For many, a car is about practicality, fuel efficiency, and reliability. But for a select group of enthusiasts, the ultimate automotive desire is pure, unadulterated speed. If you fall into the latter category and possess deep pockets, you might be wondering just how fast you can legally go on four wheels.
Prepare to enter the realm of hypercars, where engineering boundaries are constantly pushed, and speed limits seem like distant suggestions. There’s a thrilling echelon of road-legal vehicles capable of shattering the 250 mph barrier, with some even flirting with the elusive 300 mph mark. Let’s dive into the exclusive club of the fastest cars in the world, marvels of engineering that redefine velocity.
The World’s Fastest Cars: Top Speeds Unveiled
1. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut – Aiming for Over 310mph (499km/h)
Koenigsegg, the Swedish hypercar maestro, has consistently delivered automotive insanity for years. The Jesko Absolut represents the pinnacle of their speed-focused engineering. Packing a monstrous 1,600hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine, this machine claims a 0-60mph sprint in a mere 2.5 seconds.
The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, a contender for the title of fastest car in the world, showcases Swedish hypercar engineering at its peak.
Koenigsegg boldly states the Jesko Absolut can exceed 310mph. However, this figure is currently theoretical, derived from advanced computer simulations and rigorous dyno testing. The real-world top speed is yet to be officially verified on a track. The automotive world eagerly awaits confirmation if the Jesko Absolut can truly live up to its breathtaking speed potential and claim the definitive title of the Fastest Car In The World.
2. SSC Tuatara – Officially Clocked at 295mph (475km/h)
While Bugatti’s intricate W16 engine is an engineering marvel, the SSC Tuatara proves the raw power of a high-displacement, twin-turbocharged V8. The Tuatara boasts a twin-turbo V8 engine that unleashes a staggering 1,750hp when fueled with ethanol. This American-made hypercar has faced its share of speed-related controversy.
The SSC Tuatara, an American hypercar, has officially reached a top speed of 295mph, solidifying its place among the fastest cars globally.
Initially, SSC boldly claimed a record-shattering 331mph top speed in October 2020, momentarily crowning the Tuatara as the fastest car in the world. However, a GPS error was later admitted, invalidating that initial claim. Undeterred, SSC returned to testing, and in early 2022, the Tuatara achieved a verified top speed of 295mph. While not the initially claimed 331mph, 295mph is undeniably rapid, firmly placing the Tuatara among the fastest production cars ever built.
3. Bugatti Tourbillon – Projecting 277mph (446km/h)
For those who remember the early 2000s, the phrase “fastest car in the world” likely conjures images of the Bugatti Veyron challenging fighter jets on Top Gear. The spirit of the Veyron lives on in Bugatti’s lineage, culminating in the latest hypercar masterpiece: the Tourbillon.
The Bugatti Tourbillon, the newest hypercar from the legendary marque, continues the legacy of speed and luxury, aiming for a top speed of 277mph.
The Bugatti Tourbillon is equipped with a formidable 1,800hp V16 hybrid engine. This luxurious hypercar, with a price tag of £3.2 million, catapults from 0-60mph in under 2.0 seconds. Bugatti’s history suggests even faster variants are likely in development. After all, they successfully pushed the Chiron beyond the 300mph barrier, hinting at the future potential of the Tourbillon and its quest to be the fastest car in the world.
4. Hennessey Venom F5 – Verified at 272mph (438km/h)
The United States is firmly establishing itself in the high-speed hypercar arena, with another American contender claiming the fourth spot. The Hennessey Venom F5 boasts a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine generating a colossal 1,817hp and 1,617Nm of torque.
This immense power translates to a 0-60mph acceleration in a mere 2.6 seconds and a confirmed top speed of 272mph. However, Hennessey’s ambitions don’t stop there. The company has publicly stated its goal to surpass 300mph with the Venom F5, targeting a new top speed record attempt in 2024 and further solidifying its pursuit of the title of fastest car in the world.
