Yeah, those narrow garages and people parking up on the sidewalks kind of give it away too!
It was sunny and warm almost every day of the two months I was there (end of may through middle of july). The day I made it to Castle Combe was a real scorcher... I think they had nearly 35,000 in attendance.
Considering the car is already sold any price, it doesn't need to be competitive.
But to make it clear, the car does not produce 350 hp, the articles state OVER 350hp. Just as the race version produces OVER 400hp. The teams and drivers using the race version estimate it's actually has more power than the 500HP M5 engine used in the Grand American racing series. It's safe to say this one has likewise been very much under rated.
This car exists only to meet the Lemans series requirements. End of story. You won't find it's road going competitor, the Porsche GT2, for any cheaper either. And if you compare the specs for the chassis, weight, use of composites, suspension, etc, I think you'll find the M3 GTR is FAR closer to the track version than the Porsche GT2 is.
I am talking about the street version of the M3 GTR which according to BMW AG will be detuned to 350hp in order to meet noise and emissions regulations???
The production begins in February. Are you saying that ALL M3 GTR street cars have been bought by the racing teams???
Michael
Quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Grinch Considering the car is already sold any price, it doesn't need to be competitive.
But to make it clear, the car does not produce 350 hp, the articles state OVER 350hp. Just as the race version produces OVER 400hp. The teams and drivers using the race version estimate it's actually has more power than the 500HP M5 engine used in the Grand American racing series. It's safe to say this one has likewise been very much under rated.
This car exists only to meet the Lemans series requirements. End of story. You won't find it's road going competitor, the Porsche GT2, for any cheaper either. And if you compare the specs for the chassis, weight, use of composites, suspension, etc, I think you'll find the M3 GTR is FAR closer to the track version than the Porsche GT2 is.
__________________ Michael aka B8 Guru
2003 BMW M5
1998 BMW ALPINA B8 4.6 Cabrio
1995 BMW ALPINA B12 5.7 Coupe === A L P I N A B125.7 C L U B ===
Originally posted by Mr. Grinch People need to open their minds just a little before jumping to conclusions.
The facts:
- the cars were all sold to teams
- the HP number is obviously arbitrary
- the price is equally arbitrary
Racing support is based on seasonal contracts. For that you get a season worth of support... for a car builder, that means parts, diagnosis, technical support, rebuilds, etc. It's impossible to come to an exact figure on the cost of one car based on this, but the price quoted might not be far off.
You may buy a ferrari for that price, but you won't be getting racing engineers and a complete engine rebuild after each race.
You're comparing cars you an I can actually buy to something which we cannot buy and never could. Even a "cheap" Formula 3 car costs 1-2 million dollars per season to run, but the parts are relatively inexpensive compared to F1, aluminum construction, 4 cyl engine, aerodynamic restrictions, etc. The cost is in the ongoing support of the car and I think BMW's quoted price probably reflects that at least partly.
Also, the original quotes on the GTR specs DID include things engine rebuilds, spare engine, etc.
__________________ Michael aka B8 Guru
2003 BMW M5
1998 BMW ALPINA B8 4.6 Cabrio
1995 BMW ALPINA B12 5.7 Coupe === A L P I N A B125.7 C L U B ===
Linear Mode
