Quote:
Originally Posted by poptopclk
I've heard law of diminishing returns, but this is a shocker. Is it aerodynamics or gearing? or have I missed something?
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It's only a shocker to those that aren't well versed about how cars go fast. You've missed a lot. It's already been explained to you already. Gearing determines top speed potential, power means nothing without having the gearing to obtain a max speed. Our cars are designed to get 30mpg, not 200+mph.
The aero is really good on this car for high speed compared to most typical stock cars, so they will push higher theoretical speeds for the same amount of power if the gearing is correct. Even with gearing, to push 200 on the flats you'd want to tape up all the seams on the car and minimize resistance in front of the radiator and around the tires. You also won't be doing jack for shit if you are running 255F and 295R which sounds like something a novice who knows little about cars would consider doing even though it's on salt. It's actually harder to go 200 on the salt flats due to poor traction. It's not ideal just because there's a lot of flat land that's open. Even then there are other logistical restrictions and making sure your suspension and chassis can hook up all the power too.
As mentioned above, light is largely irrelevant. In fact, it's detrimental to high speed stability without increasing aero aids which means more drag. Think of all the factory cars that can push 200mph+. Cars like the GTR and Bentley Continental GT. Google how much they weigh.
Our cars are for corner carving, mpg, hauling stuff and occasional track days. If you want 200mph, buy a different car like a Corvette or Viper.