Like passing on the motorway

Which classic could you use everyday?  And would it be wise to?

Before I look at those questions, what about the new F1 that ran this weekend?

I had my doubts about nearly half the power coming from a battery and motor (now 470HP from electric).  F1 is now an even more extreme example of the problem with hybrid cars.  Let’s look at a ‘road’ supercar as a petrol vs. hybrid.

Take a Mclaren before and after.  The McLaren 720S has 720HP from the twin turbo V8.

If you take it on track you can drive around for a long time, at full power (or as much as you dare use) until you are either physically or mentally tired, or you need to go and fill up with more super unleaded.

Then compare with the new Artura.  It has a bit less power (690) but 90 of that is from the motor.   And it has a 7.4kwh battery.  The whole car is 79kg heavier – mostly that battery I guess.  But lets say the battery is fully charged as you head out on your trackday.  After one lap its empty, so then you need a lap to charge it up, so you can only go fast every other lap!

I guess this is one reason why people don’t really want hybrid track cars – depreciation is high because people don’t want them.  The same goes for Ferrari hybrids.

What about Hybrid in F1?  We have the stupid scenario that cars slow themselves down at the end of the straights to charge up the battery – really?  On the plus side there were (on paper) three times as many overtakes this year compared to last.  Great.  But how does that affect the racing?

Not good! As reported by Mark Hughes in Motorsport, all the skill has gone from overtaking – it’s now like passing on the motorway.  Remember when it used to be a game of high speed chess?  Being the latest on the brakes, out-psyching your opponent into an error and clashing wheel to wheel at 190MPH?  That iconic video of Mansell and Senna in Barcelona?

Nope, now you just push a button and glide past.  That’s not racing.

Let’s see how this season develops, but I hope they soon go back to a revvy engine – how about a V10 please?

OK, which classic for everyday use?  Well you want something that won’t rust.  You want something over engineered so it doesn’t wear out.  And comfy (ish).

Here are three starters for you – let me know what you think.

Porsche 968.  It was certainly over engineered – they spent so much making them that they lost money on each.  If you ignore the sought after club sport, then a standard 968 coupe has 2 mini seats in the back for kids.  A shallow boot for shopping over the transaxle.  And a torquey 3l 4 pot to lug you around.

An MX5.  They made 1.2 million so there are plenty to go at. Starting in 1989 they took all that was best about a 2 seater sports car and added Japanese engineering and build quality.  Do watch out for rust, but buy a decent one and it should last years with care.

A leftfield choice:  The Lexus LS400.  Toyota wanted to take on BMW/ Merc etc so they launched Lexus in 1989.  Their first attempt was a luxury saloon – the LS400.  A 4l V8 and they went over the top, designing a car to last one million miles.  Quiet, smooth, reliable and long lasting.  One to hand on to the great grand children.

What would you choose, or what classic do you already drive everyday?

Thanks,
Neil @ Carrosserie
Tel: 01833 630 011

PS. Please get in touch to chat about your classic.