What constitutes an exotic ?

I had some non car people ask me what exactly is an exotic. How would you define an exotic? Would a BMW M6 be an exotic? Just don't know how to differentiate, hmmmmm
Wendy

 

Hmm you post a BMW question in a Lamborghini forum. MMM maybe you answered your own question.

M6 is a great Sports Car.

 

Low quantity production makes an exotic


also the mid engined layout ( like your Gallardo ) makes it exotic compared to a conventional front engined mass produced BMW M6 for instance ...

hope that helps

 

If you have to ask, then it's not exotic. If it doesn't strike someone who could care
less about cars as something "special" or rare then it certainly isn't exotic.

 

No Asian car can be exotic. Hard for German to be exotic also. Hmm guess that means it has to be ITALIAN!

 

well....I'm thinking anybody with a Toyota 2000GT doesn't think that way.



Fred

PS: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110525/CARNEWS/110529885

 

Lexus LFA ?

Carrera GT ?

McLaren Mercedes ?





1950's 300SL Gullwing, is as exotic as they come.

 

Here is my opinion:
Doesn't matter what country it comes from.....Exotic means rare, spectacular in looks, unconventional...... So, no mass produced cars. The 300SL was mentioned and it would be considered exotic only because of the doors as they are rare, unconventional, and spectacular. Most Lambos, but not all imo, as the front-engined ones until the Espada are not spectacular or unconventional looking. Beautiful in some ways, perhaps, but not shocking like a Miura, Countach, or even an Espada. If someone who doesn't know or care about cars stops, notices, and wonders 'what the hell is that?', then it would be considered exotic. Performance not a requirement. DeLorean is slow, but exotic, just because of what it looks like and the unconventional finish and doors. Most exotics, but not all, are Italian, and I think that just is a reflection of the culture of art and design in that country.

 

The term "exotic" ALONE by definition means, in its purest form, "strikingly strange or unusual".

A decent definition:

http://www.examiner.com/exotic-car-in-national/exotic-cars-101-what-is-an-exotic-car-by-definition

-mick

 

A BMW M6 is not an exotic in my opinion. Not even close. It is a sedan. A "sports sedan" specifically.

Really you have 3 main classes of cars when looking at performance class cars (excluding hot rods, muscle cars, etc)

Sportscars
Exotics
Supercars

Sportscars are performance based. Two seats usually. Two doors always. Higher horsepower than your average car. Sports seats. Performance brakes or suspension. Usually a sleeker shape. Corvette, Porsche, Mustang, Honda S2000, etc.

Exotics have higher performance (usually) than the sportcars. They are more expensive. Build numbers are low. Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc. In a row of sportscars, if their was one exotic, that's the one the crowd would be standing by.

Supercars are the highest level of looks, performance or both offered in the world. They usually have VERY low build numbers and are cars that are of the highest performance level. Usually astronomically priced. Usually 200mph will gain entry into the club Supercars are like porn. It is hard to define it but you know it when you see it! Enzo, F40 and 50, Mosler, Saleen S7, etc.

 

I'm probably in the minority, but I feel the word "Exotic" is a passe' word when used to describe a car. Similar to using the word "Soul" to describe a car's handling characteristics- everyone who uses it thinks it means something, but in reality it's a totally arbitrary thing.

 

Interesting question. Along the same lines of the classic “What is a sports car?”. I think you will get exactly the same number of unique definitions as replies to this post!

 

Its exotic if you have to speak to 10 people every time you refuel. My LP640 does that - the 458 doesn't...

 

Hi Vaholtorf - Thank you for that explanation. Now I have a much better understanding. I new it had to do with looks, but I thought also speed so that is why I mentioned the BMW M6 just as an example because they are fast too. They don't do anything for me lookwise though. Thanks again. Wendy

 

When the norms don't know what it is, but still know it's special, it's an exotic.

 

That's interesting and very funny! Thanks for your response.
Wendy

 

What a great explanation of the three types of cars. Thanks so much, you really clarified it easily.

 

I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to this thread, sorry if I couldn't get around to responding to each and every one of you.
Wendy

 

NSX owners too.

 

I view things a little differently...



Sportscars are as you say, mostly 2 seat, almost always 2 doors. They don't always have higher horsepower than a normal car (Lotus Elise, Mazda Miata), but they are all exciting to drive.

GT cars are similar in spirit to sportscars, but usually carry a level of luxury, comfort and presence above and beyond a sportscar. Still usually 2 door, but 2+2 seating most of the time, a GT car should be both stunning and yet have the ability to be discreet. Think M6, 599, 612, DBS, Gran Tourismo.

Next up the chain is Supercars. Supercars are to cars, what Superheroes are to people, ie; They have superhuman abilities and cool looking suits. Production numbers are much lower than normal cars, and purchase price is higher, making them exclusive, but they aren't that rare. Some current cars that fit this category are the ZR1 Corvette, the 458, the 911 GT2, the Gallardo. The ability to get within a few miles north/south of 200mph and sub-5 second 0-60 times are mandatory to enter this club.

The Greek gods of the road are the hypercars; Hyper-rare, hyper-expensive, and Hyper-fast. These have always been the ones you wanted. Countach, 288GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, EB110, Carrera GT, McLaren F1, Mercedes SLR, Koenigsegg, Zonda, Veyron.

To my mind "exotic car" isn't a term that defines the attributes of any car. It describes the impact a car has on the public. There are exotic sportscars, exotic luxury cars, exotic GT cars, exotic supercars and even exotic 4X4s. The term says much more about how people view that car, than it says about what that car can do, or what features it has.

When the norms don't know what it is, but still know it's special, it's an exotic.

 

Here endeth the lesson
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the countach is indeed the definition of an exotic supercar. Nothing before or after it really does the same thing, IMHO

 

My 930 will spank my Countach (performance wise)...in my mind it is exotic. The german car also has trouble sneaking out of the gas station without some reaction. Although the Countach gets ALOT more attention. Tough to put a definition on it though

 

great explanations!!!!!!!!!