The fastest cars are sought after by many, the epitome of success, displaying the engineering prowess and indicating the wealthiest of buyers. The phrase ‘Speed Demons’ conjures up the visions of some extraordinary engineering marvels that challenge the laws of physics and provide a hair-raising experience for their drivers.
The world has witnessed many advancements in speedier machines conquering the race tracks, with many of them breaking records as well. We’ll delve into the fastest cars ever made, recognizing their makers and the uncanny speed prowess that each of them possess.
Understanding Speed
There is no one objective way to measure a car’s speed. Automotive journalists typically use the time it takes for a car to travel one kilometer or mile. Of course, the design of the car and its engine have an enormous impact on their speed.
A Race to the Top
In the race to the top, automakers have consistently pushed the boundaries of speed, innovating with their engine configurations and capturing the hearts and souls of ardent fans with their dashing speed recitals. It’s time to explore some of the world’s swiftest rides, which have elegantly glided their way to the top.
The Fastest Production Cars
The Hennessey Venom F5
The Hennessey Venom F5 is breath-taking and is projected to be the fastest street-legal production car of all time. The aeronautical-inspired streamlined design is complemented by an 1817-horsepower 7.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. The result? A projected top speed of around 301 mph.
SSC Tuatara
The SSC Tuatara takes second place in the list of the fastest cars in the world. This machine was designed in the United States and is equipped with a 5.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. With one horsepower per every kilogram of weight, it has enough power to reach a top speed of 300 mph. It’s also known to go from 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds.
Koenigsegg Agera RS
The Agera RS stands tall as an incredible achievement in engineering. This Swedish car packs a 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 1,160 horsepower, enabling it to reach a maximum speed of 278 mph.
Other Noteworthy Rivals
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport tops at 304 MPH and is the proud owner of the fastest production car title. It is powered by a 16-cylinder engine, with 4 turbochargers that bring the power output to 1478 PS (1,479 horsepower).
Bentley Continental Supersports
Bentley holds the title for the fastest four-seater production car in the world. Its 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine enables the car to reach a top speed of 209 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.
Porsche 918 Spyder
The Porsche 918 Spyder, put forth the hybridization of the traditional sports car. This machine is gifted with an electric motor, a 4.6-liter V8 engine, and two electric motors. These components come together to generate an estimated 887 horsepower and allow the car to hit a top speed of 214 mph.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
The Aventador SVJ is powered by its 6.5L V-8 with 204 horsepower. It is mated to a seven-speed single-clutch automated manual gearbox, sending power to all four wheels. The speed that it achieves is 217mph, with a 0-60mph time of 2.8 seconds.
Ferrari LaFerrari
The Ferrari LaFerrari packs a 6.2L V12 hybrid engine and is one of the most iconic cars in the world. It has an impressive top speed of 217mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds. This car was awarded the ‘Best Performance Engine of the Year’ for 2014.
Gumpert Apollo S
The Gumpert Apollo S is powered by a 4.2L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 700 hp. It is capable of 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 224mph.
Bugatti Veyron Supersport
The Bugatti Veyron SuperSport was the last model before the Chiron took over from its predecessor. It is powered by a 8.0L quad-turbocharged W16 16-cylinder engine with 1,183 horsepower. It was not only the fastest of its time but the fastest for the longest period of time. It had a maximum speed of 267 mph.
Driving Safety
Safety is synonymous with speed. It is paramount that one provide the utmost attention and caution when driving with utmost speed; even the fans of such cars have to understand there are no brakes in speed. Driving fast cars carries great responsibility as they have to be driven in controlled environment only.
The world has had many remarkable speed demons that have quickened the blood of millions of admirers with their dashing speed displays. We’ve seen the evolution of such cars, displaying the technological advancements in engineering, power and design. Speed is a double-edged sword, hence heed the utmost caution before driving such machines.
