>>I thought the problem BAR Honda was having the last couple of years was not engine power but chassis flex in the corners.<<

Two teams run genuine Honda motors and both they and Honda themselves acknowledge that the output was not nearly high enough. Maybe 40-60 or more HP off the pace. Even in the last race in Japan the final "Suzuka Special" motor did not impress. Well the old engine is now history and the new one will be used in anger soon. First test on the track in a month or so.

Yes the rivalry is gonna be HUGE. BMW had lots of fun advertising (in Europe) "Made in Germany" for their pick of the litter engine. Designed and built completely by BMW in Germany. It's truely their engine, and they can be proud of it without reservation. Mercedes hired out their engine design/build and much or all of it is made in England. They just wrote a check.

I don't think that the average US citizen will ever hear much about the Honda - Toyota battle. Toyota has spent an amazing amount of money so far and at first just wants to be perceived as having a credible effort. But we know they want to cream Honda ASAP.

Stan

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by E30M3
[B]
BMW does not want to do all-out four cylinders for many of it's cars.

 

"According to the source, the flaw may cause the monocque to flex, potentially creating a worrisome problem such as a failure by another component. Although not the same as this case, BAR experienced something similar with its BAR 003 car last season when the front of the monocque flexed too much under the strain of braking. This changed the suspension geometry and caused the car to handle in unexpected ways."

The combination of more HP and a stiffer chassis might make the BAR 004 a real contender.

 

Exposed BMW's New GT

Meet the car which insiders say will be the finest driving machine ever built by BMW. Caught on camera for the first time ever by Auto Express's spy photographers, the sleek new model is to replace the muscular M Coup

 

BMW definitely has the engine technology to match the S2000's output for engine size. But I'd think the weight goal will be very difficult to reach!

 

More info on the Z5: Automobile magazine ran the above photo this month (March '02 issue) and included the following tidbits:
- 2.2 or 2.4L I4, up to 240 bhp
- target weight 2200 lbs
- aluminum spaceframe
- modular front end made of carbon fiber composite
- cast magnesium, fiber-reinforced engine block
- some plastic body panels
- ultra-thin glass
- magnesium-framed seats
- hollow-spoke BBS wheels
- lightweight auxiliaries (battery, A/C compressor, etc.)
- $30,000 US sticker price
- available as early as '04

If they hit all (or most) of their weight/power/price targets, this will be a near must-have car IMHO. It can't really be called a direct competitor to the S2000 since it isn't a roadster... but it's clearly cut from the same cloth and should be an absolute blast to drive.

BUT: I think they'll have a bit of trouble when it comes to price; that's a lot of exotic technology in a $30K car. If they sacrifice a bit of weight (which I think they will -- I'd be surprised if it comes in at 2400 lbs or less), they might hit their price point. And a big decision will surely be whether to go with the 2.2 or 2.4 motor -- it's the age-old question of torque and weight vs. revs and hp, which traditional BMW buyers would want to see settled in favor of the former.

 

IF BMW did build this car with styling as shown, weight 2200-2400lbs and offered the new M series engine I would HAVE that car in my garage! Price is always sketchy when dealing with a car that is 4 to 7 years away but I would pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $37-$41K IF BMW can deliver on this concept.

 

I'm not sure who your source is, but the spec that you've mentioned sounded more realistic than what others have presented. I hope BMW can deliver. It just mean more selection for us car freaks.

Can you see a S2K based coupe, with 2.2L, 260HP, 175lbft of torque, aluminium suspension, carbon fiber hood and trunk lid, carbon fiber intensive interior at around 2600lbs, with Cd around .30

p.s. what top speed with this S2K coupe get ? ~180mph?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by E30M3
[B]The GOAL is 1000 kilograms which is around 2200 pounds.

 

The weight reminds me of Mugen SS2200 Concept.

However I don't believe BMW can achieve it's weight goal with 2+2 seating.

 

Honda wants to bring up the specs of S2000 up to 280 hp. It wants to do that so it can take on the new Fairlady Z along with it's convertible version.