For many car buyers, the priorities often revolve around practicality – fuel efficiency, reliability, and safety features top the list. However, for a select group of automotive enthusiasts, the ultimate question is: just how fast can a road-legal car actually go? If you’re among those speed aficionados, you’ve come to the right place.
If budget is no object and you have access to a sufficiently long stretch of private tarmac, you’ll find that there’s a surprising number of vehicles capable of shattering the 250mph barrier. Some of these engineering marvels can even flirt with the elusive 300mph mark. Let’s dive into the exhilarating world of the fastest cars and explore their breathtaking capabilities.
The Fastest Cars in the World
1. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut – over 310mph (499km/h)
Koenigsegg has consistently pushed the boundaries of hypercar performance for decades, and the Jesko Absolut represents the pinnacle of their achievements. This Swedish masterpiece is powered by a monstrous 1,600hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of launching it from 0 to 60mph in a mere 2.5 seconds.
Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut
Koenigsegg boldly claims that the Absolut will exceed 310mph. However, it’s important to note that this figure is currently theoretical, derived from advanced computer simulations and rigorous static dyno testing. The true test will be when the Jesko Absolut attempts to reach this astonishing speed in real-world track conditions. Whether it can fully realize this projected velocity remains an open and eagerly anticipated question within the hypercar community.
2. SSC Tuatara – 295mph (475km/h)
While Bugatti’s iconic W16 engine is a marvel of engineering complexity, the SSC Tuatara demonstrates the raw power and effectiveness of a classic, large-displacement V8 configuration with forced induction. This American-made hypercar boasts a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that can unleash a staggering 1,750hp when fueled with ethanol. The Tuatara’s journey to claiming the title of world’s fastest car has been marked by both triumph and controversy surrounding its top speed runs.
SSC Tuatara
In October 2020, SSC initially declared that the Tuatara had achieved an astounding speed of 331mph, seemingly shattering the world record. However, this claim was later retracted due to GPS data inconsistencies that revealed inaccuracies in the speed measurement. Undeterred, SSC conducted further tests in early 2022, where the Tuatara demonstrably reached a verified top speed of 295mph. While falling short of the initially claimed 331mph, this officially validated speed firmly establishes the SSC Tuatara as one of the fastest production cars ever built.
3. Bugatti Tourbillon – 277mph (446km/h)
For those who grew up captivated by automotive legends of the 2000s, the phrase “fastest car in the world” likely conjures up vivid images of the original Bugatti Veyron, famously pitted against fighter jets in exhilarating Top Gear segments. The spirit of that groundbreaking hypercar lives on in its successors, culminating in the latest marvel: the Bugatti Tourbillon.
New Bugatti Tourbillon front driving
The Tourbillon is propelled by a formidable 1,800hp V16 hybrid engine, transforming this £3.2 million luxury machine into a veritable missile. It can rocket from 0 to 60mph in under 2.0 seconds, delivering acceleration that rivals some of the quickest vehicles on earth. Bugatti’s history suggests that even faster iterations may be on the horizon. After all, the previous Chiron model was eventually engineered to exceed the 300mph barrier, hinting at the Tourbillon’s future potential for even greater velocity.
4. Hennessey Venom F5 – 272mph (438km/h)
American manufacturers are increasingly asserting their dominance in the high-speed hypercar arena, and the Hennessey Venom F5 stands as a testament to this trend, securing fourth place on this list. This all-American supercar is equipped with a formidable 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, unleashing a colossal 1,817hp and 1,617Nm of torque.
This immense power translates into breathtaking performance figures, allowing the Venom F5 to sprint from 0 to 60mph in a mere 2.6 seconds. Its current recorded top speed is an impressive 272mph, but Hennessey has even more ambitious plans for the Venom F5. The company has publicly stated its intention to push the car beyond the 300mph threshold, with targeted attempts anticipated in 2024, aiming to further solidify its position among the world’s fastest cars.
5. Rimac Nevera – 256mph (412km/h)
Electric cars are renowned for their instantaneous acceleration, thanks to the inherent torque delivery of electric motors. However, the substantial weight of battery packs can often pose limitations on achieving extreme top speeds. The Rimac Nevera defies this conventional wisdom, demonstrating that electric hypercars can indeed compete at the highest echelons of velocity.
Rimac Nevera
This groundbreaking EV hypercar boasts a quartet of electric motors, collectively generating a staggering 1,914hp and an astounding 2,300Nm of torque. This powertrain enables the Nevera to achieve a 0-60mph sprint in a mind-bending 1.9 seconds, and continue accelerating to a top speed of 256mph. To mitigate the weight typically associated with EVs, the Nevera’s construction heavily utilizes carbon fiber. Despite its extreme performance capabilities, the Nevera is not a stripped-down track weapon; its interior is luxuriously appointed, offering all the amenities expected of a £2 million automobile.
6. McLaren Speedtail – 250mph (402km/h)
McLaren’s primary design objective for the Speedtail was not explicitly to break world speed records. Nevertheless, in pursuing aerodynamic efficiency and high performance, they inadvertently created the fastest road car in the company’s history, boasting a top speed of 250mph.
McLaren Speedtail
This velocity surpasses even the legendary McLaren F1, its iconic three-seater predecessor. The Speedtail’s exceptionally streamlined bodywork, devoid of drag-inducing wings, lends it a futuristic aesthetic, evoking imagery from cyberpunk science fiction. Imagine experiencing such velocity with two passengers onboard – a truly extraordinary sensation.
7. Koenigsegg Regera – 250mph (402km/h)
Matching the McLaren Speedtail’s top speed is the Koenigsegg Regera, marking the second entry from the Swedish marque on this list, further solidifying Koenigsegg’s dominance in the realm of high-performance vehicles. The Regera employs a twin-turbo V8 engine working in concert with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 1,500hp.
