SUPERCARS

Supercar is a term generally used for a high-end sports car, whose performance is highly superior to that of its contemporaries. It has been defined specifically as "a very expensive, fast or powerful car with a centrally located engine"[1], and stated in more general terms: "it must be very fast, with sporting handling to match," "it should be sleek and eye-catching" and its price should be "one in a rarified atmosphere of its own."[2] but the proper application of the term is subjective and disputed, especially among enthusiasts. The use of the term can be dependent on the era; a vehicle that may have been considered a supercar in one decade may not be considered the same in another decade.[citation needed] The term supercar may refer to factory-built, street-legal sports cars.[3] Some vehicles referred to as supercars include many of the features required for race cars such as roll cages.

An advertisement for the Ensign Six a 6.7 high-performance car, similar to the Bentley Speed Six, appeared in The Times for November 11, 1920 with the phrase "If you are interested in a supercar, you cannot afford to ignore the claims of the Ensign 6."[5] The Oxford English Dictionary also cites the use of the word in an advertisement for an unnamed car in The Motor dated November 3, 1920 "The Supreme development of the British super-car."[6] and defines the phrase as suggesting a car superior to all others. However, the phrase did not enter popular usage until much later and is often said to have originated with the British motor journalist L. J. K. Setright writing about the Lamborghini Miura in CAR Magazine in the mid-1960s.[citation needed] The magazine still claims to have "coined the phrase".[7] although it was also used in the American magazine Car Life in May 1965 in a test of the Pontiac GTO. By the 1970s, the phrase was understood and in regular use, if not precisely defined

Shelby Super Car

Shelby SuperCars Inc. (SSC) is an American automobile manufacturer founded in 1999 [1] by owner Jerod Shelby. The company is based in West Richland, near the Tri-Cities, Washington and specializes in the production of supercars.

They build the SSC Aero, equipped with a twin turbocharged General Motors pushrod engined V8s. Its turbocharged 6.35 liter (387.2 cubic inch) V8 produces 1,183 bhp (882 kW), which makes it the most powerful production car in the world, beating the Bugatti Veyron's 987 bhp (736 kW) (often reported as 1001 PS). On September 13th, 2007, the "Ultimate Aero" also took the title of fastest production car from the Bugatti Veyron.

In order for the achievement to be official under the Guinness World Records’ guidelines, a vehicle testing for the top speed record must race down the course, turn around, and make a second pass in the opposite direction within one hour. The vehicle’s ‘top speed’ is calculated by averaging the top speeds of each pass in order to negate any favorable road or weather conditions. The Ultimate Aero posted a top speed of 257.11 mph (413.83 km/h) on its first pass and 254.55 mph (409.71 km/h) on its return pass to set the new top speed record of 256.15 mph (412.233 km/h). The speeds, on a closed stretch of highway in Washington State, were recorded using a series of satellites and several on board sensors, with independent firm Dewetron on hand to monitor progress. Studies have shown that the car could even go faster. NASA put the car in a wind tunnel testing facility and proved that the SSC Aero could be aerodynamically stable enough to reach speeds up to 273 mph (439.3 km/h

Ford Mustang 2007

The 2007 Mustang is pretty much a carryover from 2006, but there have been a few changes and feature improvements for Ford’s sports car. A wide assortment of available features along with some great new special editions make for an exciting line-up.

With Carroll Shelby having a hand in producing some new models this year, this ponycar is destined for success yet again. Ford is really riding high on the popularity of America’s best selling musclecar, with nearly half of all sports car sales going to the Mustang.

