What is a supercar?
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
What is a supercar?
As I impatiently wait to know how many YEARS it might be before I see a Z06, I return to this forum for my cathartic release (for those with no patience with my ramblings, I will soon have other things to occupy myself).
One of my random thoughts as I watch my Lamborghini loaded on a carrier for an oil change (share the moment below), what is a "supercar" For one thing is I cannot even get a "loaner" from Chevrolet when my car needs servicing. I suspect few here, really track their cars, and rely on them for street use. So, in the context of the overwhelming majority here, why do you want a 650 horsepower street car? Do you really drive over 100mph frequently? Do you try to beat a guy off the line? Do you take chances while your passenger screams? There may be more to consider regards a "super" car. For example, the panache, the fit and finish of a Ferrari, the "hand made" Lamborghini, or a Mclaren. Cars that are not massed produced and whose names are known by every one able to walk on earth. The Z06 is a great car for what it is, and I want one too. I was impressed when first getting my C8 in 2020, but now ready to sell it (may have a buyer this week), because the novelty has worn off. I own a purposely built race car so do not need to risk my wife's life every time we go out, and if I want attention, I have other cars to drive. The Corvette is a massed produced (if the produce them at all) car , a street car that can be tracked. Frankly, after owning a Porsche GT3RS, which is really a race car disguised as a street car, the Z06, is a better street car and also the "Walter Mitty" dream car of all those hanging racing posters in their garage. However, to suggest the Z06 is a super car, produced on the GM assembly line is a bit of a stretch for me. Of course , (as they say) " for the money" it provides speed and a beautiful sound. But that is about it for us street bound folks. At the end of the day, it is a Corvette, with an interior matching that of its C8 $65,000 predecessor. Finally, even what I have called the true super cars are overshadowed by such marques as Is Koenigsegg , Panini, Bugatti, etc. So what is a supercar?
One of my random thoughts as I watch my Lamborghini loaded on a carrier for an oil change (share the moment below), what is a "supercar" For one thing is I cannot even get a "loaner" from Chevrolet when my car needs servicing. I suspect few here, really track their cars, and rely on them for street use. So, in the context of the overwhelming majority here, why do you want a 650 horsepower street car? Do you really drive over 100mph frequently? Do you try to beat a guy off the line? Do you take chances while your passenger screams? There may be more to consider regards a "super" car. For example, the panache, the fit and finish of a Ferrari, the "hand made" Lamborghini, or a Mclaren. Cars that are not massed produced and whose names are known by every one able to walk on earth. The Z06 is a great car for what it is, and I want one too. I was impressed when first getting my C8 in 2020, but now ready to sell it (may have a buyer this week), because the novelty has worn off. I own a purposely built race car so do not need to risk my wife's life every time we go out, and if I want attention, I have other cars to drive. The Corvette is a massed produced (if the produce them at all) car , a street car that can be tracked. Frankly, after owning a Porsche GT3RS, which is really a race car disguised as a street car, the Z06, is a better street car and also the "Walter Mitty" dream car of all those hanging racing posters in their garage. However, to suggest the Z06 is a super car, produced on the GM assembly line is a bit of a stretch for me. Of course , (as they say) " for the money" it provides speed and a beautiful sound. But that is about it for us street bound folks. At the end of the day, it is a Corvette, with an interior matching that of its C8 $65,000 predecessor. Finally, even what I have called the true super cars are overshadowed by such marques as Is Koenigsegg , Panini, Bugatti, etc. So what is a supercar?
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Cski1968 (03-30-2023)
#2
I looked it up in the dictionary. It said "Supercar /ˈsuː.pɚ.kɑːr/ uk /ˈsuː.pə.kɑːr/ : 2023 Chevrolet Z06".
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#3
When you talk about "rare, hand built, exclusive," etc especially in regards to foreign made that means exotic to me. The Z06 is not an exotic (to us in the US)
When you talk about supercar... that is more performance based for me. The Z06, having better performance than most "supercars", and "exotics" is clearly, without any doubt a supercar.
Now, a few insanely fast cars (and ultra expensive) have fallen into a new class of cars called "hypercars". The Z06 is not a hypercar.
When you talk about supercar... that is more performance based for me. The Z06, having better performance than most "supercars", and "exotics" is clearly, without any doubt a supercar.
Now, a few insanely fast cars (and ultra expensive) have fallen into a new class of cars called "hypercars". The Z06 is not a hypercar.
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#4
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What’s your definition of the word super in context to a car?
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PRE-Z06 (03-13-2023)
#6
Wow that was a long rant/opinion lol. The Z06 is definitely a Supercar. This it's just a Chevy usually comes from people who are insecure with their finances/wealth. I am surprised it's coming from you. Btw, it is not only a Super Car, but in many countries, it is also a true exotic. And the interior of the 3LT interior holds its own against anything up to $150K or so Sports/Super Car.
