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Shelby Super Cars Ultimate Aero TT. (SUPPLIED)
This decade, the automotive world has been defined by cars that are faster than ever, with some touching spine-shaking speeds of 413 kph.
Carbon-fibre bodies, ceramic brakes, butterfly wings, unparalleled audio systems and the convenience of running your office from the car are some of the features that have become commonplace.
It has also been a decade that saw the quest for green technology and cleaner fuel, as carmakers realise sustainable development is the only way forward.
Then there were manufacturers who spent vast amounts of money to develop concept cars that could go on land and water, fly and travel underwater like a submarine There were also some who claimed the title of the lightest car in the world.
As the most exciting decade in motoring comes to a close, Emirates Business picks out the top ten supercars of the decade.
Shelby Super Cars Ultimate Aero TT
Year: 2006
Top Speed: 411.9 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 2.8 seconds
Why we chose it: It is the world's second fastest production supercar, with an average top speed of 411.6 kph. Its 6.3-litre twin turbo-charged General Motors V8 lump rustles up some 1,183bhp and cooks 1,094lb-ft of torque on full heat. It has a six-speed transmission that helps lay all that power on the road, which is aided by its weight-distribution optimising mid-engined set up. Butterfly doors, air-conditioner and a ten-speaker sound system make the Ultimate Aero different. At last count there were only 24 manufactured.
Hennessey Venom 1000
Year: 2007
Top Speed: 410.2 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 2.8 seconds
Why we chose it: The Viper SRT-10 Coupe's huge 8-litre V10 is comprehensively upgraded with twin turbochargers, twin intercoolers, upgraded exhaust, catalysers, camshaft and cylinder heads to cope with the astounding 1,000bhp power output and 1,100lb-ft of torque. Naturally, performance is out of this world. 100 kph from rest is dispatched in under three seconds, then 3 seconds later you are travelling at 100 kph. A limited run of just 24 will be produced for around £150,000 (Dh88,200) – an unbelievable bargain.
9FF GT9-R
Year: 2008
Speed: 413.5 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 2.8 seconds
Why we chose it: Supercar newcomer 9FF's astonishing Porsche 997 based GT9-R is the world's fastest street legal car at 413.5 kph. The 9FF will go down in history for producing the car that toppled the Ultimate Aero TT from its perch as the world's fastest car. Limited to a production run of 20 cars, the GT9-R is available with three power outputs from "just" 750bhp up to a startling 1,120bhp. Phenomenal performance is the result, not only in a straight line but honed for the track as well. If you yearn for the most rapid car on the planet the GT9-R is the car for you.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Year: 2005
Top Speed: 407 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 2.46 seconds
Why we chose it: With the key to unlock 1,001bhp under your right foot, 0-100 kph a 2.46-second blur away, the immense quad-turbocharged DOHC 64-valve W16 Volkswagen engine could instigate a quantum leap all by itself. Famed for the rear spoiler that pops out of its sleek spine to stabilise and place extreme down force to aid its emergency braking, the Veyron is the nearest experience you'll get to being a jet fighter pilot in terms of acceleration as the driver is pinned back in their seat and G-Force propels them toward the aggressively un-distant horizon.
Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire
Year: 2009
Top speed: 407 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 2.5 seconds
Why we chose it: Over $1.4 million (Dh5.1m), 1,001 horsepower, 407 kph performance. This year is Bugatti's 100th birthday, and it's also likely to mark the end of Veyron coupe production – the target of 300 cars is likely to be completed as production of the open-top Grand Sport begins. That makes this, the one-off Veyron Bleu Centenaire, very special, even by Bugatti standards.
8: Koenigsegg CCR
Year: 2004
Top Speed: 389.3 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 3.2 seconds
Why we chose it: Koenigsegg have unleashed the astounding CCR. Supercharger tweaks have released no less than 806bhp in the CCR, not to mention the near 700lb-ft of torque. The racing nature of this missile is continued with the fitment of a torque sensing LSD, plus fully adjustable dampers and cockpit adjustable ride height.
Lotec Sirius
Year: 2003
Speed: 399 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 3.6 seconds
Why we chose it: Following on from their earlier equally ballistic C1000 prototype, Lotec have produced one of their most powerful cars of all time. With over 1,000bhp and 811lb-ft of torque from the Mercedes sourced twin-turbo V12 [same as used in the SL65 AMG], Lotec claims a Bugatti matching 399 kph and 0-200 kph in 7.8 seconds. Only five of these carbon fibre cars will be produced per year.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
Year: 2009
Top Speed: 350.7 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 3.5 seconds
Why we chose it: With an all-carbon-fiber construction, its 320 kph-plus top speed and the pedigree of being built in the same factory as Lewis Hamilton's F1 car, the Mercedes SLR has all the attributes of a speedster. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement. The Stirling Moss link harks back to the Mercedes SLR in which the famed racecar driver took his famous victory at the Mille Miglia back in 1955. Stripped back with outrageously over-the-top styling, strictly limited availability and 650 horsepower, the SLR has found its niche on the cusp of retirement.
Saleen S7 Turbo
Year: 2005
Top Speed: 386.1 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 2.8 seconds
Why we chose it: If the 'standard' 550bhp S7 is not man enough for you, Saleen now offers an almighty 750bhp twin turbo version. The turbo is visually similar to it's stablemate but is tweaked to produce reduced drag and increased downforce. Performance is phenomenal with 0-100 kph in under three seconds on to a max of 386.1 kph, making it one of the fastest supercars around.
Koenigsegg CCXR
Year: 2007
Top Speed: 402.2 kph
Acceleration from 0 to 100 kph: 3.2 seconds
Why we chose it: Koenigsegg's CCXR is a green supercar as it runs on E85 Bioethanol. But being green doesn't mean being boring. The CCXR outputs an enormous 1,018bhp, giving 0-200 kph in 8.5 seconds. Unfortunately, the cost of having 1,000bhp and simultaneously pleasing the environment doesn't come cheap. Koenigsegg will relieve your bank balance of half a million pounds for this pleasure.
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