Comments on: Question of the Day: Do We Still Like Supercars? http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/ The Truth About Cars is dedicated to providing candid, unbiased automobile reviews and the latest in auto industry news. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:24:17 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: driving course http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-2/#comment-403932 driving course Tue, 06 May 2008 15:46:22 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-403932 I think part of the definition of a Supercar is that it simply isn't practical to drive on the road. Me, I'd go for the more practical; BMW M3 not M1, Porsche 911 not 959... I think part of the definition of a Supercar is that it simply isn’t practical to drive on the road.
Me, I’d go for the more practical; BMW M3 not M1, Porsche 911 not 959…

]]> By: Robstar http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-403571 Robstar Tue, 06 May 2008 14:10:13 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-403571 The real supercars are not featured in most car magazines. Look at Formula1 for real supercars. There is nothing like hearing the engine hit 20k+ rpms going down the straight and watching the drivers pull 3+ G's in the corners. The real supercars are not featured in most car magazines. Look at Formula1 for real supercars. There is nothing like hearing the engine hit 20k+ rpms going down the straight and watching the drivers pull 3+ G’s in the corners.

]]> By: ChartreuseGoose http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-403401 ChartreuseGoose Tue, 06 May 2008 13:04:54 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-403401 I'm just tired of the formula. Any jackass with a big enough trust fund can mix and match some ludicrously overpowered V8/V12 supercar, style it to look like a cross between a Tesla Roadster and a Noble, claim they're going to dethrone the Veyron, and kludge out a few copies. What takes considerably more talent and finesse is a supercar that breaks the mold - an ultra-light diesel like the VW EcoRacer, an electric like the Tesla, a hybrid, a rally car. I'm excited about the Tesla. I'd lust after something in the mold of the old Group B rally cars. I'd love to see a truly raw, flared, winged WRC homologation special. But a big engine stuck in the middle of a swoopy car that looks like a talented 12 year old drew it in his math notebook? Tired and done. The world's moving on. I’m just tired of the formula. Any jackass with a big enough trust fund can mix and match some ludicrously overpowered V8/V12 supercar, style it to look like a cross between a Tesla Roadster and a Noble, claim they’re going to dethrone the Veyron, and kludge out a few copies. What takes considerably more talent and finesse is a supercar that breaks the mold – an ultra-light diesel like the VW EcoRacer, an electric like the Tesla, a hybrid, a rally car. I’m excited about the Tesla. I’d lust after something in the mold of the old Group B rally cars. I’d love to see a truly raw, flared, winged WRC homologation special. But a big engine stuck in the middle of a swoopy car that looks like a talented 12 year old drew it in his math notebook? Tired and done. The world’s moving on.

]]> By: brownie http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-403382 brownie Tue, 06 May 2008 12:53:53 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-403382 Oh who am I kidding? If I ever hit the right asset level, I'm buying a Murci. And sneaking an RS4 Avant in through Canada. Oh who am I kidding? If I ever hit the right asset level, I’m buying a Murci. And sneaking an RS4 Avant in through Canada.

]]> By: brownie http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-403342 brownie Tue, 06 May 2008 12:34:10 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-403342 esldude & Campisi : Believe it or not, there are people in this world - very, very rich people - who prefer not to engage in conspicuous consumption. And most people who indulge in a very expensive lifestyle are not rich relative to their spending - witness the countless celebrities who earned huge sums early in their lives only to end up penniless later. People who want to keep what they've earned don't typically buy things like supercars. esldude & Campisi :

Believe it or not, there are people in this world – very, very rich people – who prefer not to engage in conspicuous consumption. And most people who indulge in a very expensive lifestyle are not rich relative to their spending – witness the countless celebrities who earned huge sums early in their lives only to end up penniless later.

People who want to keep what they’ve earned don’t typically buy things like supercars.

]]> By: Campisi http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-403251 Campisi Tue, 06 May 2008 08:53:32 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-403251 esldude is exactly right. Sure, supercars make no sense when you're making five figures, but if you just announced your company's IPO and pulled in another hundred million in the course of a few minutes, which are you going to pick: the Koenigsegg (or whatever other supercar you fancy), or the tuned Evo? esldude is exactly right. Sure, supercars make no sense when you’re making five figures, but if you just announced your company’s IPO and pulled in another hundred million in the course of a few minutes, which are you going to pick: the Koenigsegg (or whatever other supercar you fancy), or the tuned Evo?

