The quest for speed has always been a driving force in automotive innovation. In 1987, the Ferrari F40 became the first production car to officially break the 200 mph barrier, clocking in at 201 mph and igniting a fierce race to reach even greater velocities. Decades later, the pursuit of speed intensified, culminating in a monumental achievement in 2019 when the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport pushed the boundaries to an astonishing 304.7 mph, surpassing rivals like Koenigsegg and Hennessey in a thrilling competition for the title of the Fastest Production Car. The early 2020s saw a surge of new hypercars, many promising speeds exceeding 300 mph, and in 2021, SSC North America validated these claims, firmly establishing the SSC Tuatara among the elite speed champions.
As established marques like Bugatti and Koenigsegg continue to push the limits, alongside innovative newcomers such as Czinger Vehicles and the legendary Gordon Murray, the race for ultimate velocity is far from over. For 2024, we’re updating our ranking of the fastest cars in the world, showcasing the most breathtaking examples of automotive speed. While the relevance of outright top speed may be debated in an era of electric performance, the dedication and engineering prowess required to reach these figures remain undeniably impressive. Our ranking focuses solely on top speed, with a minimum threshold of 218 mph for consideration. It’s important to note that manufacturer claims are indicated where official verification is pending.
25. Porsche 918 Spyder — 218 MPH
Image Credit: Porsche AG
Porsche initially understated the top speed of its 918 Spyder, claiming 214 mph. However, in 2018, a recorded speed of 218.4 mph cemented its place as the fastest production car from Stuttgart. This hybrid marvel combines a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 engine producing 599 hp with twin electric motors adding 282 hp, resulting in a combined output of 875 hp and a massive 944 ft lbs of torque. The Porsche 918 Spyder showcases the brand’s commitment to pushing performance boundaries even with hybrid technology.
24. Aston Martin One-77 — 220 MPH
Image Credit: Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC
The Aston Martin One-77, a limited-edition masterpiece with only 77 units originally produced (now 76 due to an accident), is a testament to British engineering and design. Beneath its sculpted hood lies a potent 7.3-liter V-12 engine from Cosworth, delivering 750 hp and 553 ft lbs of torque. This propels the car’s lightweight aluminum and carbon-fiber chassis to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds and onward to a verified top speed of 220 mph achieved in 2009. The Aston Martin One-77 remains a highly sought-after example of a truly fast and exclusive production car.
23. Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae — 221 MPH
Image Credit: Diego Vigarani, courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
The Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae, as its name suggests, represents the ultimate iteration of the iconic Aventador lineage, which debuted in 2011. Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 engine has been refined over the years, now producing an impressive 769 hp and 531 ft lbs of torque, a notable increase from the original LP 700-4. While more subtly styled than its track-focused SVJ sibling, the Ultimae maintains all-wheel drive and a rapid 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds. Despite its traditional single-clutch transmission, the Aventador Ultimae achieves a top speed of 221 mph, marking the pinnacle of purely internal-combustion Aventador performance before Lamborghini embraces hybrid and electric powertrains for its future supercars.
22. Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 — 230 MPH (Claimed)
Image Credit: Dean Smith Photography/Gordon Murray Automotive
Gordon Murray, the legendary designer behind the McLaren F1, which once held the title of the fastest production car, returns with the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50. Drawing inspiration from the F1’s formula of lightweight construction and a naturally aspirated V-12, the T.50 employs a bespoke 4.0-liter Cosworth V-12 engine. This remarkable engine produces 654 hp and 344 ft lbs of torque, revving to an astonishing 12,100 rpm. While Murray claims a top speed of 230 mph for the T.50, slightly less than the F1’s record, the T.50 compensates with a remarkably low weight of 2,174 pounds and advanced aerodynamics, including a 15.7-inch fan to enhance downforce. The T.50 is a modern testament to Murray’s philosophy of pure driving experience and high-revving naturally aspirated power in a lightweight package.