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#7
Race Director
I do track my Corvettes, but for those that don't maybe the fact that the C8Z is quicker around race tracks that the "exotic" names is sufficient for them to call it a supercar. How many owners of "exotics" really use the full performance of their cars? Not many. How many times has your Lambo been run near it's capabilities on a race track?
There are $40K new cars that cannot be driven to their full capability on the street without felony/confiscation speeds.
To me, it doesn't matter what others want to call it, I am just enjoying it and looking forward to future track days.
There are $40K new cars that cannot be driven to their full capability on the street without felony/confiscation speeds.
To me, it doesn't matter what others want to call it, I am just enjoying it and looking forward to future track days.
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#8
Burning Brakes
It’s a know it when you see it thing. Interior quality or service experience don’t have anything to do with it imo. It’s a mix of performance, looks, exclusivity, and to some extent price. They have to exceed a “sports car.” The other brands you mention like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Pagani I consider as hypercars, plus the Uber exclusive variants like LaFerrari, P1, Senna from the super car companies. Like super car over sports car, they’re higher performing, more extravagant looking, and way more exclusive.
The C8 has a super car case so the C8Z definitely does too with the exotic engine, higher price, and exclusivity. There’s certainly not a lot being built. C6 and C7 Z06 production isn’t incomparable to Gallardo or Huracan production.
The C8 has a super car case so the C8Z definitely does too with the exotic engine, higher price, and exclusivity. There’s certainly not a lot being built. C6 and C7 Z06 production isn’t incomparable to Gallardo or Huracan production.
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vettesweetnos (03-14-2023)
#10
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The Z06 is not an exotic. It IS a Supercar.
At $150K-$200K+ transaction prices, it does reach the price point to be exclusive. Adding on the limited availability, at only 1100 units produced after nearly the entire first year run, this adds to the exclusivity. For reference, there are 2500-3000 Huracans produced each year. The Z06 will be well below this, at least for the foreseeable future.
Performance is well into the Supercar territory. I don't think I need to delve into this much, no one is arguing that.
Looks are subjective of course, but no one can say the Z06 does not garner a high amount of attention from the public.
The engine and transmission are absolutely of supercar quality and feel. Its one of the most special and "exotic" engines produced in the last decade and the DCT is just as modern as anything the exotics are using.
The interior is subjective. I personally find them just as nice as any exotic. The Huracan's interior is nothing special, the McLaren is bare-bones and uninteresting. Ferrari does have fantastic interiors now. Their early 2000 era cars were of very bad quality.
Not sure what else there is. This car meets every category IMO of supercars. Some might say its because the C8 Stingray is more common and dilutes the "brand", but the R8 used to have a base model with the V8 and much less power and nobody questioned that car's status. The Huracan has the 580-2 which is kind of considered their base model. Not to mention there is like 8 variants of the Huracan and they are seen everywhere. So I really don't buy this as an argument. They are different cars.
At $150K-$200K+ transaction prices, it does reach the price point to be exclusive. Adding on the limited availability, at only 1100 units produced after nearly the entire first year run, this adds to the exclusivity. For reference, there are 2500-3000 Huracans produced each year. The Z06 will be well below this, at least for the foreseeable future.
Performance is well into the Supercar territory. I don't think I need to delve into this much, no one is arguing that.
Looks are subjective of course, but no one can say the Z06 does not garner a high amount of attention from the public.
The engine and transmission are absolutely of supercar quality and feel. Its one of the most special and "exotic" engines produced in the last decade and the DCT is just as modern as anything the exotics are using.
The interior is subjective. I personally find them just as nice as any exotic. The Huracan's interior is nothing special, the McLaren is bare-bones and uninteresting. Ferrari does have fantastic interiors now. Their early 2000 era cars were of very bad quality.
Not sure what else there is. This car meets every category IMO of supercars. Some might say its because the C8 Stingray is more common and dilutes the "brand", but the R8 used to have a base model with the V8 and much less power and nobody questioned that car's status. The Huracan has the 580-2 which is kind of considered their base model. Not to mention there is like 8 variants of the Huracan and they are seen everywhere. So I really don't buy this as an argument. They are different cars.
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#11
This post feels less like a question of, "Is it a supercar?" and more so, "Is it worth the money?"
I don't think anyone around really questions the "supercar" status of the Z06. But is it worth the money? Your comments are valid. It's a Chevy and the dealer network experience sucks major ***. GM also sucks the ***. The interior is, indeed, the same as the cheaper Stingray. No, most people will never explore the extent of the car's performance and capabilities. No, it isn't an exotic (in America, at least). Yes, it's mass produced.
But is it worth it? Only the individual can answer that. And it sounds like, for you, it might not be. And that's ok. Don't listen to the dummies here who say things like, "hurr durr only people who can't afford it think that way." Performance alone doesn't make the cost of a car === the car's value for someone.
