The fastest-accelerating road cars
When it comes to 0-62mph sprints, these cars come with ultimate bragging rights
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British roads have long been capped with speed limits no greater than 70mph, and for good reason.
But that hasn't stopped motorists longing to own cars capable of some serious performance – probably because it gives them greater bragging rights during conversations at the pub, but also because there's something quite exciting about driving a car that's capable of fantastic things.
It's like wearing a pair of high-end running trainers, but never doing anything more strenuous than jogging to catch the bus.
Technological prowess carries much value, even if you never really need it.
Think of how many people buy 4x4s capable of climbing a mountain, but never go further than the village green...
So, now that we've justified it, let's get examining the top 10 fastest-accelerating road cars.
On the market for a new car? Check out our range of used vehicles
Ariel Atom – 0-62mph: 2.8 seconds
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The Atom may have no roof and no doors, but it does offer spine-tingling acceleration.
From its 324hp, turbocharged four-litre engine, the Ariel Atom has no trouble launching itself from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds – making it one of the quickest cars money can buy.
On top of that, it weighs just 612kg, which is a real help when you want to thrash a track day at the weekend.
Lamborghini Sian – 0-62mph: 2.8 seconds
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The hybrid power of the wedge-shaped Sian makes it the fastest ever from the Italian specialist Lamborghini.
It uses mild-hybrid technology that's linked with a glorious-sounding 6.5-litre V12 engine to produce a total of 820hp, giving it a top speed of 217mph.
While this may sound great on paper, your bank account will take a hit because prices start at £2.6m.
But thankfully, Lamborghini made just 63 and they're all sold out – so good luck trying to buy one!
Radical RXC GT – 0-62mph: 2.7 seconds
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The RXC GT is a result of what happens when a British racing car manufacturer decides to build a road car...
Car enthusiasts always claim that their special supercar is a 'race car for the road', but this Radical actually is.
From its 3.7-litre Ford Duratec V6 engine, the RXC GT produces 385hp, which may not sound like a lot, but because of how light it is (1,010kg), it has no issues getting to 62mph from a standstill in 2.7 seconds.
Porsche 911 Turbo S (Sport Chrono package) – 0-62mph: 2.5 seconds
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This special version of the 911 is the fastest accelerating version of the German ever, and it's not even the full-fat Porsche GT3 or GT3 RS model.
The 992-generation of the Porsche 911 is a fine machine, but the Turbo S takes it to the next level.
With effortless power and subtle road presence, this is one of the best sleeper cars on the market.
Powering the Turbo S is a twin-turbocharged 3.7-litre flat-six engine that produces 650hp and allows it to hit 62mph in 2.5 seconds.
The true performance lies with the Sport Chrono package variant which introduces an improved chassis, engine and transmission, making it the ultimate rocket ship and comfortable ride for UK roads.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale – 0-62mph: 2.5 seconds
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The first plug-in hybrid Ferrari immediately became the fastest accelerating car from the famous Italian brand, offering a huge power bump to 986hp, thanks to its onboard hybrid technology and splendidly tuned Italian V8 engine.
This, coupled with its sleek design helps the SF90 to complete the 0-62mph sprint in 2.5 seconds – seriously fast.
Bugatti Divo – 0-62mph: 2.4 seconds
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The Divo is a sports version of the ‘standard’ Chiron – so it’s no surprise that it looks uniquely exotic.
When you get in the realms of Bugattis, that's when you know real performance is just a push of the accelerator away.
With a massive quad-turbocharged W16 sitting behind you, the Divo produces a whopping 1,479hp and with a top speed of 236mph, it's sure to blow your socks off.
Bugatti Chiron - 0-62mph: 2.4 seconds
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The Divo shares a lot with the 'standard' Chiron because it's what it's based on, but this is still a wicked machine.\
This £2.5 million hypercar has a top speed of 261mph and is road-legal – so you could use it to drive to the supermarket which is just bonkers.
Thanks to its 1,500hp engine, it also breezes up to 62mph in 2.4 seconds.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon - 0-62mph: 2.3 seconds
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The latest specialist performance version of the all-American Dodge Challenger can achieve extraordinary dragster-like acceleration.
The Challenger SRT Demon is an absolute weapon at the drag strip, but not that much use elsewhere.
Unfortunately for us Brits, it's not available here either, but the closest thing we can get is something with a big V8 under the bonnet.
Ultima Evolution Coupé (supercharged) – 0-62mph: 2.3 seconds
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This British manufacturer uses highly-tuned big Chevrolet engines in very lightweight sports cars – and devastating acceleration is the result.
Like the aforementioned Radical, this black and gold Ultima is a lightweight race car for the road, capable of rocketing all the way up to 62mph in 2.3 seconds, which quite frankly is frightening, but still not the fastest you can go...
Tesla Model S Plaid – 0-62mph: 1.98 seconds
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Elon Musk's most popular electric car was the first production vehicle to dip below the two-second 0-62mph barrier, and it also happens to be a great family EV.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is frankly ludicrous. This Tesla produces more than 1,000hp which allows it to get from 0-62mph in just 1.98 seconds, also making it one of the fastest cars ever made.
Of course, it's also a great everyday car, and it must be nice to know you can beat everything else on the road.
Top three fastest affordable road cars:
If you like the cars you see above, but don't fancy spending upwards of £2m on a brand-new car then there are some other options on the used car market you should consider.
Abarth 595
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The Abarth 595, based on the Fiat 500 is one of the most capable little sporty hatchbacks on the market.
They're quick, lots of fun, and fit perfectly down some of the country's tightest country roads.
Power comes from a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 180hp, but feels like twice that when you put your foot down.
So, if you want a fun driving experience with something as small as little used Fiat, then this is the car for you.
Audi TT
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With similar antics to the full-fat Audi R8 sports car, the smaller TT is a great first sports car because of its compact proportions and great power.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that gives out 400hp and is an absolute hoot to drive with either a manual or automatic gearbox.
Audi's superb Quattro four-wheel drive system can tackle any weather conditions and won't be sliding around in winter.
Plus, you can get these used Audi models at a great price.
Tesla Model 3
 "Tesla Model 3")
One of the most popular cars to buy in the UK is the Tesla Model 3 hatchback.
This small and affordable electric car took over the world when it was announced a few years ago for several reasons.
The main reason is, of course, its practicality, excellent all-electric range and its small proportions, making it a great city car. Another reason, however, is its rather insane performance stats.
Powering the top-spec model is a set of dual electric motors that produce a combined 491hp, giving it a 0-62mph time of 3.1 seconds which beats most sports cars today.