Over the years, manufacturers and drivers alike have pushed their cars to absurd extremes—breaking the sound barrier or setting some weird, obscure record no one knew was possible. Here are 13 cars that broke world records and the stories (and occasional insanity) behind them.
Bugatti Veyron Super Sport – Fastest Production Car (2010)
In 2010, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport shattered the production car speed record by hitting a mind-boggling 267.856 mph (431.072 km/h). That’s like driving at takeoff speed for a Boeing 737… only staying on the ground. The Veyron’s 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine produces 1,200 horsepower, which you’d need if you’re ever in a hurry to escape a black hole. This achievement secured Bugatti’s place at the top of the supercar food chain, but it didn’t last forever. However, it made your dad’s Corolla look like a garden tractor at the time.
SSC Tuatara – Fastest Production Car (2020)
The Veyron didn’t hold the title forever. In 2020, the SSC Tuatara (a name that, funnily enough, refers to a type of slow-moving lizard) blitzed through that record, reaching an official speed of 282.9 mph (455.3 km/h). Though there was a bit of controversy about some speed runs where the numbers didn’t quite add up, the Tuatara eventually proved it had the legs to dethrone Bugatti, even if only briefly. This marvel of American engineering is also powered by a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V8 capable of producing an insane 1,750 horsepower.
Hennessey Venom GT – Fastest Car in a Straight Line (2014)
While Bugatti and SSC bickered over top speed, Texas-based Hennessey came along in 2014 and said, “Hold my beer.” The Venom GT reached 270.49 mph (435.31 km/h) in a straight line at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. However, it didn’t make it into the Guinness World Records because Hennessey only made a handful of these 7.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 monsters, and Guinness requires at least 30 cars to count as a “production” vehicle. But hey, it still holds the bragging rights for being the fastest single-direction production car ever.
Thrust SSC – Fastest Car on Land (1997)
If you think cars can’t break the sound barrier, think again. In 1997, the Thrust SSC (Supersonic Car) became the first and only car to officially break the sound barrier, reaching a staggering 763 mph (1,227.9 km/h) in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Spey jet engines (the same ones used in fighter jets), this car had more in common with aircraft than anything in a dealership. Driver Andy Green became a land-speed legend.
Koenigsegg Agera RS – Fastest Car in the World (2017)
Not content with being fast, the Swedish manufacturer Koenigsegg added a dash of drama to the world speed records when the Agera RS averaged 277.87 mph (447.19 km/h) over two runs on a public road in Nevada in 2017. Public road. Let that sink in. While most of us are afraid of getting a speeding ticket in a school zone, Koenigsegg casually pushed a car faster than a fighter jet while obeying Nevada’s peculiar desert traffic laws, or so we assume.
Peel P50 – Smallest Production Car
Speed isn’t everything, as demonstrated by the Peel P50, which holds the record for being the world’s smallest production car. Measuring just 54 inches long and 39 inches wide, it looks like the automotive equivalent of a phone booth on wheels. With a top speed of 37 mph (60 km/h), the Peel P50 probably isn’t winning any races unless you’re late for your morning coffee. It’s the kind of car you park sideways in a standard parking space, and at 130 lbs (59 kg), you could almost take it as carry-on luggage on your next flight.
Devel Sixteen – Most Powerful Engine (5,007 Horsepower)
If Hennessey’s Venom GT and SSC’s Tuatara didn’t have enough oomph, let me introduce you to the Devel Sixteen. With an absurd 5,007 horsepower, this car’s V16 engine has the power of a small herd of F1 cars. Unveiled in 2013, it’s been a subject of skepticism, fascination, and plenty of online debate. Will it ever reach its claimed top speed of 350 mph? No one knows, but we’re not volunteering to be the test driver anytime soon. If Mad Max ever needs a sequel, the Devel Sixteen might be the lead actor.
Tesla Model S Plaid – Fastest 4-Door Electric Sedan
Electric cars aren’t just about saving the planet but also about annihilating the competition. Enter the Tesla Model S Plaid, which in 2021 became the world’s fastest 4-door electric sedan. It goes from 0-60 mph in an eye-watering 1.99 seconds, which should come with a warning label for passengers. Boasting over 1,000 horsepower and a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h), Elon Musk reminds the world that Teslas aren’t just nerdy; they’re also bonkers fast.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series – Fastest Lap Around Nürburgring (2020)
Setting speed records on straight roads is one thing, but doing it on a twisty, death-defying track is another. In 2020, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series conquered the legendary Nürburgring with a time of 6 minutes 43.616 seconds, earning it the title of the fastest production car to lap the circuit. And if you’re unfamiliar with Nürburgring, you know it’s the rollercoaster of race tracks—full of terrifying turns, blind corners, and enough elevation changes to make your stomach drop.
Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo – Fastest Lap Around Nürburgring (Unrestricted Class)
While the AMG GT Black Series holds the record for production cars, Porsche decided it didn’t care about the rules. The 919 Hybrid Evo, a modified version of Porsche’s Le Mans-winning car, took to the Nürburgring in 2018 and blitzed through it in 5 minutes 19.55 seconds. Since no racing regulations bind it, Porsche could crank up the power and downforce, creating a vehicle that’s only a car by technicality. It’s more like a guided missile with wheels.
Ferrari F40 – First Production Car to Reach 200 mph
Before Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and SSC, Ferrari was the speed king. In 1987, they unleashed the Ferrari F40, the first production car to break the 200-mph barrier. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V8, the F40 was a raw, unfiltered driving machine that made no apologies for its lack of creature comforts. The suspension was stiff, the ride harsh, and the interior bare. But when you’re driving a 478-horsepower, 2,400-pound rocket, who cares about air conditioning?
Rolls-Royce Phantom VII – Longest Car Ever Produced
For those who care less about speed and more about making an impression, the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII holds the record for the longest production car. Measuring a staggering 20 feet (6 meters) in length, the Phantom VII is the car you drive when you want everyone to know you’ve arrived. Preferably with a glass of champagne in hand. It’s not exactly fast, but when riding in the back of a Rolls-Royce, you’re not in any rush anyway.
Toyota Land Cruiser – Fastest SUV
Yes, you read that right. In 2017, Toyota decided to soup up a Land Cruiser, slap on two turbochargers, and let it loose on a runway. The result? A record-breaking SUV that reached a top speed of 230 mph (370 km/h). The “Land Speed Cruiser” is the fastest SUV and possibly the least practical use of a family hauler ever conceived. We can only imagine what the school run looks like in this beast.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
