Re: BMW Z10 550hp 1200KG
Quote:
Lazy Cat said:
The Noble is 60cm shorter and 15cm less wide than the cgt.The wheelbase is 30 cm shorter. You can't fit a 5l v10 in a so small car.Comparaisons with Noble or Lotus cars are nonsense.Of course these cars are light, but you will never be able to fit big engines, big brakes, smg 7 gearbox, big wheels...in it.
First of all, let us separate the discussion between feasibility and the business case. For the latter, I think it is a stretch for BMW to build such a light car, for a variety of business reasons. However, on the technical feasibility side, I think the Noble comparisons are very relevant.
It shows that a low volume manufacturer with limited funds can make such a car for $80k. Someone should look into it, but I would not be suprised if you could fit a Z06 motor into a Noble. Let us not forget that the Ford V6 with all the turbo piping is not necessarily light for it's displacement. If you lengthen the wheelbase and make the chassis more suitable for a V10, a 1200kg figure is still feasible using a lightweight construction. You have a 300 .lbs cushion to work with. Again, this is ignoring whether BMW would ever build such a car. They certainly have the technology. An aluminum spaceframe with some high tech materials could yield a fairly light car. 1200kg might be hard given their design priorities, but the 1400 kg figure you mentioned earlier should be no problem if weight is a key factor. 1400kg is not a very daunting figure. Assuming decent production levels, under $200k might even be possible. The engine is already mass produced.
Why big wheels and brakes? My your own admission, a lighter car needs less in the way of big brakes and tires. 19" or 20" wheels is not necessary. An 18" wheel can be made relatively light and you can still fit 14-15" brakes underneath. I consider those large. However, maybe you are right. With BMW's record with brakes lately, maybe they'll need 17" rotors so they don't fade.
SMG does not take up much room.
It comes down to design priorities over feasibility IMO. Perhaps at some point either cost or lack of BMW level refinement would get in the way of achieving it.
- J
