This article on “sports cars” aims to drive all the specifications and suitable engines their transmission for sports cars that meet the required performance. In this article, we are going to learn about the engine type, efficiency, power, and gear train of the sports car.
What is Sports Car? Basic Overview
An automobile that is used or equipped for racing has an aerodynamic shape and comes with a single seat or two seats that bear a low center of gravity; the design constructions of steering wheels and their suspension is precise control at high speed is known as a sports car.
These cars are generally applicable to driving on the racing track if we do not modify them. The materials used for manufacturing these cars are also premium quality steel and aluminum due to the consideration of the weight. The production of these cars is not as much volume, it is limited, and the production line of the manufacturing is fully automated.
These cars generally accelerate 0-100 in a few seconds, and the top speeds of these vehicles are about and above 200 km per hour. The fundamental need of the sports car is too fast speed, and performance and mileage are the secondary things.
Parts of Sports Car: Name & Descriptions
The parts of sports cars are the same as normal cars, but the engine capacity and the speeding auxiliary components are different in the sports car. Here are the main parts of the sports car: –
- Engine
- Chassis
- Transmission
- Body
- Wheels
- Steering system
01. Engine
Engines are vital for any type of vehicle. The engines function on an internal combustion engine; the small and controlled explosion generates power in the combustion chamber. This happens due to the ignition of air and fuel mixture in the various cylinders of the car. Following are the type used in the engine, and they are as Straight, Inline, V engine & Flat engine
- Straight engine: The straight engines are arranged parallel to the car from front to back. This arrangement has been made to fit more cylinders. This type of engine is present in the BMW and Mercedes.
- Inline engine: This type of engine is used where the engine is set to be side-by-side in an upright position across the engine and perpendicular to the car. This type of engine is the most common engine, and this will be easily seen in the hunchback and family cars due to the engine size being very compact with their components.
- V – engine: A V- the engine is named due to the arrangement of cylinders in the V shape. This engine is mounted on the side at 600 angles which has two rows facing outward in direction, and the crankshaft is connected at the base of the V engine. This engine is widely used in most premium supercars and high-performance cars.
- Flat engine: This engine arrangement is made when the cylinders are mounted horizontally, having two rows facing outwards. This engine type has a very low center of gravity within the engine bay. This type of engine is widely used in the Porsche sports car. Also Read: What is Governer
02. Chassis
The car’s chassis is a solid part that sustains the total load of the vehicle. This is also known as the frame of the vehicle. This is like the bone of the car. The chassis bears the total load of the vehicle parts and the stress offered while driving. The four main types of chassis are:-
- Ladder frame chassis
- Backbone chassis
- Monocoque chassis
- Tubular chassis
The following are the function of the chassis:-
- The chassis bears support and the total weight of the vehicle.
- The chassis has mounting spaces for other components and multiple parts of the car.
- It withstands the stresses during braking and acceleration.
- It also manages stress while driving on the road.
03. Transmission
The transmission of the vehicle is the most important part of the vehicle. The transmission function is to transmit the engine power to the vehicle’s wheels. There are two types of transmission used In the vehicle:-
- Manual transmission
- Automated transmission.
Manual transmission: The manual transmission consists of a clutch pedal, gear train, and shaft. In this type of transmission, the driver shifts the gear with the help of the lever or pedal manually.
The driver must choose the desired gear to engage or disengage the clutch in a manual transmission. The transmission used the following components: pressure plate, clutch plate, and flywheel to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission. The clutch is sandwiched between the flywheel and the pressure plate in this phenomenon. Following are the manual types of the clutch: –
- Dual-clutch
- Unsynchronized clutch
- Automated
- Constant-mesh
- Preselector
- Single clutch
Automatic transmission: There is no need to push the pedal in automatic transmission before changing the gear. The gear changes or shifts its shelf due to the presence of a torque converter. there are a few terminologies used in the automatic transmission, Hydraulic, Direct shift gearbox & Tiptronic
- Hydraulic means some type of fluid present in the automatic transmission to function better.
- Direct shift gearbox: This type of gearbox consists of a pair of clutch, which are disengaging alternatively utilizing changing the gear. This system provides very fast shifting of gears and smooth acceleration.
- Tiptronic: this is a device used to operate automatic transmission manually with the help of a shifter and steering wheel control.
