What defines Supercar?
Discussion
I guess the goalposts keep moving, as technology advances.
One of the books I have owned longest is Motor magazine's 'Supercars of the 70's', published in '79.
This sets the hurdle at 0-60mph in under 8 seconds or a top speed of over 130mph.
Purely in performance terms, I'd now suggest that 0-60 in less than 4.0 seconds or a top speed of over 200mph (preferably both) are necessary to bestow genuine supercar status. 0-60 is getting a bit academic, though, so perhaps 0-100 in less than 10 seconds would be a better measure?
One of the books I have owned longest is Motor magazine's 'Supercars of the 70's', published in '79.
This sets the hurdle at 0-60mph in under 8 seconds or a top speed of over 130mph.
Purely in performance terms, I'd now suggest that 0-60 in less than 4.0 seconds or a top speed of over 200mph (preferably both) are necessary to bestow genuine supercar status. 0-60 is getting a bit academic, though, so perhaps 0-100 in less than 10 seconds would be a better measure?
You also might want to look at this thread which has already asked the question and recieved massive response (15 pages)
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=63161&f=23&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=63161&f=23&h=0
cosmoschick said:
But IMHO the Lambo, Koenigsegg, McLaren and Pagani Zonda are examples of supercars. They're exotic, rare and unbelievably fast - totally impractical and hugely expensive to buy, run and maintain.
Don't the Top Gear guys call these Hyper-Cars? Just another case of media pigeon-holeing.
In my day a supercar was a car capable of over 150mph although as was said earlier I guess that is up to 200mph+ now.
I asked the same question some time ago and got as many different replies as contributors.
I might even look up the link.
Im sure what we drive affects what we perceive supercars to be. I dont own a cerbera, but 3 years ago Id have sworn it "was" a supercar. Now, im not so sure.
Even so, anything (today, and surely in 10 years time) that makes 60 in 3.something seconds...
But saying that, what was that metro with 2 V6's that made 60 in 2.6 seconds, was doing all the speed trials, had the side all stickered up? No metro equivalent however fast is a supercar. But then some might disagree...
Main thing I suppose, if you drive one and go around saying "I'll pick you up in my supercar..." you dont deserve one anyway
Even so, anything (today, and surely in 10 years time) that makes 60 in 3.something seconds...
But saying that, what was that metro with 2 V6's that made 60 in 2.6 seconds, was doing all the speed trials, had the side all stickered up? No metro equivalent however fast is a supercar. But then some might disagree... Main thing I suppose, if you drive one and go around saying "I'll pick you up in my supercar..." you dont deserve one anyway
.Mark said:
I might even look up the link.
Here you go.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=111224&f=13&h=0&hw=supercar
A few threads to muse through there.
cosmoschick said:
But IMHO the Lambo, Koenigsegg, McLaren and Pagani Zonda are examples of supercars. They're exotic, rare and unbelievably fast - totally impractical and hugely expensive to buy, run and maintain.
A Chimaera is an affordable sports car!
that just about sums it up
Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff