Speed Read Supercar : the History, Technology and Design Behind the World's Most Exciting Cars

From Motorbooks' beautifully designed and illustrated Speed Read series, Speed Read Supercar guides you through every aspect of these imagination-capturing, eye-widening, land-bound speed missiles. When Lamborghini unleashed its Miura on an unsuspecting world in 1966, it set off a high-performance arms race that continues to this day. Ferrari , Maserati , Jaguar , Porsche , and Lotus all accepted the challenge. Over the following five decades, numerous others stepped up, including stalwarts like Aston Martin , BMW , and Audi , as well as small-volume specialists such as Koenigsegg , Pagani , Noble , and Spyker . The result is a veritable smorgasbord of blazingly fast and delicious-looking land missiles available to anyone with several hundred thousand dollars to spare. Supercars are complex subjects that interest nearly everyone. Every part of a supercar represents myriad decisions informed by engineering, aesthetics, human interface, and emotion. Speed Read Supercar answers the hows and whys of these fantastic cars in sections divided by topic, offering an engaging review of history , engineering , design , key concepts , and key people . Each section ends with a glossary of related terms , and informational sidebars provide fun facts, historical tidbits, and mini-bios of key people in the supercar world. Sleek illustrations showcase the incredible designs. With Motorbooks' Speed Read series , become an instant expert in a range of fast-moving subjects , from Formula 1 racing to the Tour de France. Accessible language, compartmentalized sections, fact-filled sidebars, glossaries of key terms, and event timelines deliver quick access to insider knowledge. Their brightly colored covers, modern design, pop art–inspired illustrations, and handy size make them perfect on-the-go reads. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents INTRODUCTION SECTION 1 GROUNDBREAKERS Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Ferrari 250 GTO Ford GT40 Lamborghini Miura Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Lamborghini Countach LP400 Porsche 930 Turbo Carrera Ferruccio Lamborghini Glossary SECTION 2 EYE FOR DESIGN Dangerous Curves The Wedge Scoops, Ducts and Vents The Downforce Game Form Battles Function Biomimicry Incarnate Super SUVs Gordon Murray Glossary SECTION 3 1980s RENAISSANCE 1980s Lamborghini Countach LP500S Porsche 959 Ferrari F40 Ferrari Testarossa Vector W8 BMW M1 Lotus Esprit Turbo Carroll Shelby Glossary SECTION 4 TECH REVOLUTION Engine Configurations Carbon Fiber Construction Turbocharging Carbon Ceramic Brakes Traction Control Active Aerodynamics Hybrid Powertrains Where the Rubber Meets the Road Gian Paolo Dallara Glossary SECTION 5 MODERN MILESTONES Jaguar XJ220 McLaren F1 Porsche Carrera GT Ford GT Ferrari Enzo Lamborghini Aventador Bugatti Chiron Pagani Huayra Koenigsegg Agera RS Ferrari LaFerrari Porsche 918 Spyder McLaren P1 Enzo Ferrari Glossary SECTION 6 SACRED GROUND Modena Sant’Agata Bolognese Stuttgart Nardo Ehra-Leissen Nürburgring Nordschleife Ferdinand Piëch Glossary SECTION 7 INDIE SPIRIT Gumpert SSC Hennessey Saleen Noble Cizeta Christian Von Koenigsegg Glossary INDEX A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z "When Lamborghini unleashed its Miura on an unsuspecting world in 1966, it set off a high-performance arms race that continues to this day. Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar, Porsche, and Lotus all accepted the challenge. Over the following five decades, other manufacturers stepped up, including stalwarts like Aston Martin, BMW, and Audi, as well as small-volume specialists such as Koenigsegg, Pagani, Noble, and Spyker. The result is a smorgasbord of blazingly fast, sleek, sexy land missiles available to anyone with several hundred thousand dollars to spare"--Page 2 of cover Curious about supercars? Speed Read: Supercars will guide you through every aspect of these imagination-capturing, eye-widening, land-bound speed missiles