German cars have long been perceived as some of the most over-engineered machines on the market. It makes sense for a country whose culture is deeply rooted and affected by the car industry. That fact is proven by Germany's highways, also known as Autobahns, which have large sections that are completely void of speed limits. These roads are generally very safe, and fellow motorists have far better lane discipline than in many other countries.
German manufacturers used to use the autobahns to test the performance of their cars. As top speeds were getting ever faster, it was decided by means of a gentlemen's agreement to limit the top speed of new cars to 155 mph, hence the electronic limiters. The three most supportive manufacturers were BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, with sports car manufacturers such as Porsche sticking to its own rules. Despite the agreement, however, there has been no restriction on development to continually improve the performance of their cars, and German models of today are faster than ever.
10 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series
The Black Series AMG GT is the most hardcore and extreme version of the AMG GT. The Black Series name has only been used on 5 vehicles previously, demonstrating the rarity. The AMG GT has been in production since 2015 and was initially focused on the grand tourer market, hence its name. The Black Series can be thought of as a 911 GT3 challenger, being a track-focused weapon. It is so capable, that it is even used as the Formula One safety car.
The car is the most powerful production AMG ever. A twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8 generates 730 hp, the 0-60 mph run takes 3.1 seconds, and the top speed is 202 mph.
9 Audi RS3
The 2022 Audi RS3 is currently an extremely popular and in-demand model. Available as both a hatchback and a sedan, the RS3 combines supercar performance within a daily driver body form. The RS3 is selling above its MSRP in many markets such is the appeal.
The RS3 is powered by a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine; and with a Quattro all-wheel-drive system, 0-60 mph takes just 3.8 seconds. The 401 hp engine enables a top speed of 180 mph when the raised limiter option is selected.
8 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
The Porsche Cayman GT4 RS is a real driver's car. In fact, it is the most hardcore, powerful and track-focused Cayman ever commissioned. The Car's showpiece is its naturally aspirated, 4.0-liter flat-six. The engine is the same as is found in the 911 GT3, a car that needs no introductions.
The GT4 RS is only available with Porsche's excellent PDK transmission, there is no manual available, perhaps disappointingly. 0-60 mph takes 3.4 seconds, which is faster than the 3.9 seconds taken by its relative the GT4. The top speed is an impressive 195 mph.
7 Mercedes-AMG A45 S
The AMG A45 S is one of the most powerful hot hatches on the market. Mercedes have successfully crafted a daily driver that offers supercar levels of performance. Amazingly, the car's modest 2.0-liter engine provides 421 hp.
The 60 mph run takes just 3.9 seconds, and the top speed is 168 mph. The only downside, is its price tag, starting at above $60,000 it is a real investment. However, as a complete package, few cars can challenge it.
6 Audi RS E-Tron GT
The fully electric Audi RS E-tron GT is the most powerful version of the Audi E-Tron GT. The car is powered by dual electric motors fueled by a 93 kWh Li-ion battery. The car's peak horsepower figure is 637 hp when in boost mode.
0-60 mph is possible in 3.1 seconds, while the top speed is a limited 155 mph. The car is a pricey option, however, with a $140,000 list price.
5 Porsche 911 GT3
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a very high-performance version of the 911. Powering the GT3 is a naturally aspirated, 4.0-liter V6 engine. Like all 911s, the engine is mounted in the rear. 346 lb-ft of torque are generated, and the engine revs all the way up to 9000 rpm.
When equipped with the standard 7-speed PDK gearbox, the 0-60 mph sprint takes just 3.4 seconds, and the car has an impressive top speed of 198 mph. When optioned with a manual, 0-60 mph is slightly slower, taking 3.9 seconds, but with a slightly faster top speed of 199 mph.
4 BMW M5 CS
The BMW M5 is already an established and respected performance car in its own right. The "CS" version elevates the car to an even higher pinnacle. "CS" stands for "Competition Sport," indicating the highest level of performance. In fact, the M5 CS is the most powerful M5 ever produced.
A twin-turbo V8 producing 635 hp enables a 0-6- mph time of 3 seconds flat. As well as demonstrating sports car performance, the sedan body style is extremely practical, an ideal daily driver. It is also a track weapon, and BMW's engineers even used Germany's Nurburgring to fine-tune the suspension setup.
3 Volkswagen Golf R
The MK8 Golf R is the fastest version so far. The car is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine, 0-60 mph takes 4.7 seconds. As standard, the car's top speed is 155 mph.
A "Performance" package can be optioned, this increases the car's top speed to 168 mph. Increasing downforce is a larger rear spoiler. There are two new driving profiles, for drifting and laps around the Nurburgring.
2 Audi R8 V10 Performance
Powered by a 5.2-liter V10, the "Performance" produces 620 hp. Transferring the power to the wheels is a seven-speed, dual-clutch, S-Tronic gearbox and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. 0-60 mph takes just 3.1 seconds, and the car has a massive 205 mph top speed.
Aluminum has been used extensively within the car's structure, this means its weight is around 15 percent lower than the old model.
1 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
The Taycan Turbo S is a very potent variant of the Taycan. Despite not featuring an engine, Porsche uses the Familiar "Turbo S" name to indicate the high levels of performance. Two electric motors work in tandem to produce 750 hp. 0-62 mph takes just 2.8 seconds while utilizing the launch control system.
The car's top speed is a decent 162 mph. While some performance gasoline-powered cars are capable of out-running the Turbo S, the Taycan's rapid acceleration is hard to beat.