The 2010s ushered in a groundbreaking era for electric vehicles and hypercars categories that showcased unprecedented technology and delivered jaw-dropping performance.
Naturally, this period also gave rise to some of the wildest automotive feats, including the hairiest cars, the longest cars, and even the longest banana-shaped car.
Ranging from the bizarre to the truly remarkable, the past decade has seen a host of insane world records achieved by automobiles.
Many of these standout vehicles have not only amazed enthusiasts but have also etched their names in history by breaking world records.
From the fastest speeds ever achieved by street-legal cars to the longest continuous drifts, the last ten years have brought forth some astonishing automotive records and the extraordinary cars that made them possible.
8. SSC Tuatara – Fastest Street-Legal Car
Currently recognized as the fastest production car in the world based on top speed, the SSC Tuatara is astonishingly fast.
Its engine delivers 1350 bhp under standard conditions but can produce 1750 bhp when running on E85 fuel.
The production model is equipped with a 5.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, differing from the 6.9-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the concept version.
With a top speed of 316.1 mph, the car stands as the fastest in the world. It surpasses both the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 and the Koenigsegg Agera RS, a feat that clearly demonstrates the Tuatara’s extraordinary speed.
In October of last year, Jerod Shelby, the founder and owner of SSC North America (formerly known as Shelby SuperCars), took the 1,750-hp Tuatara hypercar to the Nevada desert and achieved what he claimed was a production-car record with an average speed of 316.11 mph.
However, shortly after, the internet started investigating the runs and uncovering inconsistencies in the methods used to measure and monitor the car’s performance. While it’s still up for debate whether the Nevada attempt was flawed or intentional, the results did not hold up to scrutiny.
On January 17, Shelby and SSC took another shot at the record, which had been held by the Koenigsegg Agera RS since 2017. This time, they set up at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, bringing along substantial backup to ensure accurate measurements.
Shelby explained, “We had Racelogic there with their VBOX equipment, we had Life Racing, we had Garmin, and we had IMRA, which is the International Mile Racing Association.
We used equipment from all four groups and had staff there from three of those groups. But when it came down to it, it seems that everyone in the car community looks at Racelogic and VBOX as the most respected measurement tool, so they had multiple redundant systems in the car, and they had a gentleman named Jim Lau, their American representative, present for all the tests.”
Lau later provided a signed certification of the results, confirming that the Tuatara reached 279.7 mph on its northbound run and 286.1 mph on its southbound run.
He verified that both runs were completed within an hour of each other, and the average of the two runs was 282.9 mph. This was enough to break the previous production car record of 277.87 mph (average run) and the former single-run record of 285 mph.
7. Nissan GT-R – Fastest Drift
The Nissan GT-R is already an incredible machine. Even before setting the record for the fastest drift, it had earned numerous awards and accolades.
It has appeared in the Fast and Furious franchise and has even been driven blindfolded earning the title for the fastest speed achieved by a car driven blindfolded.
The GT-R executed a 30-degree drift at an astounding 189.5 mph an absolutely mind-blowing feat. This performance shattered the previous record held by the Toyota GT86, which achieved a drift at 136 mph in 2013.
The significant jump in top drift speed is remarkable, and it remains to be seen if any vehicle can surpass this record.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance coupe renowned for delivering exceptional power at an affordable price. It stands as a worthy competitor to high-end models like the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Mercedes AMG GT, and Aston Martin Vantage.
When Nissan sought to draw buyers away from these premium brands, the previous iteration of the GT-R received criticism for its uninspiring interior. However, Nissan took these complaints to heart and, with the 2016 update, introduced a more refined cabin that allowed the GT-R to compete with its rivals in both design and material quality.
The new leather-stitched dashboard added a touch of luxury, while the redesigned layout and upgraded infotainment system were significant improvements. For those seeking a more exotic touch, the interior was available in a two-tone black and tan color scheme, resembling that of a Ferrari.
In terms of comfort, the GT-R is surprisingly accommodating. The front seats offer ample space and support, with the standard seats providing excellent hold. For those desiring more lateral support, the GT-R Recaro model features sports seats.
Although the back seat space is somewhat limited due to the roofline’s curve, the 315-liter boot is unexpectedly practical for a car in this category. For comparison, the 911 offers 130 liters, and the Jaguar F-Type provides 300 liters, though the newer Vantage surpasses the GT-R with 350 liters of boot space.
