Measuring a car’s top speed, when you get into the realms of the world record setters, is not quite as simple as flooring it and seeing what the speedo swings around to!
Air temperature and air pressure play a part, as do tyre pressures, the amount of oil in the engine and gearbox, the weight of the driver and a hundred and one other factors. There is also the slight matter of who’s doing the timing and if it’s truly independent and accurate.
Assuming all things are equal, then these days we’re talking only of those cars capable of reaching the far side of 250 mph. If your car can’t cover a mile in around 14 seconds it isn’t considered fast these days.
So which are these cars and what’s their vee-max (maximum velocity) as engineers would refer to it?
Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut -330 mph (in theory)
The Jesko Absolut is powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 producing 1,280hp on normal fuel, or a whopping 1,600hp on E85 race fuel.
This is enough for a 0-60mph sprint tome of 2.5 seconds. In 2020, Koenigsegg founder and CEO Christian Von Koenigsegg predicted a top speed of 330 mph for the Jesko Absolut and this year, Koenigsegg is planning to see if those simulations are accurate.
If the test goes to plan, the Jesko could become the new world record holder.
Bugatti Chiron Supersport 300+ - 304 mph
Within the name of this super sporty car, you can see the 300+ badging, and this does exactly what it says as it managed 304 mph when the French firm decided to unleash it at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test track.
This 1,600hp mega-machine doesn’t officially hold the world record though, as it only did that run in one direction. To break the record you have to do it twice in opposite directions but Bugatti decided not to do this.
The Chiron Supersport 300+ has been named the fastest Bugatti ever made and has redefined what’s possible when it comes to speed and aerodynamics.
Bugatti Bolide - 311 mph (Claimed)
Scheduled for release later this year, the brand-new Bugatti Bolide is expected to feature a W16 engine an extremely light weight body. The Bolide is expected to be faster than the Chiron, but as it has not yet been released, the expected top speed of 311 mph has not been tested.
The Bolide blends the visionary X-themed design language with Bugatti’s unbeatable W-16 power plant, the Bolide isn't just a car; it's a statement of superior power and futuristic aesthetics. Under its hood lies a marvel of engineering, promising an incredible zero-to-60 mph time of less than 2 seconds.
Enhanced by a lightweight monocoque that smartly integrates titanium and carbon fiber, the Bugatti Bolide redefines the boundaries of speed and design in a car that feels more like a sci-fi dream than a vehicle. Experience the rush; experience the Bugatti Bolide.
SSC Tuatara - 295 mph
This unique car from the American brand SSC has been under some controversy. SSC claimed the Tuatara actually managed 316 mph in October 2020 to make it the world’s fastest car — but later admitted to a GPS error that depicted that speed wrongly. Later tests saw it hit a maximum of 295 mph.
Hennessey Venom F5 - 272 mph
This amazing 6.6-litre twin-turbo car puts out an impressive 1,817hp and 1,617Nm of torque. This is enough to go from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds! The highest speed reached by this stunning vehicle so far is 272 mph, however, Hennessey reckon that they could go faster and reach speeds up to 300 mph.
Koenigsegg Agera RS — 278 mph
The Koenigsegg Agera RS raced into history in November 2017. Empowered by an E85 fuel run, the car showcased its extraordinary 1,360 horsepower on an 11-mile strip of road in Nevada. In a sensational display of speed, a factory driver pushed the limits, achieving an average speed of 277.8 mph. But even that wasn't the peak - the Agera RS reached a phenomenal 284.5 mph during the record attempt.
This staggering performance wasn't its only achievement. The Agera RS also grabbed the title for the fastest zero-to-250 mph-to-zero metric, doing so in just 33.2 seconds. The flying kilometer was tackled at an average speed of 268 mph and the flying mile on a public road clocked in at 276.3 mph. The Koenigsegg Agera RS encapsulates the perfect fusion of power and speed, setting benchmarks that others can only aspire to reach.
Hennessey Venom GT — 270.4 mph
The Hennessey Venom GT, a product of John Hennessey’s power and speed obsessed performance group, is a true monument to vehicular excellence. Introduced in 2014, this supercar packs a staggering 1,244 horsepower and 1,287 ft lbs of torque. It's powered by a beastly 7.0-liter twin-turbo GM V-8 engine. Despite not being officially recognized due to strict rules requiring a run in both directions and a minimum production volume, the Venom GT has left a mark with its impressive speed. It reached a breathtaking speed of 270.4 mph on the Kennedy Space Center’s 3.2-mile landing strip. While only 13 Venoms have been sold, this extraordinary speedster has certainly etched its name in the annals of supercar history.
Bugatti Veyron Super Sport — 267.8 mph
The magnificent Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is a powerhouse built in 2010 with the express purpose of bagging the crown as the fastest ever production car. And it didn't just aspire, it achieved, as recognized by Guinness. Fueled by a formidable W-16 power plant, engineers worked their magic to squeeze out an extra 180 hp, amping up the overall horsepower to a breathtaking 1,184. The secret to harnessing this speed monster's full potential? A second key that opens up unlimited access to the engine, enabling it to reach a staggering max speed of 267.8 MPH. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport isn't just a car, it's an experience for the brave and the bold.
Bugatti Mistral — 261 mph (Claimed, Roof off)
The Mistral represents Bugatti's illustrious legacy of speed, aesthetic sophistication, and unprecedented innovation. It houses the quad-turbo W-16 engine - an engineering marvel that first gained prominence in the iconic Veyron and has commanded the automotive world since 2005. This powertrain has previously powered the Veyron to a top speed of 253mph and the Chiron Super Sport 300+ to a remarkable 304.7mph.
Yet, the Mistral is a distinct breed, brought to life to conquer new horizons. Unlike its coupe predecessors, the Mistral is a roadster, setting its sights on a new world record. Bugatti has introduced substantial enhancements to its established design language, enabling the required downforce and engine cooling for the Mistral to target a top speed of 261mph -- a feat it aims to accomplish with its roof off.
Rimac Nevera — 256 mph
Finally on the list is the Rimac Nevara. This exceptional car has a unique origin, with the name Nevera, being given to a quick, sudden and mighty Mediterranean storm, that races across the open sea off Croatia, a Nevera is extremely powerful and charged by lightning.This is a very fitting name as the Rimac Nevera is a fully electric vehicle. This doesn’t affect the performance, as this car can do 0-60 mph in 1.85 seconds.