21. Pagani Huayra — 238 MPH
Image Credit: Pagani Automobili S.p.A.
Horacio Pagani’s Huayra, the successor to the iconic Zonda, is named after Huayra-tata, an Andean wind god, aptly reflecting its incredible speed. Powered by a potent twin-turbocharged Mercedes-AMG V-12 engine producing 720 hp, the Huayra delivers breathtaking performance. A seven-speed single-clutch gearbox channels power to the wheels, enabling rapid gear changes and a 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.8 seconds. The Pagani Huayra is a fusion of art and engineering, delivering both stunning design and formidable speed.
20. Pagani Huayra BC Roadster — 240 MPH (Estimated)
Image Credit: Pagani Automobili S.p.A.
The Pagani Huayra BC Roadster pays tribute to Benny Caiola, Pagani’s first Zonda customer and a close friend. This open-top variant of the Huayra BC was conceived after overwhelming demand at the Geneva International Motor Show. Featuring an upgraded Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V-12 engine, producing around 791 hp, the Huayra BC Roadster is estimated to reach a top speed of 240 mph. This $3.5 million open-top hypercar combines exhilarating performance with the thrill of open-air driving, embodying Pagani’s commitment to bespoke and high-performance automobiles.
19. McLaren F1 — 240.1 MPH
Image Credit: McLaren Automotive Limited
The McLaren F1, a revolutionary creation by Gordon Murray, remains an icon in the world of fastest cars. Launched in 1993, it was the first production car to utilize a carbon-fiber body and featured a BMW-sourced 6.1-liter V-12 engine generating 618 hp and 479 ft lbs of torque. For its time, the F1 offered unparalleled performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and 0 to 100 mph in just 6.3 seconds. In 1998, the McLaren F1 officially set a world speed record of 240.1 mph, a benchmark that stood until 2005. The McLaren F1 is a timeless example of engineering excellence and a true legend among fastest production cars.
18. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo — 248 MPH
Image Credit: Simon Davison/Flickr
Steve Saleen’s ambition to challenge Bugatti Veyron resulted in the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, an American-made, mid-engined supercar. Hand-built and designed as a street-legal race car, the S7 features a heavily modified 7.0-liter twin-turbo Ford 351 Windsor Small Block engine. This powerhouse produces 750 hp, propelling the sleek coupe to a top speed of 248 mph. The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo marked a significant moment for American supercar manufacturing and its entry into the realm of fastest production cars.
17. Koenigsegg CCXR — 249 MPH
Image Credit: Koenigsegg Automotive AB
The Koenigsegg CCXR builds upon the CCX platform with enhanced performance. Utilizing the same 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine as the CCX, Koenigsegg optimized the CCXR to run on E85 race fuel. This modification boosted power output to an incredible 1,004 hp, significantly up from the CCX’s 795 hp. With its upgraded aerodynamics and potent engine, the Koenigsegg CCXR demonstrates the Swedish manufacturer’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of speed and performance. Its top speed of 249 mph positions it among the elite fastest production cars.
16. Koenigsegg Gemera — 249 MPH (Claimed)
Image Credit: Koenigsegg Automotive AB
The Koenigsegg Gemera, dubbed a “mega GT” by founder Christian von Koenigsegg, is a unique four-seater hypercar. Despite its practicality, the Gemera boasts a staggering 1,700 hp and 2,581 ft lbs of torque. This immense power translates to a claimed 0-60 mph time of just 1.9 seconds and a claimed top speed of 249 mph. The Koenigsegg Gemera redefines the concept of a grand tourer, offering hypercar performance with space for four occupants, making it a truly exceptional and fast production car.
15. Tesla Roadster — 250+ MPH (Claimed)
Image Credit: Tesla
Tesla aims to redefine electric vehicle performance with the new Roadster. This all-electric supercar is claimed to achieve a top speed exceeding 250 mph and accelerate to 60 mph in a mere 1.9 seconds. Tesla claims its 200 kWh battery pack will provide a range of up to 620 miles. With its tri-motor setup, the Roadster promises to deliver hypercar levels of performance in an electric package, potentially setting new benchmarks for fastest electric production cars.
