Top 16 Street-Legal Cars by Speed Ranking

The rules of the road represent the boundary where vehicles transition from being wild to completely reckless. Safety standards, airbags, pollution controls, headlights, and other features enable certain cars to coexist with models like the Prius and Accord, while restricting others to the limits of a racetrack. It's remarkable to create a vehicle capable of speeding around that track, but it's arguably even more impressive to design a car that can achieve fast lap times and still stop at a McDonald's drive-thru on the way home.

Even if you don't necessarily want to drive a mid-engine sports car that could scrape over a tiny twig to the supermarket, you can still do so if you feel like it and have the funds. Of course, there are some more practical choices available that offer performance and power for everyday roads with a more accessible design, like a Bentley Continental GT or a Lexus LC500. However, even with their capabilities, they might still be better suited for taking you to the track rather than driving around it. Here are 16 high-performance street-legal vehicles ranked by top speed.

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16. Caterham Seven 620R

Caterham is similar to the hidden gem teriyaki restaurant at the end of the street. It only offers one item, but it does it exceptionally well, and that item is the Seven. The Caterham Seven is a compact, two-seater sports car designed with one purpose in mind, and that is enjoyment. One of the most straightforward models in its lineup is the 620R. Launched in 2013, the 620R serves as the street-legal counterpart to the wild R600.

To maintain racing integrity, the 620R is equipped with a compact yet powerful supercharged 2-liter Ford Duratec engine. This engine delivers 311 horsepower solely to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. This gearbox enables flat shifting, allowing drivers to keep their foot on the accelerator while engaging the clutch, resulting in extremely quick gear shifts and minimizing the typical drawbacks of a manual transmission. Although 311 horsepower may not sound impressive, considering the 620R's curb weight of only 1,210 pounds, it's understandable that this vehicle can easily attain a top speed of 158 mph.

15. Ariel Atom 4

Caterham is not the only group of Brits focused on delivering track-level performance for road use, though. The Ariel Atom 4 offers a somewhat different take on the ideal street-legal race car. Ariel's history dates back to 1871, when James Starley invented the Penny Farthing bicycle. Starley's innovative thinking eventually led to the development of cars, guiding the company to its current position. The Ariel Atom 4 represents the core of the company's offerings.

The 2018 version, for example, is equipped with the same turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine used in that year's Honda Civic Type R, which, through an ECU adjustment, delivers a solid 320 horsepower. The Atom is extremely minimal, featuring only basic body panels; it almost appears like a roll cage with wheels. Even though it lacks typical comforts like a heater or a roof, it can still be made legal for street use in the U.S. if registered as a kit car. The Atom is also fast, accelerating to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 160 mph.

14. BAC Mono

The BAC Mono is another creation from a British automotive manufacturer, featuring a high-tech design that looks like a smaller version of a Formula One car and only accommodates a single passenger. Similar to the Caterham, the Mono is equipped with a Ford Duratec four-cylinder engine. However, the engine in the Mono bears the mark of the British engineering firm Cosworth, delivering 280 horsepower, which complements its lightweight build, weighing just 1,190 pounds.

The Mono's cockpit is designed for a single pilot, who can control this compact vehicle from a nearly horizontal driving position. Its open-wheel layout leaves little actual car to see, but what is visible is a pleasure to look at. Every aspect of it suggests a small Formula One car or an adult go-kart, and yet the Mono is still street-legal, despite its racing-inspired design and top speed of 170 mph.

13. 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Compared to the previous three releases,the 992 model Porsche 911 GT3 RSseems relatively mild with features such as a windshield, doors, a roof, and protection on all four wheels. However, just by looking at this vehicle, it's evident that the GT3 RS is a racing machine. Its large rear wing, which includes a DRS system similar to those found in Formula One, big hood vents, bold canards, and other elements give the GT3 RS the appearance of a GTE car that has made a weak but effective effort to convince authorities that it belongs on public roads.

The GT3 RS is a genuine racing vehicle. Externally, dynamic aerodynamic components such as the wing, underbody, and front spoiler collaborate to enhance downforce when navigating turns and reduce it during straightaways. Inside, the GT3 RS features a naturally aspirated flat-six engine that delivers a modest 518 horsepower and can reach up to 9,000 rpm. Although the GT3 RS isn't the fastest car in Porsche's range, as it prioritizes handling, it still performs impressively, with a top speed of 184 mph.

12. BMW M4 CSL

In the realm of BMW, the letter M signifies performance. However, within the M lineup, the levels of capability vary from remarkable to astonishing, and at the astonishing end lies the M4 CSL. CSL stands for Competition Sport Lightweight, which this vehicle certainly embodies. When it comes to weight reduction, BMW took extreme measures to reduce the car's mass, incorporating carbon fiber throughout, a CFRP hood, and omitting rear seats. All these elements contribute to a curb weight of just 3,580 pounds.

