Top 10 Fastest Convertible Cars in the World

Top Speed: 344.39 km/h

While Porsche is known for producing some of the fastest, most high-performance cars the world has ever seen, the number of true Porsche supercars is relatively few. In fact, modern 911 Turbos, GT3s, and GT2s certainly perform like supercars, but in terms of characteristics, they lean closer to high-performance sports cars than full-fledged hypercars. Among Porsche's convertible supercars, there are just three names to remember: the 959, Carrera GT, and most recently, the mighty Porsche 918 Spyder. Like the Porsche 959 in the late 1980s, the 918 Spyder is one of the most advanced and technologically cutting-edge vehicles ever produced by the German automaker. First previewed in the 2010 concept and released as a model in 2013, the 918 Spyder marked a revolutionary moment for the car industry.

The Porsche 918 Spyder is considered the first true hybrid hypercar and is credited with helping spark the high-performance hybrid revolution in the industry. Built on Porsche's exclusive mid-engine architecture, the 918 Spyder combines hybrid technology from Porsche's extensive motorsport program. Like the Carrera GT with its 5.7L V10, the 918 draws most of its power from a 4.6L naturally aspirated V8 engine based on the 3.4L engine in the Porsche RS. With this immense power, combined with Porsche's ultra-fast 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive system, performance figures are staggering. From 0 to 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds. During its three-year production run from 2013 to 2015, the Porsche 918 Spyder, alongside the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1, captivated automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

Top Speed: 349.22 km/h

Pagani has taken the iconic Zonda supercar to new heights with the Zonda Cinque Roadster, a limited-edition model with only five exclusive units to be handcrafted at the Modenese Atelier. The front-folding roof and air intakes positioned above the passenger cabin give it a striking appearance. Powering this beast is a 678-horsepower, 575 lb-ft torque Mercedes AMG V12 engine, which we believe is an upgraded version of the 7.3L V12 found in the Zonda F. The Cinque Roadster comes equipped with a six-speed sequential gearbox and rear-wheel drive as standard. The suspension components are lightweight aluminum and titanium, fully adjustable, while the carbon-ceramic brakes with 15-inch front and rear discs ensure unmatched stopping power. The car rides on magnesium-aluminum wheels—19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear—wrapped in massive Pirelli P-Zero tires.

Pagani has applied all the weight-saving measures seen in the Zonda Cinque to the Roadster version, further improving driving dynamics, performance, and emissions. The carbon-titanium chassis has been redesigned to offset the absence of the roof. The Cinque Roadster also borrows from the track-only Zonda R with its monocoque frame made from carbon-titan (a material developed by Pagani, stronger than regular carbon fiber) and revised components such as the front splitter, air intake, and rear wind deflector. The car's aggressive styling, stunning details, and spine-tingling sound make it a thrilling ride. Weighing in at just 1210 kg (dry), the Cinque is lighter than the standard Zonda F, giving it a power-to-weight ratio comparable to the Bugatti Veyron. With such a large, naturally aspirated engine, its performance is nothing short of extraordinary.

Top Speed: 349.22 km/h

The Lamborghini Aventador SV, short for "SuperVeloce" or "super fast", was introduced as a Roadster version in 2016, a year after the coupe version was launched. Lamborghini produced only 500 units of the SV Roadster in 2017, a limited edition with no changes made during production. The Aventador SV Roadster is a prime example of Lamborghini's focus on extreme performance rather than practicality, targeting the same rarefied clientele as the Pagani Huayra Roadster. The fearsome 6.5-liter V12 engine in the standard Aventador has been tuned with a new exhaust system and other tweaks to add nearly 50 more horsepower while shedding weight thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber. Lamborghini's creation is even more thrilling in its roofless Roadster form.

The Aventador SV Roadster takes things even further compared to the standard Aventador Roadster, which succeeded the Murcielago Roadster. While the powerful 6.5L V12 engine beneath the engine cover remains largely unchanged, the SV version gains 49 additional horsepower from the revised exhaust system, intake valves, and modified intake system. The total output reaches 740 horsepower at 8,400 rpm, while torque remains unchanged at 507 lb-ft. The SV Roadster shares a removable two-piece carbon fiber hardtop, characteristic of the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, which can be stowed in the trunk, offering one of the wildest convertible driving experiences available. Thanks to these engine tweaks, the SV Roadster can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of over 217 mph.

