Automotive Engineering at it’s Best
Great road cars, sports cars and racing cars all have one important thing in common – total design and engineering! These are not just sports cars; they’re automotive engineering genius. With such striking features, phenomenal power to weight ratio, intelligent design and mind-blowing top speeds, who wouldn’t want to get behind the wheel?
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Starting at the top, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is the astonishing result of the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. The mere fact that these two automotive giants combined their expertise speaks volumes for the end result.
Both manufacturers contributed to what surely is one of the hottest sports cars currently on the market. According to Mercedes-Benz, the 2017 SLR McLaren was inspired by the 300 SLR and the 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, both from the 1950’s.
Features and Performance
The car is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics which keeps the weight down to only 1,750kg (3,858lb). It has a sleek design, beautiful lines and certainly looks the part but what about performance?
In fact, it does pack a mighty punch with a hand-built 5.4l V8 supercharged all-aluminium engine with bragging rights to 650bhp. Top speed is around 336 km/h (209 mph) and 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds.
It will be tough to beat this one!
Ferrari LaFerrari
The Ferrari LaFerrari is a head turner for sure and is one of the fastest cars on the road. It’s a limited production hybrid sports car built by Ferrari. One of their models was actually auctioned in December 2016 for a staggering $7 million (£5,743,500.00) making it ‘the most valuable 21st century car ever sold at an auction’.
To give you an idea of just how serious they are about automotive engineering and development, every Ferrari is thoroughly tested on their privately owned racetrack, the Fiorano Circuit, in Fiorano Modenese. F1 cars, race cars and road cars are all tested here. The LaFerrari also holds the record for the fastest lap in just 1’19.70.
Features and Performance
Besides the fact that the LaFerrari is rear-wheel drive making it slightly slower off the mark, it still shows unbelievable numbers. The 6.3l V-12 engine along with a 161hp electric motor produces a jaw-dropping 789hp doing 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds.
With great speed comes great deceleration or at least we hope. In addition to carbon-ceramic rotors, the LaFerrari is assisted by air brakes and the electric motor so there is sufficient brake force to slow down from 112km/h in just 136 feet (41 meters).
Perhaps not as aggressive or intimidating as the Mercedes SLR McLaren, the LaFerrari definitely raises the bar with acceleration and top speed.
3. Aston Martin DB11
Even James Bond would want to take this one home. Compared to previous models, it’s more spacious, has more power and aerodynamically superior. The newly developed engine makes it more economical, a bonded aluminium structure and aluminium exterior panels lightens the load considerably. The design and engineering result truly speaks for itself.
Sleek lines, beautiful trimmings with a face of determination and guile are what come to mind first. Besides the Aston Martin Lagonda winning the wooden spoon award for ugliest car design, since then they’ve produced great looking cars and the DB11 is a serious looker.
Features and Performance
The DB11 is more powerful than its predecessors showing off with a 5.2l twin-turbo V12 engine putting out 447kW and 600bhp. Top speed is around 322km/h with a modest 3.9 seconds from 0-100. A smaller 4.0l twin-turbo V8 is also in production.
Advanced automotive engineering, innovation and tech are certainly present but it’s not showing off. Perhaps the biggest change is the TFT instrument and the Mercedes-style rotary controller and touchpad in the center console.
So in the end, it seems many car makers take pages from the Mercedes-Benz builders’ book which says a lot about Mercedes.
These 3 sports car certainly take automotive engineering to the next level but it’s only 3 of many. I’m leaning toward the Mercedes-Benz McLaren. Which is your favourite?
Leave your comments below and feel free to share photos of any other sports cars you rate highly as well.
PRV Engineering specialises in precision engineering. We manufacture for an expanse of industries including Automotive, Rail, Construction, Aerospace and Defense among others. Our diverse range of products and services include Busbars, CNC, Electroplating, Spray painting, Powder Coating and Shot blasting.
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