Car&Driver 2011 Lightning Lap @ VIR results are in for M3, 335i, Z4, 135i

[Kayani_1]

From http://www.caranddriver.com/features...p_2011-feature (Full feature, with test lap videos)


Below is the overall list of the track time on VIR race track. This is for all the past and present contenders. The rank, lap time, model name, price class and date of testing are all listed in the order from left to right. I highlighted all the BMW models in blue....lol

For this year test I have to say the Lexus IS-F shocked me ... by matching the M3 times and actually beating out the 5.0 liter Mustang. All of this despite having almost the same power and more weight then the Mustang and M3.

I think this test also to some extent sheds the light on the discussion. That can a regular M3 with no competition package keep up or exceed the performance of a new 412hp Mustang 5.0 liter on track.


OK no surprise here in CTS-V coupe beating out the C63 AMG or Jag XFR. I have personally driven the CTS-V on MSR race track and it has awesome brakes and that engine is a monster.

Also, finally the Mustang GT500 redeemed itself after last few years of disappointing runs. I still think that it should do a bit better with all that power. It reminds me of how M6 was disappointing on this track despite all the power due to excessive weight.

On the other hand the new Z06 with Z7 package went from being really great to near super car level like it bigger brother ZR1. Each year the Chevy really improve on the already good Z06 version to even make it better. Only if they also spent the same effort on its interior design updates so that it could match its performance updates. Then it would be like heaven on earth. None the less great performance machine without a doubt.

Last but not least since this is the E90/E92 board. No matter what any body says I am still impressed with the 335i coupes lap times with no LSD and all from back when it was tested.

The E92 335i times not only beat the G37 coupe sport, Nissmo 370 and previous Lexus IS-F. But are also better then those of the newer, lighter, AWD S4 as well as S5 and last generation RS4.

Even when compared to the in house M division cars its lap times are better then the Z4M and nearly match those of the mighty 507 hp M6 coupe. To me this car is a bargain performance machine. I am so glad its parked in your humbles garage.

One can only imagine how much better it would be with a slightly tuned engine, DCT like tranny and proper LSD.


OK now for my gripe from this years lightning test. Why no love for BMW's. Where is the test of Z435is, 335is or M3 competition package.

Any how I hope we can soon get the above mentioned cars on the VIR lightning lap to compare them in addition to the upcoming 1M.....are you listening C&D.



LAP TIMES (From http://www.caranddriver.com/features...p_2011-feature (Full feature, with test lap videos))

