What Is It That Makes A Supercar...A Supercar?

Whenever ANY car debuts there's always naysayers and fan boys. That's just how it works with things as highly emotional as automobiles. Considering how large of a purchase an auto is, there's always going to be strong opinions.

But when you start talking about supercars, boy, do things get heated!

That's because an already large purchase just got supersized, McDonalds style. Everything about the vehicle is on another level: its engine, brakes, wheels, tires, style and design, etc. But what is it about a supercar that makes it so?

For example, Lexus has the LFA. By all accounts it gets the job done -- especially when it turns a lap time like it did this week -- but naysayers will always argue that it's not that great due to it being a Lexus without heritage.

The Nissan GT-R, on the other hand, has unbelievable value for dollar but will always be chastised for its non-supercar looks.

And then there are products from small manufacturers like Pagani. There's no doubting that the Zonda and Huayra are supercars. Everything about the vehicles drips excess. Take for example the Huayra's new key as seen down below.

With that said, we want to know: what is it that makes a supercar...a supercar?

 

[Source: egarage]

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Joe_Limon - 9/11/2011 2:23:54 AM

-1 Boost

I consider a super car to be a fast/quick car, but isn't categorized in any of the following classes. Grand Tourer, Hypercar, Sports Car, Sporty Car. :)

For example, the SLS AMG the 599 or the 612 are not supercars, they are gran tourers. Hypercars would be something closer to the Pagani Zonda R, Radicals, v8 atoms, or Caparo T1.

Willis - 9/11/2011 6:32:11 PM

+4 Boost

SLS AMG, 599 and 612 are super cars with Grand Tourer characteristics. That means they're "practical everyday supercars".

Joe_Limon - 9/12/2011 3:02:14 PM

0 Boost

I disagree, but to each their own opinion.

Joe_Limon - 9/12/2011 3:02:56 PM

0 Boost

I mainly disagree since I feel that devalues both the title of supercar and that of a grand tourer.

993Turbo - 9/13/2011 7:23:38 AM

+1 Boost

I thought eldard was my mother's old douchebag, but that's back in Ohio.

Lexus - 9/11/2011 2:37:58 AM

+2 Boost

It has to be fast, fun and exhilarating to drive both on the track and road as well. And it has to a distinctive look that when someone look at it, they wonder and awe what kind of car is it.

And off course it has to have the spec and number to back up the exotic look. And a very beautiful exhausts note that you know this is a very special, uniques and fast car to drive.

Joe_Limon - 9/11/2011 3:47:08 AM

0 Boost

You mean like the Zonda R?

LexSucks - 9/11/2011 12:47:15 PM

0 Boost

BlackDynamiteMB,

Put down the Pom-Poms please. You make Lexus fans look bad. "Every other car is just in the way". Give me a break!!

LexSucks - 9/12/2011 3:15:17 PM

0 Boost

No you don't. It's people like you why I put on this "LexSucks" persona in the first place. I really don't feel one way or another about the cars (I take that back, they suck); At least not enough to write or comment about them.

The more you post this "Lexus is God" crap. The more you come across as a pimply faced teen. And the more I'll post crap about how lame they are. And yes, they (Lexus) still are lame. One car that no one can purchase doesn't all-of-a-sudden make current lexuses exciting.

It amazes me how anyone can be a fan of such a lame brand. Only Americans can be that stupid.

BondMI6 - 9/11/2011 10:22:36 AM

+1 Boost

A "super" price and a name ending in the letter "i".......

mini22 - 9/11/2011 11:26:26 AM

+1 Boost

I think the term "Supercar" is a moving target or concept.What I mean is that back in it's day the original Porsche Turbo was at one point the fastest car out on the market. I remember when the Dodge Viper and a Lamborghini Countach had not much over 400 HP.A Ferrari Daytona put out 352 HP. They were ALL supercar's. Why-Because they had significantly more power and performance then the average standard cars of it's era. What used to be "Supercar performance" is now become the standard average performance. A base 911 Carrera makes 350 HP now. A VW GTI makes 200 HP.I just saw a video on the new Car show with Adam Corolla where a Honda Accord V6 beat a Ferrari 308 Quattrovalve in a quarter mile drag. In the 80s a Ferrari 308 Quattrovalve had great performance.Today 500 HP minimum is now the starting point to allow yourself to be called a supercar. So to define a supercar it simply is a car who's performance significantly exceeds the standard average. This applies to acceleration,top speed,handling and braking.As proven by the GTR it's not all about looks, although the majority of supercars are very exotic looking.

LexSucks - 9/11/2011 12:50:27 PM

0 Boost

"I just saw a video on the new Car show with Adam Corolla where a Honda Accord V6 beat a Ferrari 308 Quattrovalve in a quarter mile drag."

- It was a Camry. Please don't confuse a Honda Accord with that crap.

mini22 - 9/11/2011 1:33:02 PM

+3 Boost

Camry,Accord-Their all the same. The Accord would have won as well and probably by more then the Camry. Listen Jap mid size sedans simply don't do very much for me in general.Exception-I like the Kizashi though cause it looks Euro inside and drives Euro.Sorry

OBSERVER1984 - 9/11/2011 6:49:09 PM

0 Boost

The spirit of Ferrari!

FromThePassengerSeat - 9/11/2011 7:07:27 PM

+1 Boost

Anything with two doors and a price over $200,000 that is worthy of an epic exhaust note based on gut instinct.