Here's a question for you chaps. What do you think about the "power wars" that have gone on in the last few years?
Think back just 5-10 years, and supercars were running around with "upto" 400hp (excluding serious cars like F1).
The last few years have seen a massive increase in the number of VERY powerful cars. Think of the S series Audis, M series BMs, the monstrously powerful AMGs etc.
Put it another way, it's now possible to buy an Astra with more power than a standard Boxster.
So is it a good thing?
I'm going to argue that it's not.
Whilst it looks great on paper, think about the following:
- To produce more power, you need either a bigger engine and to slot on some big turbos, intercoolers etc. All of those typically add weight
- Whilst you now have a faster car, better have bigger brakes, wider tyres, strengthened gearbox, again adding weight
The result is often a car with masses of grip, plenty of straightline speed (remember that drag/power is the limit for top speed, whilst acceleration is related to weight/power) but with some key side effects. The weight reduces agility of the car and economy. Just think of how lardy cars like the C class AMG are. If the car is front wheel drive you have to control the torque steer. The measures taken to control torque steer seem to often have the effect of numbing steering feel.
The other key element of the car is the environment in which it's used. Here in the UK we have:
- Gatsos
- Lots of traffic limiting speeds down most roads
- Where roads are quieter (e.g. less used A and B roads), visibility is usually the deciding safety element, not mechanical grip.
Just where does a 300hp super saloon fit into an equation combining the above conditions? To me, seemingly very badly if you're looking for fun.
Strikes me that the solutions are:
1. A relaxed car that's very good at cruising well in comfort, with aircon and all the electronics and safety aids you want. A smooth economical diesel being a good option if power is not really that necessary.
2. A lightweight sports car with more emphasis on fun than speed.
Thoughts?
Think back just 5-10 years, and supercars were running around with "upto" 400hp (excluding serious cars like F1).
The last few years have seen a massive increase in the number of VERY powerful cars. Think of the S series Audis, M series BMs, the monstrously powerful AMGs etc.
Put it another way, it's now possible to buy an Astra with more power than a standard Boxster.
So is it a good thing?
I'm going to argue that it's not.
Whilst it looks great on paper, think about the following:
- To produce more power, you need either a bigger engine and to slot on some big turbos, intercoolers etc. All of those typically add weight
- Whilst you now have a faster car, better have bigger brakes, wider tyres, strengthened gearbox, again adding weight
The result is often a car with masses of grip, plenty of straightline speed (remember that drag/power is the limit for top speed, whilst acceleration is related to weight/power) but with some key side effects. The weight reduces agility of the car and economy. Just think of how lardy cars like the C class AMG are. If the car is front wheel drive you have to control the torque steer. The measures taken to control torque steer seem to often have the effect of numbing steering feel.
The other key element of the car is the environment in which it's used. Here in the UK we have:
- Gatsos
- Lots of traffic limiting speeds down most roads
- Where roads are quieter (e.g. less used A and B roads), visibility is usually the deciding safety element, not mechanical grip.
Just where does a 300hp super saloon fit into an equation combining the above conditions? To me, seemingly very badly if you're looking for fun.
Strikes me that the solutions are:
1. A relaxed car that's very good at cruising well in comfort, with aircon and all the electronics and safety aids you want. A smooth economical diesel being a good option if power is not really that necessary.
2. A lightweight sports car with more emphasis on fun than speed.
Thoughts?