Regarding the concepts of competition and sports, the CSL is not deficient. Beneath the plastic hood lies a 543 horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine that delivers power solely to the rear wheels and can propel the M4 CSL to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. A rigid suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, and carbon-ceramic brakes enable the CSL to perform exceptionally in turns when it isn't reaching its 191 mph maximum speed on straightaways.

11. Lamborghini Huracan STO

If you were slightly unhinged and believed that Lamborghini's V10-powered entry-level supercar wasn't sufficiently wild,the Huracan STOcould be the vehicle that suits you. Similar to the M4 CSL, the three additional letters in this name suggest what to anticipate. STO stands for Super Turismo Omologato, signaling this car's close connection to racing. Externally, the STO is unmistakably a Huracan but with more. A bold front splitter, a large rear wing, and even a hood scoop are featured on the STO, all components that contribute to both form and function.

All 631 V10-powered horses are directed to the rear wheels through a dual-clutch transmission, enabling this Lambo to reach 60 mph in only 2.6 seconds. Similar to many Italian supercars, the Huracan STO produces a sound as beautiful as it is intense, with the V10 engine capable of reaching 8,000 rpm just behind the driver's head. While this Huracan is designed for handling curves, it can still accelerate effortlessly to a top speed of 195 mph.

10. Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

The Porsche 718 Cayman is frequently seen as the smaller cousin of the 911. For numerous performance models of the 911, there exists a comparable version within the Cayman lineup, giving customers the option to pick between two distinct types of Porsche. Much like the 911's GT3 RS, the 718 Cayman also has its own high-performance variant known as the GT4 RS. Like its larger counterpart, the GT4 RS is unmistakably a track-ready vehicle, featuring hood vents, a bold front lip, and a large rear spoiler.

The GT4 RS is also equipped with a flat-six engine, producing 493 horsepower and positioned in the middle of the vehicle instead of the rear, as seen in the 911. This flat-six engine can reach up to 8,400 rpm, allowing the GT4 to produce a powerful sound through its exhaust system similar to that of the GT3 RS. Due to its lightweight of only 3,242 pounds, the GT4 RS can accelerate to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 196 mph.

9. R35 Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R stands among Japan's most renowned exports, both in terms of physical products and cultural impact. The GT-R lineage dates back to the 1960s, and following the R34's appearance in the "Fast and the Furious" movie series, the name became legendary within the automotive community. The latest model, the R35, represents the pinnacle of GT-R performance, and despite its introduction in 2009, the R35 continues to be a strong competitor on the racing circuit.

The R35 is powered by its famous twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering a robust 565 horsepower and sending power to all four wheels through a dual-clutch automatic transmission. This all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and can propel the GT-R to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. A genuine driver's car, the GT-R features Bilstein dampers that can be customized according to the driver's preference, offering various ride characteristics and personalized configurations. It includes strong steel Brembo brakes as standard, while carbon-ceramic brakes are available on certain trims, which is beneficial considering its top speed of 199 mph.

8. Audi R8 V10 Performance rear-wheel drive

Comparable to the Nissan GT-R, the Audi R8 has emerged as a prominent figure in the automotive world. The R8 was introduced in 2007 and remained at the pinnacle of Audi's lineup for 16 years before being discontinued in 2023. Throughout its tenure, it underwent a significant redesign and saw numerous variations. One of these variations is the R8 V10 Performance RWD. While somewhat straightforward, the name accurately reflects the vehicle.

The initial R8 model was equipped with a V8 engine and all-wheel drive, and it has become one of the brand's most cherished performance vehicles. The V10 Performance RWD is considered the most authentic version of the R8, delivering power exclusively to the rear wheels, powered by a naturally aspirated V10 that can rev up to 8,100 RPM. Even though the rear-wheel-drive setup is inherently less stable, the R8 can still accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and the power will keep being applied until reaching its maximum speed of 204 mph.

7. McLaren 765LT Spider

When the McLaren 720S was introduced in 2017, it was already an exceptionally quick vehicle, and it played a key role in establishing McLaren as a serious rival to brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini. McLaren's road cars have consistently had strong connections to racing, but the LT models have an even stronger link to the track. The LT (short for Longtail) concept started with the 675LT and launched a new performance series where every aspect was pushed to its limits.The 765LTSpider carries on this tradition as a 720S that has been pushed to the maximum in every aspect.

The 720S was already an attractive vehicle, but the LT version enhances the aerodynamic aggression throughout, featuring more prominent side skirts, canards, a rear diffuser, and two additional exhaust pipes compared to the standard 720S, increasing the total to four. The 765LT delivers 755 horsepower to the rear wheels, thanks to a twin-turbo 4-liter V8 engine that enables this British racing machine to reach a top speed of 205 mph.

