300HP sedan/coupe here to stay??

[lkevinl]

Is the G37's 4 wheel active steering a re-hash of the same thing offered way back when in the 1990 300ZX??!?

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by lkevinl

So, what does that mean for the 2012 3 series (that's the next model rennovation, isn't it?). More than 300hp?

I'd say that's a definite - the current modus operandi seems to be that the next top-of-the-line 3-series has about the power of the previous generation M3 in softer, more user-friendly form. The E36 M3 had 240, the new 330 had 225, the E46 M3 had 333, the E90 335i has 300+.

[sdiver68]

Originally Posted by lkevinl

I actually was wondering why BMW wouldn't have gone with a 300HP 3.0 liter naturally aspirated engine instead of the twin turbo. They already produced a 330HP 3.2 liter engine for the last model M3. It seems like they could have squeezed out 300HP from a 3.0 liter by using similar engine technolgy and it seems there'd be other advantages to that versus a twin turbo, specifically, wear and tear, maintenance, heat, (fuel economy?), etc.

Because FI is a superior technology. BMW knows that in order to keep up, they will need FI in their bag of tricks. Rumors are of a 4L TT V8 in the works as well.

[T Bone]

Originally Posted by sdiver68

Because FI is a superior technology. BMW knows that in order to keep up, they will need FI in their bag of tricks. Rumors are of a 4L TT V8 in the works as well.

FI is cheaper power and it is good that BMW is not afraid to use it now in their non-M cars.

There is much religion in M about atmospheric engine and I don't think we will see a FI engine in the M cars for the next generation.

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by lkevinl

You're mistaken, man! I believe that thing could do 0-60 in about 5.1.
My car had a chip before I knew what chips were... I bought it used from someone who modded it with performance chip and exhaust.

Just searched the net and I see times from 5.2 to 6.5 for the 0-60, and only 24mpg.

I guess I should have been more specific... I wasn't saying the car wasn't fast... The car was an absolute rocket, however, it's 0-60 test times were a bit misleading because of the extreme tall gearing. It's 1/4mile times were very respectable and gave a better idea on how fast the car actually was...

[lkevinl]

Originally Posted by sdiver68

Because FI is a superior technology. BMW knows that in order to keep up, they will need FI in their bag of tricks. Rumors are of a 4L TT V8 in the works as well.

FI?

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by lkevinl

FI?

Yep. It's gonna be a beast.

[OC Guy]

Originally Posted by lkevinl

FI?

Forced Induction.