]]> By: esldude http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402901 esldude Tue, 06 May 2008 02:27:32 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402901 I have doubts about them in various ways. But I don't believe you guys. Not one bit. Just trying to ignore the fact you have no chance of owning one of these I think. If rich enough, I would own one, though not sure which it would be. I would have to be awfully rich. I do wish I might be that rich one day, and almost surely never will. But I would be lying if I said I didn't lust after them a bit. Either that or you guys are like an old geezer in his 90's who doesn't have the lust for a Playboy centerfold anymore. It might be part of growing up and maturing, but if true you have to admit something has been lost along the way. I have doubts about them in various ways. But I don’t believe you guys. Not one bit. Just trying to ignore the fact you have no chance of owning one of these I think.

If rich enough, I would own one, though not sure which it would be. I would have to be awfully rich. I do wish I might be that rich one day, and almost surely never will. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t lust after them a bit. Either that or you guys are like an old geezer in his 90’s who doesn’t have the lust for a Playboy centerfold anymore. It might be part of growing up and maturing, but if true you have to admit something has been lost along the way.

]]> By: Samir http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402692 Samir Mon, 05 May 2008 23:39:01 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402692 Speak for yourselves. If I ever won the lottery the first thing I'd buy is a Supercar. Err... 2nd thing, after racing lessons. Speak for yourselves. If I ever won the lottery the first thing I’d buy is a Supercar. Err… 2nd thing, after racing lessons.

]]> By: veefiddy http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402691 veefiddy Mon, 05 May 2008 23:33:54 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402691 Pssst - Johnny - finalgear.com you may not like supercars any better but you'll like TopGear a whole lot more this way. Pssst – Johnny – finalgear.com

you may not like supercars any better but you’ll like TopGear a whole lot more this way.

]]> By: Stephan Wilkinson http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402582 Stephan Wilkinson Mon, 05 May 2008 22:57:02 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402582 Actually, disk brakes and turbos trickled down from airplanes, as did ABS, but I know what ya mean... Actually, disk brakes and turbos trickled down from airplanes, as did ABS, but I know what ya mean…

]]> By: Carzzi http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402552 Carzzi Mon, 05 May 2008 22:37:27 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402552 Supercars are essential to prove out, and introduce to the hoi polloi, the "bleeding edge" of engine tech, handling, materials, aerodynamics and dare I say it... style. So yes, we should love supercars because they lift the quotidian constraints the family sedan has to contend with such as cost, space and yes, comfort. Yet the technology developed for them does find their way to daily drivers, even if after a generation or two. Take disc brakes, turbos and the myriad of suspension designs that trickled down from or were inspired by supercars. Supercars are essential to prove out, and introduce to the hoi polloi, the “bleeding edge” of engine tech, handling, materials, aerodynamics and dare I say it… style.
So yes, we should love supercars because they lift the quotidian constraints the family sedan has to contend with such as cost, space and yes, comfort. Yet the technology developed for them does find their way to daily drivers, even if after a generation or two. Take disc brakes, turbos and the myriad of suspension designs that trickled down from or were inspired by supercars.

]]> By: David Holzman http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402482 David Holzman Mon, 05 May 2008 22:05:05 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402482 the law of diminishing returns the law of diminishing returns

]]> By: Jordan Tenenbaum http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402472 Jordan Tenenbaum Mon, 05 May 2008 22:02:13 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402472 I lust after vintage supercars. These new übercars -while bloody awesome, just don't quite do it the same way for me. I lust after vintage supercars. These new übercars -while bloody awesome, just don’t quite do it the same way for me.

]]> By: Nemphre http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402452 Nemphre Mon, 05 May 2008 21:53:48 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402452 Expensive and unreliable means that super cars have no relevance to my life. Expensive and unreliable means that super cars have no relevance to my life.

