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Super Sports Cars
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| Sports car | Overview | History | Layout | Seating |
2010 Sports cars
Alfa Romeo MiTo
Bentley Supersports
Lamborghini Concept
Rolls Royce
Phantom Coupe
Bugatti Veyron
Sang Noir
Maserati GranTurismo
MC Corse Concept
Aston Martin Vantage
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Sports car A sports car is a term used to describe a class of automobile, usually they have two seats and two doors,brisk acceleration, precise handling , sharp braking, and attractive aesthetics. A sports car makes trade offs in practical considerations such as passenger space, comfort, and cargo capacity in favor of those traits which enhance the joy of driving it. Overview Sports cars can be either luxurious or spartan, but driving mechanical performance is the key attraction. Many drivers regard brand name and the subsequent racing reputation and history as important indications of sporting quality (for example, Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus), but some brands, such as Lamborghini, which do not race or build racing cars, are also highly regarded. A car may be a sporting automobile without being a sports car. Performance modifications of regular, production cars, such as sport compacts, sports sedans, muscle cars, hot hatches and the like, generally are not considered sports cars, yet share traits common to sports cars. They are sometimes called "sports cars" for marketing purposes for increased advertising and promotional purposes. Performance cars of all configurations are grouped as Sports and Grand tourer cars, or, occasionally, as performance cars. A sports car requires a large, powerful engine, and many do have them. Many early British sports cars lacked powerful engines, but were known for exceptional handling due to light weight, a well-engineered, balanced chassis, and modern suspension (for example, Lotus Seven, Austin 7 Speedy). On tight, twisting roads, such a sports car may perform more effectively than a heavier, more powerful car. History The sports car traces its roots to early 20th century touring cars. These raced in early rallys, such as the Herkomer Cup, Prinz Heinrich Fahrt, and Monte Carlo. The first true sports cars (though the term would not be coined until after World War One) were the 3 litre 1910 Vauxhall 20 hp (15 kW) and 27/80PS Austro-Daimler (designed by Ferdinand Porsche). These would shortly be joined by the French DFP (which became sporters after tuning by H.M. and W. O. Bentley, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. In the U.S. (where the type was variously called roadster, speedster, runabout, or raceabout, there was Apperson, Kissel, Marion, Midland, National, Overland, Stoddard-Dayton, and Thomas among small models (which today would be called sports cars), while Chadwick, Mercer, Stutz, and Simplex were among large ones (which might today be called sports sedans or grand tourers). In 1921, Ballot premiered its 2LS, with a remarkable 75 hp (56 kW) DOHC two liter, designed by Ernest Henry (formerly of Peugeot's Grand Prix program), capable of 150 km/h (90 mph); at most, one hundred were built in four years. This was followed by the SOHC 2LT and 2LTS. The same year, Benz built a supercharged 28/95PS four for the Coppa Florio; Max Sailer won. Simson in 1924 offered a Paul Henze-designed 60 hp (45 kW) DOHC 2 liter four, the Simson Supra Type S, in a long-wheelbase 120 km/h (60 mph) tourer and 115 km/h (71 mph) twin-carburettor sporter; only thirty were sold, against around three hundred of the SOHC model and 750 of the pushrod-six Type R. Duerkopp's Zoller-blown two liter in 1924, as well. There was a clear cleavage by 1925. As four-seaters were more profitable, two-seaters increasingly turned over to specialst manufacturers, led by Alvis, Aston-Martin, and Frazer-Nash, with shoestring budgets, fanatic followers, and limited sales (today exemplified by Aston and Morgan): between 1921 and 1939, 350 Astons were built; 323 Frazer-Nashes in the period 1924-39. By the end of the 1920s, AC produced a 2 liter six, the 3.5 liter Nazzaro had a three-valve OHC (only until 1922), while French makers Amilcar, Bignan, Hispano-Suiza, and Samson had the typical small four-cylinder sporters and Delage, Hotchkiss, and Chenard-Walcker the large tourers. Benz introduced the powerful SS and SSK, and Alfa Romeo, the Vittori Jano-designed 6C. Two companies would offer the first really reliable sports cars: Austin with the Seven and Morris Garages (MG) with the Midget. The Seven would quickly be "rodded" by numerous companies (as the Type 1 would be a generation later), including Bassett and Dingle (Hammersmith, London); in 1928, a Cozette blower was fitted to the Seven Super Sports, while Cecil Kimber fitted an 847 cc Minor engine, and sold more Midgets