Time is an inevitable casualty of technology. No matter how much time it promises to save, it seems that technological advances always end up consuming more time. The issue is responsibility. A bit of technology might be convenient, but it adds another responsibility to your life. One more thing that you have to learn and use; one more thing to divert your attention from your other responsibilities.
Sitting in my room last night debating this paradox, I started to consider the exceptions, the advancements that speed us up. A few things came to mind, but only one set of technologies created a sort of linear group capable of mentioning easily: vehicles.
Some devices of modern travel is border on science fiction. Whether you’re traveling by land, by air or by sea, there are vehicles capable seemingly impossible speeds. I’m not talking about government vehicles either. We all know of jets and rockets that can fly an inconceivable speeds. I managed to find three vehicles that money can buy (lots and lots of money).
Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Of the group, the closest to earth is the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. Costing just under $1.5 million, the Veyron is the fastest and most expensive street legal car currently in production. Capable of 0 – 60 in 2.5 seconds, this 2-ton monstrosity tops out at 253mph.
It requires a special key to activated breakneck speeds. Once activated the car lowers itself closer to the ground and retracts its spoiler to reduce wind sheer. Once engaged, the Veyron’s quad-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 64-valve W-16 is capable of cranking over 1000 horses.
Absolutely ridiculous.
Cessna Citation X
Since the retirement of the Concorde, the Cessna Citation X has assumed the honor of being the world’s fastest civilian aircraft. The Citation X can ascend to an altitude of 43,000-feet and reach a top speed of Mach 0.92—about 587mph.
It can cover a distance of about 3800-miles and is capable of flying from New York to Los Angeles in just over four hours. Speed doesn’t come cheap though. Expect to pay about $20 million for a new one.
118 Wallypower
While the 118 Wallypower yacht isn’t the fastest boat in the world, it’s certainly one of the swankest and given its size, its speed is rather ridiculous. Measuring 118-feet and weighing a massive 95-tons, the 118 is capable of achieving speeds of 70mph.
This is made possible by three Vericor gas turbines connected to Rolls Royce Kamewa water jet that generate a total of 16,800-horsepower. The 118 stores 5812-gallons of fuel and consumes 14-gallons every minute at its top speed—that averages to about 951-gallons per hour.
If you have enough money for that fuel bill and think the Wally is right for you, be prepared to plunk down $25 million for the yacht. Luxury ain’t cheap.