Supercars that does NOT excite
Discussion
There was a thread in this section recently about how you can find yourself walking right past Enzos etc when you are at a car show.
I have the same feeling and it’s a shame…
When I was a kid, not THAT long ago, I would go crazy whenever I saw a Ferrari 308, or maybe even a Testarossa…but that was pretty rare back then. I remember that my dad once drove me 250km just to see a Diablo that was for sale, turned out the car was not even there anymore…
Today I would not even consider taking a picture when I see a Gallardo, Murci, 360, 430 etc etc.
Off cause some of this is due to the sad fact that I have properly lost a tiny fraction of my childishness, and I have now owned, driven and seen a lot of cars by now. But I also fear that supercars might not be that super anymore.
The production numbers are important too. There was 8250 Ferrari 348 build, world total. There are 17.500 360´s made. And I bet the story is even “worse” with Countach and Diablos vs, Gallardo and Murci.
When cars become easy to live with, easy to drive, and cheaper to maintain, the sale goes up, and the “super” disappears. Do you feel that a F430, 360, 997 Turbo and Gallardo etc is a true Supercar?
Last weekend there was a 599GTO at an Italian car show, I didn’t even go over to have a look, properly because I have already seen 3 others at one time at a dealer. The 599GTO is an astonishing technical and engineering wise achievement, I just wish I would get the same rush as the two times I have seen a 288GTO.
On the other hand I saw a really nice 246Dino and a road legal 355CH that was epic at that show.
How does anybody else on here feel? What does it take to get your attention supercar wise, and has it changed over time?
I have the same feeling and it’s a shame…
When I was a kid, not THAT long ago, I would go crazy whenever I saw a Ferrari 308, or maybe even a Testarossa…but that was pretty rare back then. I remember that my dad once drove me 250km just to see a Diablo that was for sale, turned out the car was not even there anymore…
Today I would not even consider taking a picture when I see a Gallardo, Murci, 360, 430 etc etc.
Off cause some of this is due to the sad fact that I have properly lost a tiny fraction of my childishness, and I have now owned, driven and seen a lot of cars by now. But I also fear that supercars might not be that super anymore.
The production numbers are important too. There was 8250 Ferrari 348 build, world total. There are 17.500 360´s made. And I bet the story is even “worse” with Countach and Diablos vs, Gallardo and Murci.
When cars become easy to live with, easy to drive, and cheaper to maintain, the sale goes up, and the “super” disappears. Do you feel that a F430, 360, 997 Turbo and Gallardo etc is a true Supercar?
Last weekend there was a 599GTO at an Italian car show, I didn’t even go over to have a look, properly because I have already seen 3 others at one time at a dealer. The 599GTO is an astonishing technical and engineering wise achievement, I just wish I would get the same rush as the two times I have seen a 288GTO.
On the other hand I saw a really nice 246Dino and a road legal 355CH that was epic at that show.
How does anybody else on here feel? What does it take to get your attention supercar wise, and has it changed over time?
They still feel very special to me, I'm 21. I still jizz my pants when I see a 360 (the car I had on my wall), Gallardo, etc. An F430 is my dream car 
It's quite hard to explain but I've just put it down to they're the supercars I've loved when growing up. I was only 9 when the 360 came out and I was obsessed. It's the car which made me love Ferrari and the Gallardo for Lamborghini. I would walk past a 288 GTO to look at a 599 GTO for example, or past a Countach for an LP560.
I know I'm only 21 and each to their own, but an F430 is no less of a supercar just because it's 'easier' to drive. Less rewarding on the track maybe, but then you can turn the driver aids off can't you? Why not just do that? The times I've been in an F430 & Scud, I was smiling constantly and weeks afterwards, which is what makes it a supercar.
It's quite hard to explain but I've just put it down to they're the supercars I've loved when growing up. I was only 9 when the 360 came out and I was obsessed. It's the car which made me love Ferrari and the Gallardo for Lamborghini. I would walk past a 288 GTO to look at a 599 GTO for example, or past a Countach for an LP560.
I know I'm only 21 and each to their own, but an F430 is no less of a supercar just because it's 'easier' to drive. Less rewarding on the track maybe, but then you can turn the driver aids off can't you? Why not just do that? The times I've been in an F430 & Scud, I was smiling constantly and weeks afterwards, which is what makes it a supercar.
No Ferrari has excited me since the Testarossa, and looking at their latest offerings (458, 599GTO and FF) it doesn't look likely to change. They all look tacky and classless imo, and in 30 years no one is going to remember them like all the iconic Ferraris.
