Chimaera 400 performance - what can I expect?
Discussion
What cars have you owned before?
In performance terms, fast enough to s**t yourself. More than fast enough to execute overtakes on NSL roads when the biddies are doing 40. Also fast enough to go straight up the butt of the car in front if you blip the throttle to jump onto a roundabout..
0-60? No real idea of real world figures, maybe 5.5?
Red Line, around 5750 IMO...TBH no real need to get to the red line as a rule..
Top end? I got a comfortable 140 out of my old 4.0.. Nice straight airstrip, easily done.
In performance terms, fast enough to s**t yourself. More than fast enough to execute overtakes on NSL roads when the biddies are doing 40. Also fast enough to go straight up the butt of the car in front if you blip the throttle to jump onto a roundabout..
0-60? No real idea of real world figures, maybe 5.5?
Red Line, around 5750 IMO...TBH no real need to get to the red line as a rule..
Top end? I got a comfortable 140 out of my old 4.0.. Nice straight airstrip, easily done.
Edited by jasandjules on Saturday 5th August 17:25
I once did a 5.3 sec 0-60 mph in my standard 400. I'm sure a much better driver could manage 5.0 sec. An easily repeatable, not too aggressive figure is about 5.8.
No idea about top speed - not really bothered about it. No reason to doubt the 152 claimed figure.
Most importantly of all, you can expect a gorgeous soundtrack
No idea about top speed - not really bothered about it. No reason to doubt the 152 claimed figure.
Most importantly of all, you can expect a gorgeous soundtrack
Slow slow slow..... or at least compared to a 450..... or 500...... or Cerbera. 
But plenty fast enough for most people.
If you think of your Cobra as a greyhound, the TVR is more like a rottweiler - vicious bark and will take your head off if you treat it the wrong way!
In terms of bragging rights, some 400s (test cars for magazines) have returned high 4 seconds to 60, but in the real world, somewhere just over 5 is about right. Being a torquey lump, the V8 will keep pulling like a train anyway, so it's the 50-70 and 60-100 where it scores against lesser machinery.
Redlines, or rather the limiter seem to vary from car to car - my old 400 was incredibly low - about 5200, but my current 450 is around 6100 which is very high for an average Rover V8. In fact I only discovered it barrelling down the paddock straight at Castle Combe this week - hadn't dared rev that high on the open road!
But plenty fast enough for most people.
If you think of your Cobra as a greyhound, the TVR is more like a rottweiler - vicious bark and will take your head off if you treat it the wrong way!
In terms of bragging rights, some 400s (test cars for magazines) have returned high 4 seconds to 60, but in the real world, somewhere just over 5 is about right. Being a torquey lump, the V8 will keep pulling like a train anyway, so it's the 50-70 and 60-100 where it scores against lesser machinery.
Redlines, or rather the limiter seem to vary from car to car - my old 400 was incredibly low - about 5200, but my current 450 is around 6100 which is very high for an average Rover V8. In fact I only discovered it barrelling down the paddock straight at Castle Combe this week - hadn't dared rev that high on the open road!
My 400 is a 94 and i've never hit the limit - has seen 6200 rpm on rev counter and data logger! Daren't rev it any higher, just in case there is no limiter! Have been considering fitting an aftermarket limiter for peace of mind
It has always been said that the 4 litre is much more happy to rev than the larger engines.
It has always been said that the 4 litre is much more happy to rev than the larger engines.
Edited by jsr on Sunday 6th August 11:12
redleicester said:
Slow slow slow..... or at least compared to a 450..... or 500...... or Cerbera.
I've driven "flat" 450's that are slower than good 400's. I also know of a 500 that have gradually degenerated to around 200bhp before being re-built, a lot depends on the individual car.
Edited by M@H on Monday 7th August 11:09
gannmaster said:
jsr said:
...snip...
No idea about top speed - not really bothered about it. No reason to doubt the 152 claimed figure.
Most importantly of all, you can expect a gorgeous soundtrack
I had 152 (according to the GPS) on the 'autobahn' last summer. Still pulling.
i had 165 (gps verified) on foreign soil while chasing a black tuscan to the next pit stop. Could've gone faster but didn't want to push my chimaera 400 to the limit.
More importantly, rather than the top end speed, is the sheer force of nature that shatters sleepy roads lower down the mph scale. 400 gives a really cool revvie ride that can't be matched by the 450 and 500.
Won't someone please think of the hotties
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