in the first year than MG's entire previous production. Layout Alpine A110, a rear-engine, rear-wheel (RR) drive sports car 1990s Lotus Elan M100, a front-engine, front wheel (FF) drive sports car Porsche Boxster, a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel (RMR) drive sports carThe drive train and engine layout significantly influences the handling characteristics of an automobile, and is crucially important in the design of a sports car. The front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout (FR) is common to sports cars of any era and has survived longer in sports cars than in mainstream automobiles. Examples include the Caterham 7, Mazda MX-5, and the Chevrolet Corvette. In search of improved handling and weight distribution, other layouts are sometimes used. The RMR layout is commonly found only in sports cars — the motor is centre-mounted in the chassis (closer to and behind the driver), and powers only the rear wheels. Some high-performance sports car manufacturers, such as Ferrari and Lamborghini prefer this layout. Many modern cars, especially grand tourers, also use a FMR layout, with the motor sitting between the front axle and the firewall. Porsche is one of the few, remaining manufacturers using the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout (RR). The motor's distributed weight across the wheels, in a Porsche 911, provides excellent traction, but the significant mass behind the rear wheels makes it more prone to oversteer in some situations. Porsche has continuously refined the design and in recent years added electronic driving aids (i.e. computerised traction-stability control) to counteract these inherent design shortcomings. Some sport cars have used the front-engine, front-wheel drive layout (FF), e.g. Fiat Barchetta, Saab Sonett and Berkeley cars. This layout is advantageous for small, light, lower power sports cars, as it avoids the extra weight, increased transmission power loss, and packaging problems of a long driveshaft and longitudinal engine of FR vehicles. Yet, its conservative handling effect, particularly understeer, and the fact that many drivers believe rear wheel drive is a more desirable layout for a sports car make this layout atypical to high-performance sports cars. The FF layout, however, is common in sport compacts and hot hatches, and cars in general (excepting sports cars). Before the 1980s few sports cars used four-wheel drive, which had traditionally added a lot of weight. Although not a sports car, the Audi Quattro proved its worth in rallying. With its improvement in traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions, four-wheel drive is no longer uncommon in high-powered sports cars, e.g. Porsche, Lamborghini, and the Bugatti Veyron. Seating Some sports cars have small back seats that are really only suitable for luggage or small children. Such a configuration is often referred to as a 2+2 (two full seats + two "occasional" seats). The Mazda RX-8 includes two small backward-opening doors to better accommodate extra passengers. Over the years, some manufacturers of sports cars have sought to increase the practicality of their vehicles by increasing the seating room. One method is to place the driver's seat in the center of the car, which allows two full-sized passenger seats on each side and slightly behind the driver. The arrangement was originally considered for the Lamborghini Miura, but abandoned as impractical because of the difficulty for the driver to enter/exit the vehicle. McLaren used the design in their F1. Another British manufacturer, TVR, took a different approach in their Cerbera model. The interior was designed in such a way that the dashboard on the passenger side swept toward the front of the car, which allowed the passenger to sit farther forward than the driver. This gave the rear seat passenger extra room and made the arrangement suitable for three adult passengers and one child seated behind the driver. The arrangement has been referred to by the company as a 3+1 Some Matra sports cars even had three seats squeezed next to each other. External links "Best All-Around Sports Car", Road & Track, March 2005 "What is a Sports Car?", Jean-Francois Ingenbleek, Universitd Libre de Bruxelles & Jean LeMaire, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Donovan, Sandra (2007). Sports Cars. Lerner Publications. pp. 48pp. ISBN 08-2255-928-5. http://books.google.com/books?id=OZ5oB0ZlrY0C. |
