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11 of the Quickest-Accelerating Cars on Earth

Reaching top speed depends mainly on high power. But getting to 0-60 is a completely different story. Traction, weight, tires and technology all have to be in perfect sync.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 11 of the fastest accelerating production machines we can back up with published data, including some track-only machines built specifically for customers. Of course, most of the cars below are out of reach for the average person, but we can dream, can’t we? Who knows? Today’s craziest numbers could become tomorrow’s new normal.

How we selected the cars on this list

Koenigsegg Gemera, front 3/4 view, test track, gray, prototype

Image credit: Koenigsegg.

For consistency, this list focuses on series-built customer vehicles for which performance data has been published, including limited-run and track-only models. No tuner builds or one-off customizations, just factory-backed vehicles with publicly documented acceleration data. We’re talking about a car that you can technically buy (if you have enough money).

All times listed are derived from reputable instrumented road testing and manufacturer published data, results may vary based on deployment and testing conditions.

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ – 0-60 mph: 2.4 seconds

Image source: Bugatti.

Bugatti has not one but two supercars on this list. Say hello to the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the first to showcase its performance prowess. It’s powered by an 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission that produces 1,577 horsepower and 1,180 pound-feet of torque.

The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport accelerates from 0-60 mph in approximately 2.4 seconds. Standalone results may vary based on deployment and surface, so if you want faster numbers, cite the exact testing source.

Bugatti Bolide – 0-60 mph: 2.17 seconds

Image source: Bugatti.

The Bolide is powered by the same powerful 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine as the Chiron Super Sport, producing 1,578 horsepower. But the similarities end there. The Bolide features a new carbon fiber monocoque body that is lighter, weighing about 3,200 pounds, according to FastestLaps.

It has a top speed of 236 mph, but Bugatti insists the Bolide is about more than just speed. It also handles like a champ, pulling up to 2.5G in corners thanks to its insane downforce, all-wheel drive and electronically controlled differential. It’s fitted with a full set of Michelin racing slicks and even uses carbon brakes from Le Mans supercars and F1.

Porsche 918 Spyder – 0-60 mph: 2.1 seconds

Image credit: Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 de/Wiki Commons.

The Porsche 918 Spyder is what happens when Porsche decides to put all its technology into a wild, track-hungry machine. According to Car & Driver, this hybrid monster pairs a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine with two electric motors to produce 887 horsepower and 944 pound-feet of torque.

But it’s not just straight-line thrills. The Spyder features technology straight from Porsche’s Le Mans race manual, advanced all-wheel drive, a lightning-fast 7-speed PDK gearbox, and a carbon fiber monocoque that reduces weight and increases stiffness.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale – 0-60 mph: 2.0 seconds

Image credit: Camerasandcoffee/Shutterstock.

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is not only fast, it’s also a proven acceleration killer. Car & Driver reduces the 2021 Stradale’s acceleration time to 60 mph in just 2.0 seconds. The SF90’s twin-turbocharged V8 engine and three electric motors produce a combined 986 horsepower, and it can not only launch, but also teleport. In fact, it can hit 30 mph in 0.9 seconds before the V8 kicks in, before sprinting through the quarter mile in 9.5 seconds at 148 mph.

This isn’t just a car, it’s Ferrari’s mic drop in the acceleration game.

Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach – 0-60 mph: 1.89 seconds

Image source: Porsche.

Road & Track says MotorTrend’s Taycan Turbo GT Weissach accelerates in 2.4 seconds with standard 1-foot deployment and 1.89 seconds without deployment (2.10 seconds without deployment), making it the fastest four-door car they’ve ever tested. With dual permanent magnet motors and ultra-advanced all-wheel drive, it’s like a true supercar. It even uses a two-speed gearbox to keep the power going, making it one of the fastest and most powerful electric cars on the road.

In addition to its acceleration capabilities, the Taycan Turbo GT’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup can produce up to 1,019 horsepower. It features adaptive air suspension, rear-axle steering and torque vectoring, allowing it to handle like a much smaller car.

Tesla Model S Plaid – 0-60 mph: 1.99 seconds

Image source: Tesla.

