Originally Posted by Znod' post='297944' date='Jun 15 2006, 05:09 PM

Hi Friends:

I've been mulling over our next change of cars--in two years--maybe a bit prematurely, but probably not since enough facts probably are known now. Currently, we have my 545i, my Z06, and my wife's X5. We probably will move to having only two cars the next time around, and I want to have one very fast sedan. I might keep the Z06 (modding it a bit--a good less expensive alternative since it has only 10k miles and is paid for), get a new one, or replace it with some other sporty car, perhaps the Z4 M roadster or coupe or the SLK AMG. I am leaning toward keeping the Z06 in modded form as we are rapidly approaching full-time retirement.

Since the Alpina B5, which I'd buy in a second unless unreasonably priced, is not available in the US, it looks to me like the only somewhat reasonably priced fast-sedan contenders are the M5, the CLS AMG, and the E55 AMG. Unfortunately, while the M5 is an exceptional car, I don't want one for several reasons.

First, I am not sold on the SMG, in general, and especially not as a replacement for a true automatic--which we would want. In this regard, the Mercs have excellent 7-speed automatics--that allow rapid sifting and true manual control--like no automatic shifting in M mode before hitting the rev limiter. Second, the M5 gas mileage is atrocious, while he Mercs get very good mileage. Third, the low "torqueness" of the M5 is unsatisfactory for an around-town car, while the Mercs are torque monsters (love a supercharged V-8). And, last, the handling of the M5, although not its feel, is somewhat wasted on me because I seldomly do any sort of truly fast twisty taking. It's hard enough to find a place to go straight fast in the city. It's too bad for me, but, IMO, the M5 is a great bargain--but only if one wants to drive a quasi-track car around town (wasting the experience of its engineering), drive mostly on the open road, or wants to track the car. In this regard, the Mercs are better engineered for around town at least from the ride comfort perspective--not that the M5 rides badly.

I would like to stay in the BMW family, but it looks like BMW won't have a car for me. I keep trying to talk myself into an M5, but I know that I will not succeed.

I have though also of having an M3 and a 550i, but the M3 won't equal the performance level of even my unmodded Z06--which is paid for. The "paid for ness" of the Z06 also argues against getting any of the "sporty" cars mentioned above. And, even with the minimal mods I would do, the Z06 would approach the acceleration ability of the new Z06. I'd simply increase the rear-end ratio to 3.73 or 3.9, get an intake, keep running my drag radials, and have a dyno tune. I'd pick up the equivalent of, say, 70 FWHP.

What to do? What to do?

Originally Posted by EBMCS03' post='301130' date='Jun 21 2006, 07:25 PM

THIS THIS! I read it here... theres actually a few other articles that pop up if you search for "Natually Aspirated Mercedes AMG Engine"

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/1088...nz-e63-amg.html

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/...06/pageNumber=1

Can somone explain this to me?

Originally Posted by heezy545i' post='301188' date='Jun 21 2006, 09:54 PM

An AMG benz would seem to be the best fit. Out of all the typical mags, CD, R&T, I remember MT having a good article on the new engine. At least I think it was them.

Moving up to a 550 would be nice, but I don't think it's really worth it since you already have a 545i. Other than the aforementioned S6, maybe a RS4 would be a good fit, not sure if it was already mentioned.

If you're considering the future e92 m3, I think a Z06 would fit you better, especially considering straight line speed. I know you have an older Z06, but I think this would be a big step up. BTW, are you on any corvette forums? If so, which one?

Since you have previous experience with japanese sports cars, maybe consider the Infiniti/Nissan GTR, which should have ~450bhp, awd and be a future competitor to the m3 for around $70K. Or perhaps the future supra, although I don't have any specs on it.

Other than german cars, I think a few U.S. sedans with the big V8s would also meet your needs.

Originally Posted by heezy545i' post='301191' date='Jun 21 2006, 10:03 PM

Or maybe you can have your son sell you one of the cayennes on the cheap. For roughly $5k, you make it into a stage II turbo with 500+hp. A stage II is basically an intake, chip and exhaust. Supposed to be quite reliable as well.

Originally Posted by heezy545i' post='301344' date='Jun 22 2006, 04:22 AM

A few more projected stats on the GT-R.
-hp should be closer to 500, with 480hp expected.
-factory said to be shooting for low to mid 3 sec for 0-60
-twin turbo version of version of the VQ35, possibly bored out to 3.8 liters
-8500rpm redline
-brembos
-20" stock wheels
-option of a 7speed sequential transmission

It looks to be a monster, but without seeing or driving either car, my inclination is to go with the m3 for around the same price, even if it's slower than the Z06 and GT-R.

Originally Posted by EBMCS03' post='301423' date='Jun 22 2006, 09:11 AM

Ooo one of my friends with a G35 REALLY wants the GT-R... haha maybe you should take a look into it.

Originally Posted by LowOrbit' post='311291' date='Jul 15 2006, 05:41 PM

Road & Track just had a favorable article on it. 0-60 in 4.3 seconds!