The 10 quickest cars for sale in Australia in 2021
As it turns out, identifying the quickest cars in Australia for 2021 is not an easy feat.
Not only do they need to be available locally, they also need to meet our criterion of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in under three seconds.
You may be expecting to see brands such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes, but interestingly, they don't make the cut.
Audi's R8 Performance misses out, clocking a time of 3.3 seconds, while the BMW M8 and Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S both get there in 3.2 seconds.
However, plenty of other car brands have models that can hit the tonne. Here are our top 10 picks of cars that tackle the 0-100km/h test in under three seconds:
- Tesla Model S Plaid – 2.1 seconds
Launching in 2022 – but available to order now, thus its inclusion in this list – the Tesla Model S Plaid is super quick. This all-electric beast has a claimed top speed of 322km/h, a range of approximately of 840 kilometres from a single charge, and can be had for one of the lowest prices on this list: $204,675 plus on-road costs.
It's worth noting that Tesla also offers an even quicker Model S Plaid+ for $224,580 plus on-road costs, but merely lists its acceleration figure at 'under' 2.1 seconds.
- Tesla Model X Plaid – 2.6 seconds
Another Tesla making its mark in the club, and this time it's an SUV – the only one in the list. So quick that it's a second faster than the claimed 0-100km/h time of the Lamborghini Urus (3.6).
The tri-motor Model X Plaid has a claimed 547km of range and spits out 760kW of power. As well as being the second quickest car in this exclusive club, it also shares the title of second cheapest with the Model S Plaid, with a starting price of $204,675 excluding on-road costs.
- Porsche 911 Turbo S – 2.7 seconds
The Porsche 911 Turbo S packs a 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine delivering outputs of 478kW and 800Nm, channelled to an all-wheel-drive system. The coupe has a starting cost of $473,900 plus on-road costs, with the drop-top Cabriolet priced at $494,900 plus on-road costs.
- Nissan GT-R Nismo – 2.7 seconds
The Nissan GT-R just had to make our cut. Equipped with a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, the GT-R powers all four wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It produces 441kW/652Nm and is the cheapest car in this list, setting you back $193,300 plus on-roads costs.
- Porsche Taycan Turbo S – 2.8 seconds
The much-anticipated, all-electric Porsche Taycan qualifies with the oddly-named Turbo S variant. The Turbo S has 560kW of power (on overboost) and a massive 1050Nm of torque, and will cost you $339,100 before on-road costs.
- Lamborghini Aventador SVJ – 2.9 seconds
No surprise a Lamborghini made it into our top 10 picks. The Aventador SVJ uses a 6.5-litre V12 engine to produce 556kW/720Nm, allowing it to hit a top speed of around 350km/h. Prices start at $949,640 plus on-road costs.
- Lamborghini Huracan Performante – 2.9 seconds
This Lambo carries a much lower price-tag than the Aventador SVJ, starting at $483,844 before on-road costs. It's equipped with a 5.2-litre V10 engine with outputs of 470kW of power and 600Nm of torque.
- McLaren 720S – 2.9 seconds
Replacing the 650S in the McLaren Super Series is the 720S, with a starting price before on-road costs of $499,000. This McLaren has a mid-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, boasting 530kW of power and 770Nm of torque, and has a claimed top speed of 341km/h.
- Ferrari 488 Pista – 2.9 seconds
One of two Ferrari models that made this list, the Ferrari 488 Pista packs a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivering 530kW/770Nm, and has a top speed of 340km/h – with prices starting at $596,888 plus on-road costs.
- Ferrari 812 Superfast – 2.9 seconds
A Ferrari that lives up to its name is the 812 Superfast. With a 6.5-litre V12 engine, it has plenty of power, producing 588kW and 718Nm, and is available to buy with a price tag of $613,888 plus on-road costs.