December 12, 2024 | Peter Kinney

Cars That Are Way Too Powerful For New Drivers


Why These Beast Rides Are Too Much for New Drivers

Owning a high-performance car is a dream for many automotive enthusiasts. But with great power comes great responsibility, so which cars can be too much for someone just getting started with driving?

Lamborghini

Bugatti Chiron

Unfortunately, as a less skilled driver, you might not be able to join Cristiano Ronaldo, Jay-Z, and other Bugatti Chiron owners. This 2-seater was designed as the ultimate successor to the Veyron, focusing on refinement, performance, and luxury with an acceleration of 62 mph in 2.4 seconds. 

Bugatti ChironCalreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Bugatti Chiron (Cont.)

The Chiron’s 8.0L quad-turbocharged W16 can deliver up to 1,479 hp. This is why the maximum speed is electronically limited to 261 mph. However, it can exceed 300 mph in special configurations—too much for first-timers. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Bugatti ChironVauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rivian R1S

Can you imagine a 7-seater that hits 60 mph in only 3 seconds? It’s a dream that came true with the Rivian R1S after 10 years of being under development. This monster’s intimidating factor for beginners lies in its size, weight, and sheer immediacy of torque.

Rivian R1SRichard Truesdell, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rivian R1S (Cont.)

With the Rivian R1S, you won’t worry about refueling because it’s an electric off-road SUV with three power outputs. The highest quad-motor version offers 835 hp, but Rivian decided to produce more affordable dual-motor and performance dual-motor versions that happen to be beginner-unfriendly.

Rivian R1SMliu92, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Finding a ride that beats the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 is a bit hard. With 828 lb-ft of torque, the ZR1 achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 2.5. Think of this strength in the wrong hands, and you’ll realize it won’t work for a newbie. 

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1Alexandre Prévot, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (Cont.)

Jay Leno added this beautiful car to his outstanding classic car collection, but as a less skillful driver, you might need to think twice before joining him. Despite an affordable price of around $180,000, compared to other supercars, this one is challenging to manage without experience. 

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons

Ariel Atom 4

Although not the most powerful car on our list, the Ariel Atom 4 isn’t a typical novice-friendly vehicle. It’s designed to offer a pure, track-focused driving experience with minimal frills and maximum performance, with the absence of a body shell making it a bit scary to drive. 

Ariel Atom 4Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Ariel Atom 4 (Cont.)

The rocket-like Atom 4 is all about improved aerodynamics with its 2.0L turbocharged Honda i-VTEC inline-4 delivering up to 320 hp. But its hassle-free concept allows it to reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, which can make mistakes costly with its open-wheel design. 

Ariel Atom 4Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lamborghini Aventador LP1600-4 Mansory Carbonado GT

After the Lamborghini Aventador’s success, the German luxury car modification company Mansory wanted to spice it up a little bit, increasing its hp to 1600. So, can a beginner control this hypercar, designed to hit 60 mph in 2.1 seconds? Don’t think so!

Lamborghini Aventador LP1600-4 Mansory Carbonado GTEPIC Mansory Aventador LP1600-4 Carbonado GT in Monaco! By JvDSupercars

Lamborghini Aventador LP1600-4 Mansory Carbonado GT (Cont.)

While this furious beast is popular among collectors, its amazing responsiveness and low tolerance for errors deter less experienced drivers. Nevertheless, we can’t help but admire its carbon-fiber bodywork, aggressive look, and futuristic interior features. 

Lamborghini Aventador LP1600-4 Mansory Carbonado GT FIRST LOOK: 1600hp Mansory Carbonado GT Aventador at Geneva 2014 by Shmee150

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Koenigsegg Gemera

Because it’s powered by a compact 150 lb engine, the Koenigsegg Gemera is made to be one of the fastest plug-in hybrids. It’s the first four-seater car from Koenigsegg with the performance of a hypercar with the functionality of a grand tourer fused together. 

Koenigsegg GemeraLiam Walker, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Koenigsegg Gemera (Cont.)

The 2.0L twin-turbocharged three-cylinder engine, nicknamed the “Tiny Friendly Giant”, paired with three electric motors, produces a combined output of 1,700 hp. Only a few beginners won’t be overwhelmed by the 1.9 seconds raw acceleration to 60 mph. 

Koenigsegg GemeraHerranderssvensson, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast

Securing its status among the most powerful rides, the Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast’s polarizing design can be a bit too much for any first-time owner. Mix this with its tri-motor all-wheel drive, which produces over 845 hp, and you’ll see that many other options might be more rookie-friendly. 

