From High Speeds to High Skies: The Best Supercars Inspired by Airplanes

February 17, 2024 3:37 PM

Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the sight of a sportscar flying by, tearing through the air with the same ferocity as a fighter jet? This striking similarity is far from coincidental. Beyond the basic utility of typical sedans, there exists a realm of supercars where the influence of aviation is unmistakably evident. 

 

Seemingly, the most exhilarating car designs find their muse in the high-flying world of aviation, capturing the essence of its streamlined silhouettes, adrenaline-charged speeds, and a penchant for defying conventional limits. We've curated a list of 5 such supercars, each embodying this remarkable synergy, while narrating their unique journey from the tarmac to the skies.

 

Pagani Huayra Tricolore

 

 

 

Following the Zonda Tricolore's legacy, Pagani introduced the Huayra Tricolore, an even more distinguished version in 2020, inspired by the Italian Air Force's aerobatic team. Drawing design cues from the Aermacchi MB-339A PAN jets, capable of speeds over 550 mph, the Huayra Tricolore owes its extreme lightness from integrating advanced composite materials and cutting-edge aviation technologies during production.

 

The Huayra Tricolore is distinctly Italian, evident in its blue carbon fiber body and the tricolor stripe that echoes the aircraft's design. Under the hood, the Huayra Tricolore houses a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine from Mercedes-AMG, boosted to produce 829 horsepower and 811 lb./ft. of torque. Its light 2,800-pound weight ensures blistering speed, complemented by a chassis enhanced with composite materials for increased rigidity.

 

Pagani has meticulously refined the Huayra's styling for optimal aerodynamics, featuring a complex front splitter, propeller-inspired wheels, and a large rear diffuser integrated with the rear wing, harmonizing increased downforce. The interior matches the exterior's flair, with white and blue leather seats adorned with Italian flag stripes and the Tricolori logo, while the aluminum gear shifter and other elements are finished in anodized blue.

 

This hypercar, with its $6.7 million price tag, pays homage to the Italian Air Force in a limited run of only three units. Each model is uniquely numbered to correspond with the formation leaders of the Frecce Tricolori.

 

 

 

 

Lamborghini Reventón

 

 

 

 

Hailing as a rare gem from the 2000s, the Lamborghini Reventón was a marvel of its time, with only 20 units ever produced. This model, an evolution of the Murciélago, offers a transformative body design and a modernized interior, marking it as a standout piece in automotive history.

 

Diverging from the Murciélago’s sleek contours, the Reventón draws its bold, angular aesthetic from the world of stealth fighter jets, reminiscent of the F-117 Nighthawk and F-22 Raptor. However, its homage to aviation extends beyond the external design. The highlight of the Reventón is its dashboard, ingeniously designed to echo the glass cockpits found in contemporary fighter jets.

 

 

 

 

Koenigsegg Agera RS Draken

 

 

 

Nestled in a hangar that once housed Saab Viggen fighters, the Koenigsegg Agera RS Draken serves as a tribute to the legendary Saab Draken, Sweden's most celebrated fighter jet. This custom-spec, the only one in existence, is adorned with Draken logos and silhouettes, echoing the jet's intimidating presence. What’s more impressive, with a staggering 1,341 horsepower, the Agera RS Draken’s acceleration could give a real fighter jet a run for its money right off the starting line. 

 

Carbon fiber is the star of this show, used extensively throughout the car - from the wings to the wheels, and even the custom "Draken" license plate. Opening the engine bay unveils a spectacle of carbon, a fitting backdrop for the car's twin-turbo V8 engine, a powerhouse borrowed from the astonishingly fast One:1.

 

 

 

 

Rezvani Beast Alpha X Blackbird

 

 

 

The Rezvani Beast Alpha, a relative newcomer to the elite world of boutique supercars, transforms into an even more formidable machine in its Alpha X Blackbird iteration. This model pays homage to the iconic SR-71 Blackbird, the record-holder for the fastest jet aircraft ever manned. The Beast Alpha X Blackbird does more than just borrow the name; it channels the jet's unparalleled speed and agility. With a jaw-dropping 0-60 MPH sprint in just 2.9 seconds, an impressive 700 HP engine, and a featherlight total weight of just 2,150 lbs, this vehicle is a force to be reckoned with.

 

 

 

 

Lamborghini Egoista

 

 

 

 

Walter De Silva's vision for the Lamborghini Egoista goes beyond the norms of supercar design. Inspired by the aerodynamic and intimidating nature of fighter jets, particularly the Saab Draken, the Egoista stands out with its aggressive look and focus on performance. Created to celebrate 50 years of Lamborghini, it's built with materials similar to those found in fighter jets, and sports a design reminiscent of the high-octane world of F1 racing.

 

The Egoista's unveiling was an event fitting for its grandeur. On May 11, 2013, at the finale of Lamborghini's 50th Anniversary Grand Tour, the supercar was presented in a dramatic fashion, with a stage transformed into a landing strip and a model in a flight suit ushering in the Egoista. This one-of-a-kind supercar’s value is estimated at an astonishing $117 Million, securing its place as the most expensive Lamborghini ever, and is proudly displayed in the Lamborghini museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese. Powering this beast is a 5.2-liter V10 engine, capable of delivering about 600 horsepower.

 

The name "Egoista" aptly translates to "selfish" in several romance languages, reflecting the car's design philosophy, as explained by Walter de Silva, who described it as the epitome of hedonism. The car, built for one, is a self-experience supercar, embodying the very essence of individual luxury and performance.

 

The exterior of the Egoista, inspired by the American Apache helicopter, combines aluminum and carbon fiber to create a structure that's both lightweight and sturdy, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. The car features a futuristic, racing-inspired design, marked by sharp angles and a dominant silver and black color scheme, with striking orange highlights.

 

Inside, the Egoista showcases a fusion of luxury, speed, and comfort. The seat, resembling a military chopper's pilot seat, is adorned in vivid orange, adding to the car's luxurious feel. The entire cockpit is designed to mirror an aircraft's design, including a roof that slants upwards and a steering wheel resembling an aircraft's controls.

 

 

 

 

About MPH 

 

Welcome to MPH.com, the premier luxury automotive marketplace. As a trusted liaison in the world of hyper, exotic, and luxury vehicles, we connect discerning enthusiasts to an exclusive network of luxury car dealers across North America. Backed by years of experience and deep industry knowledge, MPH commits to delivering an exemplary level of service and expertise. MPH also provides access to the latest industry trends, news, and insights. Visit www.mph.com to start your luxury car journey, or stay informed at mph.com/news.

 

 

Join Our Community

 

X (Previously Twitter): twitter.com/mph

Instagram: instagram.com/mph