The engine thread ;)

[Cale24]

How much power will the new M3 have? The RS4 may need a tweak to get 440hp to remain competitive. The RS4 FSI V8 is considered one of the best in the world. Look at an F430 V8- 4.3 litres (v similar size) with massive power AND torque! I suppose they allow for regular and expensive servicing so that makes it an irrelevant comparison perhaps, but good numbers nevertheless. For me, the best production motor in the world must be the latest 997 GT3 motor- 3.6 litres 6 cylinders > 415hp ; 405 Nm! Thats 115 hp/litre from a N/A motor that can be wound up to the redline day after day but requiring typical servicing intervals. And you just know it can drive home after a day's racing at the track like a regular Carrera. Incredible. This makes me wonder why the motor was not in the top 6 of 'performance engine of the year'. What is an old twin-turbo V12 mercedes motor doing in there, 3 valves per cylinder and all? Perhaps the Gt3 engine is only elligible for the 2008 prize, because I sure as hell can't explain that injustice.

Speaking of which, do you guys realise an S600 has for the past few years been using this turboed V12 with NO badging or mention of the forced induction needed to compete with rival N/A V12s that are simply far better motors? MB plonk kompressor and turbo badges on all their other models, but why not the 600 cars? Because they're embarassed at their inability to fight on level ground? I suppose so, how lame. The new S63 motors are finally a sign of good things to come, a modern and efficient V8.
Sorry about the rant, I lost a bet with a friend over the turbo S600 and was stunned to learn what I did.

[tazsura]

Cale24, agree with you 100% about the GT3's engine. It's an absolute peach.:dig:

As for the S600, i dunno about everyone, but I knew it was a bi-turbo V12 right from the start. Merc offered the Kompressor S55 or the bi-turbo V12 600 at the same time. The V12 is a truly fantastic engine also though. Smooth, powerful, torquey and relatively efficient.:thumb:

Taz

[Cale24]

Ok Taz, I'm surprised I guess. I'm a car fanatic but just couldn't believe Mercedes were so undercover about the V12. I went to a dealer, asked ' What motor?' All he replied was 'V12', only letting on that it was a turbo after more nudging. Fact is, Mercedes could not match rival V12's so they resorted to turbos, the sly dogs. I suppose it does drive well, but I struggle to understand how it can gather praise for what is essentially a cop-out approach? Maybe its just the Audi/Porsche guy in me talking subjectively;)

[Klint]

BMW are gunning for 400hp out of the upcoming M3.

it's not just about hp, it's about a well balanced composed package.

[m3fan]

I think the new Lexus IS-F(500) is going to be the sleeper of the M3 level group.
New M3 400-420hp 300-350ft 7spd SMG. S4 340hp 302ft stick/auto. C55 362hp 376ft 5spd auto.
IS-F 420-425hp 405ft. 8spd auto. The Lexus has more than enough torque.

[Leadfoot]

m3fan,

Where is the RS4 in this group? I think you are being a little optimistic with you figures, the M3 (400~415hp & 290~310ft) and the Lexus IS-F (400~425hp & 350~380ft). Agreed the M3 engine will be an amazing package and will rev to hi-heaven but doubt if it will move the game on from where the RS4 has taken it especially in the torque delivery and spread of it, as for the Lexus it will be the smoothest reving motor ever to grace a hi-performance saloon.

[Cale24]

BUT, how heavy will that 5 litre Lexus motor be? I'm sure it will be impressive, sort of like a mini AMG 63 motor. The M3 will match or exceed the RS4 V8's power figures and probably come near to its peak torque, if perhaps sliiightly less well spread- and this is assuming its a 4.0 litre V8. If its bigger, we're in trouble. Also, it probably won't rev any higher than the RS4 V8- 8250rpm is about as far as a production V8 can go before risks come in. Incidentally, the RS4 power output peaks at 7800rpm- does anyone know what it makes at the redline?