. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722S Roadster

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722S Roadster - Source: Alexandre Prevot from Nancy, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dino Brewster's Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722S made a brief appearance in the early stages of the movie. This German sports car, though the genuine car, didn't quite get the limelight it deserved amidst the other stars. Underneath its stylish exterior, the SLR McLaren packed a punch with a 5.4L supercharged M155 SLR V8 engine, delivering a robust 626 horsepower. It was another testament to Gordon Murray's knack for blending power with timeless style.

Despite its short on-screen time, it had the potential for some impressive speeds, boasting a 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds. Limited to 150 units, the car sits on a fortune with Pcarmarket in March 2022 selling one for $1.07 Million with just 1,471 miles on the odo.

2. 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396

1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 - Source: Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS 396 brought classic American muscle to the forefront of the movie. In one of the film's thrilling races, Tobey Marshall took the wheel of this first generation Camaro. The reason what makes me so sure about it being the SS is the raised simulated air intake and distinctive front accent band around the grille (also the fact that it shows SS written at the back).

This particular Camaro was unique for the 1968 model year, as it was the only one fitted from the factory with a 396 cu-in V8 engine, producing an impressive 350 horsepower with a top speed of 139 MPH. Originally priced at $3,038, it was a memorable moment in the film as the Camaro showcased some sideways action and eventually claimed victory.

 1. Porsche 944 Turbo

Porsche 944 Turbo - Source: Cjp24, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While the Porsche 944 Turbo didn't get as much screen time as the other cars on this list, it added some variety to the movie's car lineup. The Porsche 944 Turbo replica made an appearance in the opening race, showing off its stunning yellow exterior. Although we didn't get to see the Porsche in full action, these European gems contributed to the collection of exotic cars in the movie.

The Porsche 944 Turbo derives 217 horsepower from its 2.5L turbocharged M44/51 inline-4 engine through a 5-speed manual transmission. As per the official brochure, the 944 Turbo can withstand speeds upto 152 MPH and can do a quick run from 0 to 60 MPH in a claimed 6.1 seconds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Need for Speed" movie delivered an experience for both car enthusiasts and movie buffs. These top 10 coolest cars truly made the film unforgettable, showcasing a diverse range of automotive excellence, from the raw power of American muscle to the sleek sophistication of European exotics. Whether they were racing, crashing, or simply cruising, these cars left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and in the hearts of car lovers everywhere.