Lamborghini are the same, after the Diablo, I just lost interest.
They both seem to have lost their exclusivity, which is what made them special imo.
Lamborghini are the same, after the Diablo, I just lost interest.
They both seem to have lost their exclusivity, which is what made them special imo.
George H said:
No Ferrari has excited me since the Testarossa, and looking at their latest offerings (458, 599GTO and FF) it doesn't look likely to change. They all look tacky and classless imo, and in 30 years no one is going to remember them like all the iconic Ferraris.
Lamborghini are the same, after the Diablo, I just lost interest.
They both seem to have lost their exclusivity, which is what made them special imo.
Murci SV,Reventon and new Aventador didnt get your heart racing? I agree the 599/612 and California are a tad boring but i think Lamborghini still know how to do it.Lamborghini are the same, after the Diablo, I just lost interest.
They both seem to have lost their exclusivity, which is what made them special imo.
Wanta996Gotta said:
Murci SV,Reventon and new Aventador didnt get your heart racing? I agree the 599/612 and California are a tad boring but i think Lamborghini still know how to do it.
I didn't like the SV at all, Reventon was nice, and I'm not a fan of the styling of the Aventador. I wouldn't want to own any of them if I'm honest, they just don't excite me compared to their older stuff.Perhaps the supercars you see when you are very young seem more desirable because at the time they were simply unattainable. Unattainable things by their nature create lots of desire. The first supercar I saw on the street was a black 5000s Countach. It was literally like a spacecraft landed on the road and I remember that moment like it just happened. My old man then had a Ferrari BB 512 so these cars always, even today, seem out of reach to me even though they aren't. The newer machines, as nice as they are, just don't have that same feeling. They are created in times where a little hard work will land you one. They don't have the mystery the older machines do.
Let's not forget the almighty internet. You can go on Youtube and find examples of virtually every car, see them in action and hear them. Back then you basically saw them in the wild and had to save that moment in your memory. The next best thing was the poster on your wall where you fell asleep to hopefully dream about it.
The closest I feel to the old cars is the Zonda R. You won't see it on the road, small chance of seeing it on the track but you know it is capable of incredible things. All Youtube vids of it duly saved to iPhone
Let's not forget the almighty internet. You can go on Youtube and find examples of virtually every car, see them in action and hear them. Back then you basically saw them in the wild and had to save that moment in your memory. The next best thing was the poster on your wall where you fell asleep to hopefully dream about it.
The closest I feel to the old cars is the Zonda R. You won't see it on the road, small chance of seeing it on the track but you know it is capable of incredible things. All Youtube vids of it duly saved to iPhone
Justices said:
Perhaps the supercars you see when you are very young seem more desirable because at the time they were simply unattainable. Unattainable things by their nature create lots of desire. The first supercar I saw on the street was a black 5000s Countach. It was literally like a spacecraft landed on the road and I remember that moment like it just happened. My old man then had a Ferrari BB 512 so these cars always, even today, seem out of reach to me even though they aren't. The newer machines, as nice as they are, just don't have that same feeling. They are created in times where a little hard work will land you one. They don't have the mystery the older machines do.
Let's not forget the almighty internet. You can go on Youtube and find examples of virtually every car, see them in action and hear them. Back then you basically saw them in the wild and had to save that moment in your memory. The next best thing was the poster on your wall where you fell asleep to hopefully dream about it.
The closest I feel to the old cars is the Zonda R. You won't see it on the road, small chance of seeing it on the track but you know it is capable of incredible things. All Youtube vids of it duly saved to iPhone
I think you are right. Today it is very easy to see supercars either in the flesh or via YouTube so not such a rarity. Plus the main manufactures are very much more corporate than they were. In the "old days" Lamborghini did not give a stuff about P&L, made some amazing cars but went bust. Nowadays they have to satisfy the corporate bosses at Audi (or Fiat with Ferrari). Zonda etc do still push the envelope but are also constrained by legislation etc. I happen to like the Aventador as I think it looks a bit ridiculous when compared to McLaren, 458 etc but everyone to their own opinion. I still think the Dino is one of the most beutiful cars ever made.Let's not forget the almighty internet. You can go on Youtube and find examples of virtually every car, see them in action and hear them. Back then you basically saw them in the wild and had to save that moment in your memory. The next best thing was the poster on your wall where you fell asleep to hopefully dream about it.
