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Speed: More Than Just Engineering

Sunday column

Speed: More Than Just Engineering

In modern times, speed is no longer merely a reflection of mechanical prowess—it has become a statement of identity and prestige. Today’s supercars move far beyond the demands of daily travel, transforming sheer velocity into a luxurious expression of individuality.

S

Sam

Desk editor

Editor’s note

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Sunday Broadsheet

In modern times, speed is no longer merely a reflection of mechanical prowess—it has become a statement of identity and prestige. Today’s supercars move far beyond the demands of daily travel, transforming sheer velocity into a luxurious expression of individuality.
The following list highlights performance machines that can surpass 400 km/h, merging breathtaking power with aesthetics and surprisingly refined comfort. While suitable for everyday drives under reasonable limitations, their capabilities are anything but ordinary.

10th – Rimac Nevera: 416 km/h

A fusion of futuristic design and raw electric power, the Rimac Nevera is a Croatian masterpiece. Propelled by four electric motors delivering a combined 1,900 horsepower, it hits 416 km/h—a figure confirmed through official testing.
Blistering acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 1.97 seconds, and its regenerative braking system is regarded as one of the most advanced in the industry. Only 150 units will be built, each priced around $2 million.

9th – SSC Ultimate Aero TT: 421 km/h

Debuting in 2004 and evolving over time, this American speedster remained a formidable contender for years. Powered by a twin-turbo V8 generating nearly 1,300 hp, it achieved a verified top speed of 421 km/h.
Rapid acceleration (0–100 km/h in 2.8 seconds) is supported by its aerodynamic profile. Only five units of the 2012 edition exist, each valued at approximately $740,000.

8th – Hennessey Venom GT Spyder: 435 km/h

Fitted with a Chevrolet-sourced V8, this convertible once achieved an astonishing 435 km/h—though the run wasn’t sanctioned by Guinness. Nevertheless, in 2016, it was declared the fastest open-top car globally.
Production remained extremely limited, with just over ten models made. Prices begin at $1.2 million.

7th – Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: 435 km/h

An icon in automotive history, the Veyron Super Sport redefined expectations when it first shattered the 400 km/h threshold. With 1,200 hp under the hood, it blurs the line between speed and sophistication.
Though a 500 km/h claim was made, no independent validation exists beyond 435 km/h. Still, this Bugatti holds legendary status in the world of performance vehicles.

6th – Koenigsegg Agera RS: 456 km/h

This Swedish marvel offers serious competition in both style and capability. Its twin-turbocharged V8 pushes 1,160 hp, taking it to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and 400 km/h in under 34 seconds—a 2017 record.
Only 25 units were ever made, each exceeding the $2 million mark.

5th – SSC Tuatara: 483 km/h

The successor to the Ultimate Aero, the Tuatara was envisioned to dominate the top-speed category. While early claims suggested it could reach 500 km/h, real-world testing has so far peaked below that.
Current figures place its performance at around 483 km/h, with 100 examples planned for production. Price tags start at $2 million.

4th – Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+: 490 km/h

Officially clocked at 483 km/h, this hypercar is one of the few with verified results near the 500 mark. Its 8.0L quad-turbocharged W16 engine churns out 1,600 hp, rocketing to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds.
Bugatti plans to produce up to 500 units, with pricing starting north of $3.5 million. So far, only about 30 have rolled off the line.

3rd – Bugatti Bolide: 500 km/h (Claimed)

This radical concept from Bugatti features a menacing silhouette and aspirations of setting new benchmarks. While the 500 km/h speed remains untested, the Bolide’s 1,849 hp W16 engine promises groundbreaking performance.
Limited to just 40 units, each vehicle will exceed $4.5 million and is engineered purely for the track.

2nd – Hennessey Venom F5: 500 km/h (Estimated)

Though based on the Lotus Elise conceptually, the Venom F5 is a beast of its own. Its twin-turbo V8 produces 1,800 hp, accelerating from 0 to 300 km/h in just 8.4 seconds.
While the 500 km/h milestone remains a goal, it hasn’t been independently confirmed. Only 24 vehicles had been completed by 2022, all of which were spoken for. Base price: $1.6 million.

1st – Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut: 531 km/h (Projected)

Topping this list is the Jesko Absolut, which Koenigsegg claims could reach 531 km/h—albeit under specific conditions, such as custom tires, fuel, and weight reduction.
Fitted with a 1,600 hp twin-turbo V8, it balances extreme capability with elegance. Production is limited to 125 units, all sold out via preorder. Estimated cost: $3 million.

Bonus – Buckeye Bullet 3: 550 km/h

Developed by Monaco’s Venturi, this experimental electric vehicle achieved a staggering 550 km/h. However, it exists as a single prototype and is not road-legal.

Absolute Record – Thrust SSC: 1,227.9 km/h

The Thrust SSC holds the all-time speed record, breaking the sound barrier in 1997. Using dual jet engines typically found in aircraft, it resembles a plane more than a car—yet it traveled on land, making it the fastest land vehicle in history.

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