When it comes to speed, the world often looks to Europe or Japan, but the United States has produced some serious contenders in the race for the fastest cars. From muscle cars roaring on the drag strip to hypercars built with 3D-printed components, America boasts an impressive lineup. In this list, we’ve expanded our collection of the fastest American cars, showcasing powerful sedans, classic legends, and cutting-edge hypercars that have left their mark on the pursuit of speed.
SSC Ultimate Aero
Kicking off our list is the SSC Ultimate Aero, the predecessor to the Tuatara, renowned for its impressive speed run. With a production run spanning almost a decade, from 2004 to 2013, the Ultimate Aero made its mark in 2007, reaching speeds over 250 mph. Powered by a 6.4-liter twin-turbo SSC V-8 engine, delivering a staggering 1,287 horsepower, this rear-wheel-drive monster held the title for the world’s fastest car until Bugatti’s Veyron Super Sport took the spotlight in 2010.
Ford GT
A name synonymous with automotive history, the Ford GT continues its legacy with a modern twist. Featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 producing 647 horsepower, the current-generation Ford GT achieves a top speed of 216 mph. This iconic model, paying homage to the GT40s of the ’60s, not only dominates the road but also claimed an emotional victory at Le Mans in 2016, celebrating 50 years since Ford’s inaugural win at the renowned endurance race.
Dodge Demon
Muscle car enthusiasts meet the Dodge Demon. This thoroughbred American muscle car is a drag racer for the road, boasting a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI that unleashes a staggering 840 horsepower. Capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 211 mph, the Demon is designed for quarter-mile dominance. With the optional Demon Crate, featuring drag slicks and essential components, it’s no surprise this beast excels on the strip.
Vector M12
In the realm of obscure brands, Vector made its mark with the M12. Despite the brand’s eventual bankruptcy, the M12 stood out for its unique styling and collaboration with Lotus for chassis design. Equipped with a Lamborghini Diablo-sourced V-12 engine, this rare gem faced challenges due to poor build quality, resulting in only 17 units produced between 1995 and 1999.
SCG 003S
Rounding off our list is the SCG 003S, a limited-run supercar from the boutique automaker SCG. Hand-built in Hollow, New York, this road-legal track weapon features a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter twin-turbo S63 V-8, generating over 800 horsepower. With speeds exceeding 230 mph, the SCG 003S boasts precision engineering and a stripped-down cockpit, making it a street-legal masterpiece.
From the thundering power of muscle cars to the precision engineering of hypercars, these fastest American cars represent the diversity and innovation within the U.S. automotive landscape. As technology advances and automotive boundaries are pushed, we can only anticipate what the future holds for the next generation of American speed machines. Buckle up for a thrilling ride into the heart of American automotive excellence.
