What Is the Fastest Car in the World? 2025 Speed Kings

Discover what is the fastest car in the world in 2025 — from record-breaking hypercars to EV beasts reaching 308 mph.

What Is the Fastest Car in the World? A Deep Dive

So, what is the fastest car in the world? It's a question that races through the minds of car lovers, speed junkies, and engineers alike. In 2025, defining what is the fastest car in the world isn’t as simple as looking at a speedometer — the crown has become fiercely contested by electric hypercars, limited-production beasts, and prototype-speed demons. In this article, we explore what is the fastest car in the world right now, how that title has shifted over time, and what might threaten it in the near future.

When asking what is the fastest car in the world, many people refer to the highest top speed achieved by a production vehicle. Others might think about acceleration, but for this piece, we’re focused on top speed — who can go furthest, fastest, on the straight.

What Is Meant by “Fastest Car in the World”?

Before we answer what is the fastest car in the world, it's worth clarifying exactly what that means in today’s context:

Production Car vs Prototype

When people ask what is the fastest car in the world, most discussions focus on production cars — that is, vehicles that are built (or will be built) in limited but real production runs, and not purely experimental prototypes.

Verified Top Speed

To claim the title, car makers or independent testers usually need to verify the top speed on a proper track. Unverified or theoretical numbers don’t always count when debating what is the fastest car in the world.

Street-Legal

Another factor in answering what is the fastest car in the world is whether the car is street-legal. Many speed record attempts involve specialized versions, which don’t always represent what regular buyers can drive.

Powertrain

In today's world, both internal-combustion-engine (ICE) hypercars and all-electric vehicles are vying for the title. So, when we ask what is the fastest car in the world, we have to consider EVs too.

The Current Record: What Is the Fastest Car in the World (2025)

As of now, if you ask what is the fastest car in the world, the title goes to the Yangwang U9 Xtreme (U9X), a hyper-EV developed by BYD’s luxury sub-brand Yangwang.

• In September 2025, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme hit a top speed of 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph) on the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany.
• This record surpasses previous top-speed champions, making the U9X the fastest production car in the world right now.
• Driven by Marc Basseng, the U9X is powered by four electric motors and uses a 1,200-volt system — the high-voltage architecture is key to achieving this speed.
• The production run of the U9 Xtreme is extremely limited — only 30 units will be made.

So, if you're wondering what is the fastest car in the world as of 2025, the answer is currently: the Yangwang U9 Xtreme.

How We Got Here: Previous Holders of the Title

To fully understand what is the fastest car in the world, it's useful to look at how the record has evolved.

SSC Tuatara

Before the U9X, the SSC Tuatara was often cited when discussing what is the fastest car in the world. According to records, the Tuatara has a top speed claim of about 475 km/h (~295 mph).

This hypercar–designed by SSC North America–has a jet-inspired aerodynamic profile and produces massive horsepower.

According to TopSpeed, SSC Tuatara previously held a record at 282.9 mph (about 454 km/h).

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut

The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut is another name that features heavily when people ask what is the fastest car in the world. Its theoretical top speed is 310 mph (~500 km/h) according to Cars24.

However, this top speed remains theoretical because, in real-world testing, it hasn’t yet run a “verified” top-speed run at that number.

The Absolut version is optimized for low drag and maximum high-speed stability.

Hennessey Venom F5

Historically, when people debated what is the fastest car in the world, the Hennessey Venom F5 was in the conversation. According to Cars24, it shares a claimed top speed of 310 mph (500 km/h).

The Venom F5 is powered by a massive V8 engine and is built to achieve extreme speed with relatively lightweight structure.

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+

Another iconic contender in the race for what is the fastest car in the world was the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. It reached 304.8 mph (~490.5 km/h) in a test run.

Bugatti’s W16 engine and long, aerodynamic profile helped it become one of the most famous speed record cars.

Why the Yangwang U9 Xtreme Is Now the Fastest

If you're trying to answer what is the fastest car in the world, understanding why the U9 Xtreme holds the title is key. Several factors contributed:

Electric Powertrain

The U9 Xtreme uses four electric motors – one at each wheel – which allows for massive power output and torque.

The 1,200-volt electrical architecture enables more efficient power delivery and less energy loss at high speeds.

Aerodynamics

Reaching 308 mph requires serious aerodynamic design. The U9 Xtreme’s body is optimized to minimize drag and maintain stability at ultra-high speeds.

Limited Production

Only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme will be made, meaning each car can be highly optimized for performance, not mass production ease.

This exclusivity also helps justify the engineering investment to build for speed, rather than for volume.

Testing Conditions

The top-speed run was conducted on a specialized oval track (ATP Papenburg), which is well-suited for high-speed consistency.

