What is a Supercar?

A supercar is a high-end sports car that often costs more than $100,000 US Dollars (USD). As such, usually only the very rich can afford such vehicles, which are considered more status symbols than practical modes of transportation. Supercars are known for their power, speed and ability to attract the attention of nearly everyone on the highway. However, they also are subject to some criticism.

The supercar designation could apply to any number of automobiles. The definition between an ordinary sports car and supercar is somewhat blurred. Ordinarily, a supercar reach that benchmark of $100,000 USD. However, some cars that are just below that threshold may also be considered supercars.

Generally, a supercar will have an engine that is capable of producing several hundred horsepower. This enables the car to go very fast and accelerate very quickly. Though most of the speeds the supercar is capable of reaching are beyond the reaches of the laws of most countries, there will be places where they could be driven at higher speeds legally.

In some cases, supercars may be used as race cars. However, generally this is not going to be the case. A supercar is a specialized instrument built for speed, but not necessarily built for racing. The supercar often does not have the safety features needed for a truly safe racing experience.

Among some of the most popular supercars are the Lamborghini Murcielago, which has a price tag of more than $350,000 USD. The Ferrari F430 is another supercar that has attracted an enormous amount of attention. It has a price tag of more than $186,000 USD. One of the cheapest supercars is the Dodge Viper SRT10, which will only cost the buyer nearly $89,000 USD.

While most individuals will never be able to afford a supercar, they may be available for rent in some locations. Some companies specialize in exotic car rentals. However, special insurance is often required and the rates reflect how expensive the car is. Therefore, many may find that even renting a supercar is beyond their financial means. Still, for most, it may offer the best chance to ever get behind the wheel of such a vehicle.

While supercars have attracted the attention and imagination of many, they have also attracted the ire of some. Most supercars are seen as gluttonous products that do nothing but create envy and harm the environment. Indeed, the large engines in most supercars means most are very inefficient. The fuel mileage of a supercar rarely exceeds 15 miles (24 kilometers) per gallon.