Bumping up against physics
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Bumping up against physics
Based on some of the performance metrics, it would appear the 992S is getting pretty close to the GT cars, at least the ones still naturally aspirated. Makes me wonder how much room Porsche has left to improve on already ridiculously capable NA flat 6 sports cars. I would think at some point in time, physics and the limitations of tires, suspension components and ICE designs will eventually reach a point were meaningful improvement is impossible.
I ask myself, then what? Will the overall "feel" of the car become the primary target for each new model as opposed to all out performance. Or perhaps at that point everything will be hybrid or electric.
I ask myself, then what? Will the overall "feel" of the car become the primary target for each new model as opposed to all out performance. Or perhaps at that point everything will be hybrid or electric.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: South Shore, MA
It really seems that we’re reaching the limit on conventional car designs with ICE engines, chassis design and materials used for tires, brakes, chassis etc. Unless we see a major evolutionary technology advancement in tire compounds (specialized multi compounds), brake compounds (carbon ceramic), weight saving materials (carbon fiber), or how power is achieved (electric engines) delivered, stored and replaced (batteries), we really do seem to be hitting a ceiling on the ICE vehicle.
Race Car
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Maryland USA
Based on some of the performance metrics, it would appear the 992S is getting pretty close to the GT cars, at least the ones still naturally aspirated. Makes me wonder how much room Porsche has left to improve on already ridiculously capable NA flat 6 sports cars. I would think at some point in time, physics and the limitations of tires, suspension components and ICE designs will eventually reach a point were meaningful improvement is impossible.
I ask myself, then what? Will the overall "feel" of the car become the primary target for each new model as opposed to all out performance. Or perhaps at that point everything will be hybrid or electric.
I ask myself, then what? Will the overall "feel" of the car become the primary target for each new model as opposed to all out performance. Or perhaps at that point everything will be hybrid or electric.
Last edited by chuckbdc; Nov 10, 2019 at 07:21 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
It really seems that we’re reaching the limit on conventional car designs with ICE engines, chassis design and materials used for tires, brakes, chassis etc. Unless we see a major evolutionary technology advancement in tire compounds (specialized multi compounds), brake compounds (carbon ceramic), weight saving materials (carbon fiber), or how power is achieved (electric engines) delivered, stored and replaced (batteries), we really do seem to be hitting a ceiling on the ICE vehicle.
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Yeah but that's the point, the performance metrics of many of these "road" cars have gotten so good that continuing this rate of improvement seems difficult if not impossible given current technology. That's not to say improvements will not continue, just that at some point the limitations of physics will begin to set some hard limits on what is possible
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It really seems that we’re reaching the limit on conventional car designs with ICE engines, chassis design and materials used for tires, brakes, chassis etc. Unless we see a major evolutionary technology advancement in tire compounds (specialized multi compounds), brake compounds (carbon ceramic), weight saving materials (carbon fiber), or how power is achieved (electric engines) delivered, stored and replaced (batteries), we really do seem to be hitting a ceiling on the ICE vehicle.
There’s really nothing stopping Porsche from making a 918 level car at 911 prices.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Plano, Texas
It really seems that we’re reaching the limit on conventional car designs with ICE engines, chassis design and materials used for tires, brakes, chassis etc. Unless we see a major evolutionary technology advancement in tire compounds (specialized multi compounds), brake compounds (carbon ceramic), weight saving materials (carbon fiber), or how power is achieved (electric engines) delivered, stored and replaced (batteries), we really do seem to be hitting a ceiling on the ICE vehicle.
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From: Gone. On the Open Road
I thought we were talking about street cars like the 992 not GT3s.
In any case yes: regulations. Even in - *gasp* - racing
FIA, EU etc. Not physics. It’s all about the carbon (for street cars) and taxes (by displacement outside of the US.)Need proof? Here:
Want more meat on those bones?