The 16 Best Street Legal Cars that Can Do Over 200 MPH

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye

What a better way to begin talking about those vehicles capable of 200mph+ than to start with some home-grown muscle. Let’s just say one word, HEMI! This legendary engine design is still pushing all sorts of vehicles to the edge of some incredible speeds. Just look at the Top Fuel category in drag racing, cars that are capable of well over 300mph over 1,000 yards. The Dodge Challenger certainly won’t reach those sorts of speed, but as a fully street legal car, it is amongst some of the fastest in the world. Like its sibling, the Dodge Charger SRT, the Hellcat is motivated by an enormous 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that will produce up to 797 horsepower. The power chain includes the all-new reinforced ZF 8 speed transmission, and the track-tuned suspension keeps it all on the pavement.

Unlike its 200 mph predecessor, the Dodge Viper, which relied on a massive 8.3 liter V10 power plant, the engineers at Chrysler have perfected the 383-cubic-inch V8 to current engine standards. What this all means is that this beast is capable of 203 mph and is definitely one of the best in the current line of muscle cars on the U.S. market today.  Even though you probably won’t get much change out of $70,000 for one of these steeds, it is certainly better than paying hundreds of thousands for a vehicle that can deliver the same speed as this beauty.

Cadillac CTS-V

I was going to start the list with this car, but I thought by doing so, I would be showing my bias. Ever since I was a young lad and saw my first 1965 Cadillac Eldorado, I fell in love with all things Cadillac. Today, all these years later, I still have an extreme soft spot for the Caddie. This particular stallion from the General Motors stable is one hell of a sleeper. Cadillacs have always been known for their luxury. However, this monster is not only luxurious but ferocious to-boot. Underneath that beautifully styled hood, lies a purring tiger that once unleashed is extremely hard to tame. I am referring to the 6.2-liter overhead valve, pushrod pumping supercharged V8. This impressive piece of engineering is quite often compared to its European competitors, and in most cases, it comes out on top for performance, but especially in value-for-money.

Technically, this exceptionally designed vehicle uses the Corvette C6 ZR1 motivator coupled to an 8-speed 8L90 transmission. This combination produces a very comfortable 640 horsepower that will get you up to the 200 mph mark when the throttle is wide open. Sadly, 2019 sees the end of production for the CTS and CTS-V models, but don’t be too disappointed; the powers to be at GM have stated that a new CT5-V series will be the replacement. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see the next generation of the high-performance Cadillac.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The name Corvette is as synonymous with the United States as much as the 4^th of July is, and rightly so. The very first Vette was introduced as a concept car in 1953 but eventually went into full production-mode a decade later. The name Corvette comes from the name of the small, extremely maneuverable warship and was suggested to the executives at GM by a very clever man in their public relations department named Myron Scott. The idea was accepted, and then, as they say in the classics, the rest is history.

This is the 7^th generation Corvette and is the best yet. This beast is harboring the lovely little LT1 6.2-liter small block V8, which produces a neat 455 brake horsepower. Therefore, it’s not too shabby underfoot. Once you have decided to bite the bullet and buy one of these classic automobiles, you will have the option of fitting a performance exhaust and the choice of either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.

This article is all about joining the 200 mph club, and what better way than to do it than in an American motoring classic? The Corvette ZR1 has a top speed of 212 mph and won’t break the budget getting you there. What does the future hold for the Corvette? Well, it is reported that the generation 8 Corvette will hit the pavements sometime in 2020. This new model will feature the whole new drive chain configuration, taking the 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine from the front and mid-mounting it, then transmitting all that power into an all-wheel-drive footprint. For nearly 6 decades, General Motors has been giving us the ultimate play-thing in the Corvette, and I am sure that the next Stingray will have plenty of surprises in its tail.

Jaguar F-Type SVR

Let’s turn our attention to some classic British engineering in the Jaguar F-Type SVR. Jaguar has always had a reputation for combining luxury with style and performance, and this model certainly has all three factors combined into one very nicely presented package. First introduced at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2016, this stylish and well-developed vehicle became the first Jaguar since the XJ220 (discontinued in 1994) to be able to reach 200 mph. Powered by Jaguar’s 4^th generation engine, the AJ-8 supercharged V8, which produces 567 horsepower, the SVR is able to utilize its all-wheel-drive system to push the car from 0-60 mph I just 3.5 seconds.

