The Definition of a Supercar

Supercars are meant to be fast, expensive and good looking, but there is no official definition that exists that automatically qualifies or disqualifies a vehicle from supercar status. Based on the fact that supercars are first and foremost performance machines the definition has to be performance based. Therefore, a modern day performance vehicle looking to join the supercar club should at least be able to pass the 1/4 mile with a trap speed of greater than 120 mph. This high level of performance sets the bar high even for modern performance vehicles and eliminates the base Corvettes, 911s and even the Ferrari California.

Do you agree with this definition of what makes a supercar, or do you believe that there are more important criteria missing?
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Larrybel2000 - 7/16/2010 11:23:59 PM

+1 Boost

Ford GT is called a Supercar. Its a Supercar by design because it's emotional appeal is extraordinary. The numbers don't show a Supercar in this 2006 automobile magazine comparison. The GT can just hang with the best American muscle of it's time. It's no match for the current ZR1 Corvette Supercar. So yes I believe there are criteria other than performance numbers that are important.

Larry B.
Key West

Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Best lap time 1:32.75
Best lap average speed (mph) 73.0
0-60 mph/quarter-mile (sec) 4.1/12.0
Braking 70-0 mph (ft) 149
Cornering l/r (g) 1.10/1.09
Weight (lb) 3147
Distribution f/r (%) 50.9/49.1
Top speed (mph) 198

Dodge Viper SRT19 Coupe
Best lap time 1:33.95
Best lap average speed (mph) 72.0
0-60 mph/quarter-mile (sec) 4.3/12.4
Braking 70-0 mph (ft) 150
Cornering l/r (g) 1.04/1.02
Weight (lb) 3454
Distribution f/r (%) 48.8/51.2
Top speed (mph) 190

Ford GT
Best lap time 1:32.45
Best lap average speed (mph) 73.2
0-60 mph/quarter-mile (sec) 3.8/12.2
Braking 70-0 mph (ft) 156
Cornering l/r (g) 1.03/1.01
Weight (lb) 3489
Distribution f/r (%) 43.4/56.6
Top speed (mph) 205

Nemesis07r - 7/17/2010 12:40:17 AM

+1 Boost

Inline, I agree with you partially. I don't think there are really any "hypercars" out there, plus "hypercar" doesn't really have the nice ring to it such as "supercar". But I do know what you're trying to get at with the cars you're talk about. Yes your typical supercars would include the Porsche turbos, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and mid to high end Porsches, but when you're talking about the McLaren F1, Bugatti, and the Enzo, I think they're still considered supercars, they're just on a higher tier than the rest because of their rarity, but I wouldn't call them "hypercars"...doesn't sound right.

Nemesis07r - 7/17/2010 12:42:20 AM

+2 Boost

Gosh... "...you're talking about**" and please omit the "Porsche Turbo" as that's included with the "mid-high end Porsches"

Agent63 - 7/17/2010 10:36:33 AM

+6 Boost

Supercars are cars with heritage.
Supercars are fast
Supercars have their own distinct look
Supercars have appeal
Supercars are expensive
Supercars are respected
Supercars are well-made

pcar4evr - 7/18/2010 6:58:55 AM

-3 Boost

you left out one I think - supercars are not mass produced

Therefore GTRs, Porsche Turbo, Any Vette are not supercars

Agent63 - 7/18/2010 7:14:49 PM

+3 Boost

I think the Porsche Turbo and RS cars are super cars. It's all depending on where you live. In North America where people only view supercars as the loud and dramatically styled. Porsche has heritage and their figures compete against its rivals correctly. In Europe they are considered supercars. It's the mentality that American's and Canadian's have. A Corvette is a muscle car. The GT-R is Japanese supercar. Not on the same level as the Porsche 911, 458, Gallardo when it comes to prestige though. Just my opinion.

lenkun - 7/18/2010 12:28:31 PM

+1 Boost

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Ferrari Enzo FXX EVO
Porsche Carrera GT
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Lexus LF-A
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