The Supercar Model is Broken
dieselhead
The idea that faster is better is just wrong for cars that are intended to a) be driven on the street and b) actually driven. Current technology makes the fastest cars unusable at max velocity. And not fun.
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Chris Paukert
I'm not sure I'd say that the model is broken, but perhaps a bit of evolution is necessary. To deem the model broken because the performance envelope that these vehicles now attain exceeds that of which is advisable on public roads is an argument that could have been posed for decades now. America's roads (and most of the world's) aren't designed for the speeds and cornering velocities that these cars are capable of, and that's something that's been true for quite some time.
I would suggest that supercars still serve a number of purposes, including trying out new technologies in small batches, as well as seeding new design languages (as many companies do with concept cars). Both of these things tend to trickle down into mainstream products when we are speaking of supercars built by full-line automakers (think: Dodge Viper, MB McLaren SLR, etc.).
Let's also remember that there are an increasing number of trackdays and 'country club' motorsports facilities that allow the well-heeled to exercise their supercars safely and under controlled circumstances. As most supercars are generally driven sparingly and not to their real potential, I would say that this is a nice alternative.
Me? I'm waiting for someone to coin the term "green supercar." The Tesla is perhaps part of the way there, but smaller outfits who are working on fuel-cell and electric performance cars are a possibility. Perhaps the criteria should be based not on vMax and acceleration, but miles-per-gallon and C02 output.
Chris Paukert
Editor-In-Chief
Winding Road // NextAutos
Mena
"Perhaps the criteria should be based not on vMax and acceleration, but miles-per-gallon and C02 output."
There are millions of other cars that meet the MPG and Co2 requirements. Why does EVERY single car have to be subject to the latest "green" fad. Besides, no one will pay $500k for a car that's just like every other car on the road. Not to mention, high MPG cars don't require supercar budgets. This goal can be met at FAR lower price points. Keep supercars at the pinnacle of performance and design. That's what makes them so interesting. Practicality can be had in a Camry.
dieselhead
Chris makes some good points, at least in the context of my tersely worded question. But, let make lay out the argument more completely:
1. The supercar model (vMax, accel, 'Ring times) dominates our thinking about street performance cars in general
2. Supercars by definition probably have to be super at these things, but performance cars at least by defintion do not; my point here is about the application of the supercar model to perf cars, not about supercars per se
3. The supercar model for street performance cars is broken because an excessive focus on supercar parameters leads to cars that are not fun to drive on the street
4. Ergo, we need a new model for thinking about perf cars (and maybe a new name)
The ascent of perf cars into un-fun supercar territory is a relatively recent thing.
Track day cars may be different, but I'd argue that relatively few perf cars are used that way. And, as a member of a motorsports 'country club' I can say from experience that a) pure speed capability often doesn't make one faster and b) pure speed capability often doesn't make track days more fun.
I like the green supercar idea, and I like the green perf car idea even better (e.g. Tesla). That's another an worthy topic.
"Acceleration is simple: torque divided by weight"
- Gordon Murray
Mena
You make some good points. Although, as one who's only recently entered into the performance car market after many years of driving sporty cars (Nissan Sentra SE-R type cars), I can honestly say that a fast performance car is way more fun than a sporty one (for me). I have read numerous times where people ahve said that sporty car performance was good enough for them and there should be a heavier focus on fuel economy in that market (while implying that the entire sports car market should be that way). After 20 years of driving that type of car, no thanks, I will not go back.
Supercars are fringe element cars. Impractical, loud, and uncomfortable. Ungodly fast in a straightline, around corners, and even on the brakes. It's an overwhelming experience designed to be that way. Even though I'll probably never afford one, it's good to know that there are cars like that out there and someone is enjoying the crap out of them. I've never driven one but I have driven cars modified into supercar territory. It's soooooo much fun. It's like driving a dream. Unrealistic performance in every manner. You don't even feel like you're in a car anymore. I say leave them alone.
That said, I'm sure a "green" supercar (the Tesla is an exotic NOT a supercar) would be desired by someone and, at that price range, the production numbers don't have to be big.
dieselhead
Agreed on let's leave supercars as they are.
Agreed that performance cars can be a lot of fun.
My point is that a focus on the numbers and race-car like control isn't what makes a car fun on the street. Two cars, as an example: BMW M5 and Porsche GT3. They're both fast, and for our purposes here about equally so. Why is the GT3 a fabulous car to drive on the street and the M5 pretty boring? They have the same vMax, accel, 'Ring times, so speed isn't it. The difference is that BMW optimized all those things and stopped. That's following what I am calling the "supercar model" to a T. Porsche was obsessive about the feel/sound of everything. It makes a world of difference.
"Acceleration is simple: torque divided by weight"
- Gordon Murray
MenaA
You're exactly right!!!!! The feel/sound is a huge part of the experience. IMO, the major part of the experience. Since you said that, it reminds of when an old friend let me drive his 93 Sentra race car. It was stripped, had a roll cage, and a racing seat. It had minors mods: intake (CAI), exhaust and header. Not really all that fast but the interior harmonics from engine (no carpet or nothing), the instant turn in, and fantastic grip made that drive one of my most memorable. It was fun as hell! But no one, short of a supercar maker, would make a street car even close to that. And that's your point. We need more sound/feel from performance cars.