Can this car really do 0-60 in 1.97s?

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The discussion centers on the claim that a car can achieve 0-60 mph in 1.97 seconds, as tested by MotorTrend. The calculations presented indicate that to reach this acceleration, the vehicle would need to generate 1.37g of force on a skid pad, which is not feasible without extraordinary power, such as that from jet engines. The analysis also highlights the difference between lateral and linear acceleration capabilities, suggesting that while the car may excel in one area, it cannot achieve the claimed performance in both.

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http://www.fast-autos.net/lingenfelter/lingenfelter427tt.html

http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0304_fast/index.html magazine tested it and did 0-60 in 1.97s.

http://co-project.lboro.ac.uk/users/cowy2/hostedstuff/lpe-8secVette.mov is a video of it.

This is something a mate worked out, is it accurate?
----------------------------------------------------
== Part 1 ==
0-60mph in 1.97s
Skid pad = 1.01g
Curb weight = 33 401lbs = 1 514.99kg
60mph = 96km/h = 26.7m/s

v = u + at
26.7 = 0 + a1.97
a = 26.7/1.97 = 13.53m/s
.'. 13.53/9.81 = 1.37g
.'. Need 1.37g on skidpad to accelerate that fast.

== Part 2 ==
Assuming no mechanical losses from tyres and all wheels get 100% traction, coefficient of friction u (mew) (rubber to concrete) = 1 (dry).

u = 1
F = uN
N = 1 514.99 * 9.81 = 14.86kN
.'. F = 1 * 14.86 = 14.86kN

.'. Force achieved from vehicle is 14.86kN.

Force needed from vehicle to accelerate perfectly:
F = ma
F = 1 514.99 * 13.53
F = 20.49kN

Conclusion: Impossible, unless powered by jet engines!
------------------------------------------------------

So anyone got any ideas?
 
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The skidpad test is apparently based on a 200ft circle laptime rather than linear acceleration. It's entirely possible (probable even) that a car has better forward/backward acceleration than lateral acceleration capability.
 

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