American cars have a legacy of incredible speed and performance. In this article, we explore some of the fastest American cars ever built. From the record-breaking Hennessey Venom F5 and SSC Tuatara to iconic muscle cars like the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, these cars showcase the best of American engineering and design. Discover the top American speed machines that have set benchmarks and captured the imagination of car enthusiasts everywhere.
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Hennessey Venom F5
The Hennessey Venom F5 is designed to break speed records with a top speed target of over 300 mph. It features a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, dubbed the “Fury,” producing an astonishing 1,817 horsepower. The Venom F5’s sleek, aerodynamic design and lightweight carbon fiber construction contribute to its incredible speed. With a price tag of around $2.1 million, the Venom F5 is one of the most expensive and fastest American cars ever built.
SSC Tuatara
The SSC Tuatara is another American hypercar aiming for the 300 mph mark. It boasts a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 1,750 horsepower on E85 fuel. The Tuatara’s aerodynamic design, featuring a low drag coefficient, allows it to achieve a claimed top speed of 282.9 mph. Priced at around $1.9 million, the Tuatara combines cutting-edge technology with extreme performance.
Ford GT
The modern Ford GT, reintroduced in 2017, features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine producing 647 horsepower. Its top speed is 216 mph, making it one of the fastest American cars. The GT’s design pays homage to the classic GT40, with a sleek, aerodynamic body and advanced materials like carbon fiber. Priced at around $500,000, the Ford GT is a testament to Ford’s engineering prowess.
Hennessey Venom GT
The Hennessey Venom GT, produced from 2011 to 2017, held the title of the world’s fastest car with a top speed of 270.49 mph. It features a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing up to 1,244 horsepower. The Venom GT’s lightweight design, based on the Lotus Elise, and extreme power make it a true speed demon. With a price of around $1.2 million, it remains one of the fastest cars ever built.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, introduced in 2018, is a drag strip monster with a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine producing 840 horsepower. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars in terms of acceleration. The Demon is designed for straight-line speed, featuring a wide-body design and drag racing-specific features. Priced at around $85,000, it offers extreme performance at a relatively affordable price.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C7)
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, introduced in 2019, is the most powerful Corvette ever built, featuring a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 755 horsepower. It has a top speed of 212 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.85 seconds. The ZR1’s aggressive design includes extensive aerodynamic enhancements and lightweight materials. Priced at around $120,000, it offers supercar performance at a fraction of the cost.
Ford Shelby GT500 (2020)
The 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful Mustang ever built, featuring a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 760 horsepower. It has a top speed of 180 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.3 seconds. The GT500’s aggressive design and advanced aerodynamics make it a formidable performer. Priced at around $70,000, it provides incredible performance for the price.
Dodge Viper ACR
The Dodge Viper ACR, produced from 2016 to 2017, is a track-focused version of the Viper with a top speed of 177 mph. It features an 8.4-liter V10 engine producing 645 horsepower. The ACR’s aggressive aerodynamic design and advanced suspension make it a track day favorite. Priced at around $120,000, it offers extreme performance for serious enthusiasts.
Saleen S7 Twin Turbo
The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, produced from 2005 to 2009, features a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 750 horsepower. It has a top speed of 248 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The S7’s distinctive design and lightweight construction make it a true American supercar. Priced at around $550,000, it remains a highly sought-after performance car.
Tesla Model S Plaid
The Tesla Model S Plaid, introduced in 2021, is one of the fastest electric cars ever built, with a top speed of 200 mph and a 0 to 60 mph time of under 2 seconds. It features a tri-motor setup producing over 1,000 horsepower. The Model S Plaid’s sleek design and advanced technology make it a cutting-edge performer. Priced at around $130,000, it offers incredible performance and technology.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, introduced in 2018, features a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 650 horsepower. It has a top speed of 202 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The ZL1 1LE’s aggressive design and track-focused suspension make it a formidable performer. Priced at around $70,000, it provides supercar performance at a more accessible price.
Shelby Super Snake
The Shelby Super Snake, based on the Ford Mustang, features a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing up to 825 horsepower. It has a top speed of around 200 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Super Snake’s aggressive design and extensive performance upgrades make it a true muscle car. Priced at around $120,000, it offers extreme performance and exclusivity.
Cadillac CTS-V (Third Generation)
The third-generation Cadillac CTS-V, produced from 2016 to 2019, features a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 640 horsepower. It has a top speed of 200 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The CTS-V’s sleek design and luxurious interior make it a high-performance luxury sedan. Priced at around $90,000, it offers a blend of luxury and performance.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, introduced in 2015, features a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine producing 707 horsepower. It has a top speed of 204 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The Hellcat’s bold design and powerful engine make it a standout in the performance sedan market. Priced at around $70,000, it offers incredible performance for the price.
Vector W8
The Vector W8, produced from 1989 to 1993, features a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V8 engine producing 625 horsepower. It has a top speed of 242 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The W8’s futuristic design and advanced technology made it a pioneer in the supercar world. Priced at around $450,000 when new, it remains a highly collectible car.
Hennessey Venom 775
The Hennessey Venom 775, based on the Ford F-150, is a high-performance pickup truck with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 775 horsepower. It has a top speed of around 130 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The Venom 775’s aggressive design and extreme power make it a standout in the performance truck market. Priced at around $90,000, it offers a unique blend of utility and performance.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C7)
The Chevrolet Corvette Z06, produced from 2015 to 2019, features a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 650 horsepower. It has a top speed of 200 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.95 seconds. The Z06’s aggressive design and advanced aerodynamics make it a formidable performer. Priced at around $80,000, it offers supercar performance at a fraction of the cost.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R, introduced in 2015, features a 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine producing 526 horsepower. It has a top speed of 180 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The GT350R’s track-focused design and advanced aerodynamics make it a standout performer. Priced at around $70,000, it offers incredible performance for the price.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, introduced in 2021, is one of the fastest SUVs ever built. It features a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine producing 710 horsepower. The Durango SRT Hellcat has a top speed of 180 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Its bold and aggressive design includes a wide-body stance and functional hood scoop. With a price starting around $80,000, the Durango SRT Hellcat combines incredible performance with the practicality of a three-row SUV, making it a unique offering in the high-performance SUV market.
2012 SSC Ultimate Aero TT
The SSC Ultimate Aero TT, produced from 2006 to 2013, was once the world’s fastest production car, reaching a top speed of 256.14 mph. It features a 6.3-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 1,287 horsepower. The Ultimate Aero’s aggressive design and lightweight construction helped it achieve its record-breaking speed. With a price of around $650,000, it remains an iconic American hypercar.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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