Now, not all of us are looking at just getting to 200 mph; some of us also want the luxury and style that Jaguar is renowned for. The SVR will not let you down. The interior is not suited for the family man, as it is a two-seater design, but who wants to take their kids on a 200 mph joy-ride anyway? The upholstery is, as always, leather, and the instrumentation control buttons, aluminum. It has a center consul touch-screen display and TFT display centered between the instrumentation gauges. It also features the new stop-start engine shutoff function, which they say increases the car’s fuel economy by 5%. The “Swallow Sidecar Company,” Jaguar’s original name, has certainly come a long way since 1922.

AUDI R8

The Germans have always been extremely clever engineers, and the Audi R8 is a prime example of their automotive mastery. This car has only been on the market since 2006, but it has certainly cemented a place in the mid-engine, sports car category. Developed and manufactured by Audi’s private subsidiary, Audi Sport GmbH, this classy little roadster is based on the Lamborghini Huracan platform. Implementing Audi’s world-renowned Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system, this sleek package is not only quick but safe as well. The aluminum monocoque will keep the driver well protected as it is based on the Audi space frame design.

This car has been described as “minimalist” by some, but the fact that it can throw out a whopping 611 horsepower motivating it to 205 mph means that there is nothing minimalist about this surprising and exciting automobile. Not to rest on their laurels, the Audi management decided to cater for all sports car enthusiast and released a rear-wheel-drive model in 2017. The R8 RWS V10 Spyder is there for those thrill-seekers who like a little tailspin when playing with their toys. All in all, the Type 4S Audi R8 is an extremely capable aerodynamic package that will give you just a little bit change out of $170,000.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

Oh, those Germans; they’ve done it again. What can you write about the Porsche that hasn’t already been written? The ultimate “classic” sports car that the whole world has had a love affair with since James Dean’s tragic death at the wheel of his soon-to-be-classic 1955 550 Spyder convertible. It’s a true testament to a car that has seen many changes in the automotive world but has stuck to its guns and basic design. The Porsche 911 was first set upon an unsuspecting world in 1963 and probably raised the bar for all other sports car manufacturers to try to follow. Over the decades, the 911 has been race and road-proven many times, giving this car an exceptional pedigree.

The latest 911 is once again proving that Porsche is still one of the best sports car manufactures in the world. This is the “Sport Chorno” package that will give you 580 horsepower at the wheels and is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in a stimulating 2.8 seconds. This is all due to the extremely well-engineered twin turbocharged boxer 6-cylinder power plant that is capable of generating speeds of up to 205 mph. Ferdinand Porsche probably didn’t realize that his cars would become the all-time iconic sports car when he had an idea and founded the company way back in 1931.

Lamborghini Aventador S

Okay, just for a bit of fun, let’s see what $400,000+ can get you. How about an all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering 730 horsepower, V12 6.5-liter monster that looks absolutely beautiful. The Lamborghini Aventador S is one amazing automobile from a very impressive stable that has been producing top-end sports cars since 1963. Lamborghini is known around the world to be a fast car, a front runner in the sports car range, a market leader who other manufacturers follow, but did you know that the Aventador S is one of only a few Lamborghinis that is actually capable of reaching the 200 mph mark? The Lamborghini Company has a very interesting history since Ferruccio Lamborghini started the company over 5 decades ago. It has seen many owners over the years and even went into bankruptcy in 1978, but like all thoroughbreds, it found the strength to recover and is now owned by the Volkswagen group, under the Audi division.

The Aventador, which by the way is named after a fighting bull, sold an unexpected 12 cars after the initial unveiling in 2011, a figure that reached an unbelievable 5,000 units by mid-2016. The 2-door coupe and 2-door roadster are both built in Lamborghini’s factory in Sant’ Agata Bolognese in Italy and include the famous “scissor” doors that the brand is so well-known for. Another feature is the “Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Ativa” suspension control system which gives you 4 settings, including “Sport, Street, and Track, so when you reach the top speed of 217 mph, the car will stick to the pavement. There is also a setting that they call Ego, which unsurprisingly means that the individual can set the car up as desired. Like all of Lamborghini’s models, this amazing vehicle is a head-turner wherever it is seen.

