can a car go over top speed

[StJack]

No, a car cannot safely or sustainably exceed its factory-set top speed under normal conditions. This limit is engineered into the vehicle through a combination of engine electronics, aerodynamics, and gearing to ensure safety, reliability, and legal compliance. The primary mechanism is a governor, a electronic limiter that cuts fuel or ignition to prevent the engine from spinning beyond a predetermined RPM. Even without a governor, a car reaches a point where aerodynamic drag and mechanical friction perfectly counteract the engine's power, creating a natural speed ceiling.

Attempting to push a car beyond this limit is extremely dangerous. The vehicle's stability, braking, and tire capabilities are not designed for such extremes. Tires, for instance, have a speed rating (like V, W, or Y) that indicates the maximum speed they can safely handle; exceeding this risks a catastrophic tire failure.

Factor Limiting Top Speed	Description	Example Data/Considerations
Electronic Governor	Software-based RPM or speed limiter.	Common on many sedans and SUVs; often set 5-10 mph above the speedometer's maximum.
Aerodynamic Drag	Air resistance increases exponentially with speed.	At 125 mph, drag is roughly four times greater than at 62 mph.
Engine Power & Gearing	Final drive ratio determines theoretical max speed in top gear.	A car may run out of power or hit the "rev limiter" before drag becomes the main factor.
Tire Speed Rating	Maximum safe continuous speed for the tires.	A "H" rated tire (130 mph) on a car capable of 150 mph is a major safety risk.
Drivetrain Losses	Power lost through the transmission and axles.	Can account for a 15-20% reduction in power reaching the wheels.
Fuel Delivery	The fuel pump may not supply enough volume at extreme RPM.	Can cause engine power loss or damage from running lean.

For the vast majority of drivers, the car's top speed is a theoretical number. Real-world conditions like road gradient, wind, and temperature make achieving even the rated top speed difficult. The risks involved in trying—including total loss of vehicle control, tire failure, and severe legal penalties—far outweigh any perceived benefit.

[McDylan]

Not really, and you wouldn't want to. My buddy tried to push his sports car on a long, empty highway. The car just stopped accelerating at a certain point—it felt like hitting an invisible wall. The engine was screaming, but the speedometer wouldn't budge. It’s built that way on purpose. The car knows its limits better than we do. It’s a safety thing, plain and simple. Trying to force it past that is just asking for trouble.

[VanTheo]

As a technician, I see it as a hard stop. The engine control unit (ECU) has a programmed rev limiter and often a separate speed governor. When the ECU sees the target RPM or speed, it cuts fuel or spark. It's a non-negotiable safety protocol. Even if you removed the governor, components like the stock tires aren't rated for speeds beyond the factory limit. Pushing past it risks mechanical failure, from throwing a rod to a tire blowout. The car is designed to protect itself from that.

[HaydenAnn]

From a performance tuning perspective, it's possible but ill-advised without extensive and expensive modifications. You'd need to reprogram the ECU to remove the governor. Then, you must address aerodynamics for stability and upgrade brakes, tires, and cooling systems to handle the increased stress. It's a full vehicle system overhaul, not just an engine tweak. For a racetrack with professional safety crews, it's a calculated risk. For public roads, it's reckless and illegal.

[TheoRose]

Think of it like this: the top speed is the car's official, tested maximum. Can you push past it? Maybe downhill with a tailwind, but not in any meaningful or safe way. The forces working against the car increase dramatically. The air feels as thick as water, and the slightest steering input can feel unstable. The safety systems—the tires, brakes, suspension—are all calibrated for speeds up to that limit, not beyond it. It’s less about the engine’s ability and more about the vehicle’s entire design saying, "This is far enough."