6. Ferrari 488 Pista

In Italian, the word "Pista" translates to "track," which makes it an appropriate suffix for the name of Ferrari's top-tier version of the 488. One aspect where the Pista excels is integrating track-oriented aerodynamic features in a refined manner. The Pista clearly belongs among the elite in the performance car category, yet it doesn't compromise on visual appeal or sophistication that you'd anticipate from a Ferrari. The side skirts and front splitter are more pronounced than those on the standard 488, but only by a small margin. Additionally, the hood significantly slopes downward beneath the front bumper, forming an air channel while also resembling an artistic sculpture.

Located deep within the car's core is a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that includes enhancements like a lighter crankshaft and titanium connecting rods, resulting in a power output of 710 horsepower. The Pista delivers power exclusively to the rear wheels, which are gripped by Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, allowing the Pista to reach 60 mph in only 2.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 211 mph.

5. Ferrari 812 Competizione

Similar to the 488 Pista,The 812 Competizione is the top-tier racing version of the 812,The V12 super tourer from Ferrari's earlier model line. Similar to the Pista, the Competizione excels at combining Ferrari's refined style with advanced engineering inspired by Formula One. It's a high-performance touring car with enhanced capabilities, and its appearance reflects this with features such as the absence of a rear window, replaced entirely by a new vented panel that manages airflow efficiently across the vehicle.

Even though the 812's engine is positioned in front of the driver, it still maintains most of its weight behind the front due to a rear-mounted transaxle. The engine is quite large — specifically, a 6.5-liter V12 producing 819 horsepower, with an astonishing redline of 9,250 rpm. At full speed, this vehicle can reach 212 mph.

4. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJis as high-performance as a high-performance vehicle can be; eventhe letters SVJmove quickly. The Aventador is likely the most famous vehicle from Lamborghini since the Countach. This V12 top-tier car comes in a wide range of versions, but the SVJ could be the most renowned. SVJ stands for Super Veloce Jota, with Super Veloce indicating its remarkable speed and Jota honoring the Miura Jota, a model created to comply with the FIA's appendix J regulations.

A true race car, the SVJ boasts enhancements throughout. It delivers 759 horsepower from a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine, channeling power to all four wheels. Gear shifts occur near the 8,500-rpm redline due to a single-clutch transmission. The most sophisticated techniques employed by the SVJ are found in its Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) active aerodynamics system, which utilizes various moving components to modify airflow across the entire vehicle while aiming for record lap times. Floor it on a straightaway, and the SVJ can achieve a top speed of 217 mph.

3. Mercedes-AMG One

A multi-million-dollar supercar fueled by a V6 might appear a bit puzzling, but when you understand thatThe Mercedes-AMG One is the most similar road-legal vehicle to a Formula One car available., things begin to become clear. Nevertheless, considering that Formula One vehicles have lifespans counted in laps instead of years, the idea of owning one appears somewhat unappealing.

No matter the logic, the engineers at Mercedes have developed the AMG One, a vehicle that can compete at the top level, as evidenced by its title as the fastest production car on the Nürburgring, while still being legal for road use. In line with modern Formula One engine designs, the AMG One features a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine, enhanced by four electric motors, resulting in an overall output of 1,063 hp, enabling the car to reach speeds of 219 mph.

2. Aston Martin Valkyrie

If there's a vehicle that can challenge the AMG One for being the closest road-legal F1 car, the Aston Martin Valkyrie is definitely that. Conceived by aerodynamics expert and former Formula One driver Adrian Newey, the Valkyrie appears prepared to launch into space with an anti-gravity system that was reverse-engineered from a UFO — it's nearly astonishing that its only capability is to drive at extremely high speeds.

Let's not diminish the Valkyrie, as it stands among the most remarkable hypercars of today. The entire vehicle is constructed from carbon fiber, with mirrors replaced by cameras, and its undercarriage is almost non-existent, featuring a tight, teardrop-shaped design. Behind the driver lies a Cosworth-designed, naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that delivers an impressive 1,139 horsepower, aided by electric motors from Rimac. Press the pedal to the carbon fiber floor, and the Valkyrie will swiftly reach 220 mph.

1. C8 Corvette ZR1

The C8 revolutionized the Corvette. It no longer brings to mind the image of a rough, tank-top and bandana-clad wrestler driven by extreme roid rage. Instead, the vision of a tough, quarter-zip and glasses-wearing wrestler with somewhat more controlled roid energy is now more likely. Features such as the flat-plane crank V8 and mid-engine design made the C8 naturally more geared towards racing, and trims like the ZR1 enhance this even further.

The ZR1 is powered by a V8 engine labeled "LT7" by Chevrolet, which underwent significant enhancements. It features new pistons and connecting rods, an improved fuel injection system, combustion chambers that are precisely machined using computerized technology, along with a pair of turbochargers. In total, the ZR1's 5.5-liter V8 generates an impressive 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and can reach a top speed of 225 mph.

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