Some may ask if Cobra roadsters wouldn't also fit in a Retro Supercar category. While Cobra styling does fit the retro part, I'd dare say Cobra roadsters will likely fall short in one key factor: top speed. I don't think you'll see a Cobra roadster break 200 mph, unless the Cobra has considerable ground effects added to its non-aerodynamic body. The Cobra Daytona coupe does appear to have the aerodynamics to beat the supercar benchmark in this department, though. Recently I've seen a few Daytona coupe examples that claim 500-plus horsepower that will likely also meet/beat the other supercar performance benchmarks. So a legitimate question is: are Cobra Daytona coupes a second example supporting a new retro supercar wave? I'm guessing only time can answer that question, as it takes more than two examples to form a category.
What other car designs might also fit into a retro supercar category? There are many 1960s era sports cars and GT racers with classic sports car looks that would need a modern technology boost to meet supercar performance benchmarks: Jaguar E types, Aston Martin DB4, Corvette, Ferrari, and Porsche being several examples. The Ford GT40 has become popular in kit car ranks, but that particular car met supercar performance benchmarks in its original form. So, newly built GT40s might be considered a supercar, but would seem to me to be more exact replica than Retro Supercar.
It's time for you, the KIT CAR reader to let your opinion be heard. Are you ready to embrace a new wave in the kit car hobby? Does the combination of retro styling and modern automotive technology applied to deliver supercar performance pique your interest? Beyond that, does the idea of retro supercars excite you? Do you have an urge to have a retro supercar in your garage? If so, what retro car styling do you find appealing? Of these, which also have the aerodynamics to be a candidate at supercar performance? If you don't think retro supercars will form the next big kit car wave, what will?
It's time to let your opinions be known. If you have an opinion, then let everyone know what it is by posting a blog on the www.kitcarmag.com web site. We are very interested in what people at the grass roots level of this hobby think this can fuel and maybe even propel the hobby to new heights.
Supercar Factors Supercar Benchmarks Supercar Examples Corvette Z06 (C6) C5 GTO Targets* Power-to-weight ratio < 5lb/hp 1991 McLaren F1, 4.01 lb/hp 6.2 lb/hp 4.8 lb/hp Acceleration, 0 to 60 mph < 4 seconds Enzo Ferrari, 3.4 seconds 3.5 seconds 3.2 seconds Acceleration, 0 to 100 mph < 10 seconds Enzo Ferrari, 6.5 seconds 7.9 seconds 7 seconds Standing Quarter Mile < 13 seconds Enzo Ferrari, 11.1 seconds 11.8 seconds 11 seconds Top Speed > 200 mph McLaren F1, 231 mph 198 mph 201 mph Acceleration/ Stopping, 0-100-0 mph < 12 seconds Enzo Ferrari, 11.7 seconds Saleen S7, 11.2 seconds 11.75 seconds Handling >= 1g Enzo Ferrari, 1.01 g Saleen S7, 1.10 g .98g 1g
The Cobra Daytona coupe is a recently emerging example car that might also fit into the retro supercar category.
* These are projections based on design and partially-completed car. Actual performance won't be known until car completion and testing.
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