The term “10-second car” refers to a vehicle that is capable of completing a quarter-mile (approximately 402 meters) drag race in 10 seconds or less. This is a significant benchmark in the automotive and racing communities, as it indicates a high level of performance and speed.
To achieve a 10-second quarter-mile time, a car typically requires a powerful engine, a well-tuned chassis, and often modifications to enhance acceleration, traction, and overall performance. Cars that can run in this time bracket are usually seen as high-performance or “muscle” cars, and they may include sports cars, modified vehicles, or purpose-built drag racing machines.
In popular culture, especially within the context of car enthusiast communities and movies like “The Fast and the Furious,” the phrase has become synonymous with speed and performance, reflecting a car’s capability to compete at a high level in racing scenarios.