Supercars - Pinnacles of Style & Performance

"Supercar" is a term selectively applied to those truly top of the line automobiles whose power, performance and design (as well as price) are in a class all of their own. While it is not an industry term with specific definitions, it is a euphimism reserved for luxury cars of the highest order. A few cars worthy of this rank are the Bentley Continental GT, Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Murcialago, Maserati MC12 and the Mercedes SLR McLaren.

Speed and acceleration are obvious benchmarks to separate the automotive men from the boys, and supercars play for keeps in this arena. The Mercedes SLR McLaren can go from 0-60mph in approximately 3.5 seconds, while the Bugatti Veyron can make it under 3. You read that correctly- take a moment to count to 3, and really let that sink in. All of these supercars can exceed well over 200mph, just in case you ever accidentally end up on a racetrack in the middle of Le Mans. This is accomplished not only by their top of the line engines, but their innovative designs and selection of materials. Supercars are unusually light with exceptional aerodynamics.

Supercars not only accelerate well, but handle beautifully. If you have ever played a top of the line musical instrument, or used some elite professional power tool for a specific task, you'll understand what true effortlessness feels like. Supercars can handle quick turns and complex manueavers at top speeds without flinching, not at all unlike the best racing cars. Then again, many supercars *are* used as racing cars.

Of course, there is a visual component to making a car a supercar. Much like a supermodel, supercars are incredibly sleek, intricate, symmetrical, modern and visually stunning. Years of development can go into this department alone, and it clearly has a profound affect- it is not at all uncommon to find posters and magazines filled with these beauties selling quite well.

Like all elite items, their price seperates them from the pack. Supercars generally deal with hundreds of thousands, like the Lamborghini Murcielago with an MSRP of over $350,000. Bugattis can easily top 1 million dollars.

The good news is that many of these supercars are being auctioned at far lower prices, certainly helped by events in the economic and automotive markets. Sites like HighEndAutoAuctions.com show auctions for all of the above mentioned supercars. At the time of this writing, there are multiple Lamborghini Murcielago models going for under $100,000, and a 2005 Mercedes SLR McLaren currently at less than $150,000 on that site. While certainly not "cheap," this is a relatively recent way to find supercars for literally hundreds of thousands of dollars less than the normal price.

Supercars are rare luxuries in life that represent the remarkable achievements of mankind in both technology and artistry. If you get a chance to see, test, or even own one, do not pass up on the opportunity.