Car racing video games have come a long way since the early days of Atari arcade systems. Gran Trak 10 was cutting edge back in the early ’70s with a steering wheel and pedals used to control the driving functions. In the ’80s, Namco introduced the gaming world to race car simulators with Pole Position.

Today’s action-packed video games feature realistic characters, dynamic effects, mind-boggling graphics, loud music, and the coolest of cars. Iconic rides such as the Volkswagen Beetle, classic Chevy Camaro, and high-end Ferrari are all video game cars often used in some of the industry’s top-selling video games.

Check out the top 10 featured video game cars that are so fast that the cops can’t help but chase them.

The top 10 featured cars in video games

The fun of video game car racing is outrunning the competition and putting the pedal to the metal when the cops are in pursuit. High-speed chases are common, and game designers like to use particular cars to showcase the unique performance capabilities and stylish design.

The Chevy Camaro is one of the most recognizable American-made automobiles. The classic muscle car has appeared in close to 200 video games. According to Car Wow, the Volkswagen Beetle, showcased in more than 337 games, is often used. Featured in some of the most graphic video games on the market, it’s surprising that this iconic ’60s symbol of peace and love is such a popular choice.

The Ford Crown Victoria often replicates police cars, and the Chevrolet Step Van takes fourth place on the list of top 10 video game cars, appearing in more than 179 games. The exclusive 2002 Ferrari Enzo takes the fifth-place spot on the list. With only 400 actual models made, the lightning-fast supercar is a virtual dream.

Next in line is the Toyota Supra, followed by the Toyota Hilux (Tacoma). The social media team at Toyota UK recently took to Twitter amid controversy of their brand’s disappearance in the Need for Speed video games. Fans were disappointed to hear, “Toyota Motor Corporation has no concrete plans to license its model range to any other games besides Gran Turismo Sport at the moment.” 

The Ford E-Series Ambulance is a favorite choice of gamers, featured in 86 games. The 1987 Ferrari F40 and 1995 Ferrari F50 round out the list as the most popular video game cars ever used.

The appeal of some of the most iconic cars used in video games

The Volkswagen Beetle was a peculiar choice for the number one spot on the list, despite its immense popularity in the ’60s. Winning over America’s hearts, the iconic bug lacks the typical sports car allure found in most video games. Nonetheless, its presence is both familiar and endearing.

The Chevy Camaro is one of the fastest cars on the market with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that puts out 650 lb-ft of torque. It’s an unstoppable vehicle with a classic look that represents Americana. The smooth lines make this iconic car one of the top choices for video game companies.

Ferrari is synonymous with speed. The engine’s famed roar helps the driver make a deep connection to the precision engineering that exists under the hood. The prestigious car is unattainable for most people, making it the perfect fantasy car for video game enthusiasts. The sexy curb appeal is why this well-known brand is often featured in video games. 

The most popular driving video games

Forza Motorsport 7 is one of the best car driving video games on the market today. With 700 cars to choose from, the game is so realistic that players claim they forget they are in a virtual world. Another popular driving game is Need for Speed. The franchise became so popular that movies were made based on the game’s intense storyline.

Gran Turismo 6 follows the rules of physics when it comes to driving. Allowing the use of a steering wheel enhances the realistic feel of this popular game. The Grand Theft Auto franchise is another well-known cop-chasing game filled with illicit scenarios, graphic violence, and hardcore driving situations.