m3 DCT ring time?

[Munit]

I was reminded of the ring time tested in 2007 for the m3 which obviously was a 6speed. 8:05. Never have seen a DCt tested m3. Do you think it would be quicker?

[PrimoM3]

This is the only image captured from the Ring run with a DCT equipped M3.











TOTALLY KIDDING I'd bet it would be a few seconds quicker - the GTS was a DCT car, right? (7:48)

[BPMSport]

DCT is quicker everything else being equal.

GTS isn't a fair comparison with the 4.4L

[PrimoM3]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

DCT is quicker everything else being equal.

GTS isn't a fair comparison with the 4.4L

Agreed on both counts. I think you can deduce that the some of the GTS advantage is the DCT, though.

[Munit]

I suspect we are talking about 3-5 seconds faster. I don't think a sub 8 second time for a dct e92 m3 is far off and suspect that is what one would do from the last couple years.

I am shocked at how a csl is that fast compared. Given the length and long-stretches of high-speed straights, the s54 would seem to be a huge disadvantage at those 100 plus speeds and even getting to those speeds during those long straights. The s65 just destroys the s54 at those speeds and can get there much quicker. I am surprised it makes up that much time simply in handling.

More shocking is that the v8 gts is only a second below the csl. I would think handling would be equal but gts having the s65 4.4 should be pulling hard at the high-speed places and being able to corner as well. I guess braking earlier for the corners due to weight but still think it would be about 10 seconds quicker than the csl

[SenorFunkyPants]

The CSL power/weight is not far off that of the e92 IIRC...with its stiffer suspension its bound to have a similar ring time.

[e1000]

Originally Posted by Munit

I suspect we are talking about 3-5 seconds faster. I don't think a sub 8 second time for a dct e92 m3 is far off and suspect that is what one would do from the last couple years.

I am shocked at how a csl is that fast compared. Given the length and long-stretches of high-speed straights, the s54 would seem to be a huge disadvantage at those 100 plus speeds and even getting to those speeds during those long straights. The s65 just destroys the s54 at those speeds and can get there much quicker. I am surprised it makes up that much time simply in handling.

More shocking is that the v8 gts is only a second below the csl. I would think handling would be equal but gts having the s65 4.4 should be pulling hard at the high-speed places and being able to corner as well. I guess braking earlier for the corners due to weight but still think it would be about 10 seconds quicker than the csl

E46 M3: 3,461lbs/333hp = 10.4lbs/hp
E46 M3 CSL: 3,050lbs/355hp = 8.6lbs/hp
E92 M3: 3,704lbs/414hp = 8.9lbs/hp
E92 M3 GTS: 3,373lbs/444hp = 7.6lbs/hp

Keep in mind that the CSL and M3 GTS came with Pilot Sport Cup and PZero Corsa tires, respectively.

[Munit]

Yes I always forget this about the tires on the CSL or pilot cups compared to the e92 m3 regular car had ps2's or conti's and a 6 speed.

Its too bad they can't do another test with the same guy on the cup tires and DCt. I am betting the regular m3 would be 7:55. Power to weight is no different than csl essentially. .3 pounds worse.

[spr]

What's wrong with cups? I run them on the street on my zcp's! Is there any published number on regular M3 v. competition? (both being e92's.)

[FogCityM3]

The M3 GTS and CRT both have DCT, GTS has Pirelli Corsa tires (Sport Cup equivalent).

As far as the regular M3, there are no published tests of the ZCP and/or DCT. Given the time of the GTS is the 7:48range and has HP advantages, DCT, and better-than-ZCP supension enhancements, ligher weight, an M3 ZCP + DCT may be able to shave a a couple secs off the 8:05 time which was MT and I believe was done on Cup+ tires.

It's also likely that the F80 M3, being lighter, around 450 hp, higher torque, but larger/less nimble, and have softer suspension (vs GTS, CRT), will probably have a low-to mid 7:50s nurburgring time, given what we already know about CRT/GTS performance.

Also the E92 M3 had the same Nurburgring time as the F10 M5 as recently tested by SportAuto at 8:05

Here's an interesting perspective of Nurburgring times:

http://rawautos.com/2012/02/uncooked...an-be-changed/

[e1000]

Originally Posted by mhabs

The M3 GTS and CRT both have DCT, GTS has Pirelli Corsa tires (Sport Cup equivalent).

As far as the regular M3, there are no published tests of the ZCP and/or DCT. Given the time of the GTS is the 7:48range and has HP advantages, DCT, and better-than-ZCP supension enhancements, ligher weight, an M3 ZCP + DCT may be able to shave a a couple secs off the 8:05 time which was MT and I believe was done on Cup+ tires.

It's also likely that the F80 M3, being lighter, around 450 hp, higher torque, but larger/less nimble, and have softer suspension (vs GTS, CRT), will probably have a low-to mid 7:50s nurburgring time, given what we already know about CRT/GTS performance.

Also the E92 M3 had the same Nurburgring time as the F10 M5 as recently tested by SportAuto at 8:05

Here's an interesting perspective of Nurburgring times:

http://rawautos.com/2012/02/uncooked...an-be-changed/

Good link, everyone should read it. I believe if I remember correctly that the E92 M3 was tested with road tires not comp tires.

[sensi09]

e46 M3 CSL = 7:50
e92 GTS = 7:48

It's been awhile, but I remember lots of talk about the CSL time of 1:50 not being repeatable. It was a sport auto time, but perhaps the perfect run with great conditions.

Either the CSL was that good, or the GTS is rather disappointing.