10 Fastest American Cars Ever Built

1. SSC Tuatara

The SSC Tuatara, introduced by SSC North America in 2020, is a hypercar that has been at the center of high-speed pursuits and controversies. Initially, SSC claimed that the Tuatara achieved a top speed of 331.15 mph, with a two-way average of 316.11 mph, surpassing the previous record held by the Koenigsegg Agera RS. (caranddriver.com)

However, this claim faced scrutiny due to discrepancies in the recorded footage, leading SSC to acknowledge that the speeds were not reached as initially reported. Subsequent attempts have seen the Tuatara reach a verified top speed of 295 mph, solidifying its position among the fastest American-made vehicles. (newsweek.com)

The Tuatara is powered by a 5.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 1,750 horsepower on E85 fuel, and is paired with a seven-speed automated manual transmission. In comparison to global rivals, the Tuatara’s performance places it in direct competition with other hypercars aiming for the 300 mph milestone. (autoevolution.com)

2. Hennessey Venom F5

The Hennessey Venom F5 is a hypercar engineered with the singular goal of breaking speed barriers. Its 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, known as “Fury,” delivers 1,817 horsepower and 1,193 lb-ft of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.6 seconds. Hennessey has set a target top speed exceeding 311 mph, positioning the Venom F5 as a formidable contender in the American supercar arms race. This pursuit of unprecedented velocity underscores the competitive spirit driving American automotive innovation. (caranddriver.com)

3. Ford GT (2020)

The 2020 Ford GT pays homage to its Le Mans heritage with advanced aerodynamics and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 660 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. This power enables acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 216 mph. The GT’s active aerodynamics, including adjustable rear spoilers and front flaps, optimize downforce and reduce drag, enhancing stability at high speeds. These innovations underscore Ford’s commitment to speed and performance in the supercar segment. (motortrend.com)

4. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, introduced in 2018, is a drag strip-ready muscle car that maintains street legality. Its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine delivers 808 horsepower on 91-octane fuel and up to 840 horsepower on higher-octane race fuel. This power enables acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 9.65 seconds at 140 mph. (caranddriver.com)

These figures surpass many contemporary muscle cars, such as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which achieves 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Demon also features a unique transbrake system, allowing for optimal launch control and contributing to its record-breaking performance. (en.wikipedia.org)

5. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C7)

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C7), introduced in 2019, blends American muscle with track-ready performance. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine delivers 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 2.8 seconds and a top speed exceeding 210 mph. (topspeed.com)

The ZR1’s aerodynamic enhancements, including a large rear wing and front splitter, provide substantial downforce, enhancing stability at high speeds. These features position the ZR1 competitively against global sports cars, such as the Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Ferrari 488 GTB. (topspeed.com)

6. Tesla Model S Plaid

The Tesla Model S Plaid, introduced in 2021, redefines speed with its tri-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. This configuration enables acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 9.4 seconds at 151 mph. (caranddriver.com)

Compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) rivals, the Model S Plaid’s instant torque and rapid acceleration challenge traditional performance benchmarks. Its performance underscores the growing impact of electric vehicles on the high-performance automotive sector. (caranddriver.com)

7. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, introduced in 2005, stands as a testament to American engineering prowess in the supercar arena. Powered by a 7.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, it delivers 750 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and achieving a top speed of 248 mph. (roadandtrack.com)

Its carbon fiber body, designed with aerodynamics in mind, generates significant downforce, enhancing stability at high speeds. The S7 Twin Turbo’s performance and design set a high benchmark, competing effectively against both domestic and international supercars. (ultimatecarpage.com)

8. Dodge Viper ACR

The Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) has long been celebrated for its track-focused performance and raw power. The last-generation model, produced in 2016, was equipped with an 8.4-liter V10 engine delivering 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. (media.stellantisnorthamerica.com)

This formidable engine was paired with a meticulously tuned suspension system, featuring adjustable coil-over shock absorbers and a carbon fiber aerodynamic package that included a front splitter and adjustable rear wing, generating up to 1,700 pounds of downforce at 150 mph. The Viper ACR’s performance was underscored by its record-breaking lap times at various renowned tracks. At Laguna Seca Raceway, it set a new production car lap record with a time of 1:28.65, surpassing the previous record held by the Porsche 918 Spyder. (motortrend.com)

Additionally, it achieved a lap time of 7:12.13 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, further solidifying its status as a formidable track machine. These achievements highlight the Viper ACR’s ability to fuse raw power with race-honed handling, setting a high benchmark in the American performance car segment.

9. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2020)

The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 stands as the most powerful street-legal Mustang ever produced, featuring a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. This power enables acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.4 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 11.3 seconds at 132 mph. Equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GT500 offers seamless gear shifts and enhanced performance. (caranddriver.com)

In comparison, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, with its 650-horsepower engine, and the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, boasting 797 horsepower, offer formidable competition. (edmunds.com) However, the GT500’s combination of power, acceleration, and advanced transmission technology positions it as a formidable contender in the American muscle car segment.

10. Cadillac CTS-V (2019)

The 2019 Cadillac CTS-V seamlessly blends American luxury with formidable performance, featuring a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. This power enables acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 200 mph. (caranddriver.com)

Inside, the CTS-V offers a refined cabin with premium materials and advanced technology, ensuring high-speed comfort. When compared to European sedans like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63, the CTS-V’s performance and luxury features position it as a competitive alternative in the segment. (autoweb.com)

Conclusion

American automakers have consistently redefined speed records by blending innovation, tradition, and competition to push performance boundaries. Companies like General Motors and Ford have invested heavily in electric vehicles and autonomous technologies, aiming to lead in the evolving automotive landscape. The future of American speed lies in embracing electrification, advanced driver-assistance systems, and software integration, ensuring that American manufacturers remain at the forefront of automotive performance and innovation.