However, the most remarkable aspect of the GT-R is its performance, driven by the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine. The latest version produces over 550 horsepower, allowing the GT-R to compete with much more expensive supercars like the McLaren 570S, which has a 562hp engine. With a 0-62mph time of under three seconds, the GT-R’s speed is truly impressive.
6. Ford GT – Fastest Standing Mile
The Ford GT is an exceptional car, with or without holding a world record. But having one certainly adds to its prestige.
In 2019, a 2005 Ford GT achieved a standing mile at an incredible speed of 300 mph. To put that into perspective, the Bugatti Chiron needs 3 miles to reach its top speed.
This particular GT was modified and now runs on methanol, generating approximately 2500 bhp yet it remains street legal. It’s an astonishing achievement, and there is great anticipation around who, if anyone, will be able to break this remarkable record.
For those who dream of driving a race car that is street-legal, the 2022 Ford GT is the ultimate choice, provided you can secure the opportunity to buy one and come up with around half a million dollars.
Its stunning design not only pays tribute to the legendary GT40 race car that triumphed at Le Mans in the 1960s but also showcases the pinnacle of Ford’s engineering and design excellence.
While the Ford F-150 also features a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, it certainly doesn’t produce the 660 horsepower or emit the otherworldly sounds of the GT at full throttle.
When the GT’s gas pedal is pressed to the metal, it’s best suited for a racetrack—not only for safety but also to truly experience its relentless acceleration, precise steering, and extraordinary carbon-ceramic brakes.
Despite its race-ready suspension, which can be adjusted for comfort on normal roads, its cockpit is designed to be minimalist to avoid distractions, and getting in and out of the car is no easy task, making it clear that the GT is not meant for daily driving.
Though the price tag may not impress Ferrari and McLaren owners with its raw performance figures, the Ford GT will undoubtedly astonish and amaze anyone fortunate enough to get behind the wheel.
The 2022 Ford GT is significant as it marks the final model year for this limited-production road-going race car. To celebrate the remarkable vehicle that first debuted in 2017 and to further honor the five original GT prototypes that led to the Le Mans victories, Ford introduces the 2022 GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition.
This special edition is designed to resemble the first GT/101 prototype, featuring Wimbledon White paint with various Antimatter Blue accents, including a racing stripe over the roof and 20-inch carbon-fiber wheels.
The interior also reflects this heritage theme, with carbon-fiber seats and portions of the dashboard wrapped in Lightspeed Blue microsuede, complemented by black microsuede on the steering wheel and headliner. A final batch of 2023 Ford GTs will be produced, but these will be track-only models that are specially tuned for performance.
The starting price for the 2022 Ford GT is expected to be $500,000, although Ford has not officially released the final pricing for this model. Despite the steep cost, it’s fun to explore the car’s configurator online. For those dreaming of owning this exotic machine, we’d recommend the Frozen White exterior color with Lightning Blue stripes running over the car.
For an added touch of race-inspired flair, the glossy carbon-fiber lower finish and 20-inch wheels are a great option, paired with blue brake calipers. Inside, the Light Speed interior trim, which combines black leather with blue microsuede surfaces, adds a sleek finish to the already stunning cabin.
The 2022 Ford GT is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a departure from the supercharged V8 in the previous generation. This engine, similar to the one in the Ford F-150 Raptor, produces 660 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
While the previous version of the GT had slightly less horsepower, it still achieved acceleration times worthy of any supercar.
Driving the GT is surprisingly easy, and the car feels light and agile, even with its considerable size. Despite its remarkable performance potential, the ride isn’t as harsh as expected. The suspension absorbs minor bumps well, though some harsher impacts may still be transmitted into the cabin.
5. Red Bull Racing RB15 – Quickest Pit Stop
During the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Racing RB15 set a new World Record for the fastest pit stop ever recorded.
While the average pit stop usually takes around 2.4 seconds, the Red Bull team managed to significantly surpass that time. The recorded pit stop time for the Red Bull F1 car in 2019 was just 1.82 seconds.
This incredible feat was the result of a highly skilled team working in perfect sync, combined with the use of top-tier equipment. It’s an achievement that sets a high bar and it will certainly take a monumental effort to break this world record.
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s entry for the 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship was the first Red Bull car to feature a Honda engine.
Piloted by Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon—who replaced Pierre Gasly mid-season after Gasly stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo, who left for Renault—the RB15 made its debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
A competitive machine throughout the season, the RB15 kept pace with the Ferrari team and even posed a strong challenge to the dominant Mercedes duo in the latter stages.
