What Makes a Supercar Super? Take a Closer Look Before Your Automotive Career!

The origin of the ‘supercar’ label goes all the way back to the 1920s, when newspaper advertisements for the latest high-performance automobiles started to push the term. Since then, it’s gone on to be a constant in the automotive world. What exact criteria does a car have to meet, though, to get the designation? In fact, is there even an exact set of criteria to consider?

If you love all things automotive, and are thinking about pursuing an automotive career, here are some points you might want to keep in mind.

General Supercar Traits for the Student Learning How to Become a Mechanic

Ultimately, the term ‘supercar’ is not protected, and is often used to refer to contemporary high-performance cars. However, ‘supercar’ is most accepted when referring to the following types of vehicles: limited high-performance models from producers with an “upper-tier” reputation (like the Ferrari 488 Spider, or Lamborghini Huracán), high-performance cars from smaller boutique producers (such as cars designed by Sweden’s Koenigsegg), and ‘standard’ cars that have been massively retooled for increased power (such as the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon).

What these vehicles tend to have in common is serious power—typically well over 500 hp—exceedingly fast acceleration, and top-of-the-pack handling. That’s all in addition to an emphasis on striking design and weight economy that usually rules out trunks or rear seats. The other differentiator comes with the price tag; supercars are known to be priced above and beyond the rest of the market.

Sports Cars, Supercars, and Hypercars: Charting the Difference

The high-performance market now sees considerably more new models being released by makers from all over the world. Vehicles in this more congested market usually get bunched under three different banners: sports cars, supercars, and hypercars.

So how does someone beginning their automotive career distinguish the boundaries between each designation? Many industry experts believe the supercar is distinguished from the sports car pack due to significantly better speed, a design that is distinctly more ostentatious than the standard convertible, and higher top speeds.

When it comes to the differences between supercars and hypercars, though, the boundaries get a little murkier. According to many, one feature that defines hypercars is that it takes the skill of a professional driver to truly exercise the stratospheric performance specs of a hypercar. In addition, hypercars pack a bigger price tag, too, clocking in at usually over $850,000.

Over Your Automotive Career You’ll Find that ‘Supercar’ Is a Disputed Term

For as long as it’s been in use, industry magazines and user forums have contested the label of ‘supercar’. A prime recent example of this controversy is the debate over whether it applies to the soon-to-be-released 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Well-read students studying how to become a mechanic may have already noted reports that this car’s stats will actually have it outpacing the vast majority of supercars in a drag race over 400 metres.

However, the Demon only costs a relatively affordable $110,000. This has the Demon not quite reaching the supposed supercar price, while simultaneously outperforming some supercars. It has plenty of car fans debating whether this new arrival is a true supercar, or if it even goes a little bit beyond that. But while the debate over the definition rages on, one thing is for sure: the wise mechanic will tread lightly with regards to these definitions—especially around owners.

Do you want to build up your automotive knowledge and prepare for a rewarding career?

Get in touch with Automotive Training Centres to learn how many pros have begun their auto mechanic careers in Cambridge.