What constitutes a “supercar”? | FerrariChat

What constitutes a “supercar”?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by 360+Volt=Prius, Jun 24, 2019.

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  1. 360+Volt=Prius

    360+Volt=Prius Formula 3
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    Just asking. I feel this term has migrated down to what I consider exotic sports cars (like mid engine v-8’s like my 360) because of the term “hypercar.”



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  2. Dewinator

    Dewinator F1 Veteran
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    Turbos.

    Ford Focus ===> Supercar
    Ferrari 458 ===> nah
     
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  3. Skidkid

    Skidkid F1 Veteran
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    Interesting question. Wiki and the dictionary definitions pretty much miss the mark. There is a pretty good discussion at https://www.complex.com/sports/2014/06/what-is-definition-of-supercar/ They basically say that Hypercar isn't a needed word and Supercar is a well styled, rare, no holds barred performance car (I over simplify). Mass produced cars, no matter how capable, are not supercars.

    and I agree, 458 is not a supercar and neither is the California. TDF or GTO on the other hand ...
     
  4. ScudMarks

    ScudMarks Formula Junior
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    In my book (which I haven’t sold a single copy of) a MODERN supercar has to be very limited production, be sold out before they announce the price, and lap Nurburgring in less than 7:30
     
  5. 02360spider

    02360spider Formula 3
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    I dont use the word super cars just call them exotics.

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  6. 360+Volt=Prius

    360+Volt=Prius Formula 3
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    Thanks. I tend to agree. I see the term supercar used to describe entry level exotics.

    I think the term must change with the times. Is a 512 tr a supercar? When it was originally sold definitely. So it still should be. Once an Eagle Scout always one.

    Enzo, and LaFerrari, Porsche 918, veneron , and yes ford gt! I feel all make the cut.

    I agree a 430, 360, 458, 488 etc don’t qualify. I also feel neither do any of their higher performing limited production variants. Just so out of the league.

    Also can a GT car be a super car? I want to say no but I have no idea.




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  7. Dewinator

    Dewinator F1 Veteran
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    It's a market positioning moniker for new cars offered for order.

    Once it's in your garage, it doesn't mean anything.
     
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  8. MaranelloDave

    MaranelloDave Formula 3

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    And what is the one true religion? :)
     
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  9. RonH

    RonH Formula 3

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    Since it simply a name of admiration, it is anything I own.
     
  10. paulchua

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    #10 paulchua, Jun 25, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2019
    Of course there is not 'set' objective criteria. It's just a matter of percentages of the learned population that would classify a car as such.

    For example, I would argue 98% of folks would classify the 250 GTO a super car when it came out. As you said once a Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout.

    There is nothing you can do that can objectively prove the 2% that say it's wrong.

    Conversely, I would say 98% of folks would say the Yugo is not a supercar, and same folly attempting to convince the minority it's not.

    The more a model in question is common, less luxurious, and poorer performing, etc; the curve goes down.

    In my opinion the 360 *is* a supercar when it came out. I'm sure there are many who disagree with me, and that's 100% fine.
     

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  11. MaranelloDave

    MaranelloDave Formula 3

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    As my real answer, I define "supercar" as a (1) really expensive, (2) low-production (i.e., relatively rare) (3) sports car (4) from an exotic manufacturer (not Chevy) (5) that has great performance (at least in the year in which it was released).

    As for "hypercar," I would say it's an insanely expensive supercar with even greater performance (i.e., MORE).
     
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  12. papou

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    250 GTO was a race car if that is a "super car " then every race car is.
     
  13. paulchua

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    #13 paulchua, Jun 25, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2019
    Thank you for proving my point above. Yes, you believe the 70 million dollar 250 GTO is not a supercar. That's totally fine, and I appreciate the real-time validation of my thesis.

    You do realize the GTO is street legal?

    Try driving the SF-14T down the 10 interstate.
     
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  14. Solid State

    Solid State F1 Veteran
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    Simple. A supercar is the car dreams are made of. A hypercar is the car supercar owners dream of. All other cars are just transportation.
     
  15. papou

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    All cars in that class we’re that’s the point of the GTO name, but in the day that was a pure race car, I understand the point your trying to make it’s just a term
    for another age .
     
  16. paulchua

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    #16 paulchua, Jun 25, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2019
    I respect your viewpoint. My claim all along was there was no objective way to definitively say car X is a supercar and car Y isn't. I am grateful that my point played out right after it was made.

    You believe the 250 GTO is not a supercar. That's totally fine, it would be folly for me to prove otherwise.

    The key thing is that you're totally right and so am I in our respective subjective opinions.
     
  17. pilotoCS

    pilotoCS F1 World Champ
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    If you go by what the magazines say, then it's the class of 288GTO, F40, F50, Enzo and LaFerrari, to use F-cars as examples. IMHO, the Lamborghini Miura was the first supercar.

    The bottom line is it's subjective opinion.
     
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  18. papou

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    I think the term was invented for and should end with Lamborghini, With us it’s just "Ferrari" no need for hyperbole..
     
  19. robert biscan

    robert biscan F1 Veteran

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    Super bike started around 1971 or so. It was based on speed and 1/4 mile times. The term is still used. I would say that Ferrari's also fall into the limited number and speed and cost of the car.
     
  20. 360+Volt=Prius

    360+Volt=Prius Formula 3
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    Ok my opinion: so is any iteration a 360 /430 /458/ 488 etc a supercar?

    If u say yes then work your way back... a 308/328... must be also.

    I still say no.

    I don’t care if the 16M price goes to 1 million, and the lap time is the same as an Enzo.

    Exotic sports cars.

    Can’t be based on 1/4 or lap times.

    Those that do should Stop calling entry level Ferrari’s supercars!





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  21. HH11

    HH11 F1 Rookie
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    Somewhat subjective.

    With the crazy offerings of today, supercar has been pushed down the list to things like the 488, Huracan, 720s...

    I've seen the terms Hypercar and Megacar used to describe things like Koenigseggs, Zondas, the Senna, LaF etc.

    I would refer to the 360 as an exotic and something like a Cayman as a Sports Car.
     
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  22. Marc Rachbind

    Marc Rachbind Rookie

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    To someone who can only afford a bicycle , even a Ford Focus is a supercar. Everything is relative.
     
  23. 360+Volt=Prius

    360+Volt=Prius Formula 3
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    I know, and agree this is just first world rhetoric.


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