The driver, Marc Basseng, is a professional racer with experience in GT racing, making him well-suited for record attempts.

Other Top Contenders: Still in the Race for “What Is the Fastest Car in the World”

Even though the U9 Xtreme holds the crown now, the question what is the fastest car in the world is far from settled, because several other hypercars remain extremely competitive. Here are other top contenders:

• Bugatti W16 Mistral Roadster — According to FastestLaps, this roadster has been recorded at 454 km/h (282 mph).
• Czinger 21C V Max — Another production hypercar, reaching a top speed of 452 km/h (281 mph) per FastestLaps.
• Koenigsegg Agera RS — This car previously achieved 447 km/h (278 mph) in speed runs.
• Bugatti Tourbillon — Also on the FastestLaps list, clocking 444 km/h (276 mph).
• Rimac Nevera — While not the top top-speed contender, the Nevera is a serious EV hypercar with tremendous performance, recorded at about 412 km/h per .

Historical Context: How the Title Evolved

To really answer what is the fastest car in the world, we need to consider the history of the top-speed race. Over decades, the title has changed hands many times. Auto Express provides a helpful timeline.

Some milestones:

• The McLaren F1, for a long time, was recognized as a speed king when it reached 221 mph (~356 km/h).
• The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport then became famous for a verified 267.9 mph (~431 km/h) run.
• Later, supercars like the Koenigsegg Agera RS reached 277.9 mph (~447 km/h) in a record-setting run.
• Then came the SSC Tuatara, with a claimed run near 295 mph (~475 km/h) in some reports.
• Now, in 2025, what is the fastest car in the world is answered by the Yangwang U9 Xtreme’s 308.4 mph run.

Why the Title “What Is the Fastest Car in the World” Still Matters

You might wonder, why is what is the fastest car in the world such a big deal? Here are a few reasons:

Engineering Showcase

The race for the fastest car pushes technological innovation — in aerodynamics, powertrains, materials, and electronics.

Brand Prestige

Speed records are prestige markers. Brands like Koenigsegg, SSC, Bugatti, and now Yangwang/BYD, use them to prove they’re at the top of performance engineering.

Marketing & Identity

For hypercar makers, being associated with what is the fastest car in the world is a powerful marketing tool — it draws attention, potential buyers, and media coverage.

Electrification Implications

The fact that an EV (the U9 Xtreme) now holds the top-speed title shows that electric powertrains can not only match but surpass ICE performance in extremes. That has major implications for the future of car design.

Collector Value

Speed record cars often become highly sought after by collectors. If someone asks what is the fastest car in the world, record-breakers often appreciate in value (if they’re limited production).

Challenges & Controversies: Is It Always Clear Who Is the Fastest?

Answering what is the fastest car in the world is not always straightforward because:

• Verification Issues: Not all top-speed claims are independently verified. Some are theoretical, wind-tunnel numbers, or manufacturer claims.
• Track Conditions: To test top speed, conditions must be controlled — ideally a closed course or oval — and wind, altitude, and surface matter.
• Production Definition: What counts as a “production car”? Is it 30 units? 100 units? For some record attempts, very few cars are built, which blurs the line.
• Safety & Tires: At extremely high speeds, tire performance is critical. Limits in tire technology can restrict how fast cars can realistically go.
• Regulation: Some speed attempts require specific safety gear, driver protections, or modifications – not all runs reflect purely “stock” cars.

Future Threats: What Could Challenge the U9 Xtreme’s Record?

Since what is the fastest car in the world is currently answered by the U9 Xtreme, what could dethrone it? Here are some likely challengers:

More Advanced EV Hypercars

As battery and motor technology improve, more EVs could push past the 308 mph mark.

Low-Drag ICE Cars

Cars like the Jesko Absolut (or future Koenigseggs) — if they run verified high-speed attempts — could challenge the record.

Hybrid Hypercars

A hybrid car that combines the best of ICE torque and EV power might set new speed records while maintaining drivability.

New Testing Venues

Record attempts might take place on even more optimized tracks or under more favorable conditions, allowing new records.

Regulation Changes

As safety, tire, or road legality regulations evolve, new versions of hypercars could be built specifically for record attempts.

Final Thoughts: What Is the Fastest Car in the World — Right Now

So, to answer what is the fastest car in the world as of 2025: the title belongs to the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, with its mind-blowing top speed of 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph). This is not just a triumph of speed, but a milestone: for the first time, an EV holds the verified production-car top-speed crown.

Yet, the race is far from over. Other hypercars — from both electric and combustion backgrounds — remain ready to challenge the record. For car fans asking what is the fastest car in the world, the answer may change again. Speed racing isn’t just about going faster — it’s about engineering excellence, innovation, and pushing human boundaries.