For many, a car is about practicality – fuel efficiency, reliability, and safety top the list. But for some, the ultimate desire is speed. If you’re a speed enthusiast, you might be wondering: just how fast can a road-legal car actually go?
If you have deep pockets and access to a very, very long stretch of private road (or perhaps a runway), you’ll be thrilled to know that there are several cars that shatter the 250mph barrier, and a select few that even flirt with the elusive 300mph mark. Let’s dive into the engineering marvels that hold the title of the fastest cars in the world you can legally drive on the road.
The World’s Fastest Road-Legal Cars: Top Contenders
1. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut – Aiming for Over 310mph (499km/h)
Koenigsegg has carved a niche for itself, producing some of the most extreme hypercars on the planet for decades. The Jesko Absolut is their magnum opus, pushing the boundaries of speed and performance even further. Powered by a monstrous 1,600hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine, this Swedish beast is claimed to accelerate from 0-60mph in a mere 2.5 seconds.
The manufacturer boldly states that the Jesko Absolut is designed to exceed 310mph. However, it’s important to note that this figure is currently theoretical, based on extensive computer simulations and dyno testing. The real-world top speed is yet to be officially verified on a track. The automotive world eagerly awaits to see if the Jesko Absolut can live up to its staggering potential and claim the ultimate speed record.
2. SSC Tuatara – Officially Clocked at 295mph (475km/h)
While complex engines like Bugatti’s W16 are engineering masterpieces, there’s something undeniably appealing about raw power from a colossal V8 with turbochargers. The SSC Tuatara embodies this philosophy. Its twin-turbocharged V8 engine churns out a staggering 1,750hp when fueled with ethanol, making it a true powerhouse. The Tuatara’s journey to claiming the “fastest car” title hasn’t been without drama.
Initially, SSC asserted that the Tuatara reached an astonishing 331mph in October 2020, briefly crowning it the fastest car in the world. However, this claim was later retracted due to GPS inaccuracies during the test. Undeterred, SSC conducted further tests in early 2022, where the Tuatara achieved a verified top speed of 295mph. While not the initially claimed 331mph, 295mph is undeniably breathtaking and firmly places the Tuatara among the speed elite.
3. Bugatti Tourbillon – Projected Top Speed of 277mph (446km/h)
For many, the name Bugatti is synonymous with “fastest car in the world,” a legacy cemented by the iconic Bugatti Veyron. That spirit of relentless speed and luxury continues with the new Bugatti Tourbillon.
This hypercar boasts a hybrid 1,800hp V16 engine, a marvel of engineering that propels this £3.2 million luxury machine from 0-60mph in under 2.0 seconds. Bugatti’s history suggests that even faster versions may be on the horizon. After all, they pushed the Chiron beyond the 300mph barrier. The Tourbillon is poised to continue Bugatti’s reign in the realm of extreme speed.
4. Hennessey Venom F5 – Hitting 272mph (438km/h) and Aiming Higher
American manufacturers are making a significant impact in the high-speed arena, and the Hennessey Venom F5 is a prime example. This all-American supercar secures the fourth spot on our list, packing a potent 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This engine delivers a staggering 1,817hp and 1,617Nm of torque, translating to a 0-60mph sprint in just 2.6 seconds and a current top speed of 272mph.
Hennessey isn’t resting on its laurels. The company has publicly stated its ambition to push the Venom F5 beyond the 300mph mark in 2024. The pursuit of speed is ongoing, and the Venom F5 is a strong contender to join the 300mph club.
5. Rimac Nevera – Electric Speed at 256mph (412km/h)
Electric cars are renowned for their instant acceleration thanks to the readily available torque from electric motors. However, the added weight of batteries can sometimes limit their top-speed potential. The Rimac Nevera defies this notion.
This all-electric hypercar is a ballistic missile, featuring four electric motors that combine to produce an astounding 1,914hp and 2,300Nm of torque. This power translates to a blistering 0-60mph time of just 1.9 seconds, and a top speed of 256mph. Constructed largely from carbon fiber to minimize weight, the Nevera isn’t just a stripped-down racer. Its interior is luxurious and refined, offering all the amenities you’d expect from a car costing around £2 million. The Nevera proves that electric power can deliver not only incredible acceleration but also impressive top speeds.
6. McLaren Speedtail – Streamlined for 250mph (402km/h)
McLaren’s design philosophy for the Speedtail wasn’t solely focused on chasing top speed records. However, the result is the fastest road car they have ever produced, with a top speed of 250mph.
This sleek machine surpasses even the legendary McLaren F1 in top speed. Its aerodynamic bodywork, devoid of drag-inducing wings, gives it a futuristic, almost cyberpunk aesthetic. Imagine experiencing 250mph with two passengers – the Speedtail makes it possible.
