Despite the world shifting its focus to greener modes of transportation, the race to build the world’s next fastest car is still on. And although there might be few practical benefits to owning the fastest car in the world, it gives the automakers serious bragging rights.
Most of us can appreciate the impressive technical engineering that goes into building these beasts, but how fast can they really go? We’ve collated a list of the fastest cars in the world right now. So, let’s begin.
There are a lot of fast cars in production, with only a few pushing past the 300 mph mark. However, dozens of models claim to have a record-breaking top speed but still need to set an official record. Currently, the fastest car in the world is the Shelby SUpercard Tuatra, at an average top speed of 316 mph and the fastest single run at 331.6 mph.
Fastest Cars in the World
1. Shelby Supercars Tuatara: 331 mph
The Shelby Supercars Tuatara is currently the fastest production car in the world, with an average top speed of 316.11 mph. But its fastest run sits at a mind-boggling 331.6 mph, as recorded in October 2020.
Some features:
- Twin-turbo 5.9 liter V8 engine.
- 1,750 horsepower
- Butterfly doors
- A dry weight of 1247 kilograms
- Aerodynamic design inspired by fighter jets.
There are only 100 units available, each costing a minimum of $1.6 million.
2. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+: 300+ mph
As the name suggests, this beast tops out at over 300 mph. The Bugatti Chiron Supersport was the first car to break the 300 miles per hour pace on the track. The record was set at 304.773 mph, with Andy Wallace at the wheel.
There are only 30 models of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport in existence. Each one costs an eye-watering $3,8250,000- enough to break the piggy bank.
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport has an 8-liter W16 16-cylinder engine.
The record was set on a German race track- fitting because Bugatti is a German and French company. The automobile brand was created in 1909 and has always focused on creating sports, racing, and luxury cards.
3. Koenigsegg Jesko Absolute: 300 mph
The Swedish brand Koenigsegg created this supercar to beat the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport. Although unsuccessful, the supercar has a 5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and 1600 horsepower.
4. Koenigsegg Agera RS: 278 mph
Another proven machine on the track is the Koenigsegg Agera. This sports car topped out at 278 mph on the track and held the title of the world’s fastest car for some time.
The Swedish brand made a name for itself in 2017. When an 11-mile stretch of road was closed for the car to test its speed. Just outside of Las Vegas, the Koenigsegg Agera took a few runs up and down the stretch of road, with one of the runs coming in at 285 mph. The Guinness Book of World Records was present to record the event and accept the top average speed of 278 mph as the new fastest time.
The Koenigsegg Agera RS has only increased in value since its conception. It will set you back between 4 and 5 million dollars.
5. Hennessey Venom Gt: 270 mph
You might be wondering, “but who’s spot did the Koenigsegg Agera RS take?’ Well, the answer is the Hennessey Venom GT.
The Hennessey Venom GT beat the Bugatti Veyron in terms of speed and set the Guinness Book of World Records back in 2014 with a speed of 270.4 mph. The car has a 7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 1344 horsepower.
However, the recond has caused some controversy, as the speed wasn’t taken as an average from two runs, only one. Regardless, the speed is still an impressive feat to this day.
6. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: 268 mph
The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport came onto the scene in 2005, boasting a quad-turbocharged W16 engine that delivers 1200 horsepower to all four wheels.
It’s no surprise that Bugatti is on this list twice, with the massive financial backing these projects have received from its parent company, Volkswagen.
The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport clocked at a top speed of 268 mph at Volkswagen’s Ehra-lessein test track.
They also developed a convertible version of the Veyron Super Sport, which still holds the record for the world’s fastest open-top production car at 254 mph.
The Veyron will set you back a solid $2.5 million.
7. SSC Ultimate Aero TT: 265 mph
The supercar achieves impressive speeds with a twin-turbocharged 6.3 liter V8 engine with 1183 horsepower. The car took the scene by storm and surprised many with its power.
Its official top speed is marked in the Guinness Book of World Records at 257 mph. The record was achieved on a closed stretch of road in Washington state in 2007.
Only 24 SSC Ultimate Aero TT exist, with each model costing around $280,000. Relatively affordable compared to the other cards listed so far!
8. Mclaren Speedtail: 250 mph
Technically, the Mclaren Speedtail maybe shouldn’t make the list due to the minor detail that the vehicle is not street legal.
Still, the sportscar took an impressive run and hit 250 mph at the Kennedy Space Center runway in Florida more than 20 times (McLaren claims).
The aerodynamic body, combined with the twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 engine and 1035 horsepower, meant this car was built for speed.
A McLaren speedtail will cost around $2 million, but it might be a waste of money as they still need to be road legal.
9. Koenigsegg Gemera: 249 mph
Koeniggsegg is making a name for itself in the fast car world, with three hot contenders. The Koenigsegg Gemera runs on a combustion engine and three electric motors and is, as such, a hybrid vehicle.
What Car is Supposed to be the Next Fastest Car?
With many motor companies constantly racing to take the title of ‘world’s fastest car,’ there are always a few contenders on the horizon. The Bugatti Boldie is still in pre-production but is thought to have a top speed well above 315 mph. However, this is still hypothetical.
The French car producers already have the top spot but need help to keep pushing the limits. The prototype looks promising, but the model will not be released until 2024. So, stay tuned.
The Bugatti Boldie is estimated to cost around $4.3 million.
Why is it So Hard for Cars to go Faster than 300 mph?
As you may have noticed, only some cars have managed to push past the 300 mph mark. And there are a few reasons for this, but the biggest reason is the air.
The drag or air resistance that a car has to contend with at 300 mph is intense and akin to the feeling of swimming. The air becomes thick and heavy and essentially pushes the vehicle back. This makes it exceedingly difficult for cars to continue pushing their top speed.
How is Top Speed Calculated?
Testing top speed is tricky and rigorous. However, with so many car producers claiming their vehicle tops them all, testing the bold claims needs to be standardized.
Of course, the Guinness Book of World Records takes things seriously too.
Here’s the process that needs to happen:
- The test needs to be witnessed by a third party, someone who is not biased and is totally independent.
- The car takes its first run in whatever its preferred location is. The road needs to be at least 5.6 miles. Such as a long flat road, like that in VW’s private Ehra-Lessein test track in North Germany.
- The car then makes another run in the opposite direction. Again, this is to account for external factors such as weather and elevation.
- The average speed is calculated between the two runs, and that is the speed used.
Every car on this list is impressive in its own right. But, the Shelby Supercars Tuatara really dominates the scene, reaching a staggering ten mph faster than the nearest contender. The top average speed is 316 mph, with a single solo run at 331 mph. The next fastest car is always around the concern, and it’s pretty exciting to think of what will come next.