Few experiences rival the thrill of a car with jaw-dropping acceleration. The rush of pressing the accelerator and feeling yourself pushed into the back of your seat is hard to match, which is why we’ve put together a list of the 10 fastest accelerating cars in the world.
So, what makes a car accelerate so quickly? A combination of immense power, superior traction off the line, and a light frame plays a crucial role.
Acceleration is typically measured by the time it takes for a car to go from 0-60mph, and this is how we’ve ranked the cars on this list. The 10 fastest accelerating cars from 0-60mph are:
1. McMurtry Speirling – 1.4-second 0-60mph time
The McMurtry Speirling is currently tied in first place with the Rimac Nevera on the Carwow drag race leaderboard, and it’s an extraordinary example of engineering.
The car features two motors driving the rear wheels, generating a total of 1,000 horsepower, and a pair of fans that essentially suck the car into the ground, creating over two tonnes of downforce from a standstill.
As a result, it reaches 0-60mph in an astonishing 1.4 seconds and completes 0-100mph in less than 2.7 seconds.
The Speirling is so fast that it left our own Mat Watson speechless, which speaks volumes about its truly insane capabilities.
2. Aspark Owl – 1.7-second 0-60mph time
While you might not have heard of Aspark, this small Japanese manufacturer produces one of the fastest supercars in the world.
The Owl is powered by four electric motors, delivering a combined 1,953 horsepower, while its aerodynamically efficient bodywork ensures it can cut through the air with minimal resistance.
The Owl completes the 0-60mph sprint in just 1.7 seconds, but the car’s design is equally eye-catching. With a height of under a meter and a wide, aggressive stance, it commands attention on the road.
3. Rimac Nevera – 1.7-second 0-60mph time
Although Croatia may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of hypercars, the Rimac Nevera is a prime example of its burgeoning automotive industry.
Like the Aspark Owl, it has four electric motors, but with a total output of 1,914 horsepower.
The Nevera clocks a 0-60mph time just slightly behind the Owl, making it one of the quickest cars in the world, as anything under 2.0 seconds is an extraordinary achievement.
4. Koenigsegg Gemera – 1.9-second 0-60mph time
Few cars can carry four people while still accelerating from 0-60mph in under 2.0 seconds, but the Koenigsegg Gemera does just that.
Initially launched with a small three-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor, the Gemera achieved a 0-60mph time of 1.9 seconds.
The car has since been upgraded with a massive V8 engine, increasing the total power from 1,700 horsepower to 2,300 horsepower.
While Koenigsegg has not provided an exact 0-60mph time for the V8 version, it is expected to be faster than the 1.9-second time set by the three-cylinder model.
5. Pininfarina B95 – 0-60mph in under 2.0 seconds
Pininfarina is renowned for designing some of the most beautiful cars ever created, including the Ferrari 250GT, Alfa Romeo Brera, and Peugeot 406 Coupe.
Now, the Italian design house has ventured into producing cars of its own, with the Pininfarina B95 being a prime example.
This stunning open-top hypercar is equipped with 1,900 horsepower electric motors, the same as the Pininfarina Battista, and it completes the 0-60mph sprint in under 2.0 seconds.
With such blistering speed, you’ll need to wear goggles unless you want to deal with bugs in your eyes.
6. Bugatti Tourbillon – 0-60mph in under 2.0 seconds
When it comes to the fastest cars in the world, Bugatti is often one of the first names that comes to mind.
While the quad-turbocharged W16-powered Chiron has been retired, its successor, the Bugatti Tourbillon, is ready to take its place.
Powered by a V16 engine with three additional electric motors, the Tourbillon produces a total of 1,800 horsepower.
Although Bugatti hasn’t specified an exact 0-60mph time, the company claims the Tourbillon can complete the sprint in under 2.0 seconds.
7. Tesla Model S Plaid – 1.99-second 0-60mph time
Four-door family sedans haven’t traditionally been included in lists like these, but the Tesla Model S Plaid breaks the mold with mind-blowing performance.
Priced at £65,000, it’s far more affordable than many of the cars on this list, undercutting them by over £1 million. Its tri-motor setup produces 1,020 horsepower, and it completes the 0-60mph sprint in 1.99 seconds.
However, there is a caveat: Tesla measures its acceleration using a “one-foot rollout,” which can make the car appear quicker than it actually is.
Still, even without this, the Model S Plaid will break 60mph in well under 2.5 seconds, making it a remarkable achievement for a family sedan.
8. BYD Yangwang U9 – 2.4-second 0-60mph time
Though many in the UK may not be familiar with BYD, the Chinese company has rapidly gained prominence with its impressive lineup of affordable EVs.
The Yangwang U9 is a sleek and powerful electric supercar, equipped with four electric motors producing a combined 1,300 horsepower.
The U9 completes the 0-60mph sprint in 2.36 seconds and can reach a top speed of 192mph, making it a strong contender in high-performance electric vehicles.
9. Lamborghini Revuelto – 2.5-second 0-60mph time
No list of fast cars would be complete without mentioning Lamborghini, and the Revuelto is no exception. This new model completes the 0-60mph sprint in just 2.5 seconds.
In an era when many supercar manufacturers are downsizing to V8 engines, Lamborghini still equips the Revuelto with a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine.
With the addition of three electric motors, the Revuelto generates 1,015 horsepower, while its bold design and roaring engine soundtrack keep it firmly in the world of iconic Lamborghinis.
10. Ferrari SF90 – 2.5-second 0-60mph time
The Ferrari SF90 is a notable supercar, marking a shift away from the V12 engine of the LaFerrari in favor of a smaller 4.0-litre V8 engine with turbochargers and three electric motors.
The result is a total power output of 1,000 horsepower and a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds.
While it may not have the same engine note as the V12-powered Ferrari models, the SF90 is a remarkable feat of engineering, offering blistering performance and cutting-edge technology.