12v power outlet: front and 2
• Air conditioning
• Fixed mast antenna
• Audio system with AM/FM and CD player
• Cargo area light
• Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 13.1
• Clock
• Full dashboard console , full floor console with covered storage box
• Delayed/fade courtesy lights
• Cruise control
• Front seats cup holders fixed
• Door ajar warning
• Door pockets/bins for driver seat and passenger seat
• Floor mats
• Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment , passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
• Bucket driver seat with height adjustment , bucket passenger seat
• 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
• Front seat center armrest
• Two height adjustable head restraints on front seats
• Illuminated entry system
• Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 38.6, rear headroom (inches): 34.7, front hip room (inches): 53.6, rear hip room (inches): 46.8, front leg room (inches): 42.7, rear leg room (inches): 30.3, front shoulder room (inches): 55.4, rear shoulder room (inches): 53.4 and interior volume (cu ft): 97.9
• Low tire pressure indicator
• Remote power locks includes power windows
• Power steering
• Front power windows with two one-touch
• Front reading lights
• 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side and passenger side
• Two symmetrical bench/sports front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
• Rear view mirror
• Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
• Upgraded cloth/velour seat upholstery with additional upgraded cloth/velour
• Seating: four seats
• Four speaker(s)
• Plastic multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment
• Tachometer
• Driver and passenger vanity mirror
• Ventilation system

Pagani Zonda F C12

The Pagani Zonda is a mid-engined sports car produced by Pagani in Italy. It debuted in 1999 and continues through the present, with production proceeding at roughly 25 cars per year. As of April, 2008, 91 Zondas had been built. Both 2-seat coupe and convertible versions have been produced. Construction is mainly of carbon fiber.

Some early Zonda engineering was done by Formula One champion, Juan Manuel Fangio. The car was originally to be named for him, the "Fangio F1", but the name was changed upon his death in 1995, renamed after an air current above Argentina.

The Zonda C12 F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is the most extensive reengineering of the Pagani car yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L V12. Power is increased to 602 PS (594 hp/443 kW) with a special clubsport model producing 650 PS (641 hp/478 kW). The company promises a 3.5 second sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h), a top speed over 215 mph (346 km/h) and it will be the queen in braking from 300 km/h to 0 (186 mph to 0). The Zonda F clubsport has a power to weight ratio of 528 bhp/ton (384 W/kg). An Enzo Ferrari, comparatively, has a power to weight ratio of 483 bhp/ton (356 W/kg).[citation needed]

The top speed can be further tweaked by adjusting the aerodynamic settings. 215 mph (346 km/h) is the car's top speed on the setting for the best handling which provides the most down force but also has the highest drag coefficient. If the aerodynamic settings were adjusted the top speed would be a bit higher. This also seems to be the reason that when EVO Magazine attempted the Pagani Zonda S's top speed on the Autobahn, that they were only able to get the car to 197 mph (317 km/h), as opposed to its claimed top speed of 220 mph (350 km/h). It would make sense that if the car was set up for maximum downforce then its top speed would drop to around 200 mph (320 km/h). Company representatives at Pagani's factory backed up this claim. However, the EVO article claimed that aerodynamic parts, specifically ones which created drag were in fact removed during the run, bringing Pagani's claims into question.

The Zonda F Clubsport held the record for the fastest lap by any production car around the Nürburgring, lapping the 12.9 miles (21 km) Nordschleife in 7 minutes 27.82 seconds, beating the previous record holder, the Porsche Carrera GT.[1] It was since surpassed by the 2009 Corvette ZR1 on 7 June 2008, with a time of 7 minutes 26.4 seconds.[2]

Production of the Zonda F will be limited to 25 cars, still not US compatible. The next model (codenamed C9), due to be unveiled in 2009, will be fully EPA/DOT compatible.

The Zonda F, named after F1 driver Juan Manuel Fangio, comes with an extra head light and different fog lights at the sides, new bodywork (revised front end, new rear spoiler, more aerodynamic vents all around) that improves the cars aerodynamics and different side mirrors. Further enhancements over the 'S' centre around optional carbon/ceramic brakes developed in conjunction with Brembo, magnesium wheels, inconel titanium exhaust system, hydroformed aluminum intake plenum and a redesigned 'Z preg' weave in the crash structure to improve rigidity and reduce weight.

