In profile: motoring world records - News

The everlasting pursuit for records in the automotive industry continues to drive forward the innovation and technological advancement of the cars, both on our roads and on the race track.

Whether it's the most powerful car ever made, the fastest, the oldest car still in use, or even the fastest electric vehicle in the world, the biggest brands and manufacturers will forever strive to achieve those headline records.

• World's fastest production vehicle – Bugatti Chiron

For the last two decades, Bugatti has been pushing the envelope of what is possible in engineering. When they unveiled the Bugatti Veyron in 2005, with its mind-blowing W16 engine and 1,000 bhp, the public wondered how far the French company could take it.

Eleven years later, the Chiron was born. The successor to the Veyron was lighter, more advanced, and crazier than ever before.

And, in August 2019, Andy Wallace managed to take the Chiron to 304 mph at Volkswagen's test facility in Ehra-Lessien, which is a record that is yet to be beaten.

• Oldest functioning car – La Marquise

Produced in 1884, the steam powered La Marquise is the oldest car still available to this day, although only in very small numbers, looked after and stored away by enthusiasts. Taking half an hour to build up enough steam to drive, and running on coal, wood and paper, the 138-year-old car sold for $4.1m (£3.5m) at auction back in 2011.

Built by French manufacturer, De Dion-Bouton, the car competed in an exhibition 'race' from Paris to Versailles with no other competitors. The car completed the event at an average speed of 16 mph.

• World's fastest electric vehicle – Rimac Nevera

The progression of electric vehicles (EVs) over the last decade has been nothing short of astronomical.

From the times where battery production was too expensive, and almost no one taking an interest, now more and more people are adopting EV technology, the pursuit of performance in electrified motoring has really begun to ramp up.

Step forward to Rimac Nevera – a Croatian all-electric hypercar capable of producing almost 2,000 bhp and eye-watering speeds of 258 mph, as well as going from 0-60 mph in an incredible 1.85 seconds. This comfortably makes the Rimac Nevera the world's fastest and highest performing electric car.

• Fastest lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife – Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO

The old Nürburgring race track was always a true test of man and machine with its fast and winding road through the Eifel mountains. And with a total length of 14.1 miles, it is also one of the longest race tracks in the world that is still in use.

Although Formula One stopped racing there in 1970, the track has remained a haven for motorsport enthusiasts looking to tame the 'Green Hell', so called by racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart for its dangerous reputation.

In 2018, a Porsche 919 EVO lapped the circuit in 5 minutes 19.546 seconds, breaking the 1983 record of 6 minutes 11 seconds, which was also originally held by Porsche in their original 956 endurance prototype model.

If you're looking to set the tarmac ablaze in the pursuit of speed, then head over to our Supercar Experiences to choose from a selection of exquisite cars to take for a spin from dates on our Supercar Experiences Calendar or purchase of our open Gift Vouchers.