Aston Martin
Proudly supports terrible french cars
This months EVO is a 'speed issue' they asked Lambo and SSC "Is top speed still important?"
Jerod Shelby of SSC
Yes.
"Top speed matters from an engineering and design standpoint because it's the most difficult performance specification to meet.
To achieve top speeds takes a perfect combination of aerodynamics, stability and down-force, an extremely durable powerplant and gearbox, robust cooling systems, and of course a massive mechanical and aero braking systems. We used the top speed record to gain notoriety and credibility, although it was a double edged sword as the cars amazing handling characteristics were overshadowed."
Stephan Winkelmann of Lambo
No.
"Until a few years ago our priorities were in this order - top speed, acceleration and then handling, in recent years this has been changing. Handling and acceleration are becoming more important. Top speed is not as important anymore, because all supercars are able to exceed 300KMH and this is a speed you cannot reach on a racetrack, let alone normal roads. The key factor in terms of better handling and acceleration, meaning more immediate pleasure in driving, is the power-to-weight ratio. This is not so much about top speed, so the future will not be so focused on increasing power. The key is in reducing weight."
Jerod Shelby of SSC
Yes.
"Top speed matters from an engineering and design standpoint because it's the most difficult performance specification to meet.
To achieve top speeds takes a perfect combination of aerodynamics, stability and down-force, an extremely durable powerplant and gearbox, robust cooling systems, and of course a massive mechanical and aero braking systems. We used the top speed record to gain notoriety and credibility, although it was a double edged sword as the cars amazing handling characteristics were overshadowed."
Stephan Winkelmann of Lambo
No.
"Until a few years ago our priorities were in this order - top speed, acceleration and then handling, in recent years this has been changing. Handling and acceleration are becoming more important. Top speed is not as important anymore, because all supercars are able to exceed 300KMH and this is a speed you cannot reach on a racetrack, let alone normal roads. The key factor in terms of better handling and acceleration, meaning more immediate pleasure in driving, is the power-to-weight ratio. This is not so much about top speed, so the future will not be so focused on increasing power. The key is in reducing weight."
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