Aston Martin Vanquish

The Aston Martin Vanquish is a grand tourer, designed by Ian Callum and manufactured by Aston Martin. From its 2001 introduction to its cancellation, it was Aston Martin's flagship vehicle. Its rise to recognition by the wider public came after being featured as the official James Bond car in Die Another Day, the twentieth James Bond film. It was discontinued in 2007. The Aston Martin DBS V12 will temporarily replace it atop Aston's lineup pending the 2010 introduction of a replacement.

General Info
Price: $228,000
Miles Per Gallon: 11/18 mpg
Curb Weight: 4099 lbs
Layout: Front-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Engine
Type: V12
Displacement: 5935 cc
Horsepower: 460 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 400 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Redline: 8000 rpm
Performance
0-60 mph: 4.4 sec
0-100 mph: 10.3 sec
Quarter Mile: 12.9 sec @ 106 mph
Skidpad: .91g
Top Speed: 190 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph: 130 ft
Slalom Speed: 61.2 mph

Bugatti 16/4 Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is a mid-engine sports car[2] produced by Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG) (VWAG) subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS introduced in 2005. It is able to achieve the second highest top speed for a production car, behind the SSC Ultimate Aero TT [3].

Powered by a 736 kilowatts (1,001 PS/987 hp) W16 engine,[4] it is able to achieve an average top speed of 408.47 km/h (253.81 mph).[5] The car reached full production in September 2005, and is handcrafted in a factory Volkswagen built near the former Bugatti headquarters in Château St Jean in Molsheim (Alsace, France). It is named after French racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. Two examples of the Veyron are known to have been wrecked since production began

Specifications and Performance

The quad-turbocharged W16 engine used by the Veyron.The Veyron features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders, or the equivalent of two narrow-angle V8 engines mated in a "W" configuration. Each cylinder has 4 valves for a total of 64, but the narrow V8 configuration allows two camshafts to drive two banks of cylinders so only 4 camshafts are needed. The engine is fed by four turbochargers and displaces 8.0 L (7,993 cc/488 in³) with a square 86 mm (3.4 in) by 86 mm (3.4 in) bore and stroke.

Putting this power to the ground is a dual-clutch Direct-Shift Gearbox computer-controlled manual transmission with 7 gear ratios via shifter paddles behind the steering wheel boasting an <150 ms shift time, designed and manufactured by Ricardo of England. The Veyron can be driven by full automatic transmission. The Veyron also features full-time four-wheel drive based on the Haldex Traction system. It uses special Michelin run-flat tires designed specifically for the Veyron to accommodate the vehicle's top speed. Curb weight is estimated at 1,888 kg (4,160 lb). This gives the car a power to weight ratio of 529 bhp/ton.

Ferrari Enzo

The Enzo Ferrari is a 12-cylinder mid-engine berlinetta named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It is currently one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production car in the world[citation needed]. It was built in 2003 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fibre body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics. After a downforce of 775 kg (1709 lb) is reached at 300 km/h (186 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

The Enzo's V12 engine is the first of a new generation for Ferrari. It is based on the architecture of the V8 found in sister-company Maserati's Quattroporte, using the same basic architecture and 104 mm (4.1 in) bore spacing. This design will replace the former architectures seen in V12 and V8 engines used in most other contemporary Ferraris. The 2005 F430 is the second Ferrari to get a version of this new powerplant. In 2004, Sports Car International named the Enzo Ferrari number three on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 2000s.

General Info
Price: $643,330
Miles Per Gallon: --- mpg
Curb Weight: 2767 lbs
Layout: Mid-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 6-Speed Semi-Automatic
Engine
Type: V12
Displacement: 5998 cc
Horsepower: 660 bhp @ 7800 rpm
Torque: 472 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Redline: 8200 rpm
Performance
0-60 mph: 3.6 sec
0-100 mph: 6.3 sec
Quarter Mile: 11 sec @ 130 mph
Skidpad: ---
Top Speed: 217 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph: --- ft
Slalom Speed: --- mph

Koenigsegg CCX

The Koenigsegg CCX is a mid-engined roadster from Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg. The CCX has been engineered to comply with the US regulation and market demands[2] and is an evolutionary design that replaced the Koenigsegg CCR.