04. Body
The manufacturer decides the body material of the automobile and the customer’s needs. But most manufacturers prefer to use fine and premium materials that are light weighted, economical, recyclable, and reliable. The following are the materials used for the manufacturing body of automobiles:
- Aluminium
- Steel
- Magnesium
- Titanium
05. Wheels
The wheels are also a vital part of the vehicle. The wheels are responsible for exerting load and provide a better experience while on the ride. Hence we need a proper and well-sized wheel that meets the vehicle’s requirements. Generally, in sports cars, Magnesium alloy wheels are used. The magnesium alloy wheels have high fatigue and impact resistance; these wheels easily withstand vibration and shock loading. Also Read: Fuel Pump
06. Steering system
This is a component used to guide the desired path of the vehicle. The fundamental need of the steering system is to point the vehicle toward the desired path.
Mechanism of the steering wheel: The steering system’s purpose is to convert the rotary motion of the steering wheel into the angular motion of the front wheel. The working of the steering wheel is explained below: –
- If we rotate the steering wheel, the shaft connected to the steering will start to rotate.
- Here a gear is bolted to avoid the up and down movement, which causes blockage and the worm gear allows it to rotate itself.
- Now the steering gear allows you to change the direction of motion.
- Further, the twisting force generated at the change in the direction of motion multiplies with the respective gear ratio.
- Now the output shaft starts to rotate and moves the Pitman’s arm.
- Later on, it transmits the motion to the steering knuckle with the help of connecting rod, ties rods, idler arm, and steering arm.
The function of the steering wheel: The functions of steering wheels are listed below: –
- It also absorbs some road shocks and prevents them from being transmitted to the driver.
- This will help to prevent obstacles from reaching the driver.
- It provides stability to the vehicle while on the road.
- The steering system enhances the control over the vehicle.
Types of Sports Car
Generally, people may consider all roads going a high-speed car as a “Sportscar,” but this also has four distinct categories. And they are:-
- Supercars
- Hypercars
- High-performance Sports Car
01. Supercars
The manufacturing of the supercar is also automated, but the uses of materials are very precise, and premium-like titanium and aluminum alloy due to these materials are light weighted and their strength are very good compared to other materials. The production follows the assembly line, but only several processes have been done by hand. The production volume is very few units, and these are taken in production when the demand comes due to being very expensive. Also Read: Types of Cars
These supercars will deliver high-performance rates and accelerate 0-100 km in less than 3 seconds. The top speeds of these cars exceed 250 km per hour. The fundamental need of these cars is to deliver high luxury and comfort, and the performance is the secondary thing. These supercars are very expensive and typically price above $20,0000. Following are the examples of supercars:-
- Ford GT
- Lamborghini Aventador
- Ferrari F8 Tributo
02. Hypercar
These Hypercars are dedicated racing cars, and for riding these cars, a professional rider and skill level or racing circuit is needed. The manufacturing of these cars is of very expensive exotic material used to achieve lightweight. The manufacturing and assembly of these cars are preferred by hand only. The volume of production is very less, up to 100 units only.
These cars achieve a very premium speed above 300 km per hour. The built quality and the cabin material are very premium. These cars are used to be kept in museum car collections, and the price of these cars is about $ 1,000,000. Here are a few examples of the hypercar
- Pagani Huayra
- SSC Tuatara
- Hennessey Venom F5
03. High-performance car
A high-performance car is the best combination of speed and design. The fundamental thing is to keep these vehicles about the car’s performance, and the driving comfort is the secondary thing for these cars. The construction material and the method are conventional. High-performance sports cars typically accelerate 0-100 in less than 5 seconds. The top speed of this car is about 178 km per hour. The price of this car is about $ 75000. Here are the several examples of high-performance cars:-
- Audi R8
- BMW M4
- Porsche 911
Although the sports car may be defined on the following four parameters:-
- Performance
- Material used
- Price
- Exclusivity
Top Best Sports Car in the World
Here are the best sports cars listed below:-
- Porsche 911
- Mazda MX-5
- Porsche 718 Boxter
- Alpine A110
- McLaren 720S
- Ford mustang
- Audi TT
- Nissan GT-R
- Toyota GR Supra
01. Porsche 911
This is the eighth generation of the sports car now available in India, and this comes with two variants -911 Carrera S and 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.
The full specification of this vehicle as bellowed: –
Engine: The Porsche 911 engine comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged petrol engine that creates a maximum of 30 bhp of its predecessor and 444 bhp and generates 530 NM torque. This engine comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. This vehicle can accelerate 0-100 in less than 3.7 seconds. The top speed of this vehicle is about 308 km per hour. The engine capacity is 3996 cc.