]]> By: thetopdog http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402391 thetopdog Mon, 05 May 2008 21:33:48 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402391 I must be the only person here that aspires to own a supercar (in the Gallardo/F430 class, not the Bugatti/Enzo class) someday. Isn't that what passion for cars is all about? Being passionate enough to hope that you might one day have the chance to blow all of your hard-earned money on something truly unique? I really fail to see where transporting drywall/carrying around multiple passengers fits into this equation. Last time I checked, it is not too hard to rent a truck or minivan to haul things (or people) on the rare occasion that you might need to. And if hauling hardware and/or people is a daily or weekly occurrence, then it would make sense to have a truck or van in addition to a supercar. Assuming one were to have enough money for a supercar, I'm sure it wouldn't come down to "If I buy this Murcielago, I won't be able to justify that Ford Ranger as well" I must be the only person here that aspires to own a supercar (in the Gallardo/F430 class, not the Bugatti/Enzo class) someday. Isn’t that what passion for cars is all about? Being passionate enough to hope that you might one day have the chance to blow all of your hard-earned money on something truly unique?

I really fail to see where transporting drywall/carrying around multiple passengers fits into this equation. Last time I checked, it is not too hard to rent a truck or minivan to haul things (or people) on the rare occasion that you might need to. And if hauling hardware and/or people is a daily or weekly occurrence, then it would make sense to have a truck or van in addition to a supercar. Assuming one were to have enough money for a supercar, I’m sure it wouldn’t come down to “If I buy this Murcielago, I won’t be able to justify that Ford Ranger as well”

]]> By: Dynamic88 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402281 Dynamic88 Mon, 05 May 2008 21:00:19 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402281 I never figured out how to get 3 sheets of drywall home in a supercar. Trailer? I never figured out how to get 3 sheets of drywall home in a supercar. Trailer?

]]> By: lth http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402212 lth Mon, 05 May 2008 20:38:51 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402212 I like them. It still gives me hope I can make an impractical car that goes fast makes lots of noise and some rich guy (or gal) will pay me a tidy sum to own one. I like them. It still gives me hope I can make an impractical car that goes fast makes lots of noise and some rich guy (or gal) will pay me a tidy sum to own one.

]]> By: Wheatridger http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402132 Wheatridger Mon, 05 May 2008 20:23:30 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402132 They're as boring to me as they've ever been- utterly, shamelessly, completely. Like other cost-is-no-object machines designed to do just one thing very, very well, they belong in the realm of specialists and technicians (or poseurs and tycoons, perhaps...). They’re as boring to me as they’ve ever been- utterly, shamelessly, completely. Like other cost-is-no-object machines designed to do just one thing very, very well, they belong in the realm of specialists and technicians (or poseurs and tycoons, perhaps…).

]]> By: cretinx http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-402041 cretinx Mon, 05 May 2008 19:46:42 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-402041 I can't even drive my wife's Civic to its limits (and I autocross that car!) - why should I care about these supercars that I A) Can't afford B) Will never get to drive C) Can't drive within 1/10th of their capabilities (and I have the humility to actually admit that). I can’t even drive my wife’s Civic to its limits (and I autocross that car!) – why should I care about these supercars that I

A) Can’t afford

B) Will never get to drive

C) Can’t drive within 1/10th of their capabilities (and I have the humility to actually admit that).

]]> By: DearS http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-401931 DearS Mon, 05 May 2008 19:07:36 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-401931 I like how fast cars solve problems. Fast cars have advanced chassis designs that can be used in future common cars. Same for engines and suspensions. Hyper cars basically make problems more visible. Pushing and Stopping and Turning with a lot of things going on will make problems stand out. Like how do you get 3800lbs around the Nurburgring with less power than a lighter car.....build a GT-R. Perhaps a future $40k will out do a 911TT in many more ways. Hyper cars are instruments to solve problems and simplify things. I like how fast cars solve problems. Fast cars have advanced chassis designs that can be used in future common cars. Same for engines and suspensions. Hyper cars basically make problems more visible. Pushing and Stopping and Turning with a lot of things going on will make problems stand out. Like how do you get 3800lbs around the Nurburgring with less power than a lighter car…..build a GT-R. Perhaps a future $40k will out do a 911TT in many more ways. Hyper cars are instruments to solve problems and simplify things.

