To the best of my knowledge there has never been any type of products liability claim against a car manufacturer on the basis that the car is simply too uncontrollable but I imagine that under the right circumstances such an argument could be made. THAT would certainly account for a performance ceiling. There may be legal precedent that makes this an impossibility (I can't say for sure) but I suspect that the real reason that I've never heard of such a claim is just that the perfect storm hasn't happened yet, also when you have a gazillion dollar car that someone loses control of and harms someone, you generally have a gazillionaire to hold liable so such a product liability claim is unnecessary altogether, or at least unjustifiable considering the huge offset in damages that you'd get from the more obvious defendant. Just for the record, I'm talking about some modicum of contributory negligence on behalf of the manufacturer being the basis of such a claim and only under some fairly far-fetched circumstances. OBVIOUSLY, the overwhelming majority of the liability would belong to the person controlling the vehicle. So please acknowledge that the court and juries are already aware of that before you start in with all the, "ZOMG the lawyers are crazy," talk.

All I know is that if I were a defense lawyer for a supercar manufacturer that built cars that go from dead-still to deadly-fast faster than mot cars get to 60 mph, I would require some proof of capabilities before selling the customer such an absurd car, just to cover my butt.

 

2500 lbs? yeah right.

 

almost 3 pounds per HP is about right for a 300HP turbo-hayabusa with rider running around out there.

http://www.tobefast.com/velocity-hay...o-pr-4279.html

or up to 550HP (1.5 pounds to 1?)

http://www.rpmcycleperformance.com/products_suzuki.htm


I'm sure the Ferrari would seem fairly easy to drive since it will have four wheels (helpful for not falling over at stoplights when drunk), all the electronic driver aids ever created, and an automated gearbox. The biggest problem will probably be trying to see out of it in traffic or when going through the drive through at Checkers having the car sit so low.


some of this post was sarcasm.

 

 

2500 POUNDS IS NOT HAPPENING. I AM YELLING.

 

That weight is a hard target to hit but then again, it depends on how hardcore they go with it. The McLaren F1 weighed just over 2500 lbs with a V12 and I would imagine that the ability to manufacture/develop a chassis that is even lighter would probably allow for some weight reduction.

Still, 800 hp gas engine and 920 hp peak (with electric motor) suggests a 180-200 hp electric motor, which is VERY heavy. I have a hard time believing that Ferrari can take out the weight of a 200 hp electric motor from the chassis and accessories as compared to a McLaren F1 in order to match the 2500 lb weight being discussed, especially considering that Porsche's 918 weighs 3300 lbs. 800 lbs lighter with MORE power? Not likely!

 

This guy knows what he's talking about.

 

This has all the elements of an un-drivable car, aka that AMG Black SL with 750 tq imo. There's a scale to power and weight balance where you end up with too much at either end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaTkZdyD1gE

 

Two things:

1) Electronic driver aids can make anyone look like a star. This one's going to have some really impressive traction control, for sure.

2) The KERS system is adapted from their F1 program. There's no way it's going to be that heavy.

 

I don't think it will be difficult to drive. Ferrari's driver aids will make it fine. Now turn off the aids, and you have a monster.

The 2500 is probably dry weight. Ferrari for whatever reason likest to list its cars dry weight as opposed to true curb weight most other makers list. Still 2500 is damn impressive.