5. Rimac Nevera – Electrifying Speed at 256mph (412km/h)
Electric cars are renowned for their instant acceleration, thanks to the readily available torque from electric motors. However, battery weight can sometimes be a limiting factor for top speed. The Rimac Nevera defies this notion.
The Rimac Nevera, an all-electric hypercar, demonstrates that electric vehicles can compete at the highest levels of speed, reaching 256mph.
This all-electric hypercar is a ballistic missile on wheels, featuring four electric motors that combine to produce an astonishing 1,914hp and 2,300Nm of torque. The Nevera accelerates from 0-60mph in a blistering 1.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 256mph. Constructed largely from carbon fiber to minimize weight, the Nevera is not just a stripped-down speed machine. The interior is luxuriously appointed, offering all the amenities expected of a car costing £2 million, proving that electric can be synonymous with both speed and luxury in the realm of the fastest cars.
6. McLaren Speedtail – Streamlined to 250mph (402km/h)
McLaren didn’t specifically design the Speedtail to break top speed records, but its inherent engineering prowess resulted in a remarkable 250mph top speed, making it the fastest road car McLaren has ever produced.
The McLaren Speedtail, with its aerodynamic design, achieves a top speed of 250mph, surpassing even the legendary McLaren F1 in outright velocity.
This velocity surpasses even the iconic McLaren F1, its predecessor as a three-seat hypercar. The Speedtail’s sleek, aerodynamic bodywork, devoid of drag-inducing wings, gives it a futuristic, almost cyberpunk aesthetic. Imagine experiencing 250mph with two passengers – a testament to McLaren’s engineering and design capabilities in creating one of the fastest cars on the road.
7. Koenigsegg Regera – Single-Gear Speed at 250mph (402km/h)
Matching the Speedtail’s top speed is another Koenigsegg, the Regera, marking the Swedish brand’s second entry on this list of fastest cars. The Regera combines a twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 1,500hp.
The Koenigsegg Regera, unique for its single-gear transmission, reaches a top speed of 250mph, showcasing innovative engineering for high-speed performance.
Uniquely, the Regera can accelerate from 0-250mph using a single gear. Whether cruising at 30mph or aiming for its 250mph top speed (on a closed track, of course), the Regera operates in the same gear. This unconventional engineering approach sets the Regera apart and demonstrates Koenigsegg’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries in the pursuit of speed.
8. Aston Martin Valkyrie – Le Mans Looks, Road-Legal Speed of 250mph (402km/h)
At first glance, the Aston Martin Valkyrie might appear more suited to the Le Mans racetrack than public roads. Its aggressive, aerodynamic design screams race car, yet it’s fully road legal, capable of achieving incredible speeds on the street.
Powering the Valkyrie is a mid-mounted 6.5-liter hybrid V12 engine producing 1,160hp. This F1-inspired road racer accelerates from 0-60mph in just 2.5 seconds. Considering its weight is just over a tonne, this acceleration and top speed of 250mph become even more impressive, highlighting the Valkyrie’s exceptional power-to-weight ratio and its place among the fastest cars.
9. Pagani Huayra – Art in Motion at 238mph (383km/h)
The Pagani Huayra is undeniably a visually stunning car. Every detail is meticulously crafted, making it as much a work of art as a high-performance machine. But the Huayra is far more than just a beautiful object.
The Pagani Huayra, an Italian masterpiece of automotive design and engineering, combines stunning aesthetics with a top speed of 238mph.
It features an AMG-derived twin-turbocharged V12 engine that generates 730hp and 1,000Nm of torque, enabling a top speed of 238mph. Constructed primarily from carbon fiber for lightness and rigidity, the Huayra also incorporates active aerodynamics to enhance its airflow and stability at high speeds, contributing to its status as one of the fastest cars and most beautiful cars in the world.
10. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – American Muscle Reaching 233mph (375km/h)
Finally, we have a slightly more accessible entry, representing American muscle in the realm of hypercars. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 claims the tenth spot, surpassing the Lamborghini Revuelto, reaching a top speed of 233mph in October 2024.
