Now that's going to be my car in the future!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JoeD
[B]

30 seconds on a race track is A LOT!

For example, ~30 seconds is the difference between a 993 NA 911 Carrera Cabrio (285 hp), and a 996 911 Turbo (420 hp). Similarly, it's also the difference between a Lamborghini Murcielago and an E46 M3 or M Coupe. Or if you want, the difference between an SL55 and a Lotus Exige/Audi S4/JDM Integra Type-R...all on the Nurburgring, of course.

 

Well I ALMOST got the lucky opportunity for a fast passenger lap on the Nurburgring in an M3 CSL car with Horst von Saurna, one of Germany's top test drivers. He personally does Sport Auto magazine's official SuperTests on the Ring to keep the lap times consistent.

So I'm at the Ring in the S2000 on a Monday afternoon late in June. Horst and his SportAuto team have 2 CSLs that they are lapping with, giving execs and new owners a taste of what they are about to buy. The car looks quite stunning in person; the CF roof panel is a really neat looking touch. Naturally the interior is quite bare but still retains the back seats.

After a few laps in my car I notice that most of the owners had left, so I talked to a female Sport Auto representative about the CSL. She had to drive the second one back and forth to the garage for new tyres every now and then. Eventually, she offers me a passenger lap with Horst near the end of the day! I get suited up, fireproof helmet, in-car radio headset and such. I get in the car with Horst, and he tells me how the car is an absolutely excellent Ring weapon, far above the normal M3 and a joy to drive. He starts up the motor and heads out of the carpark towards the gate....

Suddenly (as this was a public day), the track closes due to an accident! Unfortunately, this was near the end of the day so the officials mentioned that the track would not re-open after the accident was taken care of.

As Horst was already ready to he took me around the country roads in the car instead. While the car doesn't sound a lot differently than a normal M3, the additional power is noticeable. The seats are also grippier, and the SMG tranny shifts quickly and smoothly every time. All the while, Horst is excited about how this car tackles the 22km Ring, and how the lighter weight helps it rocket in and out of corners more surely than the series car. It definitely got his stamp of approval.

So, unfortunately I didn't get to experience an 8 minute Nordschleife lap with Horst, but at least I got to meet the fellow and experience a bit of the excellent CSL! Hopefully I'll get another chance at a lap with him in the future.

///Robin

 

The M3 I drove with lighter aftermarket wheels and Dinan chip and exhaust was fast, but it's a lot heavy. Also the M3 is more tuned for soft touring comfort than full on race driving. No one that's driven one can say it's soo stiff for the street, and that's what I mean by race tuned car. Face it the M3 sell for luxury as much as performance. Take out the luxury/soft ride stiffen it up and reduce the weight if you want a race tuned M3.

 

There's no doubt the M3 has some touches of luxury but I would have to say that your comment that the M3's suspension is set up for soft touring is bordering on false. Granted I have the factory 19"s which makes it a little bit stiffer but it's a pretty firm riding car. My g/f actually doesn't like to ride in it because of the stiffness... she claims it's like riding in my S2000. I certainly wouldn't say it's too stiff for the street but many will find that it's pretty firm and likes to be pushed hard when cornering.