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 - there are many factors to take into account when measuring the speed of a vehicle including:
- Air temperature
- Air pressure
- Tyre pressures
- Amount of oil in the engine and gearbox
- Weight of the driver
- Aerodynamics
Whilst these are the main factors, there are other things to take into consideration. It also depends on who’s recording the speed and if it’s truly independent and accurate. For a car to be considered fast, the rules state that it should be reaching the far side of 250mph. If your car can’t cover a mile in around 14 seconds, then it isn’t considered fast these days.
So what cars are considered the fastest in the world and what’s their vee-max (maximum velocity) as engineers would refer to it? Don’t forget, these cars aren’t racing cars - they’re road cars that you may be able to see on the road right now!
Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut - 330mph (in theory)
Coming in as the number one fastest car in the world, 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 time 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 Super Sport 300+ - 304 mph
This car does what it says on the tin - with the 300+ nametag, this super sporty car reached 304mph 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. In order to break the record, you have to do it twice in opposite directions but Bugatti decided not to do this - its singular run was enough to prove the speed of the vehicle and what it can do.
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.
SSC Tuatara - 283 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 incorrectly. In 2021 during more attempts the set the record accurately, the two-way average was set at 282.9mph, which doesn’t make it as fast as others, but fast enough. This speed was set with accurate recording equipment and independent witnesses to ensure accuracy.
With a 5 litre V8 engine and twin turbochargers, it’s no surprise this car produces 1,750bhp and 1,735Nm of torque. At the eye-watering price of £1.5 million, it’s certainly one to save up for.
Hennessey Venom F5 - 272 mph
The Venom’s predecessor, The Lotus Exige was able to reach impressive speeds of 270mph, which is fast in itself but the Venom F5 has now managed to top this and go a step further.
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. Another twin-turbo V8 engine gives this car its speed, reaching 249mph in just 15.5 seconds!
Rimac Nevera — 258 mph
Making its way into the 5th position 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.
This car has the capability to charge up to 500kW, meaning that battery will replenish up to 80% in just 19 minutes - not only fast on the road, but fast off it as well! It has an overall range of 340 miles, which is more than your average electric car.
Koenigsegg Regera — 255 mph
Believe it or not, the Regera is not the Swedish brand's fastest model! The Regera is equipped with a hybrid powertrain that achieves just under 1,500bhp. Innovation is at the forefront of this car’s design - with a singular speed gear box instead of your typical transmission thanks to its plug-in hybrid setup, the V8 engine still gives you the power and speed of a multi-speed gear box.
With a removable soft-top, you can really feel the wind through your hair as you reach speeds up to 60mph in just 2.8 seconds. The Regera has also achieved a world record for 0-249-0mph acceleration and braking in 2019, emphasising its manufacturing excellence and design.
McLaren Speedtail - 250mph
According to the supercar brand, the McLaren had the ability to hit 250mph over 30 times when it was raced at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, USA. This makes it faster than the McLaren F1! The Speedtail model comes in limited supply, as the manufacturer has only made 106 examples - so the price tag that comes with it is a pretty hefty £2.1 million.
Like its predecessor, the Speedtail comes with a 3-seater layout - the driver sits in the middle of the car, whilst passengers sit behind either side. The lack of gear lever on the centre console allows easy access to the car from either the left or right.
Aspark Owl - 249mph
Whilst the world of supercars is the typical stomping ground for brands such as McLaren and Bugatti, newer companies are also dipping their toes in the fast car market. One such brand is the Japanese Aspark - their Owl model has a top speed on 249mph, which isn’t too bad for a brand that’s relatively unknown!
Another contender in the electric car market, it has been claimed that the Owl can reach 60mph in just 1.7 seconds - this makes it the fastest accelerating production car. Its acceleration is helped massively by its lightweight 64kWh battery pack, which is considered smaller than its competitors. The range of the Owl is around 280 miles.
W Motors Fenyr Supersport - 245mph
W Motors’ Fenyr Supersport is a unique edition to the supercar market - diamonds and sapphires in the headlights are just an example of some of the distinctive materials W Motors have used to create a car that is truly one of a kind. Its impressive price tag of £1.4 million means that it was one of the most expensive cars that was used in the Fast and Furious films.
The car’s power is thanks to its twin-turbocharged flat-six mounted engine behind the cockpit, a design of the German RUF who used to use Porsche bodies to create their cars, but now manufacture their own. According to W Motors, this car has the capability to reach 245mph.
Pagani Huayra - 238mph
This impressive little 2-seater supercar offers style and a large price tag - £1 million. Underneath the sleek exterior, you’d find a 720bhp twin-turbo Mercedes-AMG V12 engine which gives this car its power - reaching a top speed of 238mph.
Constructed of a carbon fibre material, this car has been made with speed and aerodynamics in mind. With a built-in system that independently adjusts the ride height at the front and rear of the car and spoilers that can be deployed automatically, the use of technology for this supercar is fitting for its futuristic styling and design.
New and used cars from Swansway
Of course, if you’re looking for a supercar with the luxury price tag there are plenty of options! But here at Swansway, you’ll find more down-to-earth family cars that are well within budget and can take you where you need to go without issue. Browse the range of new and used vehicles we have available for you to take away today. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you. Alternatively, take a look at some of our sportier cars below that we have available today!
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