CCX is an abbreviation for Competition Coupe X; the X commemorating the 10th anniversary, (being the Roman numeral for ten), of the completion and test drive of the first CC vehicle in 1996.

The CCX was first unveiled on February 28, 2006 at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show although its existence was announced earlier.[3][4] A derivative known as the CCXR is available, the difference being that CCXR's engine is tuned to run on biofuel. The different fuel and tune allows the CCXR to produce 25% more power than the CCX.

Performance
The CCX can accelerate from 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds and from 0–124 mph (200 km/h) in 9.8 seconds.[1][9] According to Koenigsegg it has a top speed in excess of 250 mph (402 km/h), although this has not been officially verified.[1] On 15th June 2008, a standard fully equipped CCX was independently timed by SportAuto in achieving a record 0-186-0 mph (0-300-0 km/h) in 29.2 seconds, beating SLR McLaren 722, Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, Porsche 997 GT2, Alpina B6 S, Corvette Z06.[10][


Engine

The engine of a Koenigsegg CCX at the 2006 Geneva Motor ShowWhile previous Koenigsegg models were powered by a Ford Modular V8 engine sourced from the U.S., the engine of the CCX was designed by Koenigsegg based on the Ford Modular architecture, and assembled for them by Grainger & Worrall, a British company that produces drivetrain components for Formula One cars.[8][12] The engine is a 4.7 liter 288 cu in (4,719 cc) V8, with dual overhead camshafts and 4 valves per cylinder.[1][8][13] The engine block is made of 356 Aluminium that has undergone a T7 heat treatment, a form of accelerated precipitation strengthening.[8][14] The aluminium alloy is stronger than the previous engine and allows a thinner, thus lighter, engine block that will withstand higher cylinder pressures. The engine is boosted by two centrifugal superchargers that increase the compression to 17.5 psi (121 kPa) with an 8.2:1 compression ratio. The engine produces 806 bhp (601 kW) at 6900rpm and 678 lb·ft (919 N·m) of torque at 5700rpm on 91 octane (U.S. rating) gasoline.[1][9] The engine is lubricated with a dry sump system with a separate oil pump, the pistons are cooled by oil sprayed onto them and the oil itself has an external cooler.[1] The CCX engine burns 14 mpg–U.S. / 17 mpg–imp (17 Liters per 100 kilometers).

Top Gear
In 2007, the CCX was the fastest car to complete a lap of the BBC Top Gear circuit, in a time of 1:17.6, until it was beaten by the Ascari A10 with a time of 1:17.3, then by the Gumpert Apollo.[17] It originally went around the course in 1:20.4, but was then fitted with a non-standard rear spoiler to provide downforce, after The Stig spun the original version off the track. The Stig purportedly recommended this modification, correctly predicting that the car would then be the fastest ever round Top Gear's track.[18] Koenigsegg stated that the improvement was due to adjustments other than the spoiler (eg. changes to the adjustable chassis and suspension settings).[

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 & ZR1

The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car that has been manufactured by General Motors since 1953. Today it is built at a General Motors assembly plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but in the past it was built in Flint, Michigan and St. Louis, Missouri. The National Corvette Museum and annual National Corvette Homecoming are also located in Bowling Green, Kentucky.



The new Z06 arrived as a 2006 model in the third quarter of 2005. It has a 7.0 L (7,008 cc/427.6 CID) version of the small block engine codenamed LS7. Officially certified output is 505 hp (377 kW). Its performance is significantly better than the Ford Mustang and comparable to the Dodge Viper SRT-10. Official performance figures indicate that the Z06 can reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds from a standing start in first gear, hitting 0–100 in about 7.3–8.2, with a quarter mile time of 11.4 and a top speed of 198 mph (electronically limited). In the summer of 2005, GM and Corvette Racing driver Jan Magnussen brought the new Z06 to the Nürburgring in Germany. Magnussen drove the Z06 to a time of 7:42. In their March 2007 comparison, Car and Driver selected the Corvette Z06 as the winner of their three-way comparison test of performance cars, with the Porsche 911 GT3 finishing second and the Lotus Exige S third.[6]

In addition to the larger engine, the C6 Z06 has a dry sump oiling system, ensuring proper engine lubrication during periods of high (lateral) acceleration and allowing the engine to be mounted low inside the chassis. Connecting rods made out of titanium further lighten the reciprocating mass of the engine while being stronger than the steel rods they replace.

