Speed is one of those car attributes that most of us admire while never attempting to drive at the speeds possible from the world’s fastest cars. The following list features the very fastest. Some are so rare that you’re never likely to actually see one in the flesh, but that doesn’t stop us dreaming.
Just in case you thought the eco-centric attitudes of our modern times had dampened down enthusiasm for big, fast cars, think again. New hybrid technology with electric motors boosting gas engines has offered us a glimpse into a future of cars travelling faster than ever.
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+
An enormous 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine delivers a whopping 1,600 horsepower and propels this beast to 304 mph. The sleek design looks sublime, with every curve minimizing drag and optimizing performance. Bugatti’s perfectionist attention to detail balances luxury and performance like no other.
SSC Tuatara
The lightweight, aerodynamic design of the SSC Tuatara was inspired by fighter jets, ensuring it slices through the air with surgical precision. There isn’t a jet engine under the hood, but a twin-turbocharged 5.9-liter V8 produces a staggering 1,750 horsepower when running on E85 fuel. Top speed is 282 mph, making this American hypercar a force to reckon with.
Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut
Here’s a Swedish marvel boasting a top speed of 330 mph – in theory. It hasn’t officially been tested yet. Perhaps they haven’t found a driver brave enough. Built for speed freaks, the Jesko Absolut is powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that churns out 1,600 horsepower with E85 fuel.
Hennessey Venom F5
Texans like to boast that big is best – and this beast from the Lone Star state could be what they’re talking about. The Venom F5’s 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces a monstrous 1,817 horsepower, with a top speed of 311 mph. Fun fact: the name F5 refers to the fastest tornado wind speed – and this car lives up to it.
Rimac Nevera
Electric cars are eco-friendly, green and cuddly, right? Well they can be, but the Rimac Nevera smashes the stereotypes with its incredible top speed of 258 mph. This Croatian electric hypercar is powered by four electric motors, producing a combined 1,914 horsepower and rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.85 seconds. It’s packed with advanced features and cutting-edge design. Is electric the future of speed? The Nevera hints at what’s possible.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
Formula 1 racing know-how meets roadgoing expertise in this British speed machine. A 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine produces a blistering 1,160 horsepower to push it to a top speed of 250 mph. The aerodynamic design creates a driving experience unlike any other – unless you’re a Formula 1 racer, that is.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
No list of speed machines would be complete without an entry from the company of the prancing horse. Ferrari: one word that defines a rich history of speed. And the SF90 Stradale doesn’t disappoint, with a top speed of 211 mph from its hybrid power plant. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine pairs with three electric motors to generate a combined 986 horsepower. This Italian masterpiece is as thrilling as it is innovative, blending old-school Ferrari speed with cutting-edge tech.
McLaren Speedtail
You could be forgiven for thinking the future had arrived early, because that’s where the sublimely streamlined McLaren Speedtail belongs. It’s capable of 250 mph thanks to a hybrid drivetrain that combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with an electric motor, delivering 1,036 horsepower. From the teardrop-shaped body to the centrally located driver’s seat, everything about this car screams innovation.
Porsche 918 Spyder
The Porsche 918 Spyder’s top speed of 211 mph can’t compete with some of the exotic machines in this list, but its hybrid system and legendary handling make it a standout. With a 4.6-liter V8 engine and two electric motors, it delivers 887 horsepower and proves you don’t have to sacrifice versatility for speed.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Lamborghini has long been synonymous with speed and expensive price tags. The Aventador SVJ is no exception and you would have to be both rich and brave to make it your daily driver. This raging bull roars to a top speed of 217 mph, powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 770 horsepower. Driving this car is pure exhilaration, with every rev reminding you why Lamborghini and speed always belong together.
Tesla Roadster
The top speed of 250 mph and a 0 to 60 mph time of just 1.9 seconds are game-changers for an all-electric car, but arguably the most revolutionary aspect of the Tesla Roadster is its range – a staggering 620 miles. If that doesn’t address EV range anxiety, nothing will. The sleek design houses an amazing car that makes a statement about where the automotive world is heading.
Pagani Huayra BC
The beautiful Pagani Huayra BC is a masterpiece of speed and Italian design, with a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine delivering 791 horsepower and reaching 238 mph. Hand-crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it’s one of the most luxurious hypercar experiences available today, proving that speed and style can go hand in hand.
Mercedes-AMG ONE
With a top speed of 217 mph and over 1,000 horsepower from its hybrid 1.6-liter V6 engine and four electric motors, the ONE is Mercedes-AMG’s vision of the future. It blends cutting-edge Formula 1 racing technology with the road-friendly handling of Merc road cars. From its striking aerodynamic design to mind-boggling performance, it feels like a racecar built for everyday use.
Zenvo TSR-S
Scandinavian car designers take pride in doing it differently. Zenvo’s TSR-S is no exception and delivers a car that’s very much out of the ordinary. Danish engineering meets raw power in this hypercar, which boasts a top speed of 202 mph. Its twin-supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine delivers 1,177 horsepower, but what truly sets this car apart is its innovative tilting rear wing, which adjusts dynamically to transform its ability to corner at high speeds. The TSR-S is convincing proof that small manufacturers can think big.
Ferrari LaFerrari
Ferrari tradition meets extraordinary innovation in this hypercar. Its 6.3-liter V12 engine, paired with an electric motor, produces an astonishing 950 horsepower and a top speed of 217 mph. Beyond the speed, it’s the refinement of the LaFerrari that impresses, from its luxurious cockpit to its impeccable handling. The LaFerrari isn’t just a car – it’s a statement of futuristic engineering and design.
Koenigsegg Agera RS
This Swedish hypercar is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that churns out 1,160 horsepower and races to a top speed of 278 mph. Lightweight materials like carbon fiber ensure it feels responsive and nimble, even at breakneck speeds. The Agera RS blends brutal power with precision, offering an unparalleled driving experience for those who dare to push its limits.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
With a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 755 horsepower, and a top speed of 212 mph, the Corvette ZR1 takes American muscle to a new level. Advanced aerodynamics and track-tuned suspension demonstrate that this Chevy isn’t just a car for straight-line speed. The ZR1 represents the pinnacle of Corvette engineering, offering mind-bending performance without breaking the bank – comparing favorably to the rich boys’ playthings built by its European competitors.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
Dodge’s Challenger SRT Demon takes muscle car development to a new level thanks to a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 840 horsepower. Its top speed of 211 mph is impressive, but it’s the 0 to 60 mph time of just 2.3 seconds that makes jaws drop – and turned it into a drag strip legend. Designed for straight-line speed, it features drag-specific tires and even offers a race fuel mode for maximum performance. The Demon is unapologetically American, celebrating the raw, untamed power of muscle car dominance.