Why would I chose the Lambo's CF tub? or mid engined layout? because if I wanted to make a track car then it's the better layout to start with. Catch that? IF I wanted a track car...that doesn't mean that such a layout automatically makes a car a track car. It just means that its the better layout to start with. But what you're not getting is this...why is a CF tub good? You know full well because of weight (and rigidity)...but if the car with the CF tub weighs MORE than the one without, then would you still take that platform? If all else equal would you take a car with a CF tub that weighs more or a car with a steel frame that weighs less to take around a track?
Where did I say that the layout alone automatically makes it the better track car? I'm talking about the totality of everything taken together. The problem with this line of reasoning is that it overlooks the fact that all else
isn't equal. Not power. Not polar moment of inertia. Not traction benefits of AWD. Not the speed of an automated sequential and perfect downshifts. Not the stability afforded by a much longer wheelbase. Not the benefits of inboard pushrod suspension.
But I will answer your question anyway: Given a moderate increase in weight, I
might take the CF tub and here's why. If much of that weight is down to a more robust structure, then that means it's probably a lot more rigid and you don't have to to worry so much about the flexing of the chassis that can mess up your suspension tuning. The suspension is better able to do its job properly, without the unpredictable effects of chassis twisting under different situations. The bumpier the surface, the higher the payoff.
If it's a race car we're talking about, then for a given rigidity in the structure (ie, both the steel and CF tubs have the same rigidity) an overall slightly heavier CF car might mean it has better weight distribution due to strategic ballasting, lower overall CoG (ballasting + no steel roof), and thus might perform/handle better than the lighter steel-bodied car.
Even if we accept that weight alone is a good advantage in favor of the GT2 RS (which I agree it is), that alone is not automatically going to offset all of the other advantages combined that the Aventador's basic mechancals allow. There is a bloody good reason why the 918, "911" GT1, and 458/MP4 fighter will be or have been mid-engined cars, while short-wheelbased rear-engined Porsches with high horsepower like the GT2 have been given the "widowmaker" moniker.
All of the reasons you have put forth for the GT2RS being no more of a track car than the LP700 can be made for a C6R as well...but you're not seriously telling me that the LP700 is also just as much track oriented than a C6R (save the slicks)?
No I'm not, because nowhere in this discussion are either of saying that a GT2 RS or LP700 is "just as much track oriented" as a C6R. We are debating the degrees to which one car is closer to pure "raciness" (with an F1 car clearly at a greater extreme than the C6R, as that not only exemplifies the fundamental differences between purpose-built race cars vs those modified for racing, but should also show the differences in speed on tracks where both cars compete; ie, the net effect of those differences).
You say the Super Trefeo Stradele is almost as comfort laden as the LP700, and you are right. Why then is it a better track car? It's because its lighter, has a smaller engine, is smaller overall and is more agile. For the track you want light and agile. Sure a CF tub is a tool that can be used to achieve that goal but the GT2RS did it better without it.
Are we debating what makes a better track car, or are we debating what makes a better competition car? The original statement refered to "semi-competition." Ie, racing. For lap times (extended from the original context of this discussion, Nurburgring times). You are quite sure the Super Trofeo Stradale is just as fast on the Nordschleife as the LP700?
To clarify, let me get this straight: You and Deckhook are saying the LP700's time is deeply impressive because it's not a stripped "semi-competition" car, yet it is lapping just as fast. Isn't a BMW CSL (by the definitions given above for what constitutes "stripped") also a "semi-competition" car? Do you, therefore, find it deeply impressive that the Aventador is faster than this "semi-competition" car to the tune of nearly 30 seconds on a fast track like the Nurburgring?
The issue of weight cannot be compared as if the Aventador were a similarly heavy 4-door wagon capable of hauling 5 family members and the dog in relative comfort. That weight on the Aventador is not purely down to things like nav. There is additional weight in the V12 engine, and the hardware capable of harnessing all that power. Most of which is designed to do what? To make the car go faster.
Now that we have established that there is no fundamental difference in interior amenities between an Aventador or Super Trofeo Stradale (and by extension, the GT2 RS), then we cannot really conclude that the interior differences between these cars is a major factor in determining that one is a "semi-competition car" while another is not. At best, we can say that one is perhaps more track-ready, but as the CSL or Elige example shows that does not necessarily mean faster lap times. It could just mean faster times and longer running than the standard versions.
You are right in the sense that if lambo wanted, they would be able to make an amazing track car from the LP700 because of the solid layout that they have with the CF tub, suspension and transmission. It's the better platform to build a track car on, but they haven't built a track car on it.
Never said they did. I'm saying that considerations of nav and door handles pale in comparison to the very real advantages in the basic platform. It's like saying the ZR1's lap time is impressive because it's not a stripped track special, yet it clobbers cars like the CSL or GTS which are stripped of weight and amenities (and are thus "semi-competition cars). Yeah, let's forget for a moment the size of the tires, massive brakes, the supercharged 6.2L V8 with 638 hp, and a body structure that was originally designed to carry no more than 2 people. Focus on the nav and amenities instead, har-har.
It is 10 seconds quicker than the Ferrari 458, which is its main Rival ! (Referring to Sports auto times 7:28 compared to 7:38)
