live4speed
Te debate was over the definition of what a supercar was.
The debate seemed more to me like people disagreeing over what was a super car and what was not, and using other cars to make the distinction.
TheCracker
I think the debate about what these days constitutes a 'Supercar' has been argued to death, in plenty of threads here.
This hasn't really stopped this thread from being 50% about that very topic, it seems.
TheCracker
The only intelligent conclusions i've seen is that the term can't be applied to modern cars anymore. There are too many overlaps between different styles of car, the Cayanne Turbo S is quicker than an M3 around a circuit, which in turn, in CSL form, is as quick as a 911 GT3 - on paper at least.
For me, the only thing that constitutes a 'Supercar' is a car that is single-mindedly built to be very fast and have that 'wow' factor, with little compromised for comfort and practicality. In my day the Countach was the 'Supercar' personified. It was impractical and uncomfortable and didn't enjoy been driven slowly, for me that was what a supercar should be. How do apply that to cars like the Veyron, SLR or even the Z06 - the equation just doesn't work.
I blame the Germans for destroying the 'Supercar'
I haven't talked about the topic very much lately, so I'll give it a shot.
To be a "Supercar" requires the following characteristics:
-Body construction must be of a type that is completely state of the art in design, materials and construction. In the 21st century, anything less than a full carbon fiber monocoque is out.
-The engine must either have a direct link to racing powerplants or alternatively, produce superlative levels of power compared to common sports cars.
-The suspension must be adequate and proportionate in ability to the car's power levels. In other words, the chassis must be at least a capable as the engine. Suspension design itself should closely parallel racing designs save for the compromises which make the car streetable.
-Active aerodynamic management is a must. In the 21st century, that means ground effects and negative lift at speed.
-The interior must be finished to the highest standards of a proper road car.
-Despite the car's superior performance envelope, every opportunity is taken to ensure there are as few compromises as possible. The engine must be powerful, but tractable. The chassis must be firm enough to perform, but not firm enough to rattle the occupants. In other words, the car must have the ability of a top draw sports car, but still pamper the owner like a luxury car.
-The car must be built in very small numbers, in a limited production run. Supercars are not series built.
Using this strict standard, many cars come close, but doesn't qualify. Our Z06 is made of CFP body panels over an aluminum space frame. Very neat and cool, but not like a true Le Mans prototype. It will also be made in sufficient numbers (ie- not a limited run) to take it out of the running. The interior of the C6 is good, but not supercar good.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents. I realize that a few posts ago, I said I considered the Z06 a supercar, but after thinking about it and writing down my requirements, reserve the option of changing my mind about it.
M