Ford GT

You know a car is special when the manufacturer doesn’t bother giving it a model name. The people at Ford said to themselves, let’s just call the beast the GT. Like most super-cars, the Ford GT started life as a concept car but quickly turned into a full street-credible sports car that was made available to a waiting public. “poiler Alert: I’m going to drop a name here, so be prepared… The legendary Carroll Shelby was enlisted by Ford to help in the development of the GT. What more needs to be said? Unlike a lot of its counterparts in the 200 mph club, the GT relies on a surprisingly small engine. Underneath that sleek carbon fiber body sits a mid-mounted 3.6-liter V6 that will give you an incredible 647 horsepower to play with.

First put on the market in 2004, and only produced for 2 years, this flagship of the Ford Motor Company hit major success on the racetracks of the world. The original GT40 won 4 consecutive wins at the 24 hour Le Mans race from 1966-1969. The current version of the car was re-released onto an unsuspecting world in 2016 and is proving to be as popular as its predecessor. This car will push you to a top speed of 216 mph, but be warned: it is not cheap. Henry first gave us the assembly line, and now, he is giving us the ultimate in American sports car engineering.

McLaren Senna

Between 1988 and 1993, there was a relatively well-known formula one driver named Ayrton Senna who dominated the circuits of the world driving for team McLaren. This legend won 3 F1 championships and a world staggering 35 Grand Prix’s. Sadly, this icon of motor-sports died from injuries sustained in an accident in 1994, but the legend that he created lives on in the McLaren Senna, one of the world’s best-engineered automobiles. McLaren themselves describe this car as the “purest connection between car and driver,” and I guess only the privileged few will ever know. Totally inspired by McLarens sortie’ into the world of formula 1, this vehicle has managed to achieve an incredible power-to-weight ratio that will instantly inspire those with the ability to afford one of these machines to scoop it up at any cost.

The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged M840TR V8 motivator will put a formative 659 horsepower to the wheels under the superbly designed and incredibly aerodynamic carbon fiber skin. If you are technically minded, this vehicle will create a staggering 1764 pounds of down-force, making it stick to the road like you-know-what to a blanket. We all love to talk about the figures of propelling you to 60 mph hour from a standing start, but this animal, with a top speed of 211 mph, will get you from 0-180 mph in just 19.8 incredibly exhilarating seconds. If there is a car that is the best of the best, then the McLaren Senna may well just be the one. Oh, I almost forgot; this little gem will not leave you anything but small change from a million dollars.

Hennessey Venom F5

The next two cars that I am going to talk about are not only names that you may not have heard of before, but they are also extremely potent, being members of the 300 mph club. First, the Hennessey Venom F5 is somewhat appropriately named, as the pure toxin released by this car is absolutely scary. It’s not that often that you can combine the terms 1600 horsepower and street legal in the one sentence, but that’s exactly what the Hennessey Venom will deliver when it finally goes into a very limited production sometime in the not-too-distant future. The powers that be at Hennessey have made the decision that only 24 units will be produced, with the lucky owners being hand-picked instead of the usual first-in-first-served policy adopted by most other elite vehicle producers.

Before you get too excited and put in your order for this potential super-car, be warned: the price for one of these will probably be in excess of 1.6 million dollars. The ultra-light carbon fiber body hides a potentially potent 7.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that the manufacturers say is capable of pushing you to a very hair-raising 301 mph. Proclaimed as the “America’s Hypercar,” it will be put together in all its glory in the lone star state and will have the coolest of cowboys chomping at the bit to get their hands on one of these steeds.

Koenigsegg Jesko

In 1994, a young man from Sweden named Christian von Koenigsegg decided to start his own company with the idea of producing a world-class sports car that would not only be street legal but would also set the motoring world on fire. Their first sojourn into the street-legal class was the CC8S, which was released in 2002. Koenigsegg set themselves apart from their competitors by developing and building the components for their vehicles in-house. They have recently designed the world’s first camless piston engine and continue to research and develop programs for electronic car systems and the next-generation of reciprocating engines.

The Jesko, their latest offering to the motoring fraternity is, without doubt, a state-of-the-art masterpiece of engineering excellence. Some have said that the introduction of the Koenigsegg Company was the reason that the term hypercar came into existence; the bar was set for those brave enough to follow. The Jesko, named after Christian’s father, is a beast that offers you an insane 1,600 horsepower, depending on the configuration, produced from the mid-located 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine coupled to their innovative LST (Light Speed Transmission) 9-speed tranny, giving it a top speed of 300 mph. This car will be put into production in 2020 and will sell for around 2.8 million dollars, but don’t get your hopes up too high; the restricted production number of only 125 units has already been sold.

