Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwexecutive
Then how can the Bentley Contential GT, which weighs 5,300 pounds, get up to 0-60 in 4.7 seconds with only 550HP? Your calculation just doesn't make sense to me and I'd like to see some real info to back it up. I don't believe for a second that there isn't a 3,500 pound car out there that has less than 450HP and can make it to 60 in less than 4 seconds.
I should also mention, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 weighs 4820 pounds, has 425HP, just like what's projected for the new M3, and gets to 60MPH in 4.9 seconds. BMW will never let their flagship M car only get to 60MPH less than half a second faster than an SUV. The M3 is about 10 times more aerodynamic and weighs 1,300 pounds less! If the M3 comes in any slower than 4.3 seconds (rated by BMW) for the 0-60 run I will be both upset and confused. And if it is rated at 4.3 by BMW, you know it's going to be at least .3 seconds faster, and probably even 3.9.  |
Agree with replicat. No way the new M3 is going to break 4 seconds 0-60. Aerodynamics does not matter at all 0-60. It is hp, weight, traction and gearing, period. No matter what hp and weight the car ends up with inside of the reasonable ranges we are all guessing 3.9 seconds justs isn't in the cards. Street rubber in 275 width (hopefully we'll get 285 or 295) will not help get the time much lower. There is also the fact that it takes more power to get from 5 to 4 seconds than to get from 6 to 5, just becuase V = a x t (assuming roughly constant acceleration). The best comparisons we have is E60 M5 and RS4 (even though RS4 has a distinct advantage with 4WD) which are something like 4.2, 4.3. I'd place a large wager on 4.1 - 4.4 actual. Who cares about the brochure number...