Cars have come a long way in terms of speed in recent years. Just a short while ago, the idea of reaching 200 miles per hour (mph) on a road seemed impossible. However, that barrier has been broken, and now the automotive world is setting its sights on an even more astonishing milestone: 300 mph. While some of these speeds have been achieved in simulations, there is no doubt that with the right conditions, some cars can reach and even surpass this incredible speed.
The title of the fastest car in the world currently belongs to the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, which recorded an astounding top speed of 330 mph earlier this year. The car’s impressive power comes from its twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, which produces 1,600 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet of torque. However, it’s not just brute power that allows the Jesko Absolut to reach such incredible speeds. Koenigsegg’s engineers have designed the car with a super-slippery 0.278 drag coefficient and a nine-speed transmission that shifts at lightning speed. It’s no wonder that Koenigsegg claims that the Jesko Absolut is destined to achieve higher speeds than any other fully homologated car before it.
Of course, achieving these speeds comes at a price. The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut costs nearly $3 million, and all 125 units offered were sold out. However, even if buyers can afford the car, finding suitable locations to push it to its limits is another challenge. There are very few places on the map that can support speeds of over 300 mph. Nevertheless, many owners may be content with just having the bragging rights associated with owning the fastest car in the world.
While the Jesko Absolut currently holds the speed crown, it is not alone in the 300-mph club. Another notable contender is the Bugatti Bolide, which reaches a top speed of 311 mph. This track-only car features a quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine that produces 1,847 horsepower and 1,365 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the Koenigsegg, the Bolide is not road-legal and comes with a price tag of around $4.4 million. Bugatti produced only 40 units of this exclusive model, which boasts a stiff suspension, Michelin slicks, and extravagant aerodynamics.
Reaching speeds higher than 300 mph requires more than just raw power. It necessitates exceptional aerodynamics, the ability to consume large amounts of air, and fuel consumption at immense speeds. Cars must be designed to cut through the air effortlessly while generating substantial downforce to keep them on the ground. This places tremendous stress on various components such as the suspension and tires. Tires, in particular, endure extreme conditions, including compression from downforce and high temperatures due to friction. Additionally, at such high speeds, even minor imperfections in the road surface can become significant challenges that the car must handle.
While it may seem that cars hitting speeds over 300 mph are a recent development, the first car to reach 200 mph did so more than 50 years ago. The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona accomplished this feat in March 1970 at Talladega in Alabama. The first road-legal car to hit this speed was the Ferrari F40, which reached a top speed of 201 mph. The Ferrari F40 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V8 engine and was the first production car to achieve such speeds. The Porsche 959, considered one of the most impressive Porsches of its time, fell just short of the F40’s speed, reaching a maximum of 197 mph.
As the automotive world transitions to full electrification, there are questions about electric vehicles’ (EVs) top speeds and battery power. However, there are already several EV models with top speeds exceeding 200 mph. The Lucid Air Sapphire and the Tesla Model S Plaid both offer a 200-mph top speed, with the Lucid Air Sapphire boasting a quicker 0-60 mph time. The Lotus Evija promises a 200-mph top speed as well. At the extreme end of EV performance, the Pininfarina Battista offers a 217-mph top speed, and the Rimac Nevera takes the crown with a staggering top speed of 258 mph.
In conclusion, the world of automotive speed continues to push boundaries with cars aiming to surpass 300 mph. The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut currently holds the title of the fastest car in the world, achieving a top speed of 330 mph. However, it faces competition from other impressive contenders such as the Bugatti Bolide. Reaching these speeds requires exceptional engineering in terms of aerodynamics, downforce, and tire durability. While the first car to cross 200 mph was not an Italian model, Ferrari and Porsche have played significant roles in pushing speed limits throughout history. As the industry embraces electric power, EVs are also making their mark on the high-speed landscape. The future of automotive speed looks promising with cars continuing to break records and achieve mind-boggling performance.