Human beings have been fascinated by speed for a long time. The desire to go fast to defy physics, gravity, and friction has motivated engineers to build high-performance vehicles. Automotive companies invest vast amounts of time and financial resources in determining new ways of increasing power and more innovative ways of reducing weight in these performance cars.
Modern performance cars boast a plethora of the most powerful engines, most ingeniously designed profiles, and the most durable lightweight material in the world. As technology and innovation keep evolving, so do the latest automobiles that emerge in the market. This article highlights some of the quickest accelerating sports cars in today's automotive market.
10 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ – 0-60 In 2.3 Seconds
Bugatti built the Chiron Super Sport 300+ to commemorate the ground-breaking run that surpassed the magical 300 mph threshold for the first time. With a limited production run of just 30 vehicles, Bugatti ensures all the special-edition units are technically and visually inspired by the record-breaking car. Compared to the standard Chiron, the Chiron Super Sport model features a lacquer-coated carbon-fiber body with orange stripes, increased top speed, and a more powerful engine.
It also boasts aerodynamic rear and front bumpers, Centodieci exhaust system, gearbox with longer ratios, and a gray Bugatti logo made of silver and black enamel. The Chiron Super Sport is powered by a quad-turbocharged W16 engine that generates an astounding 1580bhp, propelling this beast to a top speed of 300mph.
9 McLaren Senna – 0-60 In 2.7 Seconds
McLaren developed the Senna as the third addition to its elite McLaren Ultimate Series, a list that boasts the F1 and the P1 models. Named after famous Brazilian Formula One race driver Ayrton Senna, the limited-production McLaren Senna is designed to achieve faster lap times. Based on the McLaren 720S's carbon-fiber monocoque and engine, McLaren incorporated aerodynamic features within the Senna's lightweight design.
The Senna features many aerodynamic elements; a double-element diffuser, a large adjustable double-element rear wing, Formula One-inspired rear air louvers, large front fenders, roof scoop, front and side intakes. Under the hood, the McLaren Senna houses a twin-turbocharged M840TR V8 that churns 789bhp at 7250rpm and 590lb-ft torque at 5500rpm. It accelerates from 0-60mph in just 2.7seconds.
8 Hennessey Venom F5 – 0-60 In 2.4 Seconds
The Venom F5 is Hennessey Special Vehicles' first new proprietary vehicle as an accredited titled manufacturer, having contracted Silverstone's Delta Motorsport for vehicle development. The F5 extension in the Venom F5 refers to the F5 tornado that recorded an intensive 261-318mph on the Fujita scale. With a limited production run of 24 units, the Venom F5 will feature a carbon-fiber body and chassis, active aerodynamics, and a power-to-weight ratio of 1358hp per ton.
The Venom F5 will have an LS-based 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged iron-block V8 engine that generates 1817bhp and a peak torque of 1193lb-ft. This engine will be paired to either an automated manual 7-speed single-clutch transmission or a 6-speed manual. The car is predicted to accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.4 seconds with a top speed of 311mph.
7 BMW M5 Competition – 0-60 In 2.6 Seconds
Introduced in August 2018, the M5 Competition is a variant of BMW's F90 model. Compared to the regular M5, the Competition package offers increased front camber, revised wheels, lower ride height, stiffer springs, Carbon ceramic brakes, carbon engine cover, heating and massaging seats, and a redesigned exhaust system fitted with a particulate filter.
However, the M5 Competition retains the xDrive four-wheel-drive system with rear-wheel drive as an option. The M5 boasts a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged S63 V8 that maxes 617bhp at 6000rpm and 553lb-ft peak torque at 1800-5800rpm. This engine is coupled with an 8-speed ZF GA8HP75Z automatic transmission that thrusts the M5 Competition from 0-60mph in an official 3.1 seconds, but it's managed around 2.6 seconds during testing.