14. Aston Martin Valkyrie — 250 MPH (Claimed)
Image Credit: Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC
The Aston Martin Valkyrie, born from a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing, is a radical and aerodynamically focused hypercar. Its 6.5-liter Cosworth V-12 engine produces a phenomenal 1,160 hp. The Valkyrie is claimed to accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 mph. The Aston Martin Valkyrie represents a fusion of Formula 1 engineering and hypercar design, resulting in a truly extreme and fast machine.
13. McLaren Speedtail — 250 MPH
Image Credit: McLaren Automotive Limited
The McLaren Speedtail is designed for ultimate high-speed performance. This rear-wheel-drive hypercar utilizes a hybrid powertrain producing 1,035 hp. Its streamlined shape and lightweight carbon-fiber construction are optimized for achieving its claimed top speed of 250 mph. McLaren states a 0-186 mph time of just 12.8 seconds, showcasing the Speedtail’s incredible acceleration and high-speed capabilities, solidifying its place among the fastest production cars.
12. Czinger 21C V Max—253 MPH (Claimed)
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Czinger Vehicles, an American hypercar startup, aims to revolutionize automotive manufacturing through 3D-printing and AI-assisted design. The Czinger 21C V Max, a variant of their 21C hypercar, is designed for maximum velocity. It uses a twin-turbocharged 2.88-liter V-8 engine paired with dual electric motors, producing a combined 1,250 hp. Czinger claims the 21C V Max can reach 60 mph in under 1.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 253 mph, demonstrating the potential of innovative manufacturing techniques in the pursuit of speed.
11. SSC Ultimate Aero TT— 256.1 MPH
Image Credit: Wikipedia
The SSC Ultimate Aero TT, built in 2007, once held the Guinness World Record for the fastest production car with a verified top speed of 256.18 mph. This carbon-fiber hypercar is powered by a twin-turbocharged Corvette C5R V-8 engine producing over 1,100 hp and 1,094 ft lbs of torque. While surpassed by its successor, the Tuatara, the Ultimate Aero TT remains a significant achievement in the history of high-speed automobiles and a testament to American engineering in the fastest car race.
10. Rimac Nevera — 258 MPH
Image Credit: Rimac Automobili
The Rimac Nevera, an all-electric hypercar from Croatia, is currently the world’s fastest-accelerating production car. With a staggering 1,914 hp and a price tag of $2.4 million, the Nevera offers extreme performance. Rimac claims a top speed of 258 mph for the Nevera. Despite being an EV, the Nevera generates significant sound at full power, adding to the driving drama. The Rimac Nevera showcases the potential of electric powertrains to deliver not only incredible acceleration but also impressive top speeds, making it a frontrunner in the electric fastest production car category.
9. Bugatti Mistral — 261 MPH (Claimed, Roof off)
Image Credit: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Bugatti consistently ranks among the fastest production car manufacturers, largely due to its iconic quad-turbo W-16 engine. The Bugatti Mistral roadster represents the final iteration of this legendary engine before Bugatti’s transition to hybridization and electrification under Rimac’s partnership. Bugatti aims to set a new world record for open-top vehicles with the Mistral, targeting a top speed of 261 mph with the roof off. Achieving this speed in a roadster requires significant aerodynamic and cooling enhancements, highlighting Bugatti’s engineering expertise in pushing speed boundaries even in open-top configurations.
8. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport — 267.8 MPH
Image Credit: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport was specifically engineered to reclaim the title of the fastest production car in 2010, and it succeeded, earning Guinness World Record recognition. Bugatti engineers boosted the W-16 engine to produce 1,184 hp. Achieving its maximum speed of 267.8 mph requires a special “top speed key” to unlock the engine’s full potential. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport cemented Bugatti’s dominance in the high-speed arena and remains a benchmark for production car velocity.
