Summary
- The article explores the world of automobiles named after notable individuals, showcasing how cutting-edge technology and design honor their legacies.
- From the powerful Pagani Huayra BC to the luxurious Alfa Romeo Giulia, these cars transcend the ordinary, embodying the achievements of their namesakes.
- Whether it's the speed of the Bugatti Veyron or the agility of the McLaren Senna, these cars serve as living testaments to greatness, fusing automotive innovation and human inspiration.
Today we’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating world where automotive engineering meets human ingenuity, resulting in machines that pay homage to notable individuals. From sleek supercars to luxury sedans, this article explores the captivating realm of automobiles bearing the names of icons who've left an indelible mark on history. These tributes embody more than just a label; they encapsulate the essence and legacy of the individuals they honor.
Unveiling the stories behind these dynamic creations, the article unveils how cutting-edge technology, design, and performance are seamlessly intertwined with the legacies of renowned personalities. Whether it's the raw power of a supercar or the elegance of a visionary artist, these cars transcend the ordinary, elevating their namesakes' achievements to new heights. Join us on a thrilling ride through the intersection of automotive innovation and human inspiration, where these insane cars become living testaments to greatness.
10 Pagani Huayra BC
Named After: Benny Caiola
The Huayra is a limited-production supercar made by Pagani as a replacement for the Zonda. When it was released, the model was universally loved for its high power and unique blend of performance, style, and luxury, notably winning Hypercar of the Year 2012" by Top Gear magazine. The Huayra part of the car’s name actually comes from Wayra Tata, the Quechua wind god, signifying the advanced aerodynamics of the vehicle. But the BC part has an even more interesting story behind it.
Performance
| Engine | 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-12 |
| Power | 754 horsepower |
| Top speed | 238 mph |
| 0-60 | 3.3 seconds |
| Torque | 738 lb⋅ft |
| MSRP | $3,500,000 |
Back when Horacio Pagani first founded the company he debuted his first car, the Zonda, and the first person to ever buy it was a man named Benny Caiola. Since then both of them have formed a close bond and have inspired each other through the years. So in 2017 to commemorate his first customer and closest friend Horacio added his name to the Huayra as a tribute.
9 Enzo Ferrari
Named After: Enzo Ferrari
The Enzo also known as the F140, was a mid-engined supercar that came out in 2002. The model hosted a number of advanced features taken from Formula One cars. It came equipped with an F1-style lightweight carbon-fiber body, semi-automatic transmission, and carbon fiber-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic disc brakes for F1-like performance on the road.
Performance
| Engine | 6.0-liter F140B V-12 |
| Power | 754 horsepower |
| Top speed | 238 mph |
| 0-60 | 3.5 seconds |
| Torque | 485 lb⋅ft |
| MSRP | $652,000 |
Another advanced feature found on the Enzo was an active aerodynamic system. The system adjusts front underbody flaps, rear spoiler, and rear diffusers actively as the vehicle accelerates, brakes, and turns, helping the car retain maximum downforce at all sections of the track. The F140 is the only Ferrari to ever have the prestigious honor of hosting the founder's name and one of the only two instances when a model's name did not start with Ferrari.
8 Lotus Elise
Named After: Elisa Artioli
The Lotus Elise is a mid-engined two-seater sports car that first came out in 1996. It was a lightweight and nimble car that could even outmaneuver cars above its price. To achieve its lightweight design, Lotus made the car's body out of fiberglass using a method similar to the one used in extruded aluminum double-glazing windows.
Performance
| Engine | 1.8-liter Rover K-series inline-four |
| Power | 754 horsepower |
| Top speed | 238 mph |
| 0-60 | 4.9 seconds |
| Torque | 122 lb-ft |
| MSRP | -- |
During development, the car was initially going to be called "One Eleven" written out as "111". But near its release, Lotus’s chairman Romano Artioli decided to name it after his granddaughter "Elisa Artioli". But sadly, the tale of the Elise ended in 2021 upon its discontinuation.
7 McLaren Senna
Named After: Ayrton Senna
The McLaren Senna is a limited-production supercar that was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The Senna aims to provide maximum speed and performance for its drivers. It's quick with a 0–60 time of 2.8 seconds and fast with a 208 mph top speed. But it's not just fast in a straight line it's also incredibly agile in the corners, with engineers claiming that it's the most direct and responsive car that McLaren's ever built.
Performance
| Engine | 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-12 |
| Power | 118 horsepower |
| Top speed | 127 mph |
| 0-60 | 2.8 seconds |
| Torque | 590 lb⋅ft |
| MSRP | $1,050,000 |
To achieve its speed Mclaren fitted the Senna with a 789 horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine paired with a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission. This model was named after the legendary Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, paying tribute to his time on Mclaren’s F1 team and his three world championship wins.
6 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Named After: Romeo and Juliet
Designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo the Giulia is a beautiful compact executive luxury sedan that debuted in 2015. Notably the model is the first mass-production Alfa Romeo model since the 75 to feature a longitudinal rear-wheel drive platform.
