17.03.2009
This week at DR we are testing BMW’s M6 fitted with their latest competition package upgrade. We’ve been looking forward to this test for a long while, ever since BMW broke the news of it last year. When BMW launched the E46 M3 CS back in 2004 it represented a significant improvement over the regular M3, so our expectations were equally high when BMW chose to apply the ‘competition’ label to its flagship super coupe.
The competition package for the M6 comprises a series of dynamic enhancements including a revised suspension – 12mm lower at the front end and 10mm lower rear – retuned DSC and ABS , and a modified variable M differential. It comes fitted with Pirelli P Zero Corsa System tyres and certainly looked the part as it arrived at DR’s offices yesterday.
So we thought it would be best to find out just how much it raises the M6′s potential against established metal such as Audi’s R8 and Porsche’s 911 Turbo.
You can follow us over the next few days on Twitter and to make things really interesting we will be running a competition in parallel to win tickets to the Silverstone Supercar event on 2nd – 3rd May.
So we will start with the first question…
Q1: What is the Vmax of each car along Bruntingthorpe’s 2 mile straight?
UPDATE:
And now for Question 2.
Q2: What will their lap times around Silverstone’s GP circuit be? And which will therefore be quickest?
The weather conditions are warm, dry and sunny so pretty ideal conditions for setting a fast time. Last year the R8 with manual box recorded a 2 minutes 13.7 second lap, so we need to see whether it’s significantly quicker or slower fitted with our test car’s R-tronic box.
Again, the person with the closest answer will win a pair of tickets.
Send your answers to us at competition@drivers-republic.com labelling your answers with Q1, or Q2 in the subject line. We’ll publish answers to both competition answers tomorrow (Friday 20th).
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62 Comments
DriversRepublic (The DR Team)
March 17, 2009Posted on DR: Group Test – BMW M6 with Competition Package upgrade http://bit.ly/4rwjnd
DriversRepublic (The DR Team)
March 17, 2009Posted on DR: Group Test – BMW M6 with Competition Package upgrade http://bit.ly/4rwjnd
Steve
March 17, 2009I drove them all yesterday as they arrived and just to answer the obvious questions; firstly the R8 is a V8 model with the R-tronic gearbox. The 997 Turbo is a Gen1 997 with a manaul box and the M6 comes with the usual SMGIII box and has the same power as the regular M6.
A few quick observations; The M6 certainly sits lower than a standard car and looks all the better for it. The Silverstone II paint colour really suits it, although I’ll admit that I was ‘hoping’ it might come in Alpine White. The Corsa tyres are more noticeable than you might think, walking towards it from a distance the tread pattern tells you instantly that it’s something different from the norm.
It may be my imagination but I thought it sounded a bit louder and deeper than a regular M6, although there’s nothing in the list of competition package upgrades that indicate that would suggest a reason why.
It’s going to be an interesting test. The R8 feels quick and agile, the 997 Turbo is brutal and sets a very high standard for the M6 to beat.
Steve
March 17, 2009I drove them all yesterday as they arrived and just to answer the obvious questions; firstly the R8 is a V8 model with the R-tronic gearbox. The 997 Turbo is a Gen1 997 with a manaul box and the M6 comes with the usual SMGIII box and has the same power as the regular M6.
A few quick observations; The M6 certainly sits lower than a standard car and looks all the better for it. The Silverstone II paint colour really suits it, although I’ll admit that I was ‘hoping’ it might come in Alpine White. The Corsa tyres are more noticeable than you might think, walking towards it from a distance the tread pattern tells you instantly that it’s something different from the norm.
It may be my imagination but I thought it sounded a bit louder and deeper than a regular M6, although there’s nothing in the list of competition package upgrades that indicate that would suggest a reason why.
It’s going to be an interesting test. The R8 feels quick and agile, the 997 Turbo is brutal and sets a very high standard for the M6 to beat.
