Skip to main content

Watch the Koenigsegg Agera RS Become the Fastest Production Car on the Planet

Koenigsegg Agera RS hits 284 mph - VBOX verified

The automotive community is still trying to wrap their collective heads around Hennessey’s new Venom F5 and its claimed top speed of 301 mph. However, there’s already news about a production car top speed record from Swedish supercar builder Koenigsegg.

Recommended Videos

This past weekend, on a closed section of a Nevada highway (not far from where Hennessey had just revealed its new supercar), the Koenigsegg Agera RS was officially clocked at 277.9 mph — averaged by high-speed runs in both directions. To put that figure in perspective with other V-Max kings, the Bugatti Chiron is limited to 261 mph, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport runs out of steam at 267 mph, and Hennessey’s Venom GT trails off at 270 mph.

Koenigsegg notes that its Agera RS went even faster during its Nevada tests (284.6 mph), but because its return run was only 271.2 mph, the average was pulled down. Niklas Lilja, Koenigsegg’s factory test driver, deserves credit for keeping his foot down on a road he’s never experienced before. In-car footage from Racelogic show what Lilja was experiencing at these towering speeds.

Koenigsegg Agera RS
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The vehicle used was a privately owned Agera RS. This same car broke the 0 to 249 to 0 mph record last month (besting Bugatti’s Chiron by 5.52 seconds). Technically, the Agera RS isn’t even Koenigsegg’s fastest. Both the Regera and lighter One:1 models could theoretically go faster, but Koenigsegg doesn’t have spares lying around.

At this point, you might be wondering why we’re so impressed. After all, Hennessey says its Venom F5 will do over 300 mph. True, if the F5 clocks that kind of velocity, Koenigsegg’s feat will seem less impressive, but that’s a big “if.” You see, computer simulations can tell you a car’s top speed based on aerodynamics and power, but there are a few other factors to consider, like tires.

Koenigsegg’s Agera RS used Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires — arguably the best high-speed performance tire on the market — and while these proved durable at over 280 mph, there’s no telling what will happen at over 300 mph. As speeds increase, the force of air being pushed over a car (and therefore down on a tire) becomes immense. Even the best tires can burst or lose grip at a certain point. In addition, Hennessey needs a road long enough for the Venom F5 to reach its peak speed. A stretch of Nevada’s Route 160 was good enough for 284 mph, but 301 … who knows?

There’s no telling how long Koenigsegg’s record will hold, but for now, the Swedes are the world’s speed kings.

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
Nephew to drive Lotus 97T 40 years after Ayrton Senna’s first F1 Grand Prix victory
Senna considered his 1985 Estoril victory his finest drive
Ayrton Senna wins the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix.

Ayrton Senna was a hero of Brazil and one of the best Formula 1 drivers ever. Senna died during a race in 1994. On April 21, forty years after Senna's first F1 Grand Prix victory, his nephew Bruno Senna will drive the winning Lotus 97T race car on the same track.
Why Lotus is celebrating Senna's 1985 win

Formula 1 is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Lotus Cars is taking this opportunity to honor both Senna, who drove for Team Lotus from 1985 to 1987, and the Lotus 97T, which pioneered aerodynamic devices still in use in F1 race cars.

Read more
BMW takes dynamic sportiness to new levels with R 1300 R
The R 1300 R is a daily ride that can upgraded for luxury, performance, and style
Two versions of the BMW R 1300 R parked on asphalt with distant hills and a city in a valley.

BMW Motorrad introduced four variants of the 2026 BMW R 1300 R, the variety emphasizing the naked roadster's versatility. BMW's overall theme for what turns out to be a significant update with a redesigned engine and chassis, new front and rear suspension, new cast aluminum wheels, and a new overall visual design, is dynamic sportiness.

In the launch news release of the BMW R 1300 R, BMW stresses the platform's sportiness, athleticism, aggressive appearance, and dynamics. The point is that, in all its forms, regardless of how freely you use your pen or click your mouse with the extensive options and accessories pages, the R 1300 R is an appropriate bike for daily use that can also be accessorized to emphasize luxury, extra performance, and style. You can also outfit the R 1300 R for touring with optional windscreen, luggage, and seating choices.
Why so many changes to the Roadster

Read more
Jeep debuts seven cool concepts for its 2025 Easter Safari
Seven concept trucks debut at the 2025 Easter Jeep Safari
Jeep

The 59th annual Easter Jeep Safari kicks off on April 12 in Moab, Utah, promising a spectacular experience. Seven all-new custom Jeep 4x4 concept builds will debut at this year’s Easter Jeep Safari, giving the brand an opportunity to showcase its creative talent, and fun-loving spirit.

Jeep continues to impress with a new lineup of concept vehicles each year, and the 2025 showcase is no exception. The event also provides Jeep with a valuable opportunity to gather public feedback on new design ideas, accessories, and functional add-ons that could influence future production models.

Read more