 Alfa Romeo MiTo The MiTo packs all the Alfa Romeo values into 4 metres. For young people, it represents a chance to gain access their first sports car that is safe with its own distinctive style and technical content. Its dynamic attributes, good fuel economy and low emissions and petite dimensions also make the car an attractive proposition for a more adult audience, within a motoring scenario that now seems to set a premium on downsizing. The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a form of baptism into the Alfa religion for a new generation of Alfisti, opening up horizons of sportiness to the female audience that is essential to the success of any car of this category. The car offers an outstanding weight-to-power ratio, absolute manageability due to cutting-edged suspension systems and direct steering, all features present for the first time on a car of this category. Alfa Romeo MiTo Specifications Layout Front Engine, FWD Transmission 6 speed Manual with Alfa Romeo Autonomy Program Final Drive Ratio 4.18:1 Engine Horsepower 153 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque 170 lbs.-ft @ 3000 rpm Displacement 1368 cc Bore X Stroke 72.00 mm × 84.00 mm Engine Type 1.4 Liter Turbocharged 4 Cylinder Compression Ratio 9.80:1 Exterior Wheelbase 2511 mm Front Track 1483 mm Rear Track 1475 mm Width 1721 mm Height 1446 mm Curb Weight 2524 lb. (1145 kg) Performance 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) 8.0 sec Top Speed 134 mph Coefficient of Drag 0.290 |
 Bentley Continental Supersports To ensure optimum aerodynamic balance at speeds of up to 204 mph (329 km/h) the Supersports is fitted with a re-profiled automatic spoiler which deploys at 50 mph (80 km/h). The Supersports is fitted with Bentley’s carbon-ceramic brakes as standard – the largest and most powerful ever fitted to a production car. The large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), lightweight discs and eight-piston calipers offer fade-resistant braking performance with minimal disc distortion under high thermal conditions. A 20 kg (44 lb) weight saving reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response and handling. Pedal feel is also improved with shorter travel, high effectiveness and a precise pressure point. 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports Specifications Chassis Brakes (Front) 420 mm diameter carbon/ceramic cross-drilled Brakes (Rear) 356 mm diameter carbon/ceramic cross-drilled Wheels 20" x 9.5J 10-spoke – Black Chrome or Painted Front Suspension: Four-link double wishbones, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar Rear Suspension: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, anti-roll bar Drivetrain Layout Front Engine, AWD Transmission ZF 6-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic Differential Variable LSD Final Drive Ratio 3.524:1 front 3.528:1 rear Engine Type: Twin-Turbocharged Bentley W12 Displacement 6.0 liters Horsepower 621 bhp/463 kW @ 6000 rpm Torque 800 Nm/590 lb ft @ 1700 rpm Exterior Tires F-R 275/35x20 Pirelli P-Zero UHP Body Type 2 Door, 2 Seat GT Coupe Length 4804 mm (189.1 inches) Width 2194 mm (86.4 inches) Height 1380 mm (54.3 inches) Wheelbase 2745 mm (108.07 inches) Performance Top Speed 204 mph (329 km/h) 0-60 mph 3.7 seconds 0-100 mph 8.9 seconds |
Lamborghini Estoque Concept Its proportions guarantee the Lamborghini Estoque an impressive appearance. The skilled sectioning along the flanks of the vehicle gives the body shell an incredibly muscular form. Beneath the flat surfaces of the bonnet, the incredibly powerful shoulder line, a further side line rising slightly towards the rear and, finally, the equally distinct sill line all add emphasis to the flow of power from the engine to the magnificent 23 inch rear wheels. The masculine profile is completed by the negative return of the rear end. This adds further tension to the form of the Estoque - the whole car looks coiled and ready to pounce at the drop of a hat. These sharp lines frame a fascinating interplay of surfaces across convex and concave curvatures. The Estoque clearly displays the design language of the Centro Stile Lamborghini with a distinctive elegance. Lamborghini Estoque Concept Specifications Drivetrain Layout Mid-Engine, Mounted Aft of Front Axel, AWD Engine Gallardo LP560-4 V10, Turbocharged/Hybrid V8, V12 TDI Exterior Wheels (F) 22 in Wheels (R) 23 in Wheelbase 9.88 feet Width 6.53 feet Length 16.89 feet Height 4.43 feet Body Type Four Door, Four Seat GT Sedan Interior Seats Four Nappa Leather-Covered Sport Seats Navigation Large-Area LCD, Joystick Controlled Navigation and Entertainment System |