The closest I feel to the old cars is the Zonda R. You won't see it on the road, small chance of seeing it on the track but you know it is capable of incredible things. All Youtube vids of it duly saved to iPhone
In some ways I agree with what's been said in this thread. Modern supercars are just so much more accessable, and so are more common and used more often. I'm 23, so most of the cars I've grown up with have been "mass produced" relatively. I still do get a bit excited, but what really gets the blood going is seeing things like a 250 or Muira on the street. That is something special. I can still remember seeing my first Zonda.
I think a lot of the modern supercars are exciting to drive (perhaps not in feel, but in speed and acceleration) from what other people have said and I have experienced as a passenger. However seeing them is not such an "occasion". This was particularly the case when I lived in London. Now I live in Norway the most exciting thing I've seen on the road have been a Cobra and NSX (only seen 3 Ferrari here, no Lambo), because they are so expensive. So completely the opposite!
I think a lot of the modern supercars are exciting to drive (perhaps not in feel, but in speed and acceleration) from what other people have said and I have experienced as a passenger. However seeing them is not such an "occasion". This was particularly the case when I lived in London. Now I live in Norway the most exciting thing I've seen on the road have been a Cobra and NSX (only seen 3 Ferrari here, no Lambo), because they are so expensive. So completely the opposite!
jshell said:
Gallardo. Small wedge, all straight lines, no excitement at all. I'm sure it's a hoot to drive, though!
It is but i would rather have a Muira. Sadly out of reach given the current prices. Perhaps that's why the Muiras etc are appreciating so much. Nothing to touch them in latest models. iandc said:
jshell said:
Gallardo. Small wedge, all straight lines, no excitement at all. I'm sure it's a hoot to drive, though!
It is but i would rather have a Muira. Sadly out of reach given the current prices. Perhaps that's why the Muiras etc are appreciating so much. Nothing to touch them in latest models. Same page here!
Justices said:
Perhaps the supercars you see when you are very young seem more desirable because at the time they were simply unattainable. Unattainable things by their nature create lots of desire. The first supercar I saw on the street was a black 5000s Countach. It was literally like a spacecraft landed on the road and I remember that moment like it just happened. My old man then had a Ferrari BB 512 so these cars always, even today, seem out of reach to me even though they aren't. The newer machines, as nice as they are, just don't have that same feeling. They are created in times where a little hard work will land you one. They don't have the mystery the older machines do.
Let's not forget the almighty internet. You can go on Youtube and find examples of virtually every car, see them in action and hear them. Back then you basically saw them in the wild and had to save that moment in your memory. The next best thing was the poster on your wall where you fell asleep to hopefully dream about it.
The closest I feel to the old cars is the Zonda R. You won't see it on the road, small chance of seeing it on the track but you know it is capable of incredible things. All Youtube vids of it duly saved to iPhone
Good point here. Let's not forget the almighty internet. You can go on Youtube and find examples of virtually every car, see them in action and hear them. Back then you basically saw them in the wild and had to save that moment in your memory. The next best thing was the poster on your wall where you fell asleep to hopefully dream about it.
The closest I feel to the old cars is the Zonda R. You won't see it on the road, small chance of seeing it on the track but you know it is capable of incredible things. All Youtube vids of it duly saved to iPhone
Youtube, top gear and fifth gear have also contributed to making Ferraris Lambos etc easy accesible to anyone.
CIE560 said:
They still feel very special to me, I'm 21. I still jizz my pants when I see a 360 (the car I had on my wall), Gallardo, etc. An F430 is my dream car
It's quite hard to explain but I've just put it down to they're the supercars I've loved when growing up. I was only 9 when the 360 came out and I was obsessed. It's the car which made me love Ferrari and the Gallardo for Lamborghini. I would walk past a 288 GTO to look at a 599 GTO for example, or past a Countach for an LP560.
I know I'm only 21 and each to their own, but an F430 is no less of a supercar just because it's 'easier' to drive. Less rewarding on the track maybe, but then you can turn the driver aids off can't you? Why not just do that? The times I've been in an F430 & Scud, I was smiling constantly and weeks afterwards, which is what makes it a supercar.
I see we feel completly different on this subject, alltough I am only 7 years older than you.It's quite hard to explain but I've just put it down to they're the supercars I've loved when growing up. I was only 9 when the 360 came out and I was obsessed. It's the car which made me love Ferrari and the Gallardo for Lamborghini. I would walk past a 288 GTO to look at a 599 GTO for example, or past a Countach for an LP560.