Top Speed: 354.05 km/h

Mercedes-Benz unveiled a limited edition of the McLaren SLR called the Stirling Moss, in honor of the legendary British racing driver. When Mercedes-Benz first introduced the SLR 300, they needed something to generate media attention, and who better than Stirling Moss, who won the 1955 Mille Miglia driving the car? Later that year, he repeated the feat at the Targa Florio. Moss is considered one of the greatest F1 drivers never to win a World Championship, and his legacy remains unmatched. In 2009, Mercedes-Benz created the McLaren SLR Stirling Moss roadster to pay tribute to his achievements.

After launching the SLR as a coupe and roadster, Mercedes-Benz decided to create a unique roadster by cutting off the A-pillars and windshield, resulting in a two-seater roadster with tall roll hoops behind the seats for safety. To protect the driver from wind, two small wind deflectors were added in front of the cockpit. Furthermore, if the driver is alone, the passenger seat can be covered with a panel. The interior is distinguished by racing-style bucket seats with high fixed side bolsters. A carbon fiber center console houses the gear selector, and the driver faces a separate instrument cluster for speed, tachometer, fuel, and coolant temperature. Under the hood, the McLaren SLR Stirling Moss boasts a specially tuned 5.4L supercharged V8 engine that sends power to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission. Only 75 units of this iconic roadster were produced by Mercedes-Benz.

Top Speed: 408.77 km/h

Volkswagen Group Chairman Ferdinand Piech stunned the world with the announcement that the Veyron hypercar concept, first shown at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, would become a reality. The Veyron was an extraordinary car, even by Piech’s visionary standards—he was the mind behind pioneering machines like the Porsche 917, Audi Quattro, and the revival of both Volkswagen and luxury brands Bentley and Lamborghini. When the Veyron, capable of hitting 253 km/h, was finally released in 2005, it set a new benchmark in both speed and performance. Piech pushed the boundaries even further with the Super Sport version, which reached an astounding 268 mph during a high-speed test at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien facility in 2010.

Bugatti, a Volkswagen subsidiary, produced the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse roadster, which boasted a 1,200-horsepower, 8.0-liter W16 engine. This version held the record for the fastest production roadster, with a top speed of 254.04 mph achieved at Ehra-Lessien. The Grand Sport Vitesse was highly customizable, with options including a fixed-roof Veyron Super Sport. The car exceeded its original target of 233 mph, setting a new performance standard for open-top cars. Equipped with a reinforced racing chassis, rollover bars, modified wind deflectors, and a roof-mounted spoiler, the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse was engineered to handle extreme aerodynamic forces at high speeds. The car offered three driving modes: Standard (up to 136 mph), Handling (up to 233 mph), and Top-Speed (over 250 mph).

Top Speed: 427.44 km/h

The Hennessey Venom GT Spyder claims the title of the world’s fastest convertible, shattering the record previously held by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport Vitesse. HPE produced only five units of the 2013 Venom GT, with two already sold before deliveries began in the summer of 2012. Buyers could choose between the fixed-roof Venom GT or the Venom GT Spyder, which featured a removable roof. The base price for the Venom GT was $950,000, while the Spyder version was priced at $1.1 million. Hennessey confirmed that the convertible achieved a top speed of 265.6 mph at Naval Air Station Lemoore during a test on March 25, 2013. The record-breaking run was completed by Brian Smith, Director of Ford Performance Racing School, and was verified by independent speed-testing company, Racelogic. The Venom GT Spyder outpaced the Super Sport Vitesse, reaching a top speed of 254 mph during a 2013 run.

The Venom GT is powered by a 7.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering 1,451 horsepower at 7,200 rpm and 1,287 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The power is transferred to the rear tires through a 6-speed manual transmission by Ricardo. The Venom GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.4 seconds and has been tested from 0 to 200 mph in under 13 seconds. Constructed entirely from carbon fiber, the design was tailored to push the Venom F5 to its ultimate top speed. The new F5 chassis is both rigid and lightweight, with a measured torsional rigidity of 52,000 Nm per degree (38,353 lb-ft per degree), and the total weight is just 86 kg.

Top Speed: 482 km/h

Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg made waves with the Agera RS, hailed as the world’s fastest production car, capable of reaching a top speed of 278 mph. Now, the Koenigsegg Jesko has taken the mantle, a hypercar that is an evolution of its already impressive predecessor. Released in 2021, the Jesko combines cutting-edge design with incredible performance. Its sharp, aggressive lines and long rear end give the car a fast, fearless look. Powered by a 1,280-horsepower V-8 engine, it’s paired with a nine-speed transmission built in-house. With a starting price of around $3 million, the Jesko justifies its cost with exceptional capabilities. The car seats two passengers and features a removable hardtop, allowing you to enjoy open-air driving. The car also comes with electric windows, adjustable pedals, and a tiltable steering column as part of the standard package.

