The Three Most Important Supercars of Our Times
10-27-2012, 12:29 PM
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The Three Most Important Supercars of Our Times
I had this random thought today. What (IMO) are the most influential / important supercars of my lifetime? I came up with three.
1. The Lamborghini Countach - The Countach was a car before it's time. It was unapologetically crafted. It's uncompromising design was revered by every boy that set eyes on it. It is arguably the most posterized supercar ever. The Countach introduced the world to scissor doors, as well. Simply put, the Countach changed the game of supercar design. I can't remember the first time I saw a Ferrari or a Porsche or a Corvette or a Viper or a... (you fill in the blank), but I'll always remember laying eyes on a Countach for the very first time. It is still my favorite car design ever.
2. The Tesla Roadster - The Roadster changed the face of electric motoring. Before it, every electric car had the obligatory look of, well, an electric car. The Roadster got us petroheads kinda excited about an electric sports car. What the absence of the sound of an internal combustion engine took away from the driving experience, the Roadster made up for in instantaneous torque. Thanks to Lotus, the Roadster is a cool car to drive too. The Roadster is a reminder of what is possible if the automobile industry would just try.
3. The Bugatti Veyron - The Veyron is a rolling patent farm. The technology and engineering that went into building the Veyron is amazing (see NatGeo's video on the making of a Veyron). Yes, there are simpler cars that can match, or nearly match the performance of a Veyron, but none of them do it quite like the Veyron. Every nook, cranny, curve and detail is so purposeful. I believe Bugatti has only scratched the surface of the use of the technology they put into the Veyron. I look forward to seeing what is possible. Only time will tell.
What do you think the most influential supercars of our times are?
1. The Lamborghini Countach - The Countach was a car before it's time. It was unapologetically crafted. It's uncompromising design was revered by every boy that set eyes on it. It is arguably the most posterized supercar ever. The Countach introduced the world to scissor doors, as well. Simply put, the Countach changed the game of supercar design. I can't remember the first time I saw a Ferrari or a Porsche or a Corvette or a Viper or a... (you fill in the blank), but I'll always remember laying eyes on a Countach for the very first time. It is still my favorite car design ever.
2. The Tesla Roadster - The Roadster changed the face of electric motoring. Before it, every electric car had the obligatory look of, well, an electric car. The Roadster got us petroheads kinda excited about an electric sports car. What the absence of the sound of an internal combustion engine took away from the driving experience, the Roadster made up for in instantaneous torque. Thanks to Lotus, the Roadster is a cool car to drive too. The Roadster is a reminder of what is possible if the automobile industry would just try.
3. The Bugatti Veyron - The Veyron is a rolling patent farm. The technology and engineering that went into building the Veyron is amazing (see NatGeo's video on the making of a Veyron). Yes, there are simpler cars that can match, or nearly match the performance of a Veyron, but none of them do it quite like the Veyron. Every nook, cranny, curve and detail is so purposeful. I believe Bugatti has only scratched the surface of the use of the technology they put into the Veyron. I look forward to seeing what is possible. Only time will tell.
What do you think the most influential supercars of our times are?
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10-27-2012, 12:48 PM
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Pretty good list 
10-27-2012, 01:14 PM
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Replace the Tesla with the McLaren F1 and I'll agree with the list.
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10-27-2012, 01:46 PM
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Tesla is just an electrical marketing remake of a Lotus.
Many Many others could take the #2 spot.
The Corvette is as Jay Leno puts it ... The working mans muscle and all American.
Nice choice on #3 but the list could use a practical muscle like a Corvette.
Many Many others could take the #2 spot.
The Corvette is as Jay Leno puts it ... The working mans muscle and all American.
Nice choice on #3 but the list could use a practical muscle like a Corvette.
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Yumcha (10-29-2012)
10-27-2012, 03:29 PM
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NSX may need to be added to the discussion given the way it changed the mindset of supercar manufactures - namely, that they could be driven for more than 500 miles without maintenance.
Last edited by ttribe; 10-27-2012 at 03:39 PM.
10-27-2012, 03:53 PM
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Yeah, the NSX is a contender. IIRC it was the first supercar that had a decent interior and could be a relatively good daily driver as well.
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10-27-2012, 03:55 PM
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Without a doubt it's an important and remarkable car but I don't consider the Tesla a "supercar".
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10-27-2012, 04:46 PM
#10
Screw the countach and tesla. Countach is only nice on a poster. Lamborghini is so overrated nowadays. It is like the Justin beiber or apple of cars.
I would say the Porsche 959 for all the technological break throughs, even if I don't necessarily like all the driver aides and unneeded stuff.
The mclaren f1 is one of my favorite cars, but since it was inspired by the nsx I would have to say Nsx.
Third I would go with the f40, which shows perfectly how to make a race car for the street.
Bugatti is another overrated car. It is just about top speed which you can never even achieve on roads or tracks. Only places you can even see those speeds is a private vw test track in Europe, salt flats and 1 other place I know of.
