Article
Fastest American Cars on the Road
Americans love fast cars. They're a power symbol, something to brag about, and whether they sit in the driveway or are let loose on the roads, these monsters all have the ability to go two- or three-times faster than the speed limit on a highway.
Americans love fast cars. They’re a power symbol, something to brag about, and whether they sit in the driveway or are let loose on the roads, these monsters all have the ability to go two- or three-times faster than the speed limit on a highway.
CNN Money has listed its top 10 fastest American cars, with three topping the 200 mph mark. Some have better mileage than others, one is battery-powered and one isn’t even in production any more, but all have a hefty price tag.
1. Corvette ZR1
3.3 seconds
0 to 60:
205 mph
Price: $110,300
Top speed:
14 city; 20 highway
Mileage:
The ZR1 is the flagship of the Corvette line and puts out 638 horsepower.
2. 2005 Ford GT
3.3 seconds
0 to 60:
205 mph
Top speed:
Last ones sold for $149,995 each in 2006
Price:
12 city; 19 highway
Mileage:
The GT hasn't been in production since September 2006. Since then Ford has opted to limit its cars to a maximum speed of 155 mph.
3. 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10
3.7 seconds
0 to 60:
202 mph
Top speed:
$92,885
Price:
13 city;
22 h
igh
w
a
y
Mileage:
The Viper is on hiatus until the 2012 model year when it will have a shorter hood, be accessible to more people and be more forgiving on the road.
4. Cadillac CTS-V
3.9 seconds
0 to 60:
190 mph
Top speed:
Starting at $63,600
Price:
14 city; 19 highway
Mileage:
Cadillac's line of V-series high-performance models come in sedan, coupe, and sportwagon, and all three have the same base price.
5. 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392
4.7 seconds
0 to 60:
182 mph
Top speed:
$44,380
Price:
14 city; 23 highway
Mileage:
The 2011 Challenger SRT has a new 392 cubic inch, 470-horsepower and there are only 1,492 Inaugural Edition models.
6. 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
4.5 seconds
0 to 60:
155 mph
Top speed:
$44,105
Price:
12 city; 16 highway
Mileage:
The only SUV on the list, the Grand Cherokee is on hiatus until it returns this fall for the 2012 model year with the new Hemi.
7. 2012 Shelby GT500
4.3 seconds
0 to 60:
Limited to 155 mph
Top speed:
$48,310
Price:
15 city; 23 highway
Mileage:
The GT500 got an engine update this year with an all-new 5.4 liter aluminum motor that produces 550 horsepower.
8/9. Lincoln MKS EcoBoost/Ford Taurus SHO
5 seconds/5.2 seconds
0 to 60:
Limted to 134 mph/131 mph
Top speed:
Lincoln starts at $41,500; Taurus starts at $38,155
Price:
Both 17 city; 25 highway
Mileage:
Both are powered by twin-turbo V-6s, are part of Ford's Eco Boost family and have a better than adequate fuel economy.
10. Tesla Roadster
3.7 seconds
0 to 60:
125 mph
Top speed:
$128,500
Price:
244 miles on a single charge
Mileage:
The Tesla may be the future of the car industry and it’s the only battery-powered car on the list. It’s acceleration is also better than most of the cars on this list.
