Z4 Performance continues to fall behind - New VW Roadster

Kirby

Kirby

2
#1
Messages
4,917
Likes
18
Location
Reading,PA
#1
AutoWeek reports that VW is moving forward with a low cost Boxster clone. Up to 280 hp, SMG. Does BMW care about the Z4 being competitive anymore???

"Mechanical details remain scarce, though it is likely the roadster will use suspension components from both the Polo and Golf. Three different gasoline engines could be used: a 2.0-liter, 148-hp four, the 2.0-liter, 197-hp turbocharged four-cylinder FSI from the soon-to-be-launched GTI, and a 3.6-liter, 280-hp V6 due out next year as the replacement for the engine in today’s Passat. The mid-mounted engines would come with either a standard six-speed manual or optional direct shift gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles."
 

Attachments

poboyis

poboyis

2
#3
Messages
453
Likes
0
Location
Hartselle, AL
#3
hey hey now, the Z4 has only been out for a year (give or take), the 3.0i makes 225 hp with PLENTY of room for expansion (look at the E36 M3), there is no doubt in my mind that the guys at BMW will answer back with something exceeding the performance lever of that VW. besides, the Z4 is one amazing handling car, the only place on a road coarse i see it having a problem is in the straights, itll take the corners like a champ. i say all the Z4 needs is about 30 more ponies and it will keep up. [;)]
 
MrElussive

MrElussive

2
#4
Messages
6,984
Likes
0
Location
New Jersey
#4
Looks interesting. Howcome you ask about BMW caring to be competitive? The Z4 3.0i manual does 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and I'm sure it handles amazingly well. I don't think there is a need for an M version of the Z4 just yet....
 
codex57

codex57

2
#10
Messages
3,476
Likes
0
Location
Lincoln, CA
#10
theBMWenthusiast said:
[bigcry] BMW First in Tech....everyone must copy them [unsure] get your own ideas!!!!
Click to expand...
Actually, DSG is different than SMG. A nice blend of existing technology into something never seen before (kinda like the W configuration for engines).

That said, it'd be easy for BMW to keep up. Make an M version of the Z4 (rumored already) and it will most likely beat the new VW roadster. Like always, it'll just cost more.
 
MrElussive

MrElussive

2
#12
Messages
6,984
Likes
0
Location
New Jersey
#12
Are you sure BMW's system is better than what is in Ferrari? I have no experience with the Ferrari F1 transmission, but I'm not too impressed with the way SMG drives in auto mode, in DriveLogic mode 2 or 3. I thought the transmission was way too lazy to downshift and upshift and the upshifts were kinda of jerky. I know it's a manual transmission, but I can do smoother shifts with a 3-pedal manual, but I'm also open to the fact that I only drove the car once and I'm sure the system works better for you once you get used to it.
 
codex57

codex57

2
#13
Messages
3,476
Likes
0
Location
Lincoln, CA
#13
The Maserati version gets blasted constantly for it's jerky action in parking situations or in auto mode. I think it's pretty similar to Ferrari's. But, Ferrari has a new version out. Haven't heard anything about it other than it's supposed to be improved in auto mode (among other things).
 
///M SPEED

///M SPEED

2
#14
Messages
2,611
Likes
5
Location
Seattle Area
#14
Ferrari's system is even more "jerky" than BMW's. IMO, most that buy the M3 and add the option of the SMG II will not use the auto mode that much and when they do, they live with the way it performs. The "jerky" motion of the gearbox is only a low end, but when you get to mid/high end it smoothes out considerably.

Driving in manual form does indeed take time to get the mechanics down to achieve the type of shifting most here are use to from a 3 pedal manual clutch. After awhile you get use to it and can make your shift a lot smoother.

I don't usually use DriveLogic 1, 2, or 3 much. I only use those modes when I have my kid in the car or my wife, however I find it to be more jerky in those modes at lower RPM's than say mode 5. When you really mash the throttle is when mode 5/6 really snap your head back. I mean they are lightning quick! My wife doesn't really like to ride in the car much. She likes to sleep when in cars and the overall demeanor of the M3 is not docile enough for her. Not to mention, the M3 seats are wrap around you so much that they don't allow for much sleep comfort......
 
Kirby

Kirby

2
#16
Messages
4,917
Likes
18
Location
Reading,PA
#16
poboyis said:
hey hey now, the Z4 has only been out for a year (give or take), the 3.0i makes 225 hp with PLENTY of room for expansion (look at the E36 M3), there is no doubt in my mind that the guys at BMW will answer back with something exceeding the performance lever of that VW. besides, the Z4 is one amazing handling car, the only place on a road coarse i see it having a problem is in the straights, itll take the corners like a champ. i say all the Z4 needs is about 30 more ponies and it will keep up. [;)]
Click to expand...

I absolutely agree. By the way, welcome to the board. As some of the guys know from old threads, I REALLY like the Z4, I want it to be my next car for fun and autocross. I've also seen what the Z4 can do on the track and you're right, stock handling seems to be pretty darn good. But I want an ///M Roadster with 333 - 400 hp that will run SCCA Super Stock with the Z06 / C6 Vettes. The new ///M3 should run with them, but it's not a roadster. If BMW doesn't do something, the Z4 is going to fade away.
 
poboyis

poboyis

2
#17
Messages
453
Likes
0
Location
Hartselle, AL
#17
im not very impressed wit the C5 handling, too early to tell with the C6, so, we shall see. I am afraid you are right though, if BMW doesnt catch up within the next year or so, the Z4 will fade away. During the desin process of the Z4, there was no intrest in building an ///M version, I sure as hell hope they change their mind though, that would be one wicked car with 350-400 HP, hmmm, how about a CSL Roadster, *drool* [ohcrap]

BTW, thnx for the welcome
 
MrElussive

MrElussive

2
#19
Messages
6,984
Likes
0
Location
New Jersey
#19
///M SPEED said:
IMO, most that buy the M3 and add the option of the SMG II will not use the auto mode that much and when they do, they live with the way it performs.
Click to expand...
I don't think that's true. I think most M3 SMG owners just don't know how to drive stick or are not willing, and probably have no idea of what the SMG transmission is capable of. They like to use auto mode with the DriveLogic setting.

I think BMW shouldn't even sell the M3 SMG unless the potential buyer actually knows how to drive manual.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.


Top