Performance
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Power | 280 horsepower |
| Top speed | 149 mph |
| 0-60 | 5.2 seconds |
| Torque | 306 lb-ft |
| MSRP | $44,280 |
The Giulia offers its passengers a luxurious interior with leather upholstery and comfortable seating, but that doesn't mean that it drives soft as well. The model features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 280 horsepower and produces an intoxicating sound as it takes sharp turns showcasing its agile handling.
The story behind the car's name has remained a bit of a mystery since its release. Due to Alfa Romeo not disclosing any information, fans of the model have come up with their own theories. The leading theory is that the name is a reference to the tale of Romeo and Juliet, with the company's own name playing the part of "Romeo".
5 Dino 206 GT
Named After: Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari
The Dino 206 GT along with the other models in the Dino range made their debut in 1967. Designed by Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, the Dino featured a distinctive Berlinetta-style body with curving lines and soft edges present throughout. The Dino hosted three different specs of models, 206 GT, 246 GT, and 246 GTS all featuring a V-6 engine with different displacements.
Performance
| Engine | 2.4 liters V-6 |
| Power | 192 horsepower |
| Top speed | 145 mph |
| 0-60 | 7.5 seconds |
| Torque | 137 lb. ft |
| MSRP | -- |
A lot like the Enzo Ferrari the Dino was another instance in the company's history when a model’s name did not start with Ferrari and it has a rather sad history behind it. Back when Enzo Ferrari's eldest son Alfredo graduated as a mechanical engineer, he began to work on a new engine that he wanted to mount to a compact Berlinetta.
But before he could finish his work he died due to a disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the young age of 24. After his death, Enzo completed his work and named the car Dino," a nickname that was given to his son. In honor of Alfredo, the Dino is the only model to not feature the Ferrari name anywhere on its body.
4 Bugatti Veyron
Named After: Pierre Veyron
Even though Bugatti has been around for a long time, it remolded itself as a manufacturer of no expense spared luxury supercars in 2005 with the release of the Veyron. When the model debuted it became evidently clear that it was a car like no other. It came equipped with a 1000 horsepower 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged WR-16 engine that could take it up to a top speed of 267 mph making it one of the fasted road-legal cars to ever exist.
Performance
| Engine | 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged WR-16 |
| Power | 1000 horsepower |
| Top speed | 267 mph |
| 0-60 | 2.5 seconds |
| Torque | 1,106 lb⋅ft |
| MSRP | $1,900,000 |
The Veyron is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Bugatti in 1939 when he was working for them as a development engineer, test driver, and company race driver.
3 Koenigsegg Jesko
Named After: Jesko von Koenigsegg
Koenigsegg is a Swedish manufacturer that first made its name with the blisteringly fast Agera RS, and its newest offering is the Jesko. The Jesko is equipped with a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine borrowed from the Agera that produces 1600 horsepower.
Performance
| Engine | 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 |
| Power | 1600 horsepower |
| Top speed | 300 mph |
| 0-60 | 2.5 seconds |
| Torque | 738 lb⋅ft |
| MSRP | $3,000,000 |
The model was first shown to the public at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and at that show, it was revealed to the company founder's father Jesko von Koenigsegg in a heartfelt way that his son had named his newest creation after him. The Jesko was a limited production model and it had completely sold out before the end of the Motor Show.
2 Mercedes SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
Named After: Stirling Moss
The SLR McLaren is a grand tourer from a time when Mercedes owned 40 percent of Mclaren and the car is a result of a joint effort between the two companies. The Stirling Moss edition is a limited edition model of the SLR with only 75 units ever produced. This exquisite and gorgeous supercar is named after a race car driver who drove the 300 SLR to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.
Performance
| Engine | 5.5-liter AMG V-8 |
| Power | 641 horsepower |
| Top speed | 220 mph |
| 0-60 | 3.5 sec |
| Torque | 605 lb-ft |
| MSRP | $600,000 |
A lot like the original 300 SLR this edition of the SLR McLaren abandoned a number of creature comforts to provide better performance. One notable feature that’s left out is the windshield. However, according to a review from Car Magazine, the exclusion of the windscreen only adds to the excitement and lets passengers truly feel the speed as the car accelerates from 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds.
1 Bugatti Chiron
Named After: Louis Chiron
The Chiron made its debut in 2016 and it's based on the single-seater Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo concept. Like its predecessor, the Chiron focuses on providing its passengers with a luxury supercar with unparalleled performance.
Performance
| Engine | 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged WR-16 |
| Power | 1500 horsepower |
| Top speed | 261 mph |
| 0-60 | 2.3 seconds |
| Torque | 1180 lb-ft |
| MSRP | $3,300,000 |
It archives its speed by hosting an upgraded version of the 8.0-liter W-16 engine from the Veyron that's had its power output upped to a massive 1500 horsepower. Just like its predecessor this model also features a name inspired by a racing car driver. Specifically Louis Chiron, a man who competed in a number of motorsports such as rallies, sports car races, and Grands Prix.