315hp/251ft-lb, details here:2001 M-Roadster/Coup

With the turbocharged Boxter in the works, I hope there will be an S2000 R in the near future.

[This message has been edited by S-Man (edited January 07, 2001).]

 

315 horsepower M Roadster, but they have to rev all the way to 7900 rpm to get it all.

This is ironic, because the Z3 owners used to laugh at S2000 owners for having to rev high! If they shift at 6000 rpm or so, the new M Roadster won't feel much different than the old one.

 

The Cold War ended the arms race a few years back; are we now going to see an ever-escalating power race among the major auto manufacturers? I certainly hope so!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Palmateer:
[B]315 horsepower M Roadster, but they have to rev all the way to 7900 rpm to get it all.

 

Horse power race certainly is great for for we auto enthusiasts, but only before the price gets out of reach for the most of us.

 

OK, so BMW solved the problem of the Z3 running out of steam at high revs. So how much longer are they gonna make their customers wait before they fix the obsolete suspension, plastic window, and flexy chassis?

 

I don't worry about other marks any more. I driven just about everything out there. There are faster cars, more luxury, more expensive, etc. But every time I get in my S2K my heart races. It is truly a track bred car for the street. Sure the S2K posses problems just like the ZX-7R sportbikes had (i.e. more suited for track). But I get home and smile for about an hour. My wife knows exactly when I've been "out" just by the smile on my face. You really can't compre this engineering marvel to anything past or present.....so stop trying!

 

My thoughts:

I had the chance to take a ride on a european model 97 Z3M Roadster with 321hp at 7400RPM and with a 7800RPM redline.
It is torkey as hell - it pulls like a jetplane from 2000RPM up until the redline, very unlike the S2000.

Even though the engine is superb - has torque/loads of power anywhere in the rev range, it still is only a mere Z3 roadster.
Outdated chassis, suspension, etc..there