The Fastest Cars in the World: Pushing the Limits of Speed
In the late 1800s, the fastest cars in the world could barely reach 10mph. But today, thanks to nearly 140 years of development and innovation, the very fastest cars have surpassed the 300mph mark. This article takes a closer look at the fastest production road cars in the world, their impressive speeds, and the manufacturers vying for the top spot.
1. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ – 304.7mph
The undisputed top speed champion is once again a Bugatti. Limited to just 30 customer cars, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ achieved a record-setting top speed of 304.773mph. British racing veteran Andy Wallace piloted the car at the Volkswagen Group’s Ehra-Lessien test track. With its quad-turbocharged W16 engine producing 1578bhp, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ is a true speed machine.
2. SSC Tuatara – 295mph
The SSC Tuatara initially claimed a top speed of 331mph but faced controversy due to misleading video evidence. However, the car’s twin-turbocharged 5.9-litre V8, delivering 1750bhp, still managed to reach a verified top speed of 295mph. Owner Larry Caplin accomplished this feat at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
3. Zenvo Aurora – 280mph (claimed)
The Zenvo Aurora is a quad-turbocharged V12 hypercar equipped with three electric motors, boasting a combined output of 1850bhp. It claims to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 280mph. The shorter-geared Aurora Agil model accelerates from 0-186mph in roughly 10 seconds.
4. Koenigsegg Agera RS – 277.8mph
The Koenigsegg Agera RS not only earned the outright world record top speed in 2017 but also set the highest speed ever recorded on a public road. With Koenigsegg’s optional 1MW engine package producing 1360bhp, the Agera RS achieved a top speed of 277.8mph. This hypercar showcases how far automotive technology has come in 80 years.
5. Hennessey Venom F5 – 271.6mph
The Hennessey Venom F5 is a bespoke hypercar featuring a carbon fiber tub and a twin-turbocharged 6.6-litre V8 engine delivering a massive 1817bhp. It sprints from 0-250mph in just 15.5 seconds, half the time of the Bugatti Chiron. While its promised top speed is 341mph, the Venom F5 has currently reached 271.6mph.
6. Hennessey Venom GT – 270.4mph
The Hennessey Venom GT, based on the Lotus Exige, briefly held the top speed record. In 2014, it recorded a one-way speed of 270.49mph on the space shuttle landing runway at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. However, it did not qualify for an official Guinness World Record due to certain restrictions.
7. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport – 267.8mph
Unhappy about losing the top speed record to SSC, Bugatti introduced the Veyron Super Sport with a substantial overhaul. Limited to just 30 cars, each boasting 1184bhp, the Veyron Super Sport achieved a top speed of 267.856mph at the Ehra-Lessien oval track.
8. Aspark Owl – 258mph
The Aspark Owl is Japan’s fastest electric car, reaching a top speed of 258mph. It also holds records for its acceleration, achieving a 192mph average speed over an eighth of a mile and 198.12mph in the quarter mile. With a unique battery pack and a claimed range of 280 miles, the Owl showcases the potential of electric hypercars.
9. Rimac Nevera – 258mph
The Rimac Nevera is a groundbreaking electric hypercar capable of reaching 258mph. It holds the title of the world’s fastest-accelerating production car over the quarter mile, going from 0-62mph in 1.95 seconds and 0-100mph in 4.3 seconds. While customer cars are limited to 219mph, Rimac can override this limit at official events.
10. SSC Ultimate Aero TT – 256.1mph
The SSC Ultimate Aero TT overtook Bugatti in the top speed stakes in 2007, achieving an average top speed of just over 256mph on a temporarily closed two-lane stretch of public road near the company’s Washington headquarters.
Where are land speed records set?
These hypercars can only truly stretch their legs in a handful of places on Earth. The Nardo Ring in Italy is a circular track with banking that allows cars to reach speeds of up to 149mph. Bugatti uses its Ehra-Lessien facility, featuring a 5.4-mile straight, while Hennessey prefers the space shuttle runway at the Kennedy Space Center. Closed sections of autobahn and airstrips have also been utilized.
What was the first car to set a speed record?
The Mercedes Velo, produced in 1894, was the first production car to set a speed record. With a top speed of 12mph, it became the unofficial holder of the world’s fastest car accolade.
What was the first car to go 200mph?
The Ferrari F40 was the first regular production car to break the 200mph barrier. With a claimed top speed of 200.88mph and impressive performance, the F40 remains one of the most iconic Ferraris ever made.
Can a car go 400mph?
While the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport is currently the only car proven capable of exceeding 300mph, manufacturers like Koenigsegg and Hennessey are striving to go even faster. Achieving speeds of this magnitude is a complex and expensive challenge due to power, aerodynamics, and tire wear. While a 400mph hypercar is a real possibility, it is not something we will see in the near future.
What is the fastest land speed record ever?
The current land speed record holder is the Thrust SSC, which reached a speed of 763mph in 1997. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Spey jet engines, it became the first car to break the sound barrier. The record has stood for over two and a half decades, highlighting the technical complexity, cost, and danger of these high-speed runs.
Conclusion
The world of hypercars continues to push the limits of speed and performance. Manufacturers like Bugatti, SSC, Koenigsegg, Hennessey, and Rimac are consistently raising the bar and competing for the title of the fastest production road car. While the speeds achieved by these cars are mind-boggling, they also showcase the advancements in automotive technology and engineering. As technology continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see what new records and achievements await in the world of high-performance cars.