In a radical departure from anything Chevrolet has ever done before, the primary structural element of the C6 Z06 is aluminum instead of steel as on the non-Z06 cars. The hydroformed aluminum frame remains dimensionally identical to its steel brethren but is significantly lighter. The front fenders are made of carbon fiber to reduce weight, while wider rear fenders allow for the wider tires necessary to deal with the engine's increased power. For an additional mass savings of 6 kg, the Z06 replaced the base model's aluminum engine cradle with one made from high pressure die cast magnesium. The Z06 officially weighs 3130 lb (1421 kg), giving it a power to weight ratio of 6.2 lb/hp (3.8 kg/kW or 361 bhp (269 kW) per tonne). The C6 Corvette Z06 is the first 500+ hp production car to avoid the U.S. government Gas Guzzler tax.

The Z06 was the official pace car for both the 2006 Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 race. The special Pace Car edition Z06 was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January. It was also awarded to St. Louis Cardinals shortstop David Eckstein as his prize for being the 2006 World Series MVP, although Eckstein does not know how to drive a stick. The 2007 Z06 was also one of Automobile Magazine's "Automobile All-Stars" for 2007.[7]

The 2007 Z06 had minor changes including retuning of the suspension after some magazine test drivers announced the suspension did not perform up to their original estimates. Chevrolet announced the models were pre-released, and for 2007 they would retune the damping. In more recent tests the Corvette has shown improved driveability and track manners.

In 2008 the Z06 received the new TR6060 six speed manual transmission, which replaces the T-56. The steering rack was improved, and the interior plastic bezel was improved. An optional full leather interior (option 3LZ) also became available in limited quantities due to constraints.


ZR1 (2009-2010)
Main article: Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1
The Corvette variant now officially known as the ZR1 was first reported by several print and online publications who were speculating that Chevrolet was developing a super high performance production version of the Corvette and were internally calling it "Blue Devil" (named after GM CEO Rick Wagoner's alma mater, Duke University). Wagoner is quoted as saying, "I wonder what they can do for 100,000 dollars?" during a GM board meeting speaking about Chevrolet designers. The production version is expected to debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show and be available as a 2009 model

Porche 999 GT3 RS

After winning the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans overall with the Porsche 911 GT1, Porsche had announced not to enter the 1999 Le Mans with a factory car suitable to defend the overall win against the competition by major automakers due to an internal agreement with Ferdinand Piech to leave the field to the Audi R8. Instead, Porsche decided to focus again on less expensive GT racing classes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Grand-Am Rolex racing series, and began making plans to modify the new 996 generation of the 911. They set out to develop the race car simultaneously with a road-going variant which was required by GT class homologation rules. The car debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999 before going on sale.

Engine and transmission
The engine of the GT3 sets it apart from the other 996 models although it shares the same basic 3.6 liter displacement of the standard 996 type so-called "integrated dry-sump" flat-six engine. It is actually based on the original air-cooled 911's versatile, true dry-sump crankcase, with an external oil tank. The original version of the GT3 had 360 PS (355 hp/265 kW), compared to the 300 PS (296 hp/221 kW) of the regular 996.

As with earlier models, such as the legendary Carrera RS 2.7 of 1973 and the Type 964 911 RS of 1991, Porsche offered an RS version of the 997 GT3. In common with its predecessors, it provides a homologation model for use in a range of racing series.