Unlike many of its European counterparts, the Corvette ZR1 forgoes complex hybrid V12 systems. Instead, it relies on a classic American approach: a potent 5.5-liter V8 engine with two turbochargers. This engine produces 1,064hp, making it the most powerful V8 engine ever produced by an American automaker, and powering the Corvette ZR1 to be one of the fastest cars available, and a testament to American engineering.
Fastest Cars Available on Carwow: Performance Within Reach
While the hypercars above represent the absolute pinnacle of speed, Carwow offers a selection of high-performance vehicles that deliver exhilarating speed and driving dynamics without the multi-million dollar price tags.
1. Mercedes-AMG GT – 196mph (315km/h)
The latest Mercedes-AMG GT elevates the already impressive qualities of its predecessor. It’s engaging to drive, visually striking, and surprisingly practical for a supercar capable of 196mph. This impressive speed comes courtesy of a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 585hp, accompanied by a thunderous exhaust note.
2. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio – 191mph (307km/h)
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, a high-performance saloon, combines practicality with a top speed of 191mph, offering speed in a usable package.
Looking for a high-speed saloon car? The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is an excellent choice. This twin-turbo V6 saloon delivers a potent 510hp, sent exclusively to the rear wheels. In a straight line, it can reach 191mph. Remarkably, this performance is packaged in a car that can comfortably handle daily family duties, perhaps even embarrassing the kids with its exhilarating exhaust sound.
3. BMW M8 Competition – 190mph (306km/h)
The BMW M8 Competition, a grand tourer, balances track capability with long-distance comfort, reaching a top speed of 190mph with the M Driver’s Pack.
For a vehicle equally adept on the racetrack and comfortable for cross-continental journeys, the BMW M8 Competition stands out as a seriously impressive GT car. With the optional M Driver’s Pack, it can reach 190mph. However, it’s not a stripped-out race car. The M8 Competition is laden with luxury features, boasts a sophisticated infotainment system, and provides genuine comfort, making high speed cruising a refined experience.
4. Audi RS7 Performance – 174mph (280km/h)
The Audi RS7 Performance, another high-performance GT car, provides a blend of speed and practicality, with a top speed of 174mph.
If the M8 doesn’t appeal, the Audi RS7 Performance offers another compelling option. This GT car, like the BMW, features a 4.0-liter V8 engine, although its top speed is slightly lower. Despite this, in a drag race against the M8, the RS7 outperformed the BMW over a quarter-mile, highlighting its impressive acceleration despite the lower top speed figure.
5. Lexus LC500 – 168mph (270km/h)
The Lexus LC500, a stylish coupe, offers a luxurious and fast alternative to German GT cars, reaching a top speed of 168mph.
For a more distinctive alternative to the typical German GT cars, the Lexus LC500 is a stunning coupe with a powerful V8 engine. The interior provides a luxurious environment for long journeys, and performance is certainly not lacking. With a top speed of 168mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds, the LC500 delivers a satisfying blend of speed, style, and Lexus refinement.
Fastest Cars FAQs: Answering Your Speed Questions
What is the fastest production car in the world currently?
Officially, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut is claimed to be the fastest production car in the world on paper, with a theoretical top speed exceeding 310mph. However, this remains based on simulations. Until the Jesko Absolut achieves this speed in real-world testing, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ holds the verified record for the fastest car in the world, having reached a top speed of 304mph.
What car has the quickest 0-60mph acceleration?
The Rimac Nevera currently holds the title for the fastest accelerating car, capable of launching from 0-60mph in a mind-bending 1.9 seconds.
What is the highest speed ever recorded in a car?
For production cars, Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace achieved the 304mph top speed in the Chiron Super Sport 300+. However, the absolute fastest speed ever achieved in any car is a staggering 763mph. This record was set by Andy Green in the Thrust SSC, a jet-powered vehicle designed specifically for land speed record attempts, a far cry from a road-legal production car.
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