Fastest Cars In The World: Top 10 List 2011-2012

World's Fastest Cars

While most of us can only dream of owning the fastest car in the world, some will do whatever it takes to possess the most powerful speed. So, how fast are the fastest cars in the world?

Here are the 10 fastest cars available on the market (production models, as opposed to concept cars) measured by tested top speed (theoretical speeds do not count).

1. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: 267 mph, 0-60 in 2.4 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle 8 Liter W16 Engine with 1200 hp, base price is $2,400,000. Although the Bugatti Veyron lost the title to SSC Ultimate Aero on March 2007, Bugatti challenge the record in Germany on July 10, 2010 with the new 2010 Super Sport Version and the Veyron once again claims the title of the fastest car in the world at 267 mph. The original Bugatti Veyron has a top speed of 253 mph, priced at $1,700,000 and equipped with 1001 hp.

#2 is a tie!

2. Hennessey Venom GT: 260 mph, 0-60 in 2.5 seconds, has a 6.2-liter LS9 Turbocharged V8 Twin Turbo V8 Engine producing 1200 hp, has a price tag of $950,000. The Venom GT has yet to be tested and proven, but could possibly hit a top speed of 275 mph. This might just be the Veyron Super Sport's closest competitor!

2. Koenigsegg Agera R: 260 mph, 0-60 in 2.9 secs. 5.0-liter V8 Engine with twin turbo’s, housing 1099 hp. Base price is $1,600,000. If you're into snow sports, the Agera R can be fitted with a Ski Box as well as winter tires, not that I would take one on a ski trip or anything like that. While the Agera R has a massive theoretical top speed, the current tested top speed is 260 mph. Expect this snow car to be the Bugatti's arch enemy for the next 5 years.

3. SSC Ultimate Aero: 257 mph, 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness World Records, The SSC Ultimate Aero was the fastest car in the world from March 2007 to July 2010. On March 2011, the Koenigsegg Agera R also surpassed it, forcing this American made car to the #3 spot. Shelby SuperCars will continue their quest to reclaim the fastest car title, and their new SSC Tuatura might do the job (we'll just have to wait).

4. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo: 248 mph, 0-60 in 2.8 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass. It will make you want to show it off non-stop.

5. Koenigsegg CCX: 245 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $545,568. Made in Sweden, it is the older brother of the Agera R, only losing to 4 other supercars in the world.

6. McLaren F1: 240 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. The fastest car in the 20th century with doors that looks like bat wings. Maybe Batman needs to order one and paint it black

7. Gumpert Apollo: 224 mph, 0-60 in 3.0 secs, 4.2 liter V8 Engine that houses 650 hp. Base price: $450,000. Gumpert claims that the Apollo was designed such that it could drive upside-down in a tunnel with speeds at 190 mph or above. Of course, no one has tested this yet.

8. Noble M600: 223 mph, 0-60 in 3.7 secs. Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 Engine with 650 hp. Base price is $330,000. The Noble M600 also happens to be a very cool car. Its inconspicuous design sports a slender and contoured body which does not scream out for attention at every second of the day.

We have a tie for 9th and 10th places:

9. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. Twin turbocharged AMG V12 engine that produces 678 hp. Base price is $1,850,000. The Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster is a limited-edition, with five ever produced. It is the quintessential exotic and exclusive supercar.

9. Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 were ever produced; the price goes up every time someone crashes.

9. Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price was $650,000. Made in 1992, this car still has what it takes to make the list.

10. Ascari A10: 215 mph, 0-60 in 2.8 secs. 5.0 litre BMW V8 S62 Engine with 625 hp. Base price: $650,000. The company planned to produce 50 of these supercars at its factory in Banbury, England.

10. Pagani Zonda F: 215 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 secs. Mercedes Benz M180 V12 Engine with 650 hp, base price is $667,321. With a V12 motor, this baby can do much better.

