Driving a supercar is a thrilling experience, but it’s not without its challenges. This was starkly illustrated last Saturday in Sea Point, Cape Town, when a driver lost control of his R3-million McLaren 570S coupe.
The high-speed crash occurred on High Level Road, where the driver allegedly hit a pavement before crashing into the boundary wall of a property, according to Peter Flentov of the Atlantic Seaboard Community Forum. The driver has subsequently been reported to have said he was trying to avoid hitting into a person shortly before the accident.
There have been calls among industry players that potential supercar and very quick and powerful normal car owners complete an advanced driving course and become verified before taking ownership. However, currently there is no legislation from anyone buying a supercar.
It's not a standard car - expert
To shed light on the stark differences between supercars and everyday vehicles, and why such legislation may be necessary, we spoke with Deon Joubert, a professional driving coach and former South African racing champion. He explained that the experience of driving a supercar is worlds apart from that of a standard car.
“When you’re behind the wheel of a mid-engine car, your seating position and handling dynamics are completely different compared to a front-engine car,” Joubert noted. “In a supercar, turning can lead to hitting obstacles that you wouldn’t typically encounter in a regular vehicle.
“We also notice it when people get into Mercedes-Benz V-Class vans and Combis because you're sitting in a different place. It’s the same for something like the AMG GT because the driver sits really far back on the rear wheel with the long bonnet in front of them.”
Speed the biggest factor
Joubert also pointed out that the speed of these cars is a game-changer. “When you accelerate with your foot flat for just two seconds, you can find yourself going 50 to 60 kilometres faster than you would in an everyday car. Even if you’re familiar with the road, it’s a whole new ball game, especially if you’re not accustomed to the car’s power and speed.”
He likened the driving experience of supercars to that of superbikes, stating, “These cars are not difficult to drive; they are very manageable. However, it’s the combination of speed and handling that can come together quickly, leading to accidents.”
Body roll is another factor that needs to be taken into account.
“When you drive a normal car, there’s a lot of body roll so the car telegraphs what’s going to happen. But if you’re in a Ferrari going around a track, there’s nothing, the car is completely flat, so it’s a lot more difficult to pre-empt what’s likely to occur and what the car is going to do.
“Normally you would have time to correct your steering but in a race car or a supercar it’s completely different.”
Sea Point police in the Western Cape are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving.
As the Sea Point incident illustrates, understanding the unique challenges of driving a supercar is crucial for safety. With their incredible speed and handling capabilities, these vehicles demand respect and caution from their drivers.