1 2:45.9 MOSLER MT900S LL3 11/08
2 2:48.6 DODGE VIPER SRT10 ACR LL3 11/08
3 2:49.8 MOSLER PHOTON LL5 2/11
4 2:49.8 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 LL3 2/10
5 2:51.8 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP570-4 SUPERLEGGERA LL5 2/11
6 2:52.3 KTM X-BOW LLU 2/10
7 2:53.5 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 (Z07) LL3 2/11
8 2:53.9 LAMBORGHINI MURCIÉLAGO LP670-4 SV LL5 2/10
9 2:54.6 FERRARI 430 SCUDERIA LL5 11/08
10 2:55.6 NISSAN GT-R LL3 11/08
11 2:55.9 PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS LL4 2/11
12 2:57.4 DODGE VIPER SRT10 LL3 10/07
13 2:57.5 PORSCHE 911 TURBO S LL4 2/11
14 2:57.6 ARIEL ATOM 3 LLU 2/10
15 2:58.0 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG LL4 2/11
16 2:58.2 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 LL3 8/07
17 2:58.5 CHEVROLET CORVETTE GRAND SPORT LL2 2/10
18 2:59.0 NISSAN GT-R (all-season tires) LL3 11/08
19 2:59.5 AUDI R8 5.2 FSI LL4 2/10
20 3:00.7 FORD GT LL4 11/06
21 3:01.1 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 LL3 11/06
22 3:01.2 CHEVROLET CORVETTE (Z51) LL2 11/08
23 3:01.6 DODGE VIPER SRT10 LL3 11/06
24 3:01.8 PORSCHE 911 GT3 LL3 8/07
25 3:03.6 CHEVROLET CORVETTE (Z51) LL2 8/07
26 3:03.8 PORSCHE BOXSTER SPYDER LL3 2/11
27 3:04.0 CADILLAC CTS-V SEDAN LL2 11/08
28 3:04.0 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 LL2 2/11
29 3:04.2 CADILLAC CTS-V COUPE LL3 2/11
30 3:04.5 LOTUS EXIGE S LL3 8/07
31 3:05.4 BMW M3 COUPE LL2 2/10
32 3:05.4 LEXUS IS F LL2 2/11
33 3:05.6 BMW M3 COUPE LL2 11/08
34 3:05.6 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA S LL3 2/10
35 3:05.8 PORSCHE CAYMAN S LL3 2/10
36 3:05.8 PORSCHE 911 TURBO LL4 8/07
37 3:05.9 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 LL2 8/07
38 3:06.4 JAGUAR XKR LL3 2/10
39 3:06.5 MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG LL2 11/08
40 3:06.5 MERCEDES-BENZ E63 AMG LL3 2/11
41 3:07.4 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 LL2 2/10
42 3:08.3 LOTUS EVORA LL3 2/11
43 3:08.4 AUDI TTS LL2 2/10
44 3:08.6 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0 LL2 2/11
45 3:08.9 JAGUAR XFR LL2 2/11
46 3:09.2 LOTUS ELISE LL2 11/06
47 3:09.3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE (Z51) LL2 11/06
48 3:09.5 PORSCHE CAYMAN S LL2 11/06
49 3:09.5 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS LL2 2/10
50 3:10.0 BMW M6 LL3 11/06
51 3:10.5 BMW 335i COUPE LL2 8/07
52 3:10.6 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION SE LL2 2/11
53 3:10.8 AUDI S4 LL2 2/10
54 3:11.0 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 LL2 11/06
55 3:11.0 AUDI RS4 LL3 8/07
56 3:11.7 BMW Z4 M COUPE LL2 8/07
57 3:12.0 NISSAN NISMO 370Z LL2 2/10
58 3:12.5 NISSAN 350Z TRACK LL1 11/06
59 3:12.5 FORD MUSTANG V-6 LL1 2/11
60 3:13.0 CHEVROLET COBALT SS LL1 11/08
61 3:13.3 FORD MUSTANG GT LL1 2/10
62 3:13.3 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION MR LL2 11/08
63 3:13.5 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION IX MR LL1 11/06
64 3:13.7 BMW 135i COUPE LL2 11/08
65 3:13.8 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE 3.8 R-SPEC LL1 2/11
66 3:13.8 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI SEDAN LL2 2/11
67 3:14.0 LEXUS IS F LL2 11/08
68 3:14.6 AUDI S5 LL2 11/08
69 3:14.8 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE 3.8 LL1 2/10
70 3:15.0 HONDA S2000 CR LL2 11/08
71 3:15.7 PONTIAC SOLSTICE GXP LL1 8/07
72 3:16.0 MAZDASPEED 3 LL1 8/07
73 3:16.2 MAZDASPEED 3 LL1 2/10
74 3:16.3 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 LL2 11/08
75 3:16.5 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX SEDAN LL1 2/11
76 3:16.6 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX HATCHBACK LL1 2/10
77 3:16.6 LOTUS ELISE SC LL2 11/08
78 3:16.7 MAZDA RX-8 R3 LL2 2/11
79 3:17.1 MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS LL1 2/10
80 3:17.5 INFINITI G37 COUPE SPORT LL2 11/08
81 3:18.2 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 LL2 11/06
82 3:19.0 MAZDA RX-8 LL1 11/06
83 3:19.0 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI HATCHBACK LL2 11/08
84 3:19.3 VOLKSWAGEN GTI MkVI LL2 2/10
85 3:20.6 CHEVROLET COBALT SS SUPERCHARGED LL1 11/06
86 3:20.8 DODGE CALIBER SRT4 LL1 11/08
87 3:20.9 FORD MUSTANG GT LL1 11/06
88 3:21.8 VOLKSWAGEN R32 LL2 11/08
89 3:22.9 MINI COOPER S LL1 8/07
90 3:24.8 HONDA CIVIC Si MUGEN LL2 11/08
91 3:25.1 VOLKSWAGEN GTI MkV LL1 11/06
92 3:26.5 HONDA CIVIC Si COUPE LL1 11/06
93 3:26.6 VOLVO C30 VERSION 2.0 LL1 11/08
94 3:29.3 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA LL1 11/06

[08m3guy]

Thanks for sharing! M3 coming in with great times as usual. Latest IS-F looks like it's been improved a lot. Good showing.

[donovan]

Thanks for posting! Cant wait to drive the VIR soon as I get back stateside

[sensi09]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=470366