The car’s breakthrough moment came when Verstappen clinched victory in Austria, marking the first time in 13 years that a Honda-powered car had won a race, since Jenson Button’s triumph at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Verstappen also secured pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which was the first time since 2005, when Button was behind the wheel of a Honda-powered BAR in Canada, that a Honda engine-powered car started from the front of the grid.
This was a significant milestone, as Verstappen also became the first Dutch driver to secure a pole position, and it marked the 100th different polesitter in Formula 1 history.
Throughout the season, the RB15 helped Red Bull secure three race wins, six additional podium finishes, two pole positions, and five fastest laps, accumulating 417 points and earning third place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Verstappen finished third in the Drivers’ Championship, ahead of Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel, while Gasly and Albon, who swapped seats mid-season, finished just three points apart in seventh and eighth places, respectively.
This model is a perfect 1:8 scale replica of the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB15, as raced to victory by Max Verstappen at the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix. It is also available in the liveries of Albon and Gasly.
The model has been meticulously handcrafted and finished in collaboration with Red Bull, ensuring that the original finishes, materials, archive images, and drawings were used in the creation process.
The model’s precision is further enhanced by the use of advanced digital scanning of the original car, allowing for an exact replication of every detail at scale. Additionally, it has been thoroughly reviewed by engineering and design teams to ensure an entirely accurate representation.
4. Aspark Owl – Fastest 0-60 Time
The Aspark Owl stands out for many reasons. It is a remarkable electric vehicle, and the Aspark brand set out with a clear mission to create the fastest-accelerating electric car.
The Owl officially entered production in 2020, and there is great anticipation to see what the ownership experience will be like for those lucky enough to get one.
The car delivers an astonishing performance when it comes to acceleration. The Owl sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.69 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating production vehicle in the world regardless of whether it’s electric or gas-powered.
It’s safe to say that Aspark has successfully fulfilled its ambitious goal. The Aspark Owl SP600 has achieved a top speed of 272.6mph (438.73km/h) on an exceptionally long stretch of road in Germany. Who?
The Owl, as you may recall, is the distinctive Japanese electric supercar that emerged in the middle of the last decade, making several notable appearances, including a (somewhat questionable) record-setting 0-62mph run.
This car has now been refined into the SP600, with development and construction handled by Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT). Who? MAT is the company behind such cars as the SCG003, Apollo Intensa Emozione, and the new Stratos.
It’s been reported that the SP600 underwent “a full set of virtual and physical tests,” including wind tunnel validation and “several days of track testing,” which sounds like a rigorous process.
On June 8, just last week, the car was taken to the Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, where professional driver Marc Basseng was tasked with pushing the car to its limits. Under his guidance, the Owl SP600 achieved a top speed of 438.73 km/h, measured by the Racelogic V-Box.
This is considerably faster than the Rimac Nevera, which in 2022 reached a top speed of 256mph, thanks to its quad-motor, 1,888bhp powertrain. The Owl features a similar setup, with four motors, a 64kWh battery, 2,012bhp, and 1,475lb-ft of torque.
“It has been about 10 years since we started working on the Owl hypercar. We aimed for the world’s fastest accelerating car, then attempted and achieved the top speed world record today with our new hypercar Owl SP600,” said Masanori Yoshida.
3. Ferrari 250 GTO – Most Expensive Car Sold at Auction
The Ferrari 250 GTO was first produced in 1962. With only 36 units ever built, it is undeniably one of the most sought-after vehicles in automotive history.
GTO stands for Gran Turismo Omologato, meaning Grand Touring Homologated. The car also claimed the top spot on MotorTrend’s list of the “Greatest Ferraris of All Time.”
In 2018, it earned the title of the most expensive car ever sold at auction. Fetching a staggering $48,505,000, the price tag was extraordinary. We can’t help but feel incredibly envious of the buyer who clearly had quite a bit of money to spare.
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO was designed to compete in Group 3 GT racing and quickly became one of the most iconic cars ever produced by the Italian manufacturer from Maranello.
Following the success of the 250 GT SWB, Ferrari needed something even more competitive to challenge the Shelby Cobra, Jaguar E-Type, and Aston Martin DB214. The result was the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. The “GTO” designation stands for Gran Turismo Omologato, indicating the car’s purpose.
At the time, all automakers aiming to compete in the Group 3 GT racing category were required to have a homologated street version of their race car, and Ferrari created this super-sport car as the foundation for its racing efforts.
Instead of simply enlarging the engine and calling it a day, the company devised a more innovative solution. Giotto Bizzarini, Ferrari’s chief engineer, chose to use the chassis from the 250 SWB but designed a more aerodynamic body for the new car.
