182mph on the Autobahn

[Caballus]

You would think. But the everyday viewer doesn't know that. Kinda like that kook who was on here a while back (before he was banned) who took his car up to 178 mph on a public Texas road. People look at that and are influenced.

I've driven on the Autobahn when I was TDY in Germany. You really have to know what you are doing. For the most part, people over there are very good drivers who follow the rules. Unlike here in the states with all the left lane vigilantes and people with their heads up their asses, the Germans on the Autobahn are more of a known quantity. That is very similar to being on a track with people who know what they are doing. People generally follow predictive behavior. So, hauling ass on the Autobahn is nothing more than a calculated risk. So is driving on a track. But at those speeds, there is not a whole lot of forgiveness or second chances. One kook, who doesn't know what they are doing, and does something completely unexpected, can ruin your day and kill you.

One final takeaway is that there is an exponential difference between 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, and 200. The further you journey into the right of the scale, the less options you have and the more that can go wrong. At closer to the right scale, I prefer to be on a track in a controlled environment surrounded by trained people with full protective gear (harnesses, HANS, helmet, cage, etc). Delaminate (blow) a tire at those speeds and most people would not be able to recover, especially on a road full of other people.

So anyone who wants to hop in their GT500 and do something similar, understand the potential consequences. Although its legal on the Autobahn, there is an inherent risk associated with driving those speeds. It would be responsible for the folks who make these videos to point out the amount of prep that has gone into the car as well as the inherent risks associated with doing this kind of stuff.

Couldn't agree more. Generally, on clear, unrestricted Autobahn, passing lane traffic is moving between 120-130 kph (72-83 mph). If you're at 160-170 (100 - 106'ish), you're safely passing the flow. 180-200 (110-125), you're still safe, but you're in maybe 20% or less category. The average family car can do these speeds with little problem and no special prep (at least to 180kph).

Above that is usually not constantly and usually on really long stretches. Plus, the faster you go, the more gas you drain and the more burned out you get. Even 160-180 requires a lot of focus and becomes "un-fun" if the road is not really clear, unless you're in a convoy with other cool cars. Also, if you get into an accident driving above 130 kph, the burden of guilt shifts--you are presumed guilty and have to prove otherwise. If you get caught racing, you lose your license.

So, the guys making the 160+ mph videos are rare and are probably driving on Sunday AM. Had a buddy with a Hellcat that would go out late on summer evenings aiming to do 200. Finally got to 204, but those were rare, relatively short runs.

As for maintenance and prep, the car inspections (TÜV) are strict, and the standards for tires, brakes and transmissions tend to be higher. Driver's education, which includes first aid, is also generally more thorough. Bottom line, unless you're out to prove a point, you adjust based on your skills, your car and the conditions. But it sure feels good to not have to keep your eyes peeled for "Smokey"

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Oh, and FWIW, you don't just hop in your 500 in your shorts, T-shirt, and flip flops and go 180 MPH on public streets. Yea, I get it, its the autobahn. I wouldn't think of going that fast unless I went over every detail of the car. Tires, alignment, and a safety check as if I was taking it to the track. Then again, I don't think any public road is safe at 180 MPH, unless you are a former member of this forum.

Oh interesting, I remember that . Morbid curiosity, what did he do to get banned ?

 

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