Supercar Trends

High-end, exotic cars with highly superior performances than other average, contemporary cars have been dubbed supercars, although the term is being disputed by the enthusiasts. The first one to receive this name was the Lamborghini Miura.

The criteria that designate supercars are performance, brand, styling, rarity or design. They are not made for single racing. These sports cars are usually driven by track amateurs and, because of their standard equipment, they do not qualify for car races.

By definition a super car has to be extremely fast. The acceleration for virtually all today’s supercars speeds up from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) under 5 seconds – for example Bugatti Veyron. Others reach 160 km/h (100 mph) in less than 9 seconds and it is generally accepted as the standard. Last but not least, a McLaren F1 can reach 320 km/h (200 mph) under 30 seconds.

The top speed was attained by the SSC Ultimate Aero TT, with 256.15 mph (412.233 km/h) in 2007 (13 September) that appointed it the fastest car in the world, similarly acclaimed by the Guinness World Records on October 9, 2007.

The weight is also important: in order to enhance acceleration, they have low vehicle mass and exceptional speed. Some have 5 lb per hp others 11.7 lb per hp. Notable are the Bugatti Veyron with 4.30 lb per hp – despite its heavy weight of 4299 lb including fuel - and the Koenigsegg with 3.23 lb per hp and a weight of 2,601 lb. The record is accepted to be held by the Ultimate Aero TT with only 2.33 lb per hp.

Design and brand are similarly important. Recently, car makers have been building new engines with all-wheel-drive because they perform a lot more power – like in the case of the Lamborghini Murcielago. Usually, the customers are more likely to choose an already established brand. New ones need time to prove their ability and performance.

The preference for a supercar doesn’t necessarily rely on the rarity of the car but on its performance and reliability. Actually more important seems to be the styling, as they have always displayed revolutionary style components.

As far as handling is concerned, supercars are built to offer the maximum in maters of road grip and cornering speeds. The Dodge Viper SRT-10 is known to have excellent brakes, stopping from 100 mph in 274 feet. Brake fade is also important, because, in time, it will diminish in performance.

Coming soon: a real beast!