]]> By: kazoomaloo http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-401881 kazoomaloo Mon, 05 May 2008 19:02:06 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-401881 I think slobbering over supercars is dreadfully '80s. Even the aspiration to actually own a supercar is probably 10% passion for automobiles and 90% hey-everybody-look-how-rich-I-am douchebaggery. With the advent of the affordable stock go-mobile (WRX, MS3) I think people are less focused on dreaming of having the excesses of the ultra-wealthy and more concerned with getting their kicks in real life. I think, societally, due to numerous factors (the decline of the middle class, the decline of the US reputation, a lack of a feel-good Reagan type of president or at least a Clinton that can handle the economy and make us all feel rich) we are becoming less focused on how to look like the richest guy in the world and more focused on how to live comfortable happy lives. Actually, that's probably just me... anyway, boo supercars, gimme a Rex any day. I think slobbering over supercars is dreadfully ’80s. Even the aspiration to actually own a supercar is probably 10% passion for automobiles and 90% hey-everybody-look-how-rich-I-am douchebaggery. With the advent of the affordable stock go-mobile (WRX, MS3) I think people are less focused on dreaming of having the excesses of the ultra-wealthy and more concerned with getting their kicks in real life.

I think, societally, due to numerous factors (the decline of the middle class, the decline of the US reputation, a lack of a feel-good Reagan type of president or at least a Clinton that can handle the economy and make us all feel rich) we are becoming less focused on how to look like the richest guy in the world and more focused on how to live comfortable happy lives. Actually, that’s probably just me… anyway, boo supercars, gimme a Rex any day.

]]> By: Dave http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-401872 Dave Mon, 05 May 2008 19:01:04 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-401872 super cars = meh Good for young boys posters for their rooms. super cars = meh

Good for young boys posters for their rooms.

]]> By: Dan http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-401842 Dan Mon, 05 May 2008 18:54:54 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-401842 <i>I know we need to “know” what these cars can do, but can anyone truly sense the 0.5-second difference there is between a 4.3-second car (Ferrari F430) and a 3.8-second car (Nissan GT-R)? Don’t lie to me.</i> The massive hole in your wallet clearly adds that half-second back in weight savings, alone. I know we need to “know” what these cars can do, but can anyone truly sense the 0.5-second difference there is between a 4.3-second car (Ferrari F430) and a 3.8-second car (Nissan GT-R)? Don’t lie to me.

The massive hole in your wallet clearly adds that half-second back in weight savings, alone.

]]> By: James2 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-401802 James2 Mon, 05 May 2008 18:43:39 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-401802 We need supercars. These are like the automotive equivalent of a Playboy centerfold. What I am bored with is the endless quest for ever-quicker zero-60 times and higher top speeds. I know we need to "know" what these cars can do, but can anyone truly sense the 0.5-second difference there is between a 4.3-second car (Ferrari F430) and a 3.8-second car (Nissan GT-R)? Don't lie to me. And of course top speeds are academic, velocities most drivers just cannot handle safely. I'm not being a prude here, but doing 100 mph+ over the double-nickel on a public road is just too stupid for words. 50 mph+ is OK We need supercars. These are like the automotive equivalent of a Playboy centerfold.

What I am bored with is the endless quest for ever-quicker zero-60 times and higher top speeds. I know we need to “know” what these cars can do, but can anyone truly sense the 0.5-second difference there is between a 4.3-second car (Ferrari F430) and a 3.8-second car (Nissan GT-R)? Don’t lie to me.

And of course top speeds are academic, velocities most drivers just cannot handle safely. I’m not being a prude here, but doing 100 mph+ over the double-nickel on a public road is just too stupid for words. 50 mph+ is OK

]]> By: CupcakeF http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/comment-page-1/#comment-401761 CupcakeF Mon, 05 May 2008 18:28:36 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/question-of-the-day-do-we-still-like-supercars/#comment-401761 Both. While it is slightly exhilirating to watch a speed record being broken, it gets to the point of "ok, so who HASN'T beaten a speed record". So they're all trying to outdo each other making cars that only .001% of the population will drive. That seems like a shitty business model to me, but what do I know, I'm a college student that will drool over a muscle car before a super car any day. Both. While it is slightly exhilirating to watch a speed record being broken, it gets to the point of “ok, so who HASN’T beaten a speed record”. So they’re all trying to outdo each other making cars that only .001% of the population will drive. That seems like a shitty business model to me, but what do I know, I’m a college student that will drool over a muscle car before a super car any day.

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