The Jesko is available in two versions: one for road use and another exclusively for track racing. The road version includes all the features you’d expect from a hypercar, including staggered forged aluminum wheels measuring 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear. All models come equipped with a rear-wheel steering system, enhancing cornering performance and agility. To further improve aerodynamics, there’s an available front splitter, rear diffuser, and a large rear wing. The car also features Koenigsegg’s Autoskin system, first introduced in the Regera, which allows all body panels to open at the push of a button. The Jesko is equipped with dihedral doors, and the Autoskin system uses sensors to ensure the doors won’t open if they encounter an obstruction. Only 125 units of the Jesko are expected to be produced, and all of them have already been sold.

Top Speed: 329.91 km/h

The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is an exceptional performer even at lower speeds. While rivals like Lamborghini and Ferrari might be slightly faster at slower speeds, they often come with a more raw, aggressive feel that can be off-putting for some drivers. The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, however, offers a smoother and more refined experience. With a peak torque of 590 lb-ft available between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm, this Porsche accelerates effortlessly, thanks to its two-speed Powerglide transmission. The interior is equally impressive, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, including leather upholstery and precisely stitched seams on the dashboard.

Powered by a 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine producing 640 horsepower, the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is a true powerhouse. It can reach 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, one of the fastest accelerations in its class, and it will keep going until it hits a top speed of 205 mph. The Porsche 911 Turbo was first introduced in 1975, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that Porsche added Targa and Cabriolet versions. While the convertible and partial drop-top models are relatively rare, the Turbo’s wider body with massive fender flares looks particularly striking on the Cabriolet models.

The reason Porsche developed the 911 Turbo was to offer a more road-ready version of the 911 with turbocharged performance for racing. The retractable roof can be operated with a single switch, automatically locking and unlocking. The system is both simple and quick, and can even be used while the car is in motion, up to speeds of 31 mph. It’s a smart system that also raises and lowers the rear quarter windows to optimize airflow when the top is down.

Top Speed: 329.91 km/h

The Porsche Carrera GT is often hailed as one of the greatest supercars of all time. Featuring a high-revving V10 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it was the first production car to have a full carbon fiber monocoque shell. But here's the kicker—before the Carrera GT, Porsche had never used a V10 engine in any of its cars. The company had used engines with 4, 6, 8, or even 12 cylinders, but never a V10. The Carrera GT’s V10 engine takes inspiration from Formula 1, where the V10 was the standard from 1989 to 2005. After years of successful racing with McLaren in the turbo era, Porsche wanted to return to the new regulations. A deal was quickly struck with Footwork Arrows to use a -liter V12 engine, the Porsche 3512, in 1991.

The Porsche Carrera GT was the first production car in the world to feature a full carbon fiber monocoque chassis. The car’s 5.7-liter engine was developed for both Formula 1 and Le Mans racing, and it was paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an extremely lightweight ceramic clutch. The car’s build quality is astonishing, with a total weight of only 1,380 kg, which was unheard of at the time. The Carrera GT set a benchmark for supercars, and even today, few vehicles can rival it. In terms of engineering and performance, only the Ferrari F50 has come close to matching the Carrera GT’s remarkable drivetrain that is closely tied to Porsche's racing heritage.

Top Speed: 333.13 km/h

The McLaren Mercedes SLR Roadster comes in two variations: a 2-door coupe and a 2-door roadster. This high-performance car features a mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and weighing 3,898 pounds. McLaren's designers opted for carbon fiber bodywork to ensure the car remained as lightweight as possible. The design of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren takes its inspiration from the iconic 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, a car that was purpose-built for the 1955 World Sports Car Championship. The 300 SLR was crafted to withstand grueling endurance races, ultimately winning the championship. The 2009 Roadster version, one of the last in the SLR series, had a starting price of around $500,750 and featured rear-wheel drive and seating for two. Powered by a hand-built 5.5-liter AMG V8 twin-turbo engine, the SLR Roadster produced 617 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 575 lb-ft of torque between 3,200 and 5,000 rpm. It came with a 5-speed automatic transmission, a 25.6-gallon fuel tank, and a 7.2-cubic-foot trunk. The Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR, a concept car first shown at auto shows like the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, was the precursor to the SLR McLaren. The public’s fascination with the concept led Mercedes-Benz to transform it into a production car, with McLaren tasked with bringing it to the streets, marking the beginning of the SLR journey.