Drive train: the drive train of this vehicle is rear-wheel driven.
Interior design: the interior design of this vehicle is well balanced and has iconic styling. This has a 10.9-inch touch screen panel and the drive mode selector on the steering wheel. These have adaptive autonomous emergency brakes, night vision, wet driving mode, and adaptive cruise control.
Exterior design: this vehicle is now wider than the old version of the Porsche, and the wheel setup is offered with 20 /21 inches on the front and the rear.
Price: the price of the vehicle is about 1.69 crore INR
02. Mazda MX 5
This is the fourth generation of the Mazda and launched on the 3 Sept 2014 in the United States and Spain. The full specification of this car is given below:
Engine: this vehicle has a capacity of 1.5 liters and 96 KW. This will generate 201 Nm with the 4600 rpm. The Mazada replaces its hydraulic steering system with an electric power-assisted steering system in this model. This car launched with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is placed in the front-mid and with rear-wheel drive.
Power output: The output power of this vehicle is 96 kW
Dimension
- Wheelbase: 2310 mm
- Length: 3915 mm
- Width : 1730 mm
- Height: 1235 mm
Price: the price of this vehicle is $30065.
03. Porsche 718 Boxster
This Porsche 718 Boxster is available in numerous colors like Jet black metallic, black, night blue metallic, carmine red, crayon, GT silver metallic, etc. The detailed specification of this vehicle is given below:-
Engine: the capacity of the engine is a 1988 cc, flat 4 cylinders engine. This is MA2.20 turbocharged Flat -4 engine. It generates a maximum brake horsepower of 295bhp at 6500 pm. This vehicle has 7 gear automated dual-clutch transmission. It also has a rear-wheel drive train.
Dimension:
- Wheelbase: 2475 mm
- Length: 4379 mm
- Width: 1801 mm
- Height:1281 mm
Price: the price of this vehicle is about 1.26 crore INR
04. Alpine A110
This vehicle is also a rear mid-engine manufactured by French manufacturer Alpine in March 2017. The detailed specification of this car is given below:
Engine: this vehicle has an engine powered with a 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injector 4 valve per cylinder inline-four engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine has an output of 252 PS at 6000 rpm and maximizes the torque by about 320 nm. This accelerates 0-100 km per hour speed in less than 4.5 seconds.
Dimensions
- Wheel base: 2419 mm
- Length: 4178 mm
- Width: 1798 mm
- Height: 1252 mm
Price: the price of this vehicle is nearly £52,194.
05. McLaren 720S
This vehicle will be launched on 9th June 2021, and its detailed specification is given below: –
Engine: The engine of this vehicle comes with an M840T 3994 cc twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, and the transmission of this vehicle is a seven-speed automatic transmission. The engine of this vehicle generates 710 brake horsepower, and the maximum torque is 770 NM. This vehicle achieves a speed of 0-100 km per or in less than 2.8 seconds, and the top speed of this vehicle is 341 km per hour.
Dimension
- Wheelbase: 2670 mm
- Length: 4544 mm
- Width: 2161 mm
- Height: 1196 mm
Price: the price of this vehicle is 4.65 Crore INR
06. Ford Mustang
The ford mustang is one of the iconic sports cars whose detailed specification is given below: –
Engine: the engine of this vehicle is 4951 cc; its transmission is also automated. It generates the maximum power of 395bhp at 6500 rpm, and the maximum torque is 515 nm. The top speed of this vehicle is 290 km per hour, and it accelerates the speed 0- 100 in less than 3.3 seconds.
Dimension
- Wheelbase: 2720 mm
- Length: 4784 mm
- Width: 2080 mm
- Height: 1381 mm
Price: the price of the vehicle is 74.62 lakh INR
07. Audi TT
The Audi TT is one of the sports cars in mid-range whose detailed specification is given below: –
Engine: the engine of this vehicle is 3189 cc having an automatic transmission. The engine generates maximum power of 246 bhp at 6300 rpm, and the maximum torque is 320 nm. The top speed of this vehicle is 250 km per hour. It accelerates 0 – 100 km per hour in less than 4.5 seconds.
Dimension
- Wheelbase: 2468 mm
- Length: 4178 mm
- Width: 1842 mm
Price: the price of this vehicle is 64.43 lakh INR.
