In 2008, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 520-4 could do the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.0 seconds flat. Its 5.0-liter V10 produced 513 horsepower. In 2008, this level of performance was a supercar benchmark. In 2022, the auto industry has manufactured real speed beasts that will hit 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds from a standstill. And while top speed could also be used to determine the fastest cars in the world, most manufacturers limit their vehicles to top speeds of 155 mph when the car is actually capable of doing way better. This means that top speed can only be a half measure at best.
Updated May 2022: Acceleration is among the most exciting thrills a car can offer. If you're looking to purchase a car that offers neck-snapping and mindblowing acceleration, you'll be happy to learn that we have updated this article to present you with these awesome automobiles that accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 4.0 seconds.
In the modern world, it's not only supercars that can do the 0-60 mph in under four seconds; several family sedans can keep up with pure supercars around a racetrack. This is a testament to how far the auto industry has evolved or a sign that the supercar sector is lagging behind. Many cars can now accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds. That said, here are some of the most incredible sports cars capable of going from 0-60 mph in under 4.0 seconds.
24 Rossion Q1 - 3.1 Seconds
While everyone believes that Riviera Beach, Florida, only produces waves and beautiful sandy beaches, there's more that comes in the form of sports cars. The Rossion Q1, for example, is among the coolest American sports cars many don't know about - a real American-made mid-engine sports coupe. While the exterior design is far from a typical American sports car, what's under the hood surely is.
The Q1 uses a Ford Duratec twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, generating 508 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque. It will do 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds. Part of the reason it achieves this formidable feat is all carbon-kevlar body and large intakes that improve airflow.
23 Lamborghini Huracan - 2.9 Seconds
When it was time to say goodbye to the Lamborghini Gallardo in 2013, everyone was glued to the news to see what the Italians would come up with next. The brewing storm culminated in the hurricane that was to be known as the Lamborghini Huracan, one of the fastest Lamborghinis ever made. Lamborghini re-purposed the Gallardo's 5.2-liter V10, stretching it by about 50 horsepower to 601 hp and a meaty 413 lb-ft of torque.
New intakes, cylinder heads, and a seven-speed dual-clutch help propel the Lambo to new heights. The current Huracan Evo gallops to 60 mph in about 2.9 seconds from a standstill. And it's not the quickest Huracan; the LP 610-4 takes only 2.6 seconds to clear the 60 mph from 0.
22 McLaren 720S - 2.9 Seconds
Thanks to its carbon body frame, the McLaren 720S sheds weight and increases stiffness over its predecessor, the 650S. The resulting lightweight enables the British sports car to sprint from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, keeping within the Lamborghini and Ferrari elites.
The car is powered by a 4.0-liter M840T twin-turbocharged V8, producing 710 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. This Formula-1-inspired beast asks some really tough questions of the Italian supercars, offering a thrilling drive and mind-blowing acceleration. The M840T is paired with a 7-speed Graziano dual-clutch to give the supercar a thrilling and satisfying experience.
21 Ferrari 488 GTB Scuderia - 2.7 Seconds
Ferrari joins the turbocharging ranks with the 488 GTB, previously named the 458 M, which stands for Modificata, or "modified." It ended up being a complete facelift both on the outside and inside. At the heart of the prancing horse beats a 3.9-liter V8 equipped with two turbos to produce 670 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque.
The GTB Scuderia runs the full lap around Ferrari's Fiorano track in just 1 minute and 23 seconds and needs 2.7 seconds only to accelerate from 0-60 mph, thanks to the dual-clutch transmission, which has been specially programmed for lightning-fast shifts.
20 McLaren 650S Spider - 2.9 Seconds
The predecessor to the McLaren 720S is the 650S, which despite being a few years old, still manages to challenge even some of the latest supercars in the 0-60 mph segment. This 2014 model Spider had at least a quarter of its parts upgraded from the older 12C Spider model.
The 650S achieves a top speed of 204 mph thanks to key tweaks such as lightweight alloy wheels, which use stronger, lighter titanium bolts. The sports car sprints from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, thanks to that low power-to-weight ratio of 2.2 kg per horsepower. Powered by a potent 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged McLaren M838T V8 engine rated at 641 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, the 650S is one of the most thrilling sports cars in the modern auto market.
19 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta - 3.2 Seconds
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, also known as F12B, was so drop-dead gorgeous when launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013. It won a prestigious award in 2013, the 23rd edition of the Premio Compasso D'oro, an industrial design award that was accepted by the company's Vice President of Design. Fortunately, the F12B isn't just a beauty; it's every bit of a Ferrari.
The naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 followed up the design award with the International Engine of the Year Award in 2014. Coupled with a 7-speed F1 DCT dual-clutch transmission, the Ferrari's V12 produces 730 hp, making it once the most powerful Ferrari road-worthy car. The F12 Berlinetta accelerates from 0-60 mph in only 3.2 seconds.
18 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - 3.0 Seconds
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a more hardcore version of the already legendary 911 GT3. For those who know what the GT3 stands for, the RS features more of everything found on the GT3. Powering the RS is a more potent version of the naturally aspirated flat-six under the GT3's hood, a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six producing between 500 and 520 horsepower to help the RS hit 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds.
Every 2022 GT3 RS comes with a rear-wheel-drive system and an option between a dual-clutch automatic and a manual transmission. It features giant air vents on the front fenders and a rear wing, typical of a Porsche racecar. Combined with a widebody and lowered stance, all these make the RS one of the best race cars ever built.
17 McLaren P1 - 2.5 Seconds
The McLaren P1 is one of the rare breeds of hybrid sports cars introduced in 2013. The supercar lasted only a few years before being discontinued in 2016. It was produced in limited numbers of only 375 units worldwide. Inspired by the iconic McLaren F1, the P1 was designed and engineered to be the best driver's car in the world. The coupe boasts over 900-hp and will do 0-60 mph in a brisk 2.5 seconds, beating many well-established brands in the segment.
Despite needing an electric motor to boost performance, the gasoline-powered drivetrain on its own still delivers a mighty 727 hp. However, when the turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 isn't enough, the electric motor helps to fill the gap. The motor was also designed to play a pivotal role in keeping peak performance numbers high during transmission shifts and is paired very well with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
16 Nissan GT-R Nismo - 2.5 Seconds
Nissan first unveiled the GT-R in 2007, which was a successor to the infamous Skyline GT-R. There is a lot of history and experience behind the brand. While the GT-R is no longer based on the Skyline platform, it has still held somewhat true to its roots, especially with the Nismo edition in 2015. Being Nissan's performance division, Nismo ensured the GT-R was tuned to perfection.
The 2021 Nismo is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the GT-R Nismo accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph.
15 McLaren 570S - 3.2 Seconds
The McLaren 570S is the ultimate sports car experience. Its completely driver-centric and performance-oriented characteristics make it equally at home on the track as it is on the highway. The sports car is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 and paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to produce 562 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
Despite McLaren producing this car to serve as a daily driver, with more cabin and cargo space than most of its competitors, it still manages to push the envelope of performance. Borrowing some styling cues from the P1 model, the 570S makes the 0-60 mph sprint in a crisp 3.2 seconds and can go up to 204 mph.
14 Lamborghini Aventador SV - 2.8 Seconds
Launched by Lamborghini in 2011 as a successor to the Murcielago, the Aventador was to usher in a new decade of flagship sales and swooning of enthusiasts worldwide. Did it deliver? Sure it did. The supercar had already sold several units before its unveiling in Geneva and, within 5 years, crossed the 5,000 unit barrier.
The real fun came in 2015 when Lamborghini released the SuperVolce variant of the Aventador, increasing output to 740 hp, and thanks to a 50-kg weight reduction, the car was able to sprint to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds, a full second quicker than the traditional Aventador.
13 Porsche 911 Turbo S - 2.6 Seconds
The 911 Turbo S offered in an understated coupe, and a cabriolet is the pinnacle of Porsche's most revered nameplates. Powering the Turbo S is a twin-turbo 3.7-liter flat-six engine with an incredible output of 640 horsepower. This powerhouse helps this supercar achieve a neck-snapping acceleration of 0-60 mph in only 2.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest sports cars ever built. On top of this lightning-quick acceleration, the Turbo S attains a top speed of 205 mph.
Helping the 911 Turbo S achieve these incredible performance stats is a standard all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that ranks among the best. While its suspension feels a little stiffer, the 911 Turbo S offers a sublime driving experience that many sports in its class cannot replicate.
12 SSC Tuatara - 2.5 Seconds
Another surprise entrant to this category is the 2011 American-made SSC Tuatara, manufactured by Washington-based SSC North America. A successor to the even less-known SSC Ultimate Aero, the Tuatara, is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.9-liter flat-plane-crank V-8 with an incredible output of 1750 horsepower and 1341 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a seven-speed robotic-controlled hydraulic, paddle-shifted manual gearbox, the SSC Tuatara accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 283 mph.
Due to its carbon fiber design, the car only weighs 2,750 lbs, resulting in a formidable power-to-weight ratio of 1,000 hp per tonne. If we're to go with unverifiable records, the Tuatara is actually the fastest car globally, with a top speed of 331 mph; however, for verifiable stats, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ is still the king of speed.