I know I'm only 21 and each to their own, but an F430 is no less of a supercar just because it's 'easier' to drive. Less rewarding on the track maybe, but then you can turn the driver aids off can't you? Why not just do that? The times I've been in an F430 & Scud, I was smiling constantly and weeks afterwards, which is what makes it a supercar.
BUT, it makes me glad that you feel that way about these cars. Maybe I am just stuck in the past, that is very likly
Actually the high production numbers on all those supercars avalible today, might make the used supercar in 10 years time more affordable.
I understand the OP in regards to some newer stuff but there are still some drool tastic new cars that look stunning in the flesh rather than in the mags 458 / Reventon / Murci SV / 8C/ Zonda
but i think the valid point is that of scarcity and unobtainability of stuff when we were kids and the sheer drama surrounding them heres my smile inducer that still IMHO has the wow factor
Today it would not be permitted by safety legislations and that is a big factor in todays designs
but i think the valid point is that of scarcity and unobtainability of stuff when we were kids and the sheer drama surrounding them heres my smile inducer that still IMHO has the wow factor
Today it would not be permitted by safety legislations and that is a big factor in todays designs
steve06 said:
Veyron. Despite the engineering behind it I just really have zero interest for some reason.
Me too. And when I take the 355 to events etc, I always find myself ogling the older cars and virtually ignoring the modern ones. Maybe it's because I couldn't afford any of the newer stuff, but I guess that holds true for some of the older classics as well!I just get this sense of occasion when I see old Ferraris/Lambos etc that I don't get from the newer ones. They somehow seem more glamorous, and every time I see and old convertible Ferrari of any type, look at the beautiful outside and classic inside, all I can dream of is living on the French Riviera and cruising around in the sunshine in it. They just seem like living, breathing entities that have moods and personalities in a way which a modern car just doesn't.
Christ, I sound like a right old fuddy duddy and I'm not even thirty yet!
George H said:
No Ferrari has excited me since the Testarossa, and looking at their latest offerings (458, 599GTO and FF) it doesn't look likely to change. They all look tacky and classless imo, and in 30 years no one is going to remember them like all the iconic Ferraris.
Lamborghini are the same, after the Diablo, I just lost interest.
They both seem to have lost their exclusivity, which is what made them special imo.
In 30 years the 458, 599GTO etc will be the iconic cars of the time, when the Dino came out people said it wasn't a proper Ferrari, look at them now, they're icons, they weren't when they came out. Lamborghini are the same, after the Diablo, I just lost interest.
They both seem to have lost their exclusivity, which is what made them special imo.
Kids today see 458's or 599GTO's and get the same emotional feeling as we did back when we saw a Countach or Testarossa as a kid. The sad fact is we're just older now, the current Ferrari's/Lambos will be tomorrow's icons and when today's kid grow up they'll remember the good old days of the 458 and 599 and how modern Ferrari's are rubbish etc etc
John.
steelej said:
In 30 years the 458, 599GTO etc will be the iconic cars of the time, when the Dino came out people said it wasn't a proper Ferrari, look at them now, they're icons, they weren't when they came out.
Kids today see 458's or 599GTO's and get the same emotional feeling as we did back when we saw a Countach or Testarossa as a kid. The sad fact is we're just older now, the current Ferrari's/Lambos will be tomorrow's icons and when today's kid grow up they'll remember the good old days of the 458 and 599 and how modern Ferrari's are rubbish etc etc
John.
I think the modern supercars will be too mass produced to be an iconic, not to mention the fact that pretty much all of them are horrendously ugly, and tasteless. I cannot see the shape of these cars aging well, 360s, 430s and Gallardos all look dated already imo. Too many of them are used as a fashion accessory with things like matte paint, which will go out of fashion at some point (the sooner the better). Kids today see 458's or 599GTO's and get the same emotional feeling as we did back when we saw a Countach or Testarossa as a kid. The sad fact is we're just older now, the current Ferrari's/Lambos will be tomorrow's icons and when today's kid grow up they'll remember the good old days of the 458 and 599 and how modern Ferrari's are rubbish etc etc
John.
George H said:
I think the modern supercars will be too mass produced to be an iconic, not to mention the fact that pretty much all of them are horrendously ugly, and tasteless. I cannot see the shape of these cars aging well, 360s, 430s and Gallardos all look dated already imo. Too many of them are used as a fashion accessory with things like matte paint, which will go out of fashion at some point (the sooner the better).
You're basing this on how you feel now though, go ask a kid what he think and that view will be different, that's the point, we were much younger when Countachs etc were aroud, we didn't think about how many were produced we just got excited when we saw them. The same will happen with the next generation.John.
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