These are eye-catchers on the road with their ever personal, intriguing and often original style. The charm lies beyond the sports car, and the stunning lines stand apart. But a supercar never fails to find a way to the heart of enthusiasts, and this is ever so true today, in this historical age – when stylistic standardisation is virtually the rule for lower segments. Car makers are placing their stakes on exclusive models that promise outstanding performance and instant allure.
In most cases, a concept car is displayed at automobile trade fairs prior to the market launch to give a rough idea of the car's features before the actual presentation. Critics appreciate this niche trend, and enthusiasts find it fascinating: it is a dream come true that sets people talking and keeps up the myth of brands, such as Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin or McLaren.
Differing visions
It is no easy task to precisely define the supercar category but let's try to establish some landmarks. These cars undoubtedly present extreme, edge of the line design features, with a lovingly studied silhouette and certified beauty.
They often touch the half-way line between tradition and innovation, inspiring exceptionally modern and refined solutions, without ever losing sight of the iconic values: one instantly pictures high range Ferraris. It is also widely known that supercars must necessarily possess powerful sports features, with outstanding performance to stand apart from the car maker's sports cars.
We find such examples in BMW M8 or in Mercedes-Benz AMG GT. They are ‘original' models to the core and, as mentioned, their design and colours never pass unnoticed. Or the Lamborghini Huracan, flaunting either green or orange coachwork.
Famous car makers and small constructors
The feat of classifying supercars becomes easier, if we consider the market. Indeed, they are increasingly proposed by car makers, thus confirming the economic and image value, which far exceed the imagination. Leading constructors create special versions by reinforcing cars listed in their production ranges, then we find the elite brands with supercars conceived as such and, finally, the smallest manufacturers propose handmade models.
The future is now
Supercars powerfully refer to the past – especially certain brands – but they also have to necessarily look to the near future, which cannot disregard the use of hybrid or electric technology.
We shall most certainly remember 2019 as the year of the electric vehicle revolution; suffice to consider the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 and the début of the combined thermoelectric system at Sant'Agata Bolognese. The 6.5L V12 is fitted with an electric unit that enhances total power up to 819 HP. And other new releases by Porsche, Aston Martin and McLaren are on the way. The world is changing, and cars are changing with it, along with the tyres.