I would say the Porsche 959 for all the technological break throughs, even if I don't necessarily like all the driver aides and unneeded stuff.
The mclaren f1 is one of my favorite cars, but since it was inspired by the nsx I would have to say Nsx.
Third I would go with the f40, which shows perfectly how to make a race car for the street.
Bugatti is another overrated car. It is just about top speed which you can never even achieve on roads or tracks. Only places you can even see those speeds is a private vw test track in Europe, salt flats and 1 other place I know of.
10-27-2012, 04:48 PM
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How are Lamborghinis overrated? 
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Undying Dreams (10-30-2012)
10-27-2012, 06:26 PM
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Coming from an american standpoint I would have no problem throwing the dodge viper into this list. No doubt was that car a breakthrough for "modern" american supercars. And to think there were always those who threw that car into the mustang, camaro, corvette, etc. pool boggles my mind 
10-27-2012, 09:17 PM
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1) Lamborghini Miura -- the original mid-engine supercar designed as a street car and not a racer (i.e. not racecar origin like the GT40, various Ferraris, etc.)
2) Porsche 959 -- all-wheel drive
3) McLaren F1 -- probably most successful compromise of speed and practicality in a non-racer supercar.
The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, Ferrari Daytona, Maserati Ghibli, Lambo Countach, Ferrari 512BB and Porsche 911 turbo were also significant, but they followed racers or existing tech and did not change supercar metrics. The Corvette ZL1 and ZR1 and Cobra Daytona belong here too.
I might be wrong, though.
2) Porsche 959 -- all-wheel drive
3) McLaren F1 -- probably most successful compromise of speed and practicality in a non-racer supercar.
The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, Ferrari Daytona, Maserati Ghibli, Lambo Countach, Ferrari 512BB and Porsche 911 turbo were also significant, but they followed racers or existing tech and did not change supercar metrics. The Corvette ZL1 and ZR1 and Cobra Daytona belong here too.
I might be wrong, though.
Last edited by Will Y.; 10-27-2012 at 09:20 PM.
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10-27-2012, 10:51 PM
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NSX needs to be on that list without a doubt because of its contribution to style and tech at the time of release.
CTS-V? An affordable, civilized supercar?
CTS-V? An affordable, civilized supercar?
10-27-2012, 11:02 PM
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1) Lamborghini Miura -- the original mid-engine supercar designed as a street car and not a racer (i.e. not racecar origin like the GT40, various Ferraris, etc.)
2) Porsche 959 -- all-wheel drive
3) McLaren F1 -- probably most successful compromise of speed and practicality in a non-racer supercar.
The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, Ferrari Daytona, Maserati Ghibli, Lambo Countach, Ferrari 512BB and Porsche 911 turbo were also significant, but they followed racers or existing tech and did not change supercar metrics. The Corvette ZL1 and ZR1 and Cobra Daytona belong here too.
I might be wrong, though.
2) Porsche 959 -- all-wheel drive
3) McLaren F1 -- probably most successful compromise of speed and practicality in a non-racer supercar.
The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, Ferrari Daytona, Maserati Ghibli, Lambo Countach, Ferrari 512BB and Porsche 911 turbo were also significant, but they followed racers or existing tech and did not change supercar metrics. The Corvette ZL1 and ZR1 and Cobra Daytona belong here too.
I might be wrong, though.
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10-28-2012, 05:00 AM
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I'd have to argue that the original Dodge Viper would be on the list. At the time it came out, the only other car that was in the same realm (US assembly line made) was the Corvette. The Viper was new, unabashed V10 monster with one point: To be able to go blinding fast via big Detroit iron.
So in the scheme of importance, I think it deserves a spot.
So in the scheme of importance, I think it deserves a spot.
10-28-2012, 10:05 PM
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I agree with #1 and #3. Good conversation about that #2 position.
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10-28-2012, 10:43 PM
#20
Shut the fuck up & keep your stupid posts back in Ramblings.
Last edited by Rick_TL-S; 10-28-2012 at 10:46 PM.
10-29-2012, 09:52 AM
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10-29-2012, 11:34 AM
#22
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Where the bleep is the Pagani Zonda?!??!? 
And absolute
on the McLaren F1. 
And absolute
on the McLaren F1.
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Undying Dreams (10-30-2012)
10-29-2012, 09:08 PM
#25
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Sounds like the list needs to be longer than three.
Good thread, OP. I could learn a lot here. For some reason I wanted to say Enzo comng in here, but I don't have a defense.
Good thread, OP. I could learn a lot here. For some reason I wanted to say Enzo comng in here, but I don't have a defense.
10-30-2012, 08:43 AM
#27
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I think in the '70's the Maserati Bora, Lamborghini Countach, Lotus Esprit, De Tomaso Pantera were all "supercars" of their time and groundbreaking designs that we can still see in today's sports cars.
My list would be as follows.
Vector W8- Over 200 mph Supercar. I also have the Jaguar XJ 220 in a tie, but loved the Vector growing up.