Koenigsegg Regera
Uniquely among the cars featured here, the Regera is engineered to accelerate from 0 to 250mph using a single gear. Regardless of whether you are cruising at 30mph or aiming for its 250mph top speed (achievable only on a closed course, not public roads), the Regera maintains a singular gear ratio throughout its acceleration range – a truly unconventional and somewhat audacious engineering choice.
8. Aston Martin Valkyrie – 250mph (402km/h)
Based purely on its visual appearance, one might question the road legality of the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Its design language is heavily inspired by Le Mans race cars, giving it the unmistakable aura of a track-focused machine. Yet, remarkably, the Valkyrie is indeed certified for street use, allowing owners to experience near-race car performance on public roads.
Positioned behind the driver is a high-revving 6.5-liter hybrid V12 engine, generating 1,160hp. This potent powertrain propels the Formula 1-inspired road car from 0 to 60mph in a mere 2.5 seconds. This rapid acceleration is made even more impressive when considering the Valkyrie’s remarkably low weight, barely exceeding one tonne.
9. Pagani Huayra – 238mph (383km/h)
The Pagani Huayra is widely celebrated for its stunning aesthetics. Every facet of its design exhibits meticulous attention to detail, elevating it beyond mere visual appeal. The Huayra is not just a showpiece; it’s a high-performance machine in its own right. It features an AMG-derived twin-turbocharged V12 engine, producing 730hp and 1,000Nm of torque, sufficient to reach a top speed of 238mph.
Pagani Huayra
To minimize weight and maximize structural rigidity, the Huayra’s construction predominantly utilizes carbon fiber. Furthermore, it incorporates active aerodynamic elements across its bodywork, enabling it to efficiently cut through the air and enhance both stability and speed.
10. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – 233mph (375km/h)
Finally, rounding out the top ten, we have a more accessible and relatable contender: the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. This position was previously held by the Lamborghini Revuelto, until the Corvette ZR1 surpassed its 217mph top speed, achieving a remarkable 233mph in October 2024.
In contrast to the Lamborghini, this all-American supercar eschews a complex V12 hybrid system. Instead, nestled behind the driver is a traditional, yet highly potent, 5.5-liter V8 engine augmented by two turbochargers. This engine delivers an impressive 1,064hp, making it the most powerful V8 engine ever produced by an American automaker for a production car.
The Fastest Cars Available on Carwow
1. Mercedes-AMG GT – 196mph (315km/h)
The latest iteration of the Mercedes-AMG GT takes the strengths of its predecessor and amplifies them. It provides an engaging driving experience, boasts striking aesthetics, and even offers a degree of practicality rarely found in a 196mph supercar. This remarkable velocity is achieved courtesy of a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, generating 585hp and accompanied by a thunderous exhaust note.
2. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio – 191mph (307km/h)
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
If your preference leans toward a high-performance saloon car, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is an exceptional choice. This twin-turbo V6 sedan unleashes a substantial 510hp, exclusively channeled to the rear wheels, promising a thrilling driving experience. Given sufficient straight road, it can reach 191mph with ample space to spare. Remarkably, this performance is packaged within a car that can comfortably handle everyday tasks like school runs, albeit potentially with a touch of parental showing-off courtesy of its raucous exhaust.
3. BMW M8 Competition – 190mph (306km/h)
BMW M8 Competition
For a vehicle equally adept at track days and cross-continental journeys, the BMW M8 Competition stands out as a truly impressive GT car. With the optional M Driver’s Pack, it can attain a top speed of 190mph given enough open road. However, it’s far from a spartan race car. The M8 Competition is replete with luxurious appointments, features a sophisticated infotainment system, and prioritizes passenger comfort.
4. Audi RS7 Performance – 174mph (280km/h)
New Audi RS7 Sportback Performance
If the BMW M8 doesn’t quite align with your preferences, the Audi RS7 Performance presents a compelling alternative. Similar to the BMW, it’s a GT car powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine, though its top speed is slightly lower. Despite this marginal difference in outright velocity, in a carwow drag race pitting the RS7 against an M8, the Audi emerged victorious over the quarter-mile, finishing nearly half a second ahead.
5. Lexus LC500 – 168mph (270km/h)
Lexus LC front
For those seeking a more unconventional alternative to the typical German GT offerings, the Lexus LC500 is a captivating coupe with a sonorous V8 engine at its heart. The cabin provides a refined and comfortable environment for long-distance driving, and its performance is certainly brisk. With a top speed of 168mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds, the LC500 delivers a satisfying surge of acceleration when you depress the accelerator pedal.
Fastest Cars FAQs
What is the fastest production car in the world?
On paper, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut currently holds the title of the fastest production car in the world, with a theoretically projected top speed exceeding 310mph. However, this figure is based on simulations. Until the Jesko Absolut achieves this speed in a verified real-world test, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ officially retains the record for the fastest car ever recorded, having reached a top speed of 304mph.
What is the fastest car from 0-60mph?
The Rimac Nevera is recognized as the fastest accelerating production car globally, capable of launching from 0 to 60mph in an astonishing 1.9 seconds.
What is the fastest anyone has gone in a car?
In terms of production cars, Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace piloted the Chiron Super Sport 300+ to its record-setting 304mph top speed. However, the absolute fastest speed ever achieved in any car is 763mph, attained by Andy Green in the Thrust SSC, a jet-powered vehicle designed specifically to break the land speed record. It’s important to note that the Thrust SSC is far removed from the realm of production road cars.
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