G35 Coupe Getting 300hp in '05?

[Tom]

http://www.autospies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=2773&categoryId=10

2005 G35 sedan and coupe

Dear 001,

I heard from my internal Infiniti source that the 2005 G35 sedan and coupe will have some major revisions:

1. 20 hp more HP…280 and 300 respectively.

2. Revised/upgraded interiors from the b-pillar forward.

3. More features standard for the same price

4. New wheel styles

5. Better stereo


Anyone here confirm this?

 

[krs71]

How about the all-wheel drive system for the coupe???

 

[Dinan55]

Coming from AutoSpies, I doubt it'll ever happen. If it does though BMW needs to start making NA 3.5 litre engines pushing 290+ hp, I know they can do it.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Looks like the "BMW killer" is sharpening its blades, while apparently BMW sits back on its nameplate... largely because they can, or maybe they have something secretly in the works.(hopefully)

Dinan, why not use the M3 3.2 engine instead of building a 3.5?

 

[codex57]

The M3 3.2 engine is not suitable for most people's daily driving. It's a bit too high strung for most people.

If Nissan does that, that should really help sales of the Coupe (if they can get any better since Infiniti is withholding supply). My only real complaint with the Infiniti was crappy interior and the lack of room. If they can luxe out the interior, I wouldn't mind the lack of room too much.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

What if they (confess ignorance) downtuned it to say from 333 to 300hp and 250ftlb made it more stable by lowering the revs and sticking an automatic in it. Sure this kills it, but isn't it a possibility? Or is this just as expensive or effort consuming as building a 3.5 and leaving the M3 engine unique.

 

[codex57]

I imagine it'd be just about the same amount of work as expanding the 3.0L engine. The BMW inline 6 engines were designed to be expanded so it's not like they have to come up with a whole new engine. I think it's just a matter of testing and optimizing the engine so whether detuning the 3.2 or playing with the 3.0 converted to 3.5 would be about the same.

 

[MrElussive]

I believe the upcoming changes to the G are still speculation. The G35 Coupe will probably never get AWD (it's a coupe, not meant to practical). Hitting that 300hp mark will definitely be nice.

 

[Dinan55]

The M3 3.2 engine is not suitable for most people's daily driving. It's a bit too high strung for most people.

Exactly. I've been hearing rumors how BMW is going to start turbocharging their cars in order to compete, hopefully this isn't true and instead they'll just upgrade to a 3.5 litre engine.

 

[MrElussive]

I doubt it. I thought BMW believes in naturally aspirated engines. All the reviewers always knock turbocharged cars because of "turbo lag", even when it's not really there. NA is the best way to go and it seems much more sensible to just go with a larger engine.

 

[codex57]

BMW does have a history of turbocharged engines. It wouldn't be totally out of the blue for them to go that route. I think the decisions hasn't been made yet. They're still deciding btw turbocharging or just increasing the size of the engine. Maybe both. Who knows. Actually, decision has prolly been made they just haven't told anyone yet cuz they're still working out kinks in the design or something.

 

[tool fan]

Ok, I am going to confess TOTAL ignorance here. I thought is was all a matter of tuning. Like with computer chips and intake and exhaust and stuff like that. I vaguely remember the Lotus Esprit's of yore pushing 300 hp's with a 4 cylinder engine (probably exagerated hp numbers on my behalf) but they were up ther due to the superb tuning of the engine. Why doesn't BMW just reprogram the chips and on board computers to be higher tuned engines with the current line. Please don't see me as stupid, but I am not very educated in the areas of tuning and engines.

 

[MrElussive]

That's a good question. When BMW (or any car company) tunes their engines, they don't only think about maximum horsepower and torque. They need to make sure the engine delivers good fuel economy and low emissions. Tuning an engine for more power usually has a negative effect on fuel economy and emissions. Reliability and drivability are also issues when it comes to making the right decisions regarding the engine's performance.