Porsche 959- Big HP for the time in a flat 6 w/ AWD. While I don't care for the looks compared to a Gemballa 930 for the same period, this was a road racer and off-road rally car. I would have the Carrera GT in a "groundbreaking" list also, with it's V-10 engine basically pulled out of a race car.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4- The most powerful, technology advanced car built to date that classifies as a daily driver. The EB 110 was a remarkable predecessor to the EB 16.4, and even when there's a faster car, the Veyron's style and design will be hard to beat.
My list would be as follows.
Vector W8- Over 200 mph Supercar. I also have the Jaguar XJ 220 in a tie, but loved the Vector growing up.
Porsche 959- Big HP for the time in a flat 6 w/ AWD. While I don't care for the looks compared to a Gemballa 930 for the same period, this was a road racer and off-road rally car. I would have the Carrera GT in a "groundbreaking" list also, with it's V-10 engine basically pulled out of a race car.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4- The most powerful, technology advanced car built to date that classifies as a daily driver. The EB 110 was a remarkable predecessor to the EB 16.4, and even when there's a faster car, the Veyron's style and design will be hard to beat.
Last edited by Bdog; 10-30-2012 at 08:47 AM.
10-30-2012, 10:06 AM
#28
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Personally, I like the Porsche 961 more. 
10-30-2012, 10:07 AM
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Who is she? She would be this hotness...
10-30-2012, 10:11 AM
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Are we forgetting the F50 with an F1 inspired V12? 
10-30-2012, 10:42 AM
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Well, we are only allowed 3, WD.
I'd take the F40 over the F50.
I'd take the F40 over the F50.
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10-30-2012, 10:44 AM
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Same here but the V12 is...
10-30-2012, 11:05 AM
#33
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10-30-2012, 11:16 AM
#34
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pretty difficult to say that the lamborghini countach should not be on that list if youve ever seen any TV documentary on its upbringing.
...the rudimentary factory and testing that contributed to the final product. the engineering and design was an awe inspiring, global threat, better yet -- a trend setter...that was crafted by the hands and minds of only a few brave souls from an italian countryside...i give much more credit to this car than products churned out by more established brands during that era.
for supercars in OUR generation, that is top 3, IMO, hands down.
...the rudimentary factory and testing that contributed to the final product. the engineering and design was an awe inspiring, global threat, better yet -- a trend setter...that was crafted by the hands and minds of only a few brave souls from an italian countryside...i give much more credit to this car than products churned out by more established brands during that era.
for supercars in OUR generation, that is top 3, IMO, hands down.
Last edited by ThermonMermon; 10-30-2012 at 11:25 AM.
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nspec_ya4 (10-31-2012)
10-30-2012, 11:34 AM
#35
I think the fact that he made it a "top 3" list is why it is such an interesting conversation. You could always expand the list, but that's the easy way out and you could just keep listing cars. The interesting, and tough thing to do, is narrow it to 3.
My list would be the same as the OP's, except I would replace the Tesla with the 959. While I agree the Tesla brought electric more to the mainstream and into the sportscar genre, it's not a supercar, and I think it will be sometime before we have a supercar electric that is widely recognized and sells well (as in large numbers).
My list would be the same as the OP's, except I would replace the Tesla with the 959. While I agree the Tesla brought electric more to the mainstream and into the sportscar genre, it's not a supercar, and I think it will be sometime before we have a supercar electric that is widely recognized and sells well (as in large numbers).
10-30-2012, 01:10 PM
#37
Welcome to Olliewood
I don't know what the argument would be to put the Zonda on the list at all? It's most important supercar, not favorite or best. And regardless how I feel about the McLaren, the ground work was already laid for it. I agree pretty much with OP's list:
1. Countach - Completely changed design of supercars, with it's outlandish style and huge V12 it sort of defined the essence of a supercar as something you don't need, but you would dream to have/own one day. Evidenced by a man spending 17 years building one in his basement.
2. Veyron - No description needed.
3. I will take your Tesla, and give you this:
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
A supercar with proper performance, and fuel mileage better than that of a Prius. It's going to literally change the game again. Not just for supercars, but for all cars. The idea of a supercar should be the best performance in every aspect, so why not fuel mileage as well? This is the first of its kind and it's going to lay an amazing foundation for everyone else to follow.
1. Countach - Completely changed design of supercars, with it's outlandish style and huge V12 it sort of defined the essence of a supercar as something you don't need, but you would dream to have/own one day. Evidenced by a man spending 17 years building one in his basement.
2. Veyron - No description needed.
3. I will take your Tesla, and give you this:
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
A supercar with proper performance, and fuel mileage better than that of a Prius. It's going to literally change the game again. Not just for supercars, but for all cars. The idea of a supercar should be the best performance in every aspect, so why not fuel mileage as well? This is the first of its kind and it's going to lay an amazing foundation for everyone else to follow.
10-30-2012, 03:27 PM
#38
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Excellent choice with the 918 
10-30-2012, 04:51 PM
#40
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It also seems that "supercar" could use some clarification here. While the NSX is an awesome car and an engineering marvel for its time, should it really be considered a "supercar".