During the development of the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, Bizzarini had a falling out with the company’s famed owner, Enzo Ferrari, who ultimately fired him. Nevertheless, the project continued under the guidance of Sergio Scaglietti, who finished the car in time for the 12 Hours of Sebring race in March 1962.
Phil Hill, the winner of the 1961 Formula One World Driver’s Championship, drove the car in the GT category. Although this class was not the most powerful, Hill still managed to win his class and finished second overall, behind a prototype Ferrari race car.
Thanks to its lower height compared to its predecessor, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO featured a low nose with an oval mesh grille, where the iconic Prancing Horse badge took center stage.
Ferrari incorporated clear aerodynamic lenses that covered the round headlights, enhancing the car’s aerodynamic performance. The front of the car was designed with a streamlined shape, and the hood was more compact, starting just above the front axle. To accommodate the tall downdraft carburetors, Ferrari also created a power dome in the hood.
2. Tesla Model X – Heaviest Weight Towed by an EV
The Tesla Model X combines impressive performance with a highly practical design, making it a great choice for transporting long items and embarking on various adventures.
While it comes with a hefty price tag, it is generally considered a solid vehicle. Its capabilities are clearly demonstrated by the fact that it managed to tow an actual airplane.
The Tesla Model X successfully towed a 143-ton Boeing Dreamliner 787, which is truly astonishing when you consider the sheer size of the aircraft.
The electric vehicle’s instant torque and all-wheel drive system certainly played a crucial role in making this feat possible. Perhaps the highly anticipated Cybertruck will be the one to eventually break this remarkable record.
The Tesla Model X continues to be a strong contender in the midsize SUV market, offering a competitive maximum range of 335 miles and impressive performance, thanks to its 690 hp twin motors.
While it still boasts more range than the base BMW iX, it faces increased competition from newer electric vehicles, such as the Rivian R1S, which surpass it in some areas. With more premium automakers now taking the electric vehicle segment seriously, Tesla must remain innovative to retain its position at the forefront.
For 2024, the Tesla Model X has received several quality-of-life updates, although the overall design remains largely unchanged. The redesigned glass roof now allows for more natural light inside, while the controversial yoke steering wheel is no longer the sole option—buyers can now opt for a more traditional flat-bottomed steering wheel, although the yoke remains available for those who prefer it.
Additionally, a new exterior color, Stealth Grey, has been introduced. While there are changes to the Model X Plaid trim, that version is reviewed separately.
Despite concerns around fully autonomous driving, the Enhanced Autopilot remains a more reliable option in its specific use cases. The larger wheels, while appealing, may negatively impact fuel economy and towing capacity, so they might be best avoided.
The interior of the Model X remains minimalistic and futuristic, with a large touchscreen dominating the dashboard and an otherwise simple central console. Though the design is sleek, the build quality has drawn some criticism, particularly in terms of sound damping and comfort.
The yoke steering wheel has been replaced with a more conventional option, which many drivers will find easier to use. The Model X accommodates up to seven passengers, although the third-row seats are cramped and not ideal for adults.
The second-row seats, however, are spacious, and swapping the standard bench for captain’s chairs adds even more comfort. Power-adjustable seating allows for optimal driving positions, and the standard heating and ventilation ensure comfort in any weather. The easy entry and exit are complemented by ambient lighting, which enhances the overall experience.
In terms of cargo space, the Model X offers 13 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, which is reasonable but not exceptional. Configuring the SUV as a five-seater expands cargo space to 37.1 cubic feet, and folding the second and third rows down increases this to a generous 85.1 cubic feet. Additionally, the frunk (front trunk) provides 6.5 cubic feet of space for additional storage.
However, the small-item storage options are not as impressive, with narrow door pockets and a relatively small center armrest cubby. Fortunately, each row of seats comes with a pair of cupholders, and there is a standard glove compartment for storing smaller items.
1. BMW M5 2018 – Longest Continuous Drift
The 2018 BMW M5 was built to compete directly with the Mercedes AMG E 63 S. Although it didn’t surpass the Mercedes in terms of raw power, it still proved to be an outstanding vehicle. It came equipped with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 592 bhp.
The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, but what truly sets it apart is its record-breaking feat of executing the longest continuous drift covering an astonishing 232 miles.
This achievement shattered the previous record held by the Toyota GT86, which managed 89.55 miles. The M5 delivered an exceptional performance and truly earned its place in the record books.
