Autocar 1993:McLaren F1 around Nürburgring

[sameerrao]

Another thing to consider is the multiple 'routes' around the Nurburgring. It seems there are about 3 or 4 different lengths for a 'lap', so its hard to tell which is which sometimes... Its really a shame that the track was wet and full of traffic, I'd really like to see what time the Macca could wring out, or even what speed it could hit on the back straight

According to the graphic the Mclaren hit 200 mph (322ks) where the Porsche was hit 294 Ks (Doettinger Hoehe). Pretty big difference.

I agree with Vansquish. As they emphasized in the article, the McLaren is set-up for road use and its not overly wide or stiffly sprung, which does mean it won't have the out-right cornering speeds of cars like the CGT with super-stiff suspension.

Note they tested the down on power F1 here with 580bhp instead of 627. They might have got more speed with the extra hp. Also the F1-LM would go some way toward closing the gap in downforce. But all this talk is just arm chair musing - someone needs to hit the track before we really find out . ...

[bmagni]

and what bout the enzo ?????

[BADMIHAI]

I wonder why all the new supercars are heavier than the F40 and McLaren F1.

[jamberl]

Originally Posted by BADMIHAI I wonder why all the new supercars are heavier than the F40 and McLaren F1.

I believe its to do with occupant safety legislation. Nowadays cars have to be much safer and pass all sorts of tests. I highly doubt that an F40 would pass todays crash requirements. Thats why even with modern technology, cars like the enzo and Carrera GT are heavier than older supercars. Sad but true.

[crazidude]

No, I'm pretty sure the F40 would pass safety regulations, barely. It's made from carbon fibre so I'm pretty sure it will protect it's occupants to some extent.
New supercars are heavier because it has ABS, power assisted brakes and steering, a few more luxuries and other crap that I can't really think of right now.

[sameerrao]

Originally Posted by BADMIHAI I wonder why all the new supercars are heavier than the F40 and McLaren F1.

I agree with crazidude

The Mclaren F1 was a "cost-is-no-object" car with every detail analyzed by the obsessive Gordon Murray to pare down weight. He has gone to the extent of titanium tools in the toolkit to drop weight. Also the titanium inconel exhaust system saves about 67 kilos over a regular exhaust system. There are many such elements where the Mclaren has carved new grounds in design and engineering. The result was a car with a humongous engine, three seating spaces, the luggace capacities of a Ford Fiesta and 1138KG of weights. It was an amazing achievement then and is unbeaten today...

Today's carbon fibre supercars - Zonda, Enzo, CGT, SLR are much heavier for the following reasons:
1. More safety equipment - ABS, Traction control, power steering, etc
2. Lux equipment - navigation - CGT and SLR (?)
3. Bigger size length and width - bigger body = more mass

[crayzayjay]

Airbags & other safety requirements.