Tesla Cybertruck CyberbeastLcaa9, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast (Cont.)

The Cyberbeast’s most intimidating aspect lies in its unique electric torque delivery, which can overwhelm inexperienced drivers. It’s mainly made for tech-savvy performance enthusiasts but could be a handful for newcomers who don’t know how to handle it. 

Tesla Cybertruck CyberbeastTaurusEmerald, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Introduced in 2003, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS has a naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine producing 518 hp. As the more fierce version of the GT3, beginners might be unfamiliar with such precision, and it's best to seek other alternatives for safety reasons. 

Porsche 911 GT3 RSCalreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (Cont.)

With a base price starting around $224,000, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a serious investment. Add this to its razor-sharp handling and rear-wheel-drive configuration, and you’ll see why it might not be every beginner’s cup of tea. Again, choose another ride.

Porsche 911 GT3 RSAlexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Aspark Owl

Do you think electric cars are super easy to dominate? Think again because the Aspark Owl is designed for serious power enthusiasts with an all-electric drivetrain. For novice drivers, the Owl’s instant torque that allows it to reach 60 mph in 1.72 seconds makes it almost impossible to handle. 

Aspark OwlRutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Aspark Owl (Cont.)

Production of the Owl started in 2020, with only 50 units planned—another reason why it might not be that accessible. But if you ever get your hands on one, you’ll see that only a seasoned driver can tame this 1,953 hp speedster. 

Aspark OwlLiam Walker, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Aston Martin Valkyrie

Named after Norse mythology, the Aston Martin Valkyrie is a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing. This machine brings Formula 1 performance to the road with a naturally aspirated 6.5L V12 engine and a hybrid system that produces 1,160 hp. 

Aston Martin ValkyrieCalreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Aston Martin Valkyrie (Cont.)

It’s safe to say only a seasoned driver can steer a car that accelerates to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. The racing-inspired design and lightweight carbon fiber construction of the Valkyrie require confidence you can achieve after years of driving. 

Aston Martin Valkyriepelican-actor, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rimac C_Two

The name of the Rimac C_Two demonstrates the potential of electric power with four electric motors, producing a staggering 1,888 hp and 1,741 lb-ft of torque. Compare this to the average of 200 hp on most sedans, and you’ll get the picture. 

Rimac C_TwoBranko Radovanović, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rimac C_Two (Cont.)

Renamed Nevara, this unrelenting speed demon broke the record 23 times in a single day, reaching 60 mph in 1.74 seconds. Nevertheless, even skillful drivers can find this rapid acceleration too difficult to control. However, if you have enough training, you might want to give it a try. 

Rimac C_TwoRimac C_Two – Electric Hypercar (1.9 SEC to 62mph) by AUTO TV

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Hennessey Venom F5

Redefining speed, the Hennessey Venom F5’s 6.6L twin-turbo V8 produces a jaw-dropping 1,817 hp. The company made only 24 units, which are either already sold or have been ordered, so finding one at a dealership won’t just happen.  

Hennessey Venom F5Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Hennessey Venom F5 (Cont.)

Featuring a body and chassis almost entirely made of carbon fiber for maximum acceleration, the F5 is designed to exceed a top speed of 311 mph. This makes this vehicle a ferocious ride that demands perfect control and experience, even by hypercar standards. 

Hennessey Venom F5 Hennessey Venom F5: America’s Hypercar by Hennessey Performance

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg owns a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. But unless you’re a skillful driver, controlling this super sedan will be a bit problematic, as it reaches 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. 

Cadillac CT5-V BlackwingMr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (Cont.)

Cadillac announced that this might be one of the last gasoline V models to be produced. However, its sedan form can lead less experienced drivers to underestimate its performance. The result? A powerful ride that can be too hot to handle. 

Cadillac CT5-V BlackwingDamian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ferrari SF90 Stradale

Representing a new era for Ferrari as its first plug-in hybrid, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale combines a 4.0L V8 engine with three electric motors. This combo delivers an output of 986 hp. It’s a scary machine with a maximum speed of 211 mph. 

Ferrari SF90 StradaleAlexandre Prevot, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ferrari SF90 Stradale (Cont.)

Beginners may struggle with managing the power distribution between the electric and internal combustion systems, which makes the car tricky to maneuver at its limits. Nevertheless, the SF90 is an engineering sensation with advanced aerodynamics and state-of-the-art technology.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale Dylan Johnson, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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SSC Tuatara

As a hypercar, the SSC Tuatara has made headlines for its record-breaking speed attempts. With a 5.9L twin-turbocharged V8 producing 1,750 hp, it claims to have a top speed of 295 mph, though controversies surrounding its speed records exist. 

