New Porsche GT2 launch control

[Kiwi Carguy]

Interesting... http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_official_pictur...

Porsche’s new launch control system. Hold down the clutch and accelerator, wait until the twin turbos reach 13psi of boost, step off the clutch smartly and the ECU will sort out the rest. The engine management system makes sure there’s no turbo-lag, no wheelspin, just relentless acceleration.

Edited by Kiwi Carguy on Sunday 15th July 03:53

[HTSD]

The E46 M3 has launch control in the SMG versions (although the launch RPM varies depending on the market and you can only do it so many times before you void the warranty!). I believe it holds the engine revs constant and slips the clutch to minimise wheelspin and each launch is equivalent to 20,000km normal driving wear on the clutch. The Porsche has a proper manual 'box though so must have some pretty tricky electronic throttle control going on!

I wonder if it works in second gear- imagine that launch!

[Kiwi Carguy]

That's interesting...I was actually quite interested in a M3 CSL but would probably only buy a manual. Have you driven the SMG and if so what did you think of it?

[Esprit]

Kiwi Carguy said:

That's interesting...I was actually quite interested in a M3 CSL but would probably only buy a manual. Have you driven the SMG and if so what did you think of it?

http://nzhondas.com/phpBB2/new-v8-bmw-m3-vtu69594.html

In that thread there's a bit of discussion on the E46 M3CSL and the SMG box vs manual.

[Kiwi Carguy]

Esprit said:

Kiwi Carguy said:

That's interesting...I was actually quite interested in a M3 CSL but would probably only buy a manual. Have you driven the SMG and if so what did you think of it?

http://nzhondas.com/phpBB2/new-v8-bmw-m3-vtu69594.html

In that thread there's a bit of discussion on the E46 M3CSL and the SMG box vs manual.

Thanks bud that was a very interesting read. I quite like the CSL. I would however prefer a GT3 but they are just that much dearer.

[Ffirg 005]

Yep, quite fancy the CSL too... they're bl%$dy quick! I was passed by one on a track day in the UK with apparently minimal effort (I was in a Tamora and having a decent battle with a 996 turbo at the time).

[HTSD]

Kiwi Carguy said:

That's interesting...I was actually quite interested in a M3 CSL but would probably only buy a manual. Have you driven the SMG and if so what did you think of it?

I've been for a ride in a CSL and the absolute best thing about the car (aside from staggering performance) was rev-matched downshifts- that straight 6 engine on the overrun with the throttle blips is out of this world. Thats as close to driving one as I'll get for a few years. Having read that NZHondas thread, I'd definitely take a 'normal' E46 M3 SMG for a test drive before purchasing one.

[GravelBen]

Kiwi Carguy said:

Thanks bud that was a very interesting read. I quite like the CSL. I would however prefer a GT3 but they are just that much dearer.

CSL for sale here: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=10... asking $105k. I think the cheapest GT3 I've seen on Trademe was $140k or thereabouts so the CSL seems a bit of a performance bargain in those terms, though I guess you could use the same argument to suggest a well-tweaked Jap turbonuttermobile as well. Similar performance, but the more 'special' cars are worth a heap more.


I realised recently while wasting time on Trademe that E36 M3's can be got for sub-$30k now, one of them could be quite tempting in a few years time.

[Kiwi Carguy]

You beat me to listing it. I have been watching it for a few months now on TM. It has been one of those cars that I've considered buying "if I didn't have the Saker". Obviously I am more biased towards Porsches. I have to say the ownership experience has been a good one. The problem is I am not in the position to cough up $145K for a GT3 (the cheapest on TM so far) hence why I went for the Saker which offer better performance for much less money. The M3 I was always skeptical over the SMG and the discussion over this has got me thinking I really need to try it out for myself. I have a friend who drove the CSL around the Nurburgring and said it is damn impressive and represents great value for money. He owns a GT3 and also a 993rs so knows his cars. He did however feel they are a $85K car...not sure about that one. The thing I like about the GT3 is that it looks like a sports car unlike the CSL. This video made me realize it more http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VjgbvpyCp8 IMO it doesn't look like it belongs. Not saying it's not a hot car. Love the carbon roof, carbon intake, cardboard boot liner etc. I suppose it depends on how important the look of the car is to you. The thing I also like about the RS Porsches (I know they are dearer but comparing same model) is that they really are stripped out. No rear seats, no sound deadening, thinner glass etc etc resulting in a totally different car. If you've been in a RS you'll know what I mean. But... say you could find a CSL for $95K (and maybe the seller on TM would take that given the length it has been for sale) that's $120K less than a 996 GT3rs and very close performance. Stupid thing for me is that it is a moot point as I don't even have a finished car and nor would I sell it. Nice to consider the options tho...





http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Pors...

[Kiwi Carguy]

I had a friend that I gave driver training to around Manfield in his E36 M3. Neat car to drive although his shocks were stuffed. He paid $26-27K over a year ago and it was a very nice example that used to belong to BMW Oracle sailor. So the E36 variant can be had for under $30K. Not sure they are that greater car tho? If you brought it for performance many other cars around the same $$$ would eat it alive.

[GravelBen]

Kiwi Carguy said:

Not sure they are that greater car tho? If you brought it for performance many other cars around the same $$$ would eat it alive.

I've never driven one so don't really know, they have a good reputation but not really a sports car more a sport sedan/GT with amusing sideways tendencies. Good point re performance/$$ ratio - an STi-RA Impreza for half that price would give it a sound thrashing up to 150ish km/h anyway, and quite possibly after that as well. Or a Nissan Silvia with a bit of work would be a fun M3-beater with all the sideways antics you could ever want, slightly less practical though.


Its a fair while before I'm likely to be in a position to spend $20-30k on a car anyway. Most likely next step is a toy next year sometime to go with the Legacy - something lightish, cheapish, RWD (MX-5 or MR2 maybe) to make me learn to drive properly - I suspect habitual Subaru ownership may be flattering my driving somewhat, so looking forward to something a bit more playful.