20 Iconic Supercars of the ‘90s That Defined the Era

The 1990s was an era of groundbreaking automotive innovation, giving birth to some of the most epic supercars ever built. These vehicles not only pushed the boundaries of speed and design but also set new standards in performance and technology. In this article, we highlight 20 of the most iconic supercars from the ’90s, each with its own unique story and exceptional features. Discover what makes these cars legendary and why they continue to captivate car enthusiasts around the world.

McLaren F1

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The McLaren F1, produced between 1992 and 1998, is considered one of the greatest supercars of all time. Designed by Gordon Murray, it featured a central driving position and a naturally aspirated 6.1-liter V12 engine from BMW producing 618 horsepower. The car’s lightweight carbon fiber construction and groundbreaking aerodynamics allowed it to achieve a top speed of 240.1 mph, making it the fastest production car of its time. Priced at $815,000 when new, its rarity and performance have since made it a multi-million-dollar collector’s item.

Ferrari F50

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The Ferrari F50, produced from 1995 to 1997, was built to celebrate Ferrari’s 50th anniversary. It featured a 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine derived from Formula 1 technology, producing 520 horsepower. The F50’s design included a removable hardtop, making it both a coupe and a roadster. With a top speed of 202 mph and a price tag of around $480,000, the F50 remains a symbol of Ferrari’s engineering prowess and racing heritage.

Lamborghini Diablo

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The Lamborghini Diablo, produced from 1990 to 2001, was the first Lamborghini capable of exceeding 200 mph. It featured a 5.7-liter V12 engine producing 492 horsepower in its early models, with later versions like the Diablo SV reaching up to 530 horsepower. The Diablo’s aggressive design, scissor doors, and powerful performance made it an icon of the 1990s supercar scene. Prices for the Diablo started at around $240,000, and its status as a quintessential Lamborghini has made it highly desirable.

Jaguar XJ220

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The Jaguar XJ220, produced from 1992 to 1994, was designed to be the fastest car in the world, achieving a top speed of 217 mph. It featured a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 542 horsepower. The sleek, aerodynamic design and cutting-edge technology made it a marvel of its time. Priced at $580,000, the XJ220 remains a rare and sought-after supercar, with only 275 units produced.

Porsche 911 GT1

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The Porsche 911 GT1, produced between 1996 and 1998, was a homologation special built to compete in the FIA GT1 class. It featured a 3.2-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 536 horsepower. The GT1’s design closely resembled a Le Mans race car, with a low-slung body and extensive use of carbon fiber. With a top speed of 191 mph and a price of around $900,000, the 911 GT1 is one of the most extreme and rarest Porsche models ever made.

Bugatti EB110

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The Bugatti EB110, produced from 1991 to 1995, marked the revival of the Bugatti brand. It featured a 3.5-liter quad-turbo V12 engine producing 553 horsepower in the GT version and 603 horsepower in the SS version. The EB110’s advanced engineering included all-wheel drive and a carbon fiber chassis. With a top speed of 213 mph and a price of around $350,000, the EB110 was a technological marvel and a symbol of Bugatti’s return to the supercar world.

Ferrari 288 GTO

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Although the Ferrari 288 GTO was introduced in 1984, its production continued into the early 1990s. It featured a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 400 horsepower. The 288 GTO’s design was a blend of elegance and aggression, with flared wheel arches and a purposeful stance. With a top speed of 189 mph and a price of around $85,000 when new, the 288 GTO is now a highly prized classic.

Lotus Esprit V8

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The Lotus Esprit V8, produced from 1996 to 2004, featured a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 350 horsepower. Its lightweight fiberglass body and mid-engine layout provided excellent handling and performance. The Esprit V8’s sleek, wedge-shaped design and potent engine made it a standout supercar of the 1990s. Priced at around $85,000, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts for its driving dynamics and distinctive styling.