7. Hennessey Venom GT — 270.4 MPH
Image Credit: Hennessey Performance Engineering
Hennessey Performance Engineering is renowned for its obsession with power and speed. The Hennessey Venom GT, built in 2014, is a testament to this ethos. Powered by a 7.0-liter twin-turbo GM V-8 engine producing 1,244 hp and 1,287 ft lbs of torque, the Venom GT reached 270.4 mph at the Kennedy Space Center. While this speed was achieved in only one direction and with limited production numbers, preventing official record recognition, the Venom GT undeniably demonstrated Hennessey’s capability to build incredibly fast cars.
6. Koenigsegg Agera RS — 277.8 MPH
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In 2017, the Koenigsegg Agera RS achieved a two-way average speed of 277.8 mph on a closed road in Nevada, setting a new record for fastest production cars at the time. Running on E85 fuel, the Agera RS produced 1,360 hp. During the record attempt, the car even reached a peak speed of 284.5 mph. The Agera RS also broke multiple other speed records, further solidifying Koenigsegg’s position as a leader in high-performance automotive engineering.
5. SSC Tuatara — 295 MPH
Image Credit: SSC North America
The SSC Tuatara, the successor to the Ultimate Aero TT, aimed to push speed boundaries even further. After initial controversies surrounding a claimed 316.11 mph run, SSC North America conducted a verified speed run at the Kennedy Space Center in 2021. The Tuatara achieved a 282.9 mph two-way average, with a peak speed of 295 mph on one run, officially placing it among the fastest production cars and surpassing the Agera RS. The SSC Tuatara represents America’s renewed challenge for the ultimate speed crown.
4. Hennessey Venom F5 — 300+ MPH (Claimed)
Image Credit: Dean Smith, courtesy of Hennessey Performance Engineering.
The Hennessey Venom F5 is designed to exceed 300 mph, inheriting the Venom GT’s pursuit of extreme velocity. Powered by a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine producing an astonishing 1,817 hp and 1,193 ft lbs of torque, the Venom F5 is built for ultimate speed. Hennessey claims a top speed exceeding 300 mph for the Venom F5, named after the most powerful category of tornadoes, reflecting its extreme performance capabilities. The Venom F5 is Hennessey’s ultimate contender in the fastest production car race.
3. Bugatti Bolide—311 MPH (Claimed)
Image Credit: Bugatti Rimac
Inspired by Bugatti’s Vision Le Mans concept, the Bugatti Bolide is an extreme, track-focused hypercar with a claimed top speed exceeding 311 mph. Utilizing Bugatti’s legendary W-16 engine and a lightweight monocoque construction incorporating titanium and carbon fiber, the Bolide is engineered for unparalleled performance. Bugatti claims a 0-60 mph time of under 2 seconds for the Bolide. The Bugatti Bolide represents Bugatti’s most extreme interpretation of speed and performance, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a production car.
2. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport — 304.7 MPH
Image Credit: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport currently holds the record for the fastest production car with a verified speed of 304.7 mph achieved in 2019. Driven by pilot Andy Wallace at the Ehra-Lessien track, a modified version of the Chiron Super Sport, producing 1,600 hp from its 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W-16 engine, broke the 300 mph barrier. Modifications included aerodynamic enhancements and specialized Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport is a monumental achievement in automotive engineering and a symbol of ultimate speed.
1. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut—330 mph (Claimed)
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The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut is claimed to be the fastest production car in the world with a projected top speed of 330 mph. Koenigsegg’s 5.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, paired with the innovative Light Speed gearbox, delivers up to 1,600 hp on E85 biofuel. The Jesko Absolut’s aerodynamics are optimized for minimal drag and maximum stability at extreme speeds. While all 125 examples are sold out, Koenigsegg is expected to attempt a top speed run with the Jesko Absolut in 2024, potentially solidifying its claim as the ultimate fastest production car.
