DTAHT

Saw an article today stating that the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is implementing new rules for rating horsepower. Apparently it ups the ratings for some cars, reduces for others. No direct mention of BMW yet, but apparently the changes will affect the Japanese and European makers more than the domestics. No real changes in power, just the numbers.

Here is a link to the article:

http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0.../A01-283759.htm

my530i

Lexus LS430 290hp re-rated down to 275hp. What a shame. BMW 225hp for sure will be the same. A lot of Japanese car will be affected.

GM seems to be underrated, and Japs car overrated, or may be Japs follow their own JSAE (Japanese Society Automotive Engineering) :thumbsdown:

UUronL

Well, perhaps we won't be affected too much. This would certainly explain why 300hp G35s aren't mopping the floor with 3 series cars.

Evenflow545

It's weird. I always thought GM was overrating horsepower.

Apparently not.

Ricracing

Hey comeon dudes .

There is a actual standard for metrical ratings as Kw:s and Nm:s.
(Someday, maybe, we will talk the same tech tongue.)

Before that belive in supreme R6/V8 BMW tech.
And if not, go for compressors or turbos.
(BMW turbo engines will be here soon!)

But use mm tools with your BMW and your best behaviour for the Ladies!

wolverine

Yup, the Japanese cars will be decreasing a number of their HP ratings. GM will increase some, or stay the same. I would guess BMW will not change.

They should give rwhp as a spec - that's really the important number. Companies like BMW that build very efficient transmissions and drivetrains will benefit the most. Automatics and especially 4wd cars would see big drops. I've heard the quattro system loses close to 25% of the crank hp by the time it gets to the wheels.

wolverine

Yup, the Japanese cars will be decreasing a number of their HP ratings. GM will increase some, or stay the same. I would guess BMW will not change.

They should give rwhp as a spec - that's really the important number. Companies like BMW that build very efficient transmissions and drivetrains will benefit the most. Automatics and especially 4wd cars would see big drops. I've heard the quattro system loses close to 25% of the crank hp by the time it gets to the wheels.
[/quote]

Make that whp (wheel horsepower) as a spec.

my530i

[quote\]
the quattro system loses close to 25% of the crank hp by the time it gets to the wheels.
[quote]

That's why I don't like Audi. It cheats the handling around the curve by using AWD, increases weight, lowers gas milage, and finally is slower. Having AWD in SoCal and NorCal just like the fish having a bicycle.

...

The new net US SAE hp is measured with accessory loads such as alternator, water pump, etc. Without those, it's called gross hp.

teutonictrio

Cadillac made out like a bandit with the new rating system - their V class cars all got a nice bump.

The theory here is that BMW's won't be effected?

After this change, the infamous RX-8 hp debacle will have that car down to 87hp or something.

Evenflow545

My buddy has an Acura TL, and, since this story appeared, I've been continously asking him what it feels like to have 238 horsepower under the hood.