Here at PerformanceDrive, we’re often asked ‘what’s the quickest car we’ve tested?’ To answer the question to a more broader audience, we’ve put together a top ten list of the quickest vehicles tested for 0-100km/h, so far.
Officially, the 2013 Nissan GT-R is the quickest car on sale in Australia, without doubt, capable of 0-100km/h in a mind-bending 2.7 seconds. While we haven’t tested all cars that are on sale, there is enough data here to glance over some of the quickest.
Every vehicle reviewed is tested for its 0-100km/h time using various equipment, such as a Racelogic GPS-based timer. While there are always going to be variables and discrepancies that will slightly distort the accuracy of test results, such as ambient temperatures from day to day and tyre and tarmac temperatures and so, all cars are tested in very similar conditions and with the same equipment. In other words, no vehicle is given special privileges over another.
It’s great that we live in a world where such awesome cars exist and are available on the market. Our videos simply celebrate that. The full reviews of each can be found by clicking the vehicle title link.
Here’s the top ten quickest cars we’ve tested so far, in reverse order. Vehicles range from 2011 model year up to 2013.
10. 2012 Volvo S60 T6 Polestar limited edition – 5.6 seconds
Kicking off the top ten is the Volvo S60 T6 Polestar limited edition from last year. Featuring a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six producing 242kW and 480Nm, connect to an all-wheel drive system, it’s no wonder it was one of the quickest cars we’ve ever tested. We have no doubt this bad boy could achieve lower 5.0-second times if it had a quicker-changing (dual-clutch?) automatic transmission.
9. 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – 5.4 seconds
Believe it or not but this big heavy bruiser is more than just an imposing off-road machine. With a stonking 6.4-litre HEMI V8 nestled under the bonnet, the SRT8 produces a muscle-car-like 344kW and 624Nm. It comes with its own on-board quarter-mile and 0-100km/h timer, and a g-force gauge for the bends. A new eight-speed auto will replace the five-speed auto later this year, which is expected provide even quicker acceleration.
8. 2012 Ford Falcon G6 E Turbo/2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X – 5.3 seconds
Equalling the iconic Evo is the family ‘sleeper’, the 2012 Ford Falcon G6 E Turbo. It comes with the same foundations as the XR6 Turbo, only it’s filled with luxuries and gets slightly different underbody components. Despite the added weight of just over 100kg compared with the XR6, the G6 still goes like a slapped rabbit. (Full review and video of the 2013 model coming soon.)
The legendary rally star from the Land of the Rising Sun. We’re talking about a stock 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. It is a very serious car straight out of the box, and perfect for track days and rallying. With a five-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, and 217kW and 366Nm, it’s as raw and ready as they come. At $56,990, you can a lot of bang for your buck.
7. 2012 FPV F6/2012 BMW X6 M50d – 5.2 seconds
The FPV F6 is an absolute weapon. It is, in our opinion, the best performance car Australia has ever come up with in the last couple of decades. The 4.0-litre straight-six is already a bit of a torque-cruncher. With a big turbo blasting in fuel and air, the factory rating of 310kW seems unjustly. The main issue with the F6 is rear tyre width and traction; this thing will easily spin the wheels well into second gear, and even third if you decide to rest on the brake pedal slightly, not that it’s recommended.
The BMW X6 M50d is a pioneering vehicle. It comes with an industry-first (for a mainstream production car) triple-turbo diesel engine. Yes, that’s three turbochargers bolted onto the side of BMW’s 3.0-litre inline six. With 280kW and 740Nm, maximum acceleration is brutal enough to make you feel a bit nauseous; blood tends to rush to your head really quickly in these fast-accelerating large and heavy vehicles.
6. FPV Pursuit Ute/FPV GT-P – 5.0 seconds
Both of these performance soon-to-be icons feature the gruntiest engine the local Ford company has ever offered. The ‘Coyote’ 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine is taken from the US Ford Mustang, and it produces one of the best V8 soundtracks in the business. In the limited edition Pursuit Ute it produces 315kW and 545Nm, while the GT-P gets the same tune as the GT with 335kW and 570Nm.
