top gear lap times

[mac mac]

on last nights show they lads had three "track" cars for testing , well actually two and a half an aeroplane . various test were undertaken but what struck me odd and it didnt seem to fluter an eyebrow of the three, was that around the top gear test tract im sure i heard them say the catheram lapped(previously) in 1:17 and the crossbow did it in 1:27 odd.

now in my book 10 seconds difference a lap is as big as the titanic , and not one of them batted an eyelid as it was overshadowded by hammonds 1:40 in an 3 wheeled semi-plane . The cross bow is not a great car in my eyes . give me an ariel atom any day !


discuss .

http://www.streetfire.net/video/top-gear-s18e06-season-18-episode-6_2378481.htm 9:40 in section 2 of the 5 part vid)


and also captain slow's celebration @ 7:55 was classic . (goggles )

 

[Dagnut]

Not all about lap times but ..........I read a thread on pistonheads and lots of people moved from Atoms to X bows.. apparently much easier to drive at the limit...might be alright the stig getting those times in the atom or chaterham but the average punter will spin them...the super charged atom especially is supposed to be very difficult to modulate on the throttle.
I've not driven a superlight weight car so it's all just speculation...I wouldn't write the x bow off on top gears so say but I've read loads of positive reviews of it

 

[mac mac]

understand what your saying about drivability , but 10secs a lap is mahoosive in esentially this century s(and latest attempt ) version of last centurys best lightweight track car . would have thought the crossbow with its sticky tyres (un-donutable) and blah blah suspension would have left the oldschool catheram sitting ,but how wrong was i !!



first gen atom for me , supercharged one looks/performs a bit ott for my liking !
(as in mental)

 

[Dagnut]

The caterham has pretty much anything this side of the V8 atom licked...I think old school is bit misleading..it has a sequential gearbox..fully adjustable suspension...I would probably choose it if i had the money but i reckon I'd get the standard one first then upgrade...