11 Hennessey Venom GT - 2.4 Seconds
The Hennessey Venom GT is a supercar based mainly on the Lotus Exige. Only 13 units have been produced since the car was released in 2011. Assembled close to Lotus' roots in Hethel, England, the Venom GT set a record back in 2013 for the fastest production car to go from 0-186 mph, and while it hasn't quite beaten the 0-60 mph segment, it does it in 2.4 seconds.
Powered by a 7.0-liter twin-turbocharged LS7 V8, the Venom GT produces 1,244 hp and 1,155 lb-ft of torque. The car shares its Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission with the Ford GT and offers three adjustable settings to hop through the horsepower scale: 800 hp, 1,000 hp, and 1,244 hp.
10 Hennessey Corvette Stingray - 2.5 Seconds
When Chevrolet introduced the 2014 Corvette Stingray, it didn't take the folks at Texas-based Hennessey Motors long to begin their re-engineering plans. Not long after the Stingray hit the streets did they outline bold plans to take the Corvette into the 1,000-hp promise land. Not to say the stock Corvette Stingray's 400 hp isn't enough, but more is always better.
The supercharged engine upgrade eventually took the Corvette right at the 1,000-hp mark at 6,400 rpm and 966 lb-ft of torque at just 4,000 rpm. Thanks to many options, the official 0-60 mph performance time is an astounding 2.5 seconds, from a custom camshaft and a high flow inter-cooling system to the upgraded springs and exhaust valves.
9 Koenigsegg One:1 - 2.5 Seconds
Swedish car maker Koenigsegg unveiled the One:1 model at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014, intended to replace the Agera R and S models. Koenigsegg only produced 7 of these supercars, all of which were sold before launch. Four of them went to Europe, two were sold in Asia, and only one made it to the United States. The One:1 had the same engine used in the Agera R and S, a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 tuned to produce more power.
The 1,341 hp from the massive V8 engine propels this ultra-light body to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds from a standstill. The name One:1 comes from the power-to-weight ratio of 1,360 PS to 1360 kg, giving the supercar a ratio of 1 PS per 1 kg mass. The 1,360 PS power output equals one megawatt, which is why Koenigsegg calls the One:1 the first Megacar.
8 Ferrari LaFerrari - 2.4 Seconds
The follow-on model to the Ferrari Enzo was the LaFerrari, a beautifully-crafted model by the Italian sports car maker back in 2013. Hidden not so subtly in its name, LaFerrari translates to "The Ferrari," and due to this was a limited-production vehicle. Only 500 units were ever built, costing more than $1 million. The 500th unit was served up in an auction, and the proceeds were given to charity to provide relief for the earthquake victims of central Italy in 2016.
The LaFerrari has a top speed of over 217 mph thanks to its hybrid powertrain, a mid/rear-mounted 6.3-liter F140 FE V12, and a high-end system that adds more power to the rear wheels. This takes the car from 0-60 mph in just 2.4 seconds.
7 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport - 2.6 Seconds
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is a mightier version of the already-epic Veyron 16.4 model. It has a 1,200-horsepower engine with 1,100 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a ridiculous top speed of 267 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars. It's actually listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest production car globally.
Powered by an 8-liter W16 quad-turbocharged engine paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is among the most popular and quickest supercars ever built. It is perfectly engineered to deliver pure thrills. At around $3 million, this price matches the car's extreme persona. Fun fact; even at this extravagant price tag, the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is almost a performance bargain.
6 Porsche 918 Spyder - 2.2 Seconds
The Porsche 918 Spyder is a hybrid sports car equipped with a naturally-aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine coupled with dual-electric motors to produce a total of 887 horsepower and 944 lb-ft of torque. The supercar debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013 and stayed in production until 2015. With an unprecedented mixture of pure performance and efficiency, the introduction of the 918 Spyder marked a new beginning for supercars.
When it comes to super performance, the 918 Spyder is stunning. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 2.2 seconds, 0-100 mph in 4.9 seconds, and a quarter-mile in 9.8 seconds. Topping up these awesome goodies is a top speed of 217 mph.
5 Audi R8 V10 Plus - 2.4 Seconds
The Audi R8 V10 Plus is a perfect blend of engineering and design magic by the German automaker - it is a souped-up version of a car that was already great, the standard R8. Despite being smaller, the R8 V10 Plus was based on the same platform as Lamborghini Gallardo.
With a stiffer chassis, light body, and a more potent engine, the V10 Plus was a quicker supercar that speed hunters really appreciated. Powering this speed beast is a 5.2-liter V10 producing 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Accelerating from 0-60 mph takes only 2.4 seconds to a top speed of 197 mph.