When we hear the term exotic we think of something unique and strikingly different that what we’re used to seeing. The term is applied in a similar fashion to cars in today’s society. Exotic cars are among the pristine elite. They are some of the finest automobiles on the road. In reality though, what defines this type of car brand?
It’s not so much the brand as it is the style, design, and functionality of the car. It could be the fastest car in the world, but it may not be exotic. These types of vehicles have a very rigid definition and criteria that defines them. Before we can move on to some of the top cars in this category, we should first understand exactly what defines an exotic automobile.
What Makes a Car Exotic?
As time goes on, the criteria for this title changes and shifts. Older cars that were once viewed as a rare and exotic are now simply “classics” while newer cars have been given the title. No matter who you talk to, everyone will have a slightly different definition of what makes a car exotic.
Keep in mind too that there’s not any one manufacturer that exclusively makes exotic vehicles. The honor is shared across multiple car makers across the world.
Let’s examine some of the mainstay characteristics first. Almost everyone can agree on these tenants:
1. A Limited Production Run
The easiest way to define “limited” here is to say that this particular model was designed to be owned by less than 1% of the total auto market. They are rare by design and prestigious as a result. Mass produced vehicles can still fall under this category to an extent, especially given a good condition and low mileage.
2. Personalized Editions
Muscle cars and custom street rods are excluded from this, but many exotic vehicles will have a unique story behind their design and look. This personal touch makes them stand out from the rest of the pack.
3. Scarce Worldwide Numbers
The rule of thumb here is that any automobile manufactured by a specific car brand numbering between 8,000 and 10,000 per year or less is considered exotic. Of course, specific brand names and appearance can also dictate this status, but suffice to say if the production number is small by worldwide standards, it’s meant to be an exotic piece.
4. Exotic Based on the Time Period
Cars that are strikingly different or unusual can fall into this category. Based on the time period in question, the appearance of the vehicle in conjunction with new concept features can elevate it to an exotic level of distinction. It is highly possible for some cars to be considered exotic years after they have been released because of the shifting industry.
Here a few final characteristics that can be used sparingly to define an exotic automobile:
- New materials or engine components/design that hasn’t been used thus far in such a manner.
- Purposefully targeting a specific audience and not the general population
- Requires a specialty dealer to buy or sell unless you’re working in the private market
- Special tools are required for repairs and parts replacement
The Top 5 Exotic Automobiles
5 – The Lamborghini Reventon
This mid-engine sports car was first shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is lauded as the most expensive Lamborghini road car of its time with a selling price of almost 2 million dollars. Only 20 of them were manufactured, with an extra one made for the Lamborghini museum.
The name comes from a fighting bull which is standard for Lamborghini traditions. The name Reventon is Spanish for “small explosion” or “burst.” The name of course, in automotive terms, is meant to inspire the power and beauty of the car’s design. With all 20 of these beasts currently in someone’s possession, it seems to meet all of our criteria for an exotic masterpiece.
Here are some specifications of the car:
- 3.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour
- Top speed is 211 mph
4 – The McLaren 650S
This beauty of a vehicle is manufactured by McLaren Automotive and was announce in February 2014 as a brand new model. It’s based on the McLaren MP4-12C with 25% new parts in the newer model. Both models still have carbon fibre composite chassis and are powered by the McLaren M838T 3.8 litre V8 twin-turbo engine.
The car’s power is sent to the wheels through a seven-speed shift dual-clutch gearbox which allows for almost instantaneous shift between gears. Here are some additional specifications:
- 641 horsepower
- Top speed of 207 miles per hour
3 – The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
This car is a grand tourer produced by Ferrari between the years of 2004 and 2010. The vehicle is a fastback coupe designed to replace the previous and smaller model known as the 456 M. With a larger size it can be considered a four seater because of the needed space for adult passengers.
The design of this new model pays respects in both the side scallops and the headlights to the custom 1954 Ferrari 375 MM. This classic vehicle was commissioned by director Roberto Rossellini to be a gift for his wife Ingrid Bergman. The 612 also represents Ferrari’s second all-aluminum vehicle.
The space frame is created using Alcoa; using casting and extrusions of the material. The body is then welded on, the first car to have this type of chassis was the 360 Modena.
- Top speed of 200 miles per hour
- Goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds
- Starting price of $312,000
2 – The Porsche 918 Spyder
This unique and exotic vehicle is a mid-engined plug-in hybrid supercar designed by Porsche. There are three total engines working in tandem within this vehicle. The 4.6 liter V8 engine provides 608 horsepower, then there are two electric motors which produce 279 horsepower combined.
This combines for a total of 887 horsepower. The 6.8 kWh lithium-Ion battery pack bring an all-electric range of 12 miles under EPA’s five-cycle tests. Manufactured as a limited edition supercar, there are only plans to manufacture 918 of these during the 2014 model year.
- Top speed of 210 miles per hour
- The second plug-in hybrid made by Porsche
- First shown as a concept at the 80th Geneva Motor Show in 2010
1 – The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
This beast of a vehicle has a 6.2 liter LS9 supercharged V8 engine. The carbon-fiber body design keeps the vehicle’s weight light and allows the engine to shine through with maximum power. This tops our list of exotic cars for being one of the most popular and well known ones out there.
Here are some specifications to take with you:
- 604 lb-ft of torque and 638 horsepower
- 0 to 60 mph in 3-4 seconds
- Top speed of 205 mph
- Starting price of $111,600