TVR Cerbera

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The TVR Cerbera, produced from 1996 to 2003, was known for its raw performance and British engineering. It featured a 4.2-liter or 4.5-liter V8 engine, with power outputs ranging from 360 to 420 horsepower. The Cerbera’s lightweight design and aggressive styling made it a formidable competitor on both road and track. Priced at around $50,000, it offered supercar performance at a relatively affordable price.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (C4)

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The Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, produced from 1990 to 1995, was known as the “King of the Hill.” It featured a 5.7-liter LT5 V8 engine, developed in collaboration with Lotus, producing 375 horsepower and later 405 horsepower. The ZR-1’s advanced design included a wider rear track and upgraded suspension, making it a performance icon of its era. Priced at around $60,000, it remains a favorite among Corvette enthusiasts.

Dodge Viper RT/10

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The Dodge Viper RT/10, produced from 1992 to 2002, was an American supercar icon. It featured an 8.0-liter V10 engine producing 400 horsepower in its early models, later increased to 450 horsepower. The Viper’s aggressive design, with its long hood and side exhausts, made it instantly recognizable. Priced at around $50,000 when new, the Viper offered raw performance and driving excitement.

Honda NSX

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The Honda NSX, also known as the Acura NSX in North America, was produced from 1990 to 2005. It featured a 3.0-liter or 3.2-liter V6 engine with VTEC, producing up to 290 horsepower. The NSX’s aluminum body, mid-engine layout, and precise handling made it a technological marvel. Priced at around $60,000, it offered supercar performance with Honda reliability.

Lamborghini Murciélago

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The Lamborghini Murciélago, introduced in 2001 and produced until 2010, was a successor to the Diablo. It featured a 6.2-liter V12 engine producing 572 horsepower in its early models, later increased to 661 horsepower. The Murciélago’s dramatic design and scissor doors continued Lamborghini’s tradition of producing stunning supercars. Priced at around $273,000, it remains a symbol of automotive excess and performance.

Ferrari 512 TR

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The Ferrari 512 TR, produced from 1991 to 1994, was an evolution of the Testarossa. It featured a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 428 horsepower. The 512 TR’s refined design included improved aerodynamics and a more luxurious interior. With a top speed of 195 mph and a price of around $195,000, it remains a highly desirable classic Ferrari.

Jaguar XJR-15

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The Jaguar XJR-15, produced from 1990 to 1992, was a limited-production supercar with only 53 units built. It featured a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 450 horsepower. The XJR-15’s design was based on the XJR-9 race car, with a lightweight carbon fiber body and advanced aerodynamics. Priced at around $960,000, it is one of the rarest and most exclusive supercars of the 1990s.

Venturi 400 GT

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The Venturi 400 GT, produced from 1994 to 1997, was a French supercar known for its racing pedigree. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower. The 400 GT’s lightweight design and advanced aerodynamics made it a competitive race car. Priced at around $250,000, it remains a rare and intriguing supercar.

Ford GT90

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The Ford GT90, unveiled in 1995, was a concept car that showcased Ford’s future design direction. It featured a 6.0-liter quad-turbo V12 engine producing 720 horsepower. The GT90’s futuristic design and advanced technology made it a highlight of the 1990s auto shows. Although never put into production, it remains an iconic concept car.

Bugatti EB112

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The Bugatti EB112, unveiled in 1993, was a luxury sports sedan concept. It featured a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 450 horsepower. The EB112’s design included a long hood, sleek lines, and a luxurious interior. Although it never went into full production, it remains an important part of Bugatti’s history.

Cizeta-Moroder V16T

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The Cizeta-Moroder V16T, produced from 1991 to 1995, was a unique supercar featuring a 6.0-liter V16 engine producing 540 horsepower. The V16T’s design included a wide body, pop-up headlights, and a mid-engine layout. Priced at around $650,000, it remains a rare and distinctive supercar.

Maserati Shamal

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The Maserati Shamal, produced from 1990 to 1996, was a high-performance coupe featuring a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 322 horsepower. Its aggressive design included flared wheel arches and a distinctive wedge shape, making it stand out among 1990s supercars. With a top speed of 168 mph and a price of around $100,000, the Shamal remains a rare and captivating model in Maserati’s history.

This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.

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Author: Dave Johnston

Dave is a hands-on automotive technician with experience in performing service, diagnostics, and repairs on domestic and imported vehicles. He enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge far and wide.

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