Next BMW compact executive scooped – and it’s better than ever, bold looks, cleaner, lighter more powerful engines, sharper to drive

Next BMW compact executive scooped – and it’s better than ever, bold looks, cleaner, lighter more powerful engines, sharper to drive

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Poblete

29th November 2010

Meet the must-have executive car that’s heading straight to the top of the sales charts. This sleek saloon is our best look yet at BMW’s all-new 3-Series, which is due 
to make its debut in 
the next 12 months.

Offering more efficient engines, smarter looks, a sharper driving experience and a larger model range than ever – including a Gran Turismo hatch – it’s the most desirable 3-Series yet.

Our spy photographers snapped the all-new model inside and out while it was 
undergoing testing in Germany, which has allowed us to produce these illustrations. As you can see, the newcomer is every inch the baby 5-Series, with a more upright front end featuring wider kidney grilles. Subtle cues that mark out the 3-Series include 
a pointed, aggressive nose, deeper faired-in headlights 
and more scalloped flanks.

The new model is the work of design boss Adrian Van Hoydoonk, and is typical of his approach, which is far less controversial than that of predecessor Chris Bangle. The styling 
is more slippery, too, enclosing as much of the chassis as possible to help reduce drag.

Under the skin 
lies a refreshed rear-wheel-drive platform that’s so versatile it will also underpin the next-generation 1-Series. It uses MacPherson front suspension and a four-link rear layout, and boasts a new electronic power-steering system. Engineers will be keen to make the driving experience as fun as ever, and improve ride comfort, too.

With the sixth-generation car being slightly longer and wider, it’s expected to offer more space inside, while increased use of composite materials will reduce weight. The cabin also nods to the 5-Series, with gadgets such as wireless internet, a lane-
departure warning set-up, infra-red night vision, a system to stop the driver falling asleep and radar-
based adaptive cruise control.

Big-selling models will get a range of new 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel turbos. These will feature variable intake and exhaust timing, plus direct 
injection to improve performance and efficiency. A six-speed 
manual box will be standard, 
with an eight-speed auto option.

Factor in the latest EfficientDynamics emissions-
cutting tweaks – such as stop-start, brake energy recovery and clever alternators – and it’s easy to see how the new line-up will cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 10 per cent.

But that’s not all! As we reported in Issue 1,111, BMW is also working on a three-
cylinder engine, which promises 75mpg and 100g/km of CO2. Of course, there will also still be the option of the firm’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo – a motor that the new 
M3 will use 
to even greater effect.

The new 3-Series is likely 
to debut at the end of 2011. 
We’ll have to wait until 2012 
for the Coupé, Convertible – which is likely to maintain its retractable metal roof – and Touring estate versions to arrive

Vauxhall reveals electric city car

Surprise concept from Vauxhall will rival the VW Nils with an electric drivetrain giving 60-mile range and a 75mph top speed

By Mark Griffiths

September 2011

You wait ages for a radical new electric city car, and two turn up at once. Joining the Volkswagen Nils on the stands at Frankfurt next week will be this surprise model from Vauxhall.

Bosses haven’t revealed its name yet, but these official pictures reveal a low, rakish body. The battery car – which wears Opel badges in our images – takes cues from the range-extending hybrid Ampera at the front, with a prominent grille and elongated LED headlamp design. The glasshouse sweeps abruptly upwards and towards a motorbike-inspired rear end.

As well as the Nils, the new Vauxhall will take the fight to the likes of the Renault Twizy and Audi Urban Concept. Despite its dramatic design, the concept will seat two people in a tandem layout. And it promises to be impressively light, which will not only mean agile handling and a fun drive, but also very low running costs.

Its batteries give a 60-mile range, and can take the car to a 75mph top speed – making it suitable for urban driving and the occasional motorway trip. Vauxhall top brass hope to “revolutionise urban transport”, with a new class of lightweight, zero-emissions electric vehicles.

And while the Frankfurt star isn’t expected to make production, its styling is likely to influence future eco-friendly models from the firm, including an upcoming battery-powered city car.