Bugatti Chiron

If you are like me, and you are a motoring enthusiast with a love for all-things-mechanical, you probably fall into the class of either a Bugatti lover or hater. The design of the car takes some getting used to if you are a hypercar fan. It is an engineering masterpiece, but that grill! I just can’t quite get used to it. That aside, this car is absolutely stunning in all departments. First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016, the Chiron utilized all of the engineering concepts form the Gran Turismo concept vehicle from 2015. Named after Louis Chiron, the iconic racecar driver from Monaco, this two-seater carbon fiber beast is going to get you from 0-60 mph in a whiplashing 2.4 seconds.

The impetus behind that incredible acceleration is the 8.0-liter Quad turbocharged (yes QUAD) W16 engine that, once revved up to 6,700 rpm, will put a gentle 1,500 horsepower under your right foot. The people at Bugatti have been responsible enough to electronically limit how quick the Chiron is, but it is still rated to have a top speed of 261 mph. Incredibly, the first 200 cars were sold before manufacturing even started, a true testament to this supercar, regardless of whether you are a fan or not.

Aston Martin Valkyrie

If you are in the market for one of these cars, you are going to be in for some unusual service. First, your whole body will be scanned by a 3-dimensional scanner to make sure that the driver’s seat molds perfectly to your body. A collaboration between Aston Martin, Red Bull Racing, and an assortment of other manufacturers, the makers claim that the Valkyrie is the fastest street-legal car in the world, a claim that is probably difficult to back up.

One of the design features that set the Valkyrie apart from its rivals is the open underfloor design that effectively works on the same principle as a venturi, creating a vacuum as air passes over it. This produces incredible down forces that keep the car stuck to the road when driven at speed.

One name that we are all familiar with is “Cosworth,” and that is exactly what Aston Martin choose to power their flagship vehicle. A neat little package of a 6.5 liter V12 linked to a Ricardo dual-clutch 7-speed transmission allows the Valkyrie to reach a top speed of 250 mph – all this from an impressive 1,160 horsepower.

Apart from its performance, the Valkyrie’s interior is straight from the stuff of movies. Rather than the traditional instrument cluster, it features several screens that relate all information relevant to the driver. Even the side mirrors utilize cameras. It is obvious why this car has always been a preferred form of transport for everyone favorite spy.

Bentley Flying Spur

To most, the name Bentley conjures up exclusivity and luxury, the world of executives and chauffeurs, politicians and millionaires, movie stars and rock musicians, certainly not the 200 mph club. The Flying Spur is classed as a full-sized luxury car, but it has to be on this list because it will have you getting between appointments at a relatively quick 207 mph. Now, apart from all of the interior features that you would expect from one of the world’s leading luxury vehicles, what lies under the hood of this lavish vehicle will leave you breathless, and somewhat surprised.

The heart of the Flying Spur is the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged Volkswagen W12 engine (yes, I said Volkswagen). This proven powerplant will give you a comfortable 552 horsepower at 6,100 rpm linked to a 6-speed auto that drives the four-wheel-drive system that delivers the power to the road, supported by their “Adaptive Air Suspension” system. Unless you are actually thinking of buying one of these beautiful vehicles, it is pretty hard to find out exactly what they sell for, but rest assured: if you need to ask, then you probably can’t afford it.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale

This is a list of street legal cars that are capable of 200 mph, and so far, the list has been completely full of vehicles that are powered by the traditional piston-powered petrol engines. But how can we give a list without mentioning a couple of cars that are a little outside of the box? First, the name Ferrari has always been synonymous with speed, but the powers that be there were never convinced about the whole concept of hybrid cars. That was until they introduced the SF90 Stradale. This venture into the future of motoring features a plug-in hybrid system linked to a V8 power plant. This combination produces a whopping 986 horsepower that will propel the car to a respectable 211 mph.

Tesla Roadster

Then, there is the Tesla Roadster, the world first all-electric street legal car. To a lot of people, this is the future of motoring, but there is probably a way to go yet before we see the world’s transportation systems rely on electricity. It’s hard to talk about what the Tesla delivers in terms of horsepower, but the bottom line is that it will reach an extremely quiet 250 mph. With figures like 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, the future of motoring looks extremely electrifying.