The specs that accompany reviews frequently have the top speed labeled as a C/D estimate or manufacturer’s claim. Why not test it? Especially in the wake of this virus and with less road congestion, you guys should be able to get some track time in. Why not floor the accelerator and see what happens?
—Micah Glick, Walnut Creek, CA
We pride ourselves on flooring the accelerator and seeing what happens in every one of the 300-plus vehicles we test each year. And in about 60 percent of them, we test to the maximum velocity. However, the continued climb in horsepower and peak speeds means there are few test tracks in the world—and even fewer available to rent—where we can safely max out the really fast stuff. A quick 600-hp blast to a governed 150 mph requires far less tarmac than a slow 255-hp climb to that speed, and even moderately fast vehicles without a governor require more space to reach Vmax than our regular test venues have. We also find top speed to be largely irrelevant, as it’s extremely unlikely owners will experience it, but they can certainly explore zero-to-60 acceleration, maximum cornering, and hard braking. Your letter does make us wonder if readers feel the same way. So tell us: How important is it for C/D to verify top speed? Vote at CarandDriver.com/topspeed.
—Dave VanderWerp