Thanks to a close-ratio six-speed transmission with a single-mass flywheel and 20 kg (44 lb) lower vehicle weight, the engine revs up even more freely, thus enabling the 911 GT3 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds. That's one tenth of a second faster than the GT3. And it takes 13.3 seconds to hit 200 km/h (124 mph). Maximum speed is 310 km/h (187 mph).

One characteristic of the new RS is the body, which is 44 mm (1.7 in) wider at the rear (a legacy from the Carrera 4 models with which it shares its shell) by comparison with the 911 GT3. The muscular-looking rear end conceals a wider track that not only improves directional stability but also increases the potential cornering grip of the two-seater coupe. On the other hand, drag is increased, and top speed reduced.

Despite its specialized body, the RS is 20 kg (44 lb) lighter than the GT3, weighing in at 1375 kg (3031 lb). This weight-saving was achieved by the use, amongst other solutions, of an adjustable carbon fiber wing, the use of a plastic engine cover and a lightweight plastic rear window. As a consequence, the corresponding engine power to curb weight ratio is over 300 bhp (220 kW) per tonne.

In addition to the new technology featured in this flat six motor car, the paint scheme and body panels are all designed specially for this car. For the RS version, the limited edition orange color was mixed specially for this car.

For USA RS, no plastic rear window was installed, USA versions of the GT3 and RS have 911 fuel tank and not the larger Euro fuel tank.

lamborghini Reventon

[edit] Performance
Initial reports suggest that the 6.5 L (400 cu in) V12 may receive a power boost of approximately 10 bhp (7.5 kW), bringing the new output to 650 bhp (480 kW).[7][2] In spite of this, and the car's carbon fibre components, the Reventón accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in the same time as the Murciélago LP640 (3.4 seconds).[3] The car is capable of reaching a maximum speed of over 340 km/h (210 mph).[3]


Interior
The instrument panel in the Reventón comprises three TFT liquid crystal displays LCDs) with two different display modes. The instruments are housed in a structure milled from a solid aluminum block, protected by a carbon fiber casing. The G-Force-Meter is completely new and it is one of the talking points of the Reventón. It displays the dynamic drive forces, longitudinal acceleration during acceleration and braking, as well as transversal acceleration around bends. These forces are represented by the movement of an indicator on a graduated 3D grid depending on the direction and intensity of the acceleration. Formula One teams also use a similar device to analyze dynamic forces.

By simply pressing a button, the driver can switch to the second, quasi-analogical display, where there are the usual circular instruments; speedometer and tachometer. The G-Force-Meter still remains at the center of this display mode.[10]


Exterior

Rear view of the Lamborghini Reventón.Lamborghini has also picked up some of parent company Audi's design language. The Reventón is the first Lamborghini to incorporate daylight running lights into the headlamps. Seven Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) at each headlamp flank the Bi-Xenon main beam and they stay lit whenever the car is in movement. Due to the high temperatures in the rear lower part of the car, special heatproof LEDs are used for the indicator and hazard lights, stoplights and rear lights with a triple arrow optical effect.[10]


Naming
The Reventón is named after a fighting bull in keeping with Lamborghini tradition. The bull, owned by the Don Rodríguez family, was best known for killing famed bullfighter Félix Guzmán in 1943.[11] Reventón means "explosion" or "burst" in Spanish, when used as a noun.[12][13] In automotive terms, it means "blowout, flat tire" when used as a noun.[14] When it was used as the name of a bull, however, it was intended to be interpreted as an adjective, a quality or property of that bull in particular

Super Bikes

Superbike racing is a category of motorcycle racing that employs modified production motorcycles. Superbike World Championship is the international superbike championship, and national superbike championships are held in many countries as well, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and Canada. Superbike racing is very popular with manufacturers, since it helps promote and sell their product, as captured by the slogan "Win on Sunday; Sell on Monday".

Characteristics of Superbike racing motorcycles
Superbike racing motorcycles are derived from standard production models, so for a bike to be eligible, the manufacturer must first homologate the model and manufacture the required number of roadgoing machines. While rules vary from series to series, in general the motorcycles must maintain the same profile as their roadgoing counterparts, with the same overall appearance as seen from the front, rear and sides. In addition, the frame cannot be modified. Teams may modify some elements of the bike, including the suspensions, brakes, swingarm, and the diameter and size of the wheels.

