I was cruising hwy 100 this weekend, and couldn't find any good races.

First, I was cruising with John (another S2k), tops down of course, cuz we're nuts here in wisconsin. And I had a white ford probe with two winners who just kept staring down my car. What I at first thought was an exhaust, I soon realized was just a crappy engine. It sounded like he had no manifold or something, and it was loud. This guy revved on me every damn chance he got. Speeding up, slowing down, speeding up. I kept ignoring him, figuring he'd go away.

Nope. Rev, rev, rev. Dude, how many trees are you killing with your exhaust fumes every time you rev that piece?

This is his list of mods as far as I could tell.

Rust. Reduces weight and helps aerodynamic downforce.
Exhaust manifold. As in there isn't one.
Plastic rims. Weight reduction, and attraction for chicks.
Backwards hat. Cuz I'm a playa playa.
Flashy things on wheel stems. He must have heard chicks are attracted to neon lights. (nope... but cops are)

Finally, me and John both downshift to 2nd at about 50mph and wait for him to go. When he mashed the gas, the usual pissed off john deer noise came from his engine, and his transmission took so long to downshift, I think it actually had to read a book to figure out just how that would be accomplished. Hours later when his transmission finally removed it's head from it's @$$ and figured out which gear it wanted, we took off. By 90 there was enough daylight between us and him to fit several full size buses. In fact, I think the buses would have beat him to 90mph as well.

After that, there was a new Z4 that pulled out behind us as we flew by. It seemed the little BMW wanted to play, so he caught up quickly, flew by us, then slowed back down. I got next to him and started chatting. After complimenting each other's car, I asked if he wanted to run. This is his remark "naw, you'll toast me". Even though he had the bigger engine (3.0 i think he said?) he turned down a friendly run from a roll. Damn. First I get the ford probe revving on me for 3 straight miles, and then a guy in a Z4 who drives like he wants to race, but he doesn't.

Maybe he's already been bit by an S2k, and is still licking his wounds.

 

Unfortunatly I believe all of the current 3.0 Z4's come with an automatic -- not sure when the manual will debut. Lame huh.

 

I didn't know that. And yes, it's lame.

 

Until M version of Z4 comes out (if it does come out since it's unknown), all upcoming Z4s will likely loose to S2000s. Even when 6 sp becomes available for Z4, I doubt it will be fast enough.

I guess you guys are stuck with M Roadsters to play with for a while.

 

lol. current version of m roadster isn't exactly an easy target for a stock S2k... if at all.

 

How long have you guys had Z4's out for?
I have a friend who has a deposit down for a 3.0. Not meaning to mag race or anything but published acceleration times for 6spd 3.0's appear to be very close to S2000's.

Still cant figure out how when the car is 200lbs heavier and 10 or so hp weaker.
Do you think it could be a case of underrated power or a freakishly good launch at time of testing?

 

torque down low.... easier to launch and a bit peppier off the line. But they feel like they run out of steam at higher rpm.

 

Yeah i seriously doubt it could hang with an s2k at highway speeds

 

Yes... BMW underrates their hp numbers and the 3.0 l motor has excellent torque. Having owned a 330 Ci I can tell you that it's quick enough on it's own and that motor in the Z4 has increased torque over the normal 3 series. It should make the Z4 3.0 a quick little car and you don't have to 'find the right gear' like you do in the S2000. I saw a 3.0 Z4 at the local dealer the other day and I'm almost 100% positive that it was a six speed.

 

the 6 speed is available, and the one we raced (me and wis) was a 6 sp, im pretty sure, but never seen the car up close, just guessing from the way he accerates, lurches, accelerates, lurches, etc...