5 Supercars That Launched In India In The First Half Of 2023

An encouraging trend in the Indian automotive industry is the swift launch of cars following their global debut. In the past, there used to be a significant delay between the global unveiling of car models and their Indian launch. However, since 2020, carmakers have recognized the immense potential of the Indian market and have prioritized it accordingly.

Notably, the sales of supercars witnessed a remarkable surge of over 50% in 2022, surpassing the previous record set in 2018. In a particularly noteworthy achievement, Italian carmaker Lamborghini achieved its highest-ever sales with 93 units sold in 2022. Here is a compilation of five super/sports cars that have been introduced for sale in India this year:

Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato V10

Yes, the Huracan Sterrato V10 was technically launched back in December, but its deliveries likely commenced from the new year. This Lamborghini, priced at Rs 4.61 crore, is pretty unique as it’s an all-terrain version of the regular Huracan. 

The Italian carmaker has announced that just 1,499 units of the Huracan Sterrato would be sold in total. In fact, despite the hefty price tag, Lamborghini claims Indian bookings have crossed into the double digits. Compared to the standard Huracan Evo, the Sterrato sits 44 mm higher, has larger front and rear tracks, and is equipped with 19-inch rims shod in special off-road Bridgestone tyres. It also gets beefier fenders, skid plates and roof rails to match the car’s off-road nature. Lamborghini has also equipped it with a roof scoop and roof-mounted aux LED lamps.

Powering the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato V10 is the familiar 610PS 5.2-litre V10 engine driving all four wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. In terms of performance, this off-road version of the Huracan can do a 0-100 kmph sprint in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 260 kmph.

McLaren Artura

McLaren has launched its first series production plug-in hybrid supercar in India, the Artura, at Rs. 5.1 crore, (ex-showroom Delhi). The Artura looks unmistakably a McLaren with big air intakes and fluid design lines. It also features butterfly doors that look mean. Towards the back, there is a centre-mounted dual-exhaust setup. 

McLaren has equipped the Artura with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor to develop a combined power output of 680PS and 720 Nm. All this power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The Artura also gets a 7.4 kWh battery, sufficient for an all-electric range of 31 km with a top speed of 130 kmph in EV mode. This hybrid supercar comes with four drive modes: EMode, Comfort, Sport and Track.

Coming to the performance of the Artura, the hybrid supercar can do 0-100 kmph in 3.0 seconds and go all the way to a claimed top speed of 330 kmph.

Maserati MC20

The Maserati MC20 is a mid-engined supercar, launched in March, retailing at Rs. 3.69 crore. 

In terms of looks, the MC20 gets an inoffensive styling with clean lines and typical Maserati design cues. At the front, there is a low grille with wide large intakes on both sides. The rear fenders too get air intakes. Towards the rear, Maserati has provided the MC20 with a spoiler to help with the generation of downforce. 

The interior consists of dual 10-inch screens. These displays are used for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The cabin is tastefully done up in carbon fibre and Alcantara. 

The Maserati MC20 comes with a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine that develops 630PS and 730Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed DCT gearbox. 

Coming to the performance, the 0-100 kmph number is claimed to be 2.9 seconds while the top speed of the car is 325 kmph.

Ferrari 296 GTS

The Ferrari 296 GTS, priced at Rs 6.24 crore, is nothing but the convertible variant of the 296 GTB. 

While the car is similar to the 296 GTB, it features a retractable metal roof that can open or close in 14 seconds at speeds up to 45 km/h. The GTS gets a dual buttress design for the rear windscreen. Coming to the powertrain of this Ferrari, the 296 GTS comes with a hybrid powertrain. The 3.0-litre V6 is paired with an electric motor to put out 830PS and 740Nm. Ferrari uses an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission to drive the rear wheels. 

The Ferrari 296 GTS has a 2.9-second 0-100 kmph time. Flat out, the supercar will reach a top speed of 330 kmph. Now, these numbers are very close to the 296 GTB, despite the fact that the GTS is over 70 kg heavier due to the convertible roof.  

BMW Z4

The last on our list is the facelifted BMW Z4. Yes, this is technically not a supercar per se, but hey, the enthusiasts in India will appreciate a performance car with a not-so-hefty price tag of Rs. 89.30 lakh. 

As part of its facelift, the 2023 BMW Z4 comes with mildly revised bumpers and a stealthy darkened look to the grille, wheels and ORVMs.

The Z4 M40i roadster features a fabric roof that can fold electrically in just 10 seconds. The insides of the Z4, which get almost zilch changes, is sporty and features a design language seen in the carmaker’s old models. 

The BMW Z4 M40i comes with 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged petrol engine developing 340PS and 500 Nm. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission while the car also gets Adaptive M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes and an M Sport differential.

While it's no supercar killer, the Z4 is no slouch as well. The 0-100 kmph comes up at 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph.