What is a hypercar? Read this guide to learn about the distinctive features of these types of vehicles and some specific models to check out.
What is a hypercar? It’s a question many think they know the answer to but with a great deal of nuance hidden in it.
While some take the “You will know it when you see it” approach, differentiating between a hypercar and a high-end supercar can be a fuzzy proposition. That’s why today we’ve put together a helpful guide to answer some common questions about how one can differentiate hypercars from the rest of the pack.
Hypercars and Supercars
Hypercars are the platinum standard of vehicles. They are positioned at the top of the already competitive category of vehicle that is supercars.
To help dispel any confusion, hypercars are a type of supercar. As you likely already know, however, not all supercars are hypercars. Hypercars are not just multi-million dollar technical marvels.
When trying to differentiate a hypercar from a “normal” supercar, a thorough look at technical specifications is a must. Hypercars are capable of hitting staggering benchmarks thanks to the immense amount of R&D combined with the outstanding craftsmanship poured into their design.
Consider, for example, the 1,500 horsepower Bugatti Chiron hypercar. Virtually every feature of this vehicle signals luxury. The only benchmark in which it lacks is fuel economy (an issue common among supercars and one of little consideration for most of the people able to afford such vehicles, to begin with).
Supercars can approach some of the specifications typical of hypercars, but the line is often relatively obvious. Even if we use the more typical 900-1000 horsepower benchmark of hypercars, the typical hypercar will still have a list of specifications an ordinary supercar can’t compete with.
(One must remember to take in the package as a whole too. A supercar may be similarly specced in one area of a hypercar but will then suffer in other areas in a way hypercars do not.)
Moving Goal Posts
The definition of “hypercar” suffers from one problem that should be addressed: evolving standards. Hypercars are meant to represent the pinnacle of vehicle design. As technology evolves, so too must how to define these platinum vehicles.
Even higher-end sedans can now approach top speeds 200 mph, something more or less impossible for such vehicles only a couple of decades ago. While perhaps good news for the traditional vehicle market, it does mean individuals must always reevaluate how they look at vehicle specifications.
The hypercar of a decade ago, or sometimes even last year, may not be the hypercar of today. On a relatively frequent basis, hypercars will be downgraded to “only” quality supercars (as was the case with the still impressive Lamborghini Murcielago).
What makes a hypercar is always an open question because it is one auto companies are forever testing. The true benefits of a hypercar lay in one’s ability to trust it will show you just what a car can offer you when cost is no longer an object.
What Is a Hypercar but a Look at the Future?
Related to the above, one of the more interesting elements of hypercars is that they often signal future standards for supercars. After all, hypercars become standardsupercars as they are outmoded. Features that once took massive R&D work and complex machining to get right become easier and easier over time.
For example, some hypercars are using hybrid powertrains that some believe will one day be seen throughout the supercar market. At present, the technology is complex and expensive to install but automakers do not sit at the present.
Looking to the future, it is easy to believe hybrid powertrains may someday become easy enough to construct and install so that their becoming a standard option grows more feasible.
This sort of evolution has already occurred in other areas. Movable aerodynamics were once only seen on different types of hypercars. Now they are starting to appear on supercars.
A Hypercar is Meant to Serve
In essence, a hypercar is meant to serve you as a vehicle of ultimate luxury. This does not just apply to traditional vehicle benchmarks either.
One can expect the seating of a hypercar to be comfortable to the point of it perhaps feeling indulgent. You can expect every piece of technology within to be top of the line. For instance, even the Bugatti Chiron mentioned earlier (which trades robust infotainment systems for a focus on performance) “features four tweeters that each utilize a one-carat diamond membrane for precision output.”
Hypercars are also beautiful. On top of their many features, one can (and should) expect a sleek, clean design with both overt and subtle work put into making it look appealing to the eye. Hypercars aren’t like works of art, they are works of art.
Such robust features do admittedly mean one must be careful when getting these vehicles serviced. Be sure to choose a company that can handle the high standard of care hypercars demand. They require even greater precision and expertise than standard supercars.
Automotive Luxury
What is a hypercar? It is automotive luxury made manifest. That may sound pretentious but it’s the truth; these are vehicles that in every way represent the best the automotive world can offer to the modern consumer.
If you need the help of a company capable of handling the unique needs a hypercar has, we hope you will consider us at Refined-Marques. We exist to serve our prestigious clientele and their luxury vehicle needs, whatever they may be. If you have any questions or requests whatsoever, contact us and you can be almost certain we can accommodate.