I don't think anyone around really questions the "supercar" status of the Z06. But is it worth the money? Your comments are valid. It's a Chevy and the dealer network experience sucks major ***. GM also sucks the ***. The interior is, indeed, the same as the cheaper Stingray. No, most people will never explore the extent of the car's performance and capabilities. No, it isn't an exotic (in America, at least). Yes, it's mass produced.
But is it worth it? Only the individual can answer that. And it sounds like, for you, it might not be. And that's ok. Don't listen to the dummies here who say things like, "hurr durr only people who can't afford it think that way." Performance alone doesn't make the cost of a car === the car's value for someone.
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michael510 (03-13-2023)
#12
To me, no Vette is a super car. Neither is any Porsche(except 918 and Carrara GT), R8, NSX, etc. I guess it's just up to everyone's definition. Of course this is just my opinion, and it's not worth anything more than anyone else's.
The Z06 is certainly an amazing sports car though.
The Z06 is certainly an amazing sports car though.
#13
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I never meant to demean the car. I am simply wondering (out loud) how those responding perceive the Z06. For some, probably a dream come true. for others , another car to add to the collection. I own a C8 and will buy the Z06. However, by way of example. it was worth it to me to pay $50,000 over for my first (1999) 360 Ferrari. Again, I paid $60,000 over for a 430. I just paid $15,000 over to buy a Cadillac CTV 5 Black wing (which I enjoy as I did my 2010 CTS V). I was offered a Z06 at $50,000 over and refused. For me, neither being defensive, nor belittling the Z06, it has its place and I respect tradition. I recently bought and tried a Ford GT 500, and returned it within a month. Different strokes.
#14
I never meant to demean the car. I am simply wondering (out loud) how those responding perceive the Z06. For some, probably a dream come true. for others , another car to add to the collection. I own a C8 and will buy the Z06. However, by way of example. it was worth it to me to pay $50,000 over for my first (1999) 360 Ferrari. Again, I paid $60,000 over for a 430. I just paid $15,000 over to buy a Cadillac CTV 5 Black wing (which I enjoy as I did my 2010 CTS V). I was offered a Z06 at $50,000 over and refused. For me, neither being defensive, nor belittling the Z06, it has its place and I respect tradition. I recently bought and tried a Ford GT 500, and returned it within a month. Different strokes.
I’ve had a number of Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis, McLarens to name a few. I think the Z06 has Supercar performance but certainly isn’t an exotic. Funny thing is I disagree with most of you on the interior as I think my 3LT carbon pack 2 interior is as nice as just about anything I’ve owned. Is it a “supercar”? I guess I consider it a really special sports car with Supercar performance but then again who cares !??
Last edited by Howydo; 03-14-2023 at 01:14 PM.
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#15
I’ve had a number of Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis, McLarens to name a few. I think the Z06 has Supercar performance but certainly isn’t an exotic. Funny thing is I disagree with most of you on the interior as I think my 3LZ carbon pack 2 interior is as nice as just about anything I’ve owned. Is it a “supercar”? I guess I consider it a really special sports car with Supercar performance but then again who cares !??
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#16
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I never meant to demean the car. I am simply wondering (out loud) how those responding perceive the Z06. For some, probably a dream come true. for others , another car to add to the collection. I own a C8 and will buy the Z06. However, by way of example. it was worth it to me to pay $50,000 over for my first (1999) 360 Ferrari. Again, I paid $60,000 over for a 430. I just paid $15,000 over to buy a Cadillac CTV 5 Black wing (which I enjoy as I did my 2010 CTS V). I was offered a Z06 at $50,000 over and refused. For me, neither being defensive, nor belittling the Z06, it has its place and I respect tradition. I recently bought and tried a Ford GT 500, and returned it within a month. Different strokes.
Last edited by PRE-Z06; 03-15-2023 at 01:57 AM.
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vrybad (03-14-2023)
#17
Melting Slicks
The words are "mass produced". Massed produced is not correct. There are virtually no "handmade cars" in the below $500,000.00 price point except for kit Cobras.
All of the supercars are built this way.
Ferrari...not much different from Bowling Green... Well lower tech I suppose...
Lamborghini production line
McLaren...well charmingly inefficient. They did the exact same thing with Spitfires in WWII but in poorer lighting.
All of the supercars are built this way.
Ferrari...not much different from Bowling Green... Well lower tech I suppose...
Lamborghini production line
McLaren...well charmingly inefficient. They did the exact same thing with Spitfires in WWII but in poorer lighting.
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#18
Melting Slicks
Supercar.
#19
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you can't argue that it's super, but maybe it's contentious to call it super duper.
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#20
Race Director
Why the **** do you care? You like a car? Buy it. I don't need some nutswinging internet jackass to tell me what I should or should not do. Does your satisfaction hinge on what others say? You're the kind of guy that I invite over for burgers that spends an hour telling me that the grill they have was featured in Conde Nast and everything else produces hockey pucks. Get over yourself and do what you want.