7. Koenigsegg Regera – Gearless to 250mph (402km/h)
Matching the Speedtail’s top speed is another Koenigsegg, the Regera. This is the second entry from the Swedish manufacturer on our list, further highlighting their dominance in the hypercar world. The Regera combines a twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 1,500hp.
Uniquely, the Regera can accelerate from 0-250mph using a single gear. Whether you’re cruising at 30mph or unleashing its top speed on a closed course, you remain in the same gear. It’s a testament to Koenigsegg’s innovative engineering and a truly unconventional approach to high-speed performance.
8. Aston Martin Valkyrie – Le Mans Looks, Road-Legal Thrills at 250mph (402km/h)
The Aston Martin Valkyrie blurs the lines between road car and race car. Its appearance suggests it belongs on the Le Mans track, yet it’s fully road legal.
Beneath its radical exterior lies a 6.5-liter hybrid V12 engine producing 1,160hp. This powertrain catapults the Valkyrie, inspired by Formula 1 design, from 0-60mph in just 2.5 seconds. Weighing just over a tonne, its power-to-weight ratio is exceptional, contributing to its incredible performance.
9. Pagani Huayra – Art in Motion, Speed in its Soul at 238mph (383km/h)
The Pagani Huayra is a visual masterpiece. Every detail is meticulously crafted, making it as much a work of art as a high-performance machine. But its beauty is more than skin deep.
It houses an AMG-derived twin-turbocharged V12 engine, generating 730hp and 1,000Nm of torque, enabling a top speed of 238mph. The Huayra utilizes carbon fiber extensively for weight reduction and rigidity. Active aerodynamics further enhance its performance, allowing it to slice through the air with remarkable efficiency.
10. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – American Muscle Joins the 233mph Club (375km/h)
Rounding out our top 10 is the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, offering a slightly more accessible entry into the realm of extreme speed. In October 2024, the ZR1 surpassed the Lamborghini Revuelto to claim the tenth spot with a top speed of 233mph.
Unlike many of its European counterparts, the Corvette ZR1 eschews complex hybrid systems. Instead, it relies on a classic American formula: a potent 5.5-liter V8 engine with two turbochargers. This engine delivers 1,064hp, making it the most powerful V8 engine ever produced by an American automaker for a production car. The Corvette ZR1 proves that American muscle can compete with the best in the world when it comes to top speed.
Fastest Cars Available on Carwow Right Now
While the hypercars above represent the pinnacle of automotive speed, you can still find incredibly fast cars available through Carwow. Here are a few examples that offer exhilarating performance in a more accessible package:
1. Mercedes-AMG GT – 196mph (315km/h)
The latest Mercedes-AMG GT refines the already impressive formula of its predecessor. It’s a joy to drive, visually striking, and surprisingly practical for a supercar capable of 196mph. This speed is delivered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 585hp, accompanied by a thunderous exhaust note.
2. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio – 191mph (307km/h)
Looking for a seriously fast saloon car? The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a compelling option. This twin-turbo V6 saloon unleashes 510hp, all directed to the rear wheels. With enough space, it can reach 191mph. And, remarkably, this is a car that can also handle the school run, albeit with a decidedly un-embarrassing soundtrack.
3. BMW M8 Competition – 190mph (306km/h)
For a car equally adept on the track and comfortable for long journeys, the BMW M8 Competition is a top-tier GT car. With the optional M Driver’s Pack, it can reach 190mph. However, it’s not a stripped-out racer. The M8 Competition is luxurious, equipped with a sophisticated infotainment system, and genuinely comfortable for everyday driving.
4. Audi RS7 Performance – 174mph (280km/h)
If the M8 doesn’t appeal, the Audi RS7 Performance offers a similar blend of speed and practicality. It also features a 4.0-liter V8 engine, but its top speed is slightly lower than the BMW. However, in a drag race against the M8, the RS7 demonstrated its acceleration prowess, winning by a significant margin over the quarter-mile.
5. Lexus LC500 – 168mph (270km/h)
For a more distinctive alternative to German GT cars, consider the Lexus LC500. This stunning coupe houses a powerful V8 engine and boasts a luxurious, comfortable interior ideal for long drives. With a top speed of 168mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds, the LC500 delivers impressive performance in a stylish package.
Fastest Cars FAQs
What is the fastest production car in the world currently?
The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut is theoretically the fastest, with a projected top speed exceeding 310mph. However, until verified in real-world testing, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ officially holds the title as the fastest car in the world, having reached a verified top speed of 304mph.
What car has the quickest 0-60mph acceleration?
The Rimac Nevera is the current acceleration champion, achieving 0-60mph in a mind-bending 1.9 seconds.
What’s the highest speed ever achieved in a car?
For production cars, Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace reached 304mph in the Chiron Super Sport 300+. However, the overall speed record is held by the jet-powered Thrust SSC, driven by Andy Green, which reached a staggering 763mph, breaking the sound barrier. The Thrust SSC is a far cry from a road-legal production car, representing the absolute limits of land speed.
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