The Science of Supercars: The Technology that Powers the Greatest Cars in the World

Trace the evolution of the supercar through the technology that drives it. In The Science of Supercars , the authors describe the history of supercars, unraveling the mysteries and mechanics of the cars that changed the automotive world forever. In-depth interviews with the top names in the supercar and racing industries reveal their opinions on today’s supercars and their visions for the future. David Coulthard, runner-up in the 2001 Formula One World Drivers’ Championship, provides the introduction. The authors follow with comprehensive chapters of inside information and exciting photographs that will be a catalog for supercar shoppers and a dream diary for others. The images show the interiors and exteriors of supercars and illustrated insets explain the technology. 1. The Thirst for Power – The internal combustion engine and the early days of speed 2. Style Versus Substance – Next steps, and the birth of aerodynamics 3. Emerging Technologies – The mechanics of war drive the birth of the supercar 4. Configuration – The Miura, the E-Type and the dawn of the modern age 5. The Science of Theater – Fashion and styling take center stage 6. The Turbo Years – The Porsche Turbo and the rebirth of supercar science 7. All-Wheel drive – Power or technology: how designers keep the cars on the road 8. Composites – The McLaren F1 and its technological legacy 9. Emerging Aero – Understanding the complex art of aerodynamics 10. Going to the Opera – The remarkable science behind the era-defining Bugatti Veyron 11. The Holy Trinity – Hybrid tech ushers in a new kind of supercar 12. The Future – The technology on the verge of reshaping the landscape. The Science of Supercars includes interviews with three of the top figures in the supercar world: Adrian Newey, legendary British Formula One engineer; Dr. Wolfgang Schrieber, Chief Engineer of the Bugatti Veyron; and Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 supercar, as well as contributions from iconic supercar manufacturers that include Lamborghini, Porsche, Bugatti, Pagani and McLaren. — ASIN: 0228100909 | ISBN13: 9780228100904 | ISBN-13: 978-0228100904