08. Nissan GT-R
The full specification of the Nishan GT- R is given below: –
Engine: The engine of this vehicle is 3798 cc, and the transmission of this vehicle is full automatic transmission; it generates a maximum torque of 562.20 bhp at 6800 rpm, and the maximum torque is 637 NM. The top speed of this vehicle Is 315 km per hour, and it accelerates 0-100 km in less than 2.9 seconds.
Dimension
- Wheelbase: 2700 mm
- Length: 4710 mm
- Width: 1895 mm
Price: the price of this vehicle is 2.12 Crore INR.
09. Toyota GR Supra
This vehicle’s full specification is given below: –
Engine: the engine of this vehicle is 340 DIN hp at 6500 pm. It generates a maximum torque of 500 nm. The engine accelerates 0- 100 km per hour in less than 4.3 seconds. The top speed of this vehicle is 250 km per hour.
Dimension
- Wheelbase: 2470 mm
- Length: 4380 mm
- Width: 1865 mm
- Height: 1290 mm
Price: the price of this vehicle is $63280.
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Features of Sports Car
Following are the features of a sports car
- They come with four-wheel drive
- The sports car generally comes with two seating capacities. This ensures that the car is smaller and lighter in weight to achieve the desired performance.
- The layout of the drivetrain commonly is rear mid-engine. In the rear-wheel-drive layout, the engine is generally mounted in the center of the frame.
- All sports cars come with high technology that gives the rider feedback about what’s transpiring. The voice-activated navigation system and wireless connectivity system are popular these days.
Advantages of Sports Car
Following are the advantage of the sports car:-
- Mileage is higher
- The resale value of this type of ca is higher
- The performance of the sports car is higher than the other vehicle.
- These sports cars have a gorgeous look
Disadvantages of Sports Car
Following are the disadvantage of sports car
- The pricing of the sports car is very high, and it is not possible to buy a sports car for everyone.
- These cars have a very heavy maintenance charge
- The spare parts for the sports are also too costly.
- Little bit uncomfortable to ride because these cars are designed to be compact with a body structure
- The fuel efficiency of these cars is very low as compared to the normal car
Frequently Asked Questions
01. How do we choose a sports car?
Answer: following are the parameters by which we can easily select the sports car. They are: –
Speed & performance
Price
Trunk space
Fuel economy
Maintenance cost
Design and style
Transmission
Seating arrangements
Handling etc.
02. What do we have to do before buying a sports car?
Answer: following are the factors which we need to check before buying a sports car: –
First of all, we need to evaluate our needs in sports car
Then we need to take a test drive to meet our desire for a sports car
Select the budget.
03. Are sports cars very expensive?
Answer: Yes, generally sports cars are more expensive than normal cars.
04. How to protect the sports car?
Answer: following are the ways to protect the sports car:-
Mounting alarm system.
Owning the desired car covers
Proper area of parking.
05. What are the features of a sports car?
Answer: Following are the features of a sports car:-
Lightweight
Iconic design
Premium quality
High performance
Speedy
Very expensive.
Superior quality of road holding
Powerful brakes
06. What are the cons of buying a sports car?
Answer: following are the cones of buying a sports car:-
High maintenance cost
High capital cost
Very low fuel economy
Not very comfortable to ride.
07. How fast can sports cars go?
Answer: As per theoretical noted data, a sports car can go 300+ km per hour.
08. What are the things needed for a car to be eligible to race?
Answer: For racing, the sports car needs to perform well, and all the mandatory requirements like an extinguisher system, comfortable seats, harnesses, towing eyes, and electrical cut-off should be working properly. The inspecting examiner checks these basic requirements before each race to ensure compliance.
09. What will be the cost of maintenance and the operation of a single race?
Answer: The maintenance and operational costs should depend on what class of your sports car. Generally, we can say that a CLASS D sports car has fewer operational and maintenance costs than a CLASS A sports car.
10. When will the transmission fluid be changed?
Answer: according to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilder Association (ATRA), the transmission fluid must be changed every 50000 km or two years.
11. How many types of sports cars?
Answer: there are four types of a sports cars, and they are:-
Basic sports car
High-performance sports car
Supercar
Hypercars.
12. Which sports car is top in the world?
Answer: The Hennessey Venom GT is the world’s no 1 sports car.
13. Who made the first sports car?
Answer: the first sports car was introduced in 1901 by Wilhelm Maybach and Paul Daimler, and these two designed the car with a 35 HP engine.