What is a Halo Car?

Automakers tend to lead with their best foot forward, and that foot is called a halo car. The term “halo car” refers to a high-performance or famous car that an auto company makes to help show off the brand and its tech. It’s the best car that they can design and make.

Halo Car 101

As the word “halo” suggests, this car makes the rest of the brand’s cars look good. So automakers tend to put their best technology, design and performance in these halo car. Take the Ford GT for example, Every GT produced from 2005 to 2006 had a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine with 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque mounted amidships. The GT could reach 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Ford was looking to show off and they did it in style, but they’re not the only ones. Although, The Lamborghini Miura, introduced in 1966, is widely considered to be the first true halo car.

Examples of Halo Cars Through The Years

Ferrari F40

Image Source: Reddit

We’ve already talked about the Ford GT, now let’s go to Italy. The Ferrari F40 redefined hot exotic cars in the 1980s. Ferrari made the F40 from 1987-1991. The company took speed and handling seriously with bewinged body work, fabric pulls instead of door handles, and a twin-turbo V-8 engine. The F40’s 478 horsepower and 2,425-pound curb weight allowed it to reach 201 mph, a first for a production car. Enzo Ferrari, Maranello’s founder, approved the F40 as the last product.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

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The 8C Competizione from Alfa Romeo is a masterpiece of power and precision, engineered to deliver an unbeatable drive that makes every road feel like the home stretch at Monza. Pop the 8C Competizione’s hood and you’ll find a V8 engine roaring to life, coupled with a suspension system that promises an adrenaline-packed journey, all in the name of pure speed. Clocking in at a breathtaking 180mph, this car’s sheer speed is no accident but the result of deliberate and passionate engineering. Whipping around tight turns or charging up a steep incline, you’ll feel in complete control with this car’s agile steering and robust brakes.

Lexus LFA

Image Source: MotorTrend

While Lexus is known for reliable and comfortable cars that last well past 250,000 miles (ie. Lexus IS). The Japanese automaker wanted to show they could make a car that broke them out of the boring car club. Enter the Lexus LFA, its Formula 1-based 4.8-liter V-10 engine produced 553 horsepower through a six-speed sequential transmission. It had enough power to challenge the Nurburgring record during its two-year production run. In short, it’s not your granddad’s Lexus

Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

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Back in America Chevy created their own halo car, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (aka Blue Devil). From 2009–2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 was GM’s fastest sports car thanks to the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. Even with its six-speed stick shift the ZR-1 has a top speed of 205 mph. And you could get it cheaper too because the Chevrolet costs less than a Ferrari or Lamborghini of the same era.