SSC TuataraWikiGenesis, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

SSC Tuatara (Cont.)

The Tuatara is not beginner-friendly due to its sheer momentum and the focus required to handle such a lightweight, high-powered car. Its futuristic, aerodynamic design adds to its allure, while the price of $1.6 million makes it more suitable for collectors. 

SSC TuataraSSCNA, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ford F-150 Raptor R

When you mix massive power with advanced suspension, you get the Ford F-150 Raptor R—a high-performance off-road truck. With a price starting at around $107,000, it might seem like an affordable entry, but it’s still pricey for a beginner’s vehicle. 

Ford F-150 Raptor RAlexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Ford F-150 Raptor R (Cont.)

Although the Ford F-150 Raptor R can handle extreme terrains, this beast is best for experienced off-road enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. Its 5.2L Carnivore supercharged V8 with a 700 hp output can be too much for everyday driving. 

Ford F-150 Raptor RKevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Pininfarina Battista

It’s hard to believe that an electric car can pack such strength, but the Pininfarina Battista defies the norms with its 120 kWh battery pack. This vehicle has four motors, producing a combined output of 1400 kW to reach a top speed of 222 mph. 

Pininfarina BattistaMrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Pininfarina Battista (Cont.)

As a beginner, access to one of the 150 Pininfarina Battistas might be challenging. But if you ever drive one, you might struggle to control a monster that reaches 62 miles in less than 2 seconds. You need a little bit of experience to handle it.

Pininfarina BattistaVauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Ford Mustang GTD

The Ford Mustang GTD is a street-legal version of a race car inspired by Ford’s GT3 program. Designed with impressive aerodynamics and powered by a 5.2L V8 engine that emits more than 800 hp, it’s not your typical beginner’s car. 

Ford Mustang GTDThe First-Ever Ford Mustang GTD | Ford by Ford Motor Company

Ford Mustang GTD (Cont.)

Ford announced it might produce around 1000 units of the Mustang GTD, with the car’s exclusivity adding to its charm. The carbon fiber construction and aerodynamics allow it to reach 202 mph—too high for newbies. 

Ford Mustang GTDIs the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Carbon Series WORTH it? By Raiti's Rides

GMC Hummer EV Edition 1

General Motors shook the market with its electric GMC Hummer EV Edition 1, which redefines the idea of a compelling off-road machine. It features three electric motors that accelerate to 60 mph in 3 seconds, which is pretty fast for most drivers. 

GMC Hummer EV Edition 1Charles, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 (Cont.)

Other cool features include the Crab Walk, which allows this car to move diagonally, and the underbody cameras. Unless you’re a serious tech-savvy off-roading adventurer, the vehicle’s massive size and immense torque will be an obstacle to comfortable driving. 

GMC Hummer EV Edition 1Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lamborghini Revuelto

There’s no way we can imagine a list of powerful cars without mentioning another Lamborghini. The Revuelto is lighter than the Aventador, its predecessor, and its hybrid V12 engine produces 1,001 hp, making it the number one choice for seasoned supercar enthusiasts. 

Lamborghini RevueltoMaxhdtenda, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lamborghini Revuelto (Cont.)

Lamborghini’s Revuelto mixes the brand’s iconic design language with futuristic elements, including Y-shaped headlights and an advanced aerodynamic profile. Beginners will find it daunting due to its ferocious power delivery and modern hybrid systems requiring technical understanding. 

Lamborghini Revuelto Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Shelby Super Snake

Re-formulizing the classic Ford Mustang, the Shelby Super Snake holds the supercharged 5.0L V8 fitted with a Shelby/Ford Racing supercharger engine. Unless you have enough muscle car experience, you’ll quickly lose command of this beauty. 

Shelby Super SnakeJamain, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Shelby Super Snake (Cont.)

The Super Snake’s muscular design, Shelby badges, and custom carbon-fiber components make it a showstopper. Although its rather affordable price might tempt newbies, it requires too much experience and poise that come with practice. 

Shelby Super SnakeBrett Levin, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lotus Evija

Pushing performance and design boundaries, the electric Lotus Evija is a hypercar with only 130 units available for sale. So, getting one has a poor outlook. But if you’re lucky enough, you still might not be able to control its 2,011 hp four motors. 

Lotus EvijaMN, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Lotus Evija

Just like other Lotus cars, it costs more than $2 million—another reason why it might not suit a less experienced driver who might accidentally scratch their ride. But in the right hands, the instant torque delivery and lightweight chassis make it a thrill to drive. 

Lotus EvijaMrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons


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