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Are supercars becoming less special?

There's little doubt that we are currently enjoying the golden age of automotive performance. Dozens of different models on sale today make over 500 horsepower, and seven boast output in excess of 700 hp. Not long ago, that kind of capability was exclusive to supercars – vehicles whose rarity, performance focus, and requisite expense made them aspirational objects of desire to us mortals. But more than that, supercars have historically offered a unique driving experience, one which was bespoke to a particular model and could not be replicated elsewhere. But in recent years, even the low-volume players have been forced to find the efficiencies and economies of scale that formerly hadn't been a concern for them, and in turn the concept of the supercar as a unique entity unto itself is fading fast. The blame doesn't fall on one particular manufacturer nor a specific production technique. Instead, it's a confluence of different factors that are chipping away at the distinction of these vehicles. It's not all bad news – Lamborghini's platform sharing with Audi for the Gallardo and the R8 yielded a raging bull that was more reliable and easier to live with on a day-to-day basis, and as a result it went on to become the best-selling Lambo in the company's history. But it also came at the cost of some of the Italian's exclusivity when eerily familiar sights and sounds suddenly became available wearing an Audi badge. Even low-volume players have been forced to find economies of scale. Much of this comes out of necessity, of course. Aston Martin's recent deal with Mercedes-AMG points toward German hardware going under the hood and into the cabin of the upcoming DB11, and it's safe to assume that this was not a decision made lightly by the Brits, as the brand has built a reputation for the bespoke craftsmanship of its vehicles. There's little doubt that the DB11 will be a fine automobile, but the move does jeopardize some of the characteristic "specialness" that Astons are known for. Yet the world is certainly better off with new Aston Martins spliced with DNA from Mercedes-AMG rather than no new Astons at all, and the costs of developing cutting-edge drivetrains and user interfaces is a burden that's becoming increasingly difficult for smaller manufacturers to bear. Even Ferrari is poised to make some dramatic changes in the way it designs cars.

Lamborghini Miura SV burns to the ground in London

If there's one thing Italian supercars seemingly love more than moving quickly, it's being on fire. That even applies to iconic machinery like the Lamborghini Miura SV, one of our personal favorite exotics of all time. One such Lamborghini owner just witness their machine go all flambé during a photo shoot in London. Details are scarce at the moment, but it looks as if something went awry in the engine bay.
You can watch the disaster in the video below, but just make sure your stomach is well prepared for the nauseating sight. Nothing's worse than watching $700,000-worth of gorgeous collector car go up in smoke.

1989 Lamborghini Countach in Miami | AutoblogVR

The Lamborghini Countach is an icon of the 1970s and '80s. Its design and raw power turned the industry on its head and made it the object of lust for a generation of enthusiasts. We drive one in our newest AutoblogVR episode. Senior Editor Greg Migliore experiences the adrenaline rush that is the Countach. Watch as he muscles the car through turns, admires its striking angles, and in general has a riot driving this flying wedge. While we were in Miami, we also experience the city's culture and cuisine. Migliore navigates South Florida behind the wheel of a modern icon, the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S. With 503 horsepower and carbon-fiber everywhere, this GT S is sporty yet decidedly easier to drive than the Countach. The Mercedes is memorable in its own way, and this segment has an unlikely ending on the water. Each week, new episodes will launch on the AutoblogVR App. We'll preview them here on Autoblog, but for the full immersive experience, head over to the app, which you can download for free from the App store and Google Play. Be sure to try it with a cardboard viewer, too! Lamborghini Convertible Supercars Videos VR Original Video virtual reality Lamborghini Countach 360video