Superbike racing motorcycles must have four-stroke engines of between 850 cc and 1200 cc for twins, and between 750 cc and 1000 cc for four cylinder machines.

The restriction to production models distinguishes Superbike racing from MotoGP racing, which uses prototype machines that bear little resemblance to production machines. This is somewhat similar to the distinction in car racing between touring cars and Formula One cars, though the performance gap between Superbike and MotoGP racing is much smaller.


Superbike World Championship

James Toseland (1) on a Ducati leads Chris Walker (9) on a Kawasaki and Yukio Kagayama (71) on a Suzuki during a 2005 Superbike World Championship raceMain article: Superbike World Championship
Superbike World Championship (also known as SBK) is the premier international superbike Championship. the championship was founded in 1988. Its regulated by the FIM and managed and promoted by FGSport.

Once regarded as the poor cousin to the more glamorous MotoGP championship, the Superbike World Championship has grown into a world-class professional racing series. Many of the riders that competed in SBK over the years are household names among motorcycle racing fans. The most successful rider thus far has been England’s Carl Fogarty, who won the championship four times (1994–95, 1998–99). Ducati has been the most successful manufacturer in the series over the years, accumulating 14 manufacturer championships. Honda has won it 4 times, with Suzuki claiming one championship. Australia's Troy Bayliss won the 2006 title riding for Xerox Ducati and James Toseland, from the UK, was the winner of the 2007 championship riding for Hannspree Ten Kate Honda.


[edit] National Superbike series
National Superbike series vary greatly in challenge and popularity, the most popular being in Britain and North America. Both Japan and Australia have well supported national superbikes series, though they only run for short, 10-race seasons.


[edit] British Superbike Championship

Gregorio Lavilla riding for Airwaves Ducati in the 2005 British Superbike Championship seasonMain article: British Superbike Championship
The British Superbike championship (known to most as "BSB") is the leading motorcycle racing championship in the United Kingdom. It is managed and organised by MCRCB-Events. The commercial and television rights have been delegated to MotorSport Vision.[1] Ducati, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha all have well supported teams, while Honda has the only HRC supported superbike team outside of Japan. Japanese rider Ryuichi Kiyonari won both the 2006 and 2007 titles riding for HM Plant Honda


[edit] AMA Superbike Championship

Jake Zemke (98) leading Ben Bostrom (155) and Miguel Duhamel (17) in an AMA Superbike race at Laguna SecaMain article: AMA Superbike Championship
The AMA Superbike is the premiere superbike racing series in the United States. It is part of the AMA Pro Racing series, and it is managed by the AMA. Originally launched in 1976, it is now the longest running superbike championship. The series allows more engine modifications than most Superbike championships. Australian Mat Mladin has dominated the AMA Superbike championship in recent years winning 6 titles since 1999. 2006 MotoGP champion American Nicky Hayden won the 2002 championship. Texan Ben Spies is the current champion riding for the Yoshimura Suzuki team.


[edit] All Japan Superbike Championship
Main article: All Japan Road Race Championship
The All Japan Road Race Championship, also known as MFJ Superbike is the premiere motorcycle road racing championship in Japan and is run by MFJ. The championship started in 1967 and has been running a superbike class since 1994. The series runs a small 7 round schedule but has a large field of Japanese riders and bikes. Atsushi Watanabe won the 2007 championship riding a Yoshimura Suzuki.


[edit] Parts Canada Superbike Championship
Main article: Parts Canada Superbike Championship
The Parts Canada Superbike Championship is the Canadian national Superbike series. The series runs from May to September and consists of six to eight rounds per season. Riders from the Canadian series often compete in AMA Superbike during the Canadian off-season. Jordan Szoke won the 2007 title riding for the Canadian Kawasaki Factory Road Race Team