How Supercars Get from 0 to 60 mph in Under 3 Seconds
One of the main selling points of a high-performance vehicle or supercar is how fast it can go from 0 to 60 mph. For car buyers with money to spend, the faster the better. From an automotive technician standpoint, however, it’s not all about which car goes the fastest but how the fastest cars can reach those speeds.
To help aspiring automotive technicians better understand the mechanics behind these supercars, ATC is here to go through the engine builds and configurations to demonstrate how these cars can go from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds.
Porsche 918 Spyder: 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 Seconds
The blazing Porsche 918 Spyder can reach 60 mph in such an astoundingly quick time thanks to its 608 horsepower from its 4.6-liter V8 engine. However, thanks to its 9,150-RPM redline engine and its hybrid electric motor, the total horsepower adds up to 887.
When looking under the hood, the Porsche 918 Spyder uses a 180-degree crankshaft in its V8 engine, which helps to create energy for your engine and withstand significant amounts of pressure from your pistons. All of these factors combine to create a supercar with an insane acceleration ability.
Bugatti Veyron: 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 Seconds
The Bugatti Veyron generates an estimated 1,006 horsepower for an outrageous top speed of 253 mph. This is due to the configuration of its 8.0-liter W16 engine. The W16 configuration is the equivalent of taking two skinny V8 engines and bolting them together while using four separate camshafts for increased power.
The seven-gear transmission uses paddle shifters on the steering wheel for easy activation and uses custom Michelin PAX run-flat tires. Ten radiators are needed in the Bugatti Veyron:
- Three heat exchangers
- Three engine radiators
- One air condition radiator
- One transmission oil radiator
- One differential oil radiator
- One engine oil radiator
McLaren P1: 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 Seconds
The McLaren P1 is as fast as it looks thanks to its pairing of a 3.8-liter V8 and an electric motor. These two engines combined help this supercar reach 903 horsepower, enabling it to get from 0 to 60 mph so quickly. Also assisting the McLaren P1 in reaching such a fast speed so quickly is its aerodynamic build. It sits extremely low to the ground and features a rear wing that extends almost 12 inches to help divert wind resistance.
With all of these extremely fast supercars, it’s easy to notice that they feature engine combinations to get to their top speeds and reach 60 mph in under three seconds. Whether it’s adding in an electric engine or combining two V8s, aspiring hi-performance automotive technicians need to understand the expert craft and construction of the engines in some of the world’s fastest cars.
If learning about some of the world’s most powerful engines is your passion, ATC can take your interest and help you form it into a career. You can also learn more by downloading our free ebook 7 Maintenance Tips for Preserving Speed and Power in a High-Performance Vehicle.