6 SSC Tuatara – 0-60 In 2.5 Seconds
SSC North America designed the Tuatara in collaboration with ex-Pininfarina designer, Jason Castriota, to succeed the Ultimate Aero model. SSC derived the Tuatara name from the tuatara reptiles of New Zealand, famous for having the fastest molecular evolution of any living animal species. The Tuatara boasts the lowest drag coefficient in its class due to its aluminum crumple zones and active aerodynamics in its carbon-fiber body,
The two-door SSC Tuatara coupe rocks a 5.9-liter twin-turbocharged Nelson Racing gasoline V8 that generates an impressive 1750bhp and 1280lb-ft peak torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed CIMA automated manual transmission that allows the Tuatara to sprint from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds. After a controversial first run, the SSC Tuatara managed a one-way speed of 286.1mph and a two-way speed of 282.9mph.
5 McLaren 720S Coupe – 0-60 In 2.6 Seconds
The 720S is the second addition to McLaren's elite Super Series, designed to replace the 650S model. The Great White Shark inspires the 720S design, offering a sleek yet brutally efficient profile with smooth exterior lines to manipulate onrushing air. The Coupe boasts twin-hinged dihedral doors, thin LED taillights, a teardrop-shaped cockpit, carbon-fiber racing seats, Alcantara and Weir leather upholstery, MonoCage II chassis, and a ProActive Chassis Control II active suspension system.
The 720S Coupe's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged M840T V8 is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission system. The engine manages a power output of 710bhp at 7000rpm and 568lb-ft maximum torque at 5500rpm. The McLaren 720S can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 2.6 seconds.
4 Ferrari 488 Pista – 0-60 In 2.7 Seconds
Ferrari designed the 488 Pista to succeed the 458 models, priding itself on being the first mid-engine Ferrari to feature a turbocharged V8 since the F40 model. The 488 Challenge and 488 GTE race variants influenced the 488 Pista's design, an innovation aimed at offering blistering standing starts and exceptional lap time performance. The 488 Pista features strengthened pistons, a large intercooler, titanium connecting rods, and an Inconel exhaust manifold.
Under the hood, the 488 Pista has a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that maxes 710bhp at 8000rpm and 568lb-ft maximum torque at 3000rpm, making it a benchmark for all Ferrari engines. With a revised 7-speed dual-clutch transmission system, the Ferrari 488 Pista accelerates from 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds.
3 Chevrolet C8 Corvette – 0-60 In 2.8 Seconds
The Corvette C8 is the eighth generation of the Corvette sports car model, unique for housing the first mid-engine in a Corvette model in place of the standard front-engine design. The first production model, dubbed the Stingray, is available as a retractable hardtop convertible or a two-door Targa top in transparent, visible carbon fiber or body color.
With a repositioned engine, the C8 Corvette features storage space at the front, air intakes on the large side scoops, and small vents below the rear taillights. The Chevrolet C8 Corvette boasts a naturally-aspirated LS-based 6.2-liter GM V8 that generates 490bhp at 6450rpm and a peak torque of 465lb-ft at 5150rpm. The C8 Corvette also features an 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission that propels it to accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds.
2 Lamborghini Urus – 0-60 In 3.1 Seconds
Although the Urus name is derived from modern domestic cattle's ancestors, its unique quintessential state justifies the Lamborghini Urus as the first Super SUV in the world. The Urus boasts the world's largest carbon-ceramic disc brakes, an all-wheel-drive system, a rear-axle torque-vectoring system, four-wheel-steering, three TFT screens, simulated suede headliner, four-zone automatic climate control, and an optional off-road package.
The Lamborghini Urus is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that churns 641bhp at 6000rpm and 627lb-ft peak torque at 2250-4500rpm. The Urus also features an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that allows it to sprint from 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds.
1 Tesla Model S Plaid - 0-60 In 1.9 Seconds
The all-electric five-door model S liftback sedan, introduced in 2012, was among the first models to feature an advanced Autopilot driver assistance system. The tri-motor version dubbed the Plaid was announced in September 2019. The Model S Plaid uniquely features a motor on each of the rear wheels and one motor on the front axle.
It also boasts a 17-inch cinematic display, HEPA filtration, ventilated front seats, tri-zone temperature controls, multi-device Bluetooth, wireless and USB-C charging, and ample front and rear trunk space. The Tesla Model S Plaid features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive platform with three independent carbon-sleeved rotor motors that generate a combined 1020bhp. This electric powertrain allows the Model S Plaid to accelerate from 0-60mph in under 2 seconds, the best track time of any production vehicle ever.