The Tesla Model S Plaid is a full-blown electric missile disguised as a luxury sedan. It features a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup, and Car and Driver lists output at 1,006 horsepower.

Inside, it’s part spaceship, part living room, with a fancy yoke-style steering wheel, a giant 17-inch touchscreen, and room for five adults to stretch out. Tesla says 0-60 mph will take 1.99 seconds at launch and under ideal conditions, while Car and Driver measured a time of around 2.1 seconds in testing.

Koenigsegg Gemera – 0-60 mph: 1.9 seconds

Image credit: Koenigsegg.

When you combine insane performance with everyday usability, the Koenigsegg Gemera is born. Beneath its sleek carbon fiber skin lies the wild Tiny Friends Giant, a 2.0-liter twin-turbo three-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors. According to Car & Driver, this setup produces a heartbreaking 1,677 horsepower and 2,581 pound-feet of torque. (Yes, you read that right.)

The Gemera has a top speed of around 250 mph and comes with all-wheel drive, all-wheel torque vectoring and even an electric-only mode for sneaky, quiet speeds. But there’s a twist: Not only will the Gemera satisfy your need for speed, it will also come with four real seats and a full suite of creature comforts.

Pininfarina Battista – 0-60 mph: 1.79 seconds

Pininfarina Battista – Photo credit: Pininfarina.

Limited to 150 units, the Pininfarina Battista combines Italian elegance with stunning power. Four electric motors produce an impressive 1,900 horsepower, turning every inch of road into a high-speed track. With a high-performance suspension system, carbon fiber monocoque chassis and cutting-edge torque vectoring, it delivers exceptional handling and control even at a top speed of 217 mph.

Pininfarina dubbed the Battista’s 0-60 mph time of 1.79 seconds a world record for a production car after verifying the result at the Dubai Autodrome. This target will be achieved in November 2022 at the Dubai Autodrome. Robb reports that Battista set another record at the NATRAX test facility in India. On his first run, Battista covered the quarter mile in just 8.55 seconds.

Rimac Nevera – 0-60 mph: 1.85 seconds

Image credit: Miroslav.vajdic – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Rimac Nevera is powered by four electric motors and a 120 kWh battery pack, rated at 1,914 hp. According to Wired, the 0-60 mph time is about 1.85 seconds and the top speed is 258 mph.

Nevera is packed with adaptive aerodynamics, sophisticated torque distribution and a carbon fiber chassis for ultimate control. If you would like to quote any Nürburgring lap times, please add the exact source and configuration, as track lap times vary depending on setup, conditions and variants.

Aspark Owl – 0-60 mph: 1.72 seconds

Image credit: Alexander Migl – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Aspark Owl combines futuristic technology with a low aerodynamic design to deliver stunning acceleration. According to Car & Driver, the Japanese supercar is powered by four electric motors that pump out a staggering 1,984 horsepower, sending instant torque to all four wheels to keep you glued to your seat as you fly.

Despite all that power, the Owl’s lightweight carbon fiber monocoque keeps it nimble and weighs only 4,189 pounds. The 64 kWh battery may seem small compared to some other electric cars, but it’s designed for pure performance and any range figures should be quoted on a specific test cycle.

McMurtry Spéirling – 0-60 mph: 1.4 seconds

Image source: Michele Borioli, CC BY 2.0/Wiki Commons

McMurtry Spéirling debuted in 2021 and immediately not only attracted attention, but also surprised people. Spéirling broke records at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, setting the all-time hill climb record with a time of 39.08 seconds.

The Spéirling packs a real punch, thanks to a fan-driven ground-effect system that delivers a whopping 4,400 pounds of downforce to keep it glued to the road. Combined with twin electric motors that deliver over 1,000 horsepower, its design allows the Spéirling to cut through the air and be nearly unstoppable.

From zero to ‘wow’: what the future holds

Image credit: Mike Mareen/Shutterstock.

When 0-60 in 3 seconds minimumyou know the game has changed. Whether it’s gasoline, electric, or a hybrid somewhere in between, the accelerating arms race has officially descended into chaos, and we’re here for it. So buckle up, because if this is where we are now, the next wave of speed demons are going to be pretty ridiculous.

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