Comments on: Is the German Power War Ending?

By: Eli

Eli — Mon, 05 May 2008 04:18:37 +0000

"Take for instance the new S4, instead of the new car utilizing a similar V8 configuration as it’s predecessor it’s going with a blown V6. Obviously a trend that’s started at BMW with the N54"

Not exactly. The B5 S4 (early '00s) had a twin-turbo V6. Audi has always been known for its blown engines, although I have to say I wasn't expecting them to go supercharged; they always seem to be masterful at turbocharging. The fact that they're getting rid of the V8 in that car is bittersweet for me; I know it's a more competitive move, and Audi is going back to its turbocharged heyday, but I personally have a B6 (V8) S4 and it's really a joy to cruise in.

Whatever, I'll take anything that Audi and BMW have to offer for the future, because I know I'll enjoy it.

By: Jon

Jon — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:08:05 +0000

LOL!

Turbo, superchargers and hybrids, oh my! They used to say there's no replacement for displacement, but I think that in the coming years, that you'll be seeing many more smaller four- and six-bangers, with forced induction or hybrid technology, to achieve the same horsepower as a much heavier V8 engine.

The 135i and 335i are previews of this...

By: illegalprelude

illegalprelude — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:53:59 +0000

as long as its not a Hybrid…im cool. Hydrogen, again im fine but Hybrids make me die inside

By: cct1

cct1 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:48:55 +0000

The HP some of these cars are running is almost criminal, considering what it takes to drive a car like that competently–especially something as heavy as some of the AMG’s. HP without handling is an invitation for disaster…To the car maker’s credit though, it does appear brakes are getting upgraded to go along with the HP, but the suspension is another story.

Now that I’ve had some track time, I really have no desire for a 400HP monster (not knocking those that do, who can handle the power–it’s a beautiful thing to watch, but I know my limitations)–the max I’d go is probably 300HP (135i maybe), and max out the handling. It is so much more fun to be able to take the corners fast than it is to use brute force to go fast on the straights–there is something inherently satisfying catching a much faster (in a straight line) car through the turns than simply using horsepower to blow by on the straights. Its actually like you’re driving the car…

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:50:25 +0000

BMW is working on something very revolutionary and it will change the competition completely…. more to come!

By: Barry

Barry — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:47:17 +0000

I can believe it. It is really becoming overkill. I believe BMW’s M boss has said something to that effect too. I mean seriously,these cars get crazy hp bumps, but so are the weight hikes. Cadillac’s CTS-V is suppose to have 567hp and 500tq. I dont expect it to come in at lb less than 4500.

By: Chris B.

Chris B. — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:20:32 +0000

It’s about time. There’s only so far you can go before things literally get out of hand, for everyone. With the shift in focus to driving more “green” I think you’ll see the high performance names we know today making serious changes. Take for instance the new S4, instead of the new car utilizing a similar V8 configuration as it’s predecessor it’s going with a blown V6. Obviously a trend that’s started at BMW with the N54 and likely something that will continue to proliferate throughout the rest of the BMW model lineup. More curious I am to see how the next iterations of the M cars will be powered? Let the god times roll.