Let’s start by discussing the G30 5 Series and the previous-generation F10 M5. The last M5, despite its speed, was about as engaging as driving a bank vault, with the speedometer constantly stuck at 100 mph.
In fact, the car’s dynamics felt so devoid of life that even a corpse would likely offer more feedback. Although the F10 M5’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine generated substantial power (550-575 hp, depending on the tune), you couldn’t hear much of it.
The F10 M5’s lack of character was so apparent that BMW engineers, realizing the car was too dull, resorted to piping fake engine sounds through the speakers.
Now, let’s talk about the new G30 5 Series, which I am not particularly fond of. I’ve driven several variants, including the 530i, 530e, 540i, and M550i. It’s hard to ignore its derivative design, outdated interiors, and overly light steering.
There’s nothing about the G30 that aligns with BMW’s iconic, “The Ultimate Driving Machine” slogan. To be frank, I’d rather drive the new Honda Accord, and I’ve stated this sentiment publicly and privately. I’m just not a fan of the G30.
So, naturally, I had low expectations for the new M5. The F90 M5 seemed unlikely to surpass the near-perfect E39 version or even match the high-speed performance of the V10-powered E60. I assumed it wouldn’t carry the menacing looks of the original M5, the E28. Instead, this model appeared to be a rehash of the more understated E34, a sleeper at best.
To top it off, the new M5 had gone all-wheel-drive, and to me, that felt like sacrilege. On top of that, the manual transmission and dual-clutch gearbox were gone, replaced by an eight-speed automatic. My frustrations were already rising.
He described the car as a “ballerina bodybuilder able to balance on one toe while holding a two-ton weight over its head with one hand behind its back.” Once I had the chance, I took the white M5 tester up my personal test track, Angeles Crest, and immediately noticed some of the flaws I had anticipated. The engine sound, for instance, was still muted.
In the F10, BMW had attempted to replicate the sound of the E60’s V10, but the F90’s V8 sound was more of a baritone, and while it wasn’t unpleasant, it was still artificial and frustrating. Additionally, the steering feel didn’t impress me.
Despite having three adjustable modes (Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus), the steering felt poor in all of them. It was better in Comfort than in Sport, which, in turn, was better than in Sport Plus. I tried all modes in both AWD and RWD, and while the AWD setup made the car more enjoyable, the steering still lacked the sharpness I hoped for.
But here’s the kicker: I was actually having fun. Unlike its predecessor, the F10, the new M5’s chassis was playful. The car eagerly attacked corners, offering a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience.
Kudos to BMW for managing to add the weight of AWD while keeping the car’s overall weight down to 4,268 pounds, compared to the previous generation’s 4,369 pounds. For reference, the E60 M5 weighed in at 4,107 pounds. The new M5’s ability to tackle one of the world’s best public roads with confidence was impressive and, oddly, familiar.
Now, let’s talk about performance. I have to mention that the M5’s 0-60 mph time is jaw-dropping: 3.0 seconds flat. To put that into perspective, the McLaren 675LT also hits 60 mph in 3.0 seconds, the Acura NSX in 3.1 seconds, and the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4Matic+ (with 603 hp) takes 3.2 seconds.
The Audi RS 7, with 605 hp, clocks in at 3.3 seconds, and the 640-hp Cadillac CTS-V hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. To get a faster 0-60 time in a four-door vehicle, you’d have to call Tesla, as their Model S P100D Ludicrous Plus can do it in 2.3 seconds. Clearly, the M5 is incredibly quick.
The M5’s acceleration is equally impressive in the quarter mile. A Ferrari Enzo and a 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO both complete the quarter in 11.0 seconds. The M5, however, takes 11.1 seconds, matching cars like the Porsche GT3 RS, Carrera GT, Ferrari 458 Italia, and AMG SLS Black Series. The Corvette Z06 is a hair slower at 11.2 seconds.
What’s even crazier is that the M5’s trap speed of 126.7 mph is only 0.3 mph behind the 3,550-pound Z06. Keep in mind that in California, we’re testing on 91-octane “premium” fuel, not 93, so the M5 will likely perform even better in other regions with higher-octane fuel.
As for direct competitors, the AMG E 63 S (which weighs 4,581 pounds) runs the quarter in 11.3 seconds at 124.2 mph, while the Audi RS 7 hits 11.5 seconds at 120.4 mph, and the rear-wheel-drive Cadillac CTS-V takes 11.9 seconds at 122.0 mph. In short, the new M5 is a monster when it comes to acceleration.