 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe At the heart of the Coupé is the same 6.75-litre V12 engine as used by the Phantom. Featuring advanced direct fuel injection with variable valve lift and timing, it offers the perfect combination of power and outstanding combustion efficiency. Designed to develop massive low-down torque, it delivers 75 per cent of its maximum power at just 1000 rpm, giving the smooth, unstressed performance associated with Rolls-Royce cars. The powertrain develops 453 bhp / 338 kW of power at 5350 rpm and 720 Nm / 531 lb ft of torque at 3500 rpm - ample for even the most enthusiastic of drivers. At 100 mph (where permissible), the Coupé's power reserve dial shows that 90 per cent of the engine's power remains untapped. Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe Chassis Brakes (Front) Ventilated disc / 374 mm / 14.7 in Brakes (Rear) Ventilated disc / 370 mm / 14.6 in Wheels Goodyear EMT 255/50 R21 106W Wheel Size Front 8 in x 21 in Wheel Size Rear 9.5 in x 21 in Turning Diameter 13.1 m / 43.0 ft Engine Engine Type Gas V12 Displacement 6749 cc / 411.8 cu in Stroke 84.6 mm / 3.33 in Bore 92.0 mm / 3.62 in Horsepower @ RPM 453@5350 Torque @ RPM 531@3500 Exterior Curb Weight 2630 kg / 5798 lb Length 220.8 in Width 78.2 in Height 62.7 in Wheelbase 130.7 in Performance Top Speed 155 mph Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.6 sec Fuel Economy 18.0 mpg Fuel Capacity 26.4 US gal |
 Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir The Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir, the moniker meaning "Black Blood," is the latest special edition model from legendary Italian supercar builder Bugatti. Only 15 units of the Sang Noir will be produced, and Bugatti is giving United States residents first crack. The Veyron Sang Noir, like the "standard" Bugatti Veyron 16.4, features a W16 motor and four turbochargers. Think of two twin-turbo eights smashed together. Offering the most stock horsepower of any production car in history at 1001 horsepower, the Veyron 16.4 can launch its way to 60 mph from a standing start in 2.5 seconds. Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir Drivetrain Layout Mid-Engine, AWD Transmission 7 Speed DSG Sequential Manual Engine Engine Type Quad-Turbocharged 16 Cylinder Displacement 7993 cc Horsepower 1001 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque 922 lb-ft. @ 2200 rpm Compression Ratio 9.00:1 Exterior Curb Weight 4162 lb. Width 78.7 in Length 175.7 in Height 47.4 in Wheelbase 106.7 in Performance 0-60 mph 2.46 sec Top Speed 253 mph Fuel Consumption EPA est. 7 mpg city/ 10 mpg highway Braking, 62-0 mph 2.3 sec 1/4 mile 10.2 sec |
 Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept Because of the Italian sports car maker's focus on luxury, the hefty Maserati GranTurismo needed significant weight reduction and body modifications to be competitive at the GT racing level. Completely stripping the GranTurismo MC Corse concept's interior and liberal use of carbon fiber have allowed curb weight to drop from a rather portly 4145 pounds to a much more manageable 3086. A carbon composite material built on a steel chassis, and Lexan plastic windows all around are responsible for the rest of the weight savings. Aero pieces on the MC Corse start with a revised front airdam and a boattail-style rear spoiler, providing extra downforce to keep the Maserati racer glued to the track. Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept Specifications Drivetrain Layout Front Engine, RWD Fuel Tank 100 lt, with carbon safety structure, FIA approved Brakes Steel discs, front 380 mm, rear 313 mm, without ABS Engine Displacement 4,691 cc Engine Type Naturally Aspirated V8 Horsepower 450 bhp Torque 376 lb-ft. @ 4750 rpm Exterior Chassis In welded steel with integral rollcage structure, FIA approved Body Type Two Door, One Seat GT-Class Race Car Material In composite material. Windscreen and rear and side windows in Lexan Wheels (F) 12 in x 18 in Wheels (R) 13 in x 18 in Tires (F) 285/650/18 Tires (R) 315/690/18 Interior Cockpit Backward-set driving position, with racing seat, dashboard and control console in carbon throughout Safety 6-point seat-belt compatible with HANS protection system, full roll cage |
 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Visually enticing, the V12 Vantage expresses its performance potential through its purposeful stance created by enhanced aerodynamic and cooling aids optically widening the car, while retaining traditional understated Aston Martin design. Equally inviting, the cosseting interior permits the driver to extract maximum performance ability from the car while also enjoying customary levels of Aston Martin comfort on longer journeys. High levels of power and torque are available at all engine speeds making the V12 Vantage responsive and tractable in any driving situation. Based on the hugely successful V8 Vantage, the V12 Vantage will feature a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque with a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 kp/h) time of 4.2 seconds. 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Specifications Drivetrain Layout Front Engine, RWD Transmission Rear-Mounted 6 Speed Manual Engine Type: DBS-Sourced V12 Horsepower 510 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque 420 lb-ft of torque @ 5750 rpm Exterior Body Type 2 Door, 2 Seat Sports Car Curb Weight 3700 lb. Performance Acceleration 0-60 mph s: 4.1 seconds Lateral Acceleration 1.3g Top Speed 190 mph |