Speed has always been a fascination for car enthusiasts and engineers alike. In this article, we take a look at 25 iconic cars that shattered speed records, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history. From vintage classics to modern marvels, these record-breaking vehicles showcase the relentless pursuit of speed and innovation. Buckle up as we explore the legendary machines that redefined what it means to go fast.
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Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport was the pinnacle of automotive engineering when it set a top speed record of 267.8 mph in 2010. Its 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine produced an astounding 1,200 horsepower, making it a technological marvel. The Veyron Super Sport combined luxury and speed, featuring an advanced aerodynamic design and superior materials, earning its place as an icon in the automotive world.
Hennessey Venom GT
The Hennessey Venom GT made headlines in 2014 when it reached a top speed of 270.49 mph. This American hypercar was powered by a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generating 1,244 horsepower. Built on a modified Lotus Exige chassis, the Venom GT showcased a perfect blend of lightweight construction and immense power, cementing its status as a speed record breaker.
SSC Tuatara
In 2020, the SSC Tuatara set a new benchmark with a top speed of 282.9 mph. This hypercar, designed and manufactured in the United States, features a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 1,750 horsepower. Its sleek, aerodynamic design and advanced engineering make it a formidable contender in the realm of speed records.
Koenigsegg Agera RS
The Koenigsegg Agera RS held the title of the fastest car in the world in 2017, with a recorded top speed of 277.87 mph. Powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 1,341 horsepower, the Agera RS combined cutting-edge technology with impeccable design, making it a milestone in automotive history.
McLaren F1
The McLaren F1 was a revolutionary supercar that set a top speed record of 240.1 mph in 1998. Its 6.1-liter V12 engine, developed by BMW, produced 618 horsepower. The F1 was renowned for its unique three-seat layout and extensive use of lightweight materials, which contributed to its record-breaking performance and enduring legacy.
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ made history in 2019 by becoming the first production car to exceed 300 mph, achieving a top speed of 304.77 mph. Its 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine generates 1,578 horsepower. The Chiron Super Sport 300+ is a testament to Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of speed and engineering excellence.
Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake
The Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake is a classic American muscle car known for its incredible speed and power. Powered by a 7.0-liter V8 engine with twin superchargers, it produced 800 horsepower. The Super Snake’s lightweight design and raw power made it a legend, capable of reaching speeds that were unprecedented for its time.
Porsche 911 GT2 RS
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS holds various speed records for production cars on different tracks. Its 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine produces 700 horsepower, allowing it to achieve exceptional lap times. The GT2 RS’s combination of precision engineering, aerodynamic efficiency, and raw power make it a standout in the world of high-performance sports cars.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is renowned for its record-setting lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Its 6.5-liter V12 engine produces 759 horsepower, propelling it to incredible speeds. The SVJ’s advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction contribute to its impressive performance and status as a speed record holder.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a hypercar designed with the goal of achieving top speeds and advanced aerodynamics. Its hybrid powertrain, which includes a 6.5-liter V12 engine, produces over 1,000 horsepower. The Valkyrie’s cutting-edge technology and engineering make it a contender for future speed records.
Ferrari LaFerrari
The Ferrari LaFerrari combined hybrid power with extreme speed, setting numerous records. Its 6.3-liter V12 engine, paired with an electric motor, produces a total of 950 horsepower. The LaFerrari’s innovative design and performance capabilities make it a symbol of Ferrari’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
Pagani Huayra
The Pagani Huayra is a high-speed hypercar known for its exceptional engineering and performance. Its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, developed by AMG, produces 730 horsepower. The Huayra’s unique design, featuring active aerodynamics and luxurious materials, make it a standout in the hypercar segment.
Nissan GT-R Nismo
The Nissan GT-R Nismo has set multiple lap records on famous tracks around the world. Its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine produces 600 horsepower. The GT-R Nismo’s advanced all-wheel-drive system and precision engineering allow it to achieve remarkable speed and handling, earning it a place among the fastest production cars.
Ford GT
The new generation Ford GT has set impressive speed records, continuing its legacy. Its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine produces 647 horsepower. The GT’s aerodynamic design and lightweight construction make it a formidable contender in the world of high-speed supercars.
Jaguar XJ220
The Jaguar XJ220 was once the fastest car in the world, with a top speed of 217 mph in 1992. Its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine produced 542 horsepower. The XJ220’s sleek design and advanced technology made it a groundbreaking supercar in its era.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is known for its high-speed performance and record-setting capabilities. Its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine produces 755 horsepower. The ZR1’s combination of power, handling, and advanced aerodynamics make it a standout in the world of American sports cars.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon holds the quarter-mile record for production cars. Its 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine produces 840 horsepower. The Demon’s raw power and straight-line speed make it a legend among muscle cars.
Koenigsegg Jesko
The Koenigsegg Jesko is engineered to break future speed records with its advanced design. Its 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine produces up to 1,600 horsepower on E85 fuel. The Jesko’s cutting-edge technology and aerodynamics position it as a potential record-breaker in the hypercar world.
BMW M5 Competition
The BMW M5 Competition holds records for high-speed endurance and performance. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine produces 617 horsepower. The M5 Competition’s combination of luxury, power, and advanced technology make it a standout in the high-performance sedan segment.
Tesla Model S Plaid
The Tesla Model S Plaid set records for the fastest production electric car. Its tri-motor setup produces over 1,000 horsepower, allowing it to achieve a top speed of 200 mph and a 0-60 mph time of under 2 seconds. The Model S Plaid’s groundbreaking performance showcases the potential of electric vehicles.
Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series achieved record lap times on various racetracks. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine produces 720 horsepower. The GT Black Series’ advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction make it a formidable contender in the high-performance sports car segment.
Rimac C_Two
The Rimac C_Two is an electric hypercar designed to break multiple speed records. Its four electric motors produce a combined 1,914 horsepower, allowing it to achieve a top speed of 258 mph. The C_Two’s advanced technology and engineering make it a standout in the electric hypercar world.
Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package
The Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package is known for its record-setting lap time on the Nürburgring. Its 4.8-liter V10 engine produces 562 horsepower. The LFA’s advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction contribute to its impressive performance and status as a speed record holder.
Maserati MC12
The Maserati MC12 is a limited-production supercar that set various speed records. Its 6.0-liter V12 engine, shared with the Ferrari Enzo, produces 630 horsepower. The MC12’s unique design and advanced engineering make it a standout in the world of high-performance supercars.
Lotus Evija
The Lotus Evija is an electric hypercar aiming to set new benchmarks in speed and performance. Its four electric motors produce a combined 1,972 horsepower, allowing it to achieve a top speed of over 200 mph. The Evija’s cutting-edge technology and lightweight design position it as a potential record-breaker in the hypercar segment.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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