5. FPV GT RSPEC/2012 Lexus IS F – 4.9 seconds
Dubbed as Australia’s quickest car. According to our timing equipment, it’s true. Even though the Coyote 5.0-litre supercharged V8 is untouched compared with the regular GT and GT-P, producing 335kW/570Nm, the RSPEC is all about making better use of that grunt. It comes with 275mm rear tyres (up from 245mm) on wider wheels, revised suspension, and an Australia-first launch-control system. It, like the Pursuit Ute, is a limited edition only with just 350 going into production.
The Lexus IS F is a super-refined and solid mechanical beast. It sings a metallic symphony like no other, and it’s filled with lots of modern technology. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 producing 311kW and 505Nm. It’s unknown at this stage if the performance nameplate will live on past next year. We certainly hope it does, it has been one of our all-time favourites.
4. BMW 650i Gran Coupe – 4.8 seconds
It might be extremely erotic and sexy to look at on the outside, and luxurious and pampering on the inside, however, the BMW 650i Gran Coupe is also a seriously quick straight-line weapon. It might not be as agile as the 5 Series in the bends, but boy does this thing haul. Power comes from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo ‘detuned M5’ V8 engine producing 330kW and 650Nm. Matched up to an eight-speed sports automatic with rear-wheel drive, the horizon – and the national speed limit – is only a few quick gear changes away. It could do with a proper limited-slip differential to make better use of the power, which could lead to an even quicker time. Still, not many are going to complain about 4.8 seconds.
3. 2012 Jaguar XFR/Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition/2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 – 4.4 seconds
The Jag is like James Bond. There’s a certain amount of tension built up in this suave suit and tie, it also has quite a few elegant gadgets up its sleeve. From the cabin, you can hardly hear the refined 5.0-litre supercharged V8. That is, of course, until you stamp on the throttle like its a cockroach. Power doesn’t stop until 375kW and torque will churn away until it peaks at 625Nm. Amazingly, you can take off with a fair bit of aggression and the chassis, (rear) suspension, and the tyres will cooperate and simply hurtle you towards the horizon.
What can we say about the Aston Martin DBS? You can’t really criticise a piece of art, just like you can’t criticise this. It’s so, so sexy from every angle. And the 380kW 6.0-litre (5.9-litre, or whatever you want to call it) V12 is wonderfully matched to the styling. So how about performance? Through the bends it’s pretty much faultless, the suspension is surprisingly forgiving and absorbent, while the steering is like an extension of your arms. We were a bit surprised outright acceleration wasn’t a touch quicker than 4.4 seconds.
The Chrysler 300 SRT8 is a pure muscle car, sure, but it’s also quite modern inside with impressive technology. There’s also cool lighting and a great interior decor, and of course five passengers will easily fit inside. The 6.4-litre HEMI V8 engine (347kW/631Nm) feels extremely torquey, especially just off idle; a light dusting of the throttle will see the rear tyres turn into dust. At $66,000, it’s an incredible bargain. A new eight-speed auto is coming this year and should be even quicker.
2. 2012 BMW M5 – 4.1 seconds
The BMW M5 needs no introduction. It is one of the very best vehicles on sale, in our opinion. It manages to combine the utmost in luxury and convenience, mind-blowing technology, and simply diabolical performance. The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 produces 412kW and 680Nm, however, customers have been seeing 390kW-plus at the wheels on a dyno. The biggest skill you’ll learn driving the M5 is ankle flex sensitivity. You can’t just pin the throttle in this beast and merrily steer down the road; the acceleration can quite easily overwhelm you.
1. Audi TT RS plus – 4.0 seconds
To our surprise, the quickest car PerformanceDrive has ever tested is the Audi TT RS Plus. Make no mistake, it’s an absolute freak of a car. Massive sensations are sent bouncing through your body when you drive it, especially from the Audi S1-like five-cylinder howl that comes from under the bonnet, and the cracking parp from the exhaust on upshifts. No, we were surprised in the natural definition of the word; with wide-open eyes.