David
March 17, 2009M6 = 165 (if limited)
R8 = 177
911 Slow = 186
Pretty much all guesses really. Weather conditions, good launches, etc, etc.
David
March 17, 2009M6 = 165 (if limited)
R8 = 177
911 Slow = 186
Pretty much all guesses really. Weather conditions, good launches, etc, etc.
Steve
March 17, 2009@David – Make sure you send your answers in by email otherwise we cannot recognise your amazing skill and insight…
Steve
March 17, 2009@David – Make sure you send your answers in by email otherwise we cannot recognise your amazing skill and insight…
David
March 17, 2009I would feel so much smarter if I learned to read. Terrible.
Marty
March 17, 2009My guesses:
BMW M6 CS: 160mph (with limiter) 190 (without limiter)
Porsche 997 Turbo: 195mph
Audi R8: 194mph
Probably all completely wrong!
Marty
March 17, 2009My guesses:
BMW M6 CS: 160mph (with limiter) 190 (without limiter)
Porsche 997 Turbo: 195mph
Audi R8: 194mph
Probably all completely wrong!
David
March 17, 2009I would feel so much smarter if I learned to read. Terrible.
Marty
March 17, 2009C**k, that’ll teach me to read the post properly! Answers emailed in as well.
Marty
March 17, 2009C**k, that’ll teach me to read the post properly! Answers emailed in as well.
David
March 17, 2009E-mail’ed…
David
March 17, 2009E-mail’ed…
winmoz (winmoz)
March 17, 2009Group Test – BMW M6 with Competition Package upgrade http://tinyurl.com/ckncx7 from: @DriversRepublic Have got my vbox thinking cap on!
winmoz (winmoz)
March 17, 2009Group Test – BMW M6 with Competition Package upgrade http://tinyurl.com/ckncx7 from: @DriversRepublic Have got my vbox thinking cap on!
Mark McTavish
March 17, 2009I’m tempted to answer but I might have an unfair advantage given I know how fast a GT2/LP560 will go down the runway…will be interesting to see how close these cars get.
Mark McTavish
March 17, 2009I’m tempted to answer but I might have an unfair advantage given I know how fast a GT2/LP560 will go down the runway…will be interesting to see how close these cars get.
Steve
March 17, 2009@Mark McTavish – Go on Mark, have a go.
The 997 Turbo is ‘stupidly’ fast (i.e. ‘mental’ in Jethro’s words) and the M6 is even faster at the top end.
I am particularly pleased that we’ ve got ‘good’ examples of each in this test – that isn’t always a given. The R8 is particularly sweet in terms of ride and handling balance and better than the last one I drove (they both were fitted with magnetic ride) – it also feels really quick and not as outclassed in straight line performance as you might think.
I’m also really impressed with the 997 Turbo, I’m never a great fan of the forced induction 911s, preferring a good normally aspirated flat six and I also prefer 2WD in my 911s, but this 997 Turbo is a lot more fun than I remembered them being with a much cleaner and incisive turn-in than the Gen2 997 C4S that we had recently.
I genuinely don’t know which car will come out on top in this test, it’s a close call on so many counts.
We’re on the roads tomorrow and then will be at Silverstone on Thursday, when we’ll have another competition for you to try your hand at.
Steve
March 17, 2009@Mark McTavish – Go on Mark, have a go.
The 997 Turbo is ‘stupidly’ fast (i.e. ‘mental’ in Jethro’s words) and the M6 is even faster at the top end.
I am particularly pleased that we’ ve got ‘good’ examples of each in this test – that isn’t always a given. The R8 is particularly sweet in terms of ride and handling balance and better than the last one I drove (they both were fitted with magnetic ride) – it also feels really quick and not as outclassed in straight line performance as you might think.
I’m also really impressed with the 997 Turbo, I’m never a great fan of the forced induction 911s, preferring a good normally aspirated flat six and I also prefer 2WD in my 911s, but this 997 Turbo is a lot more fun than I remembered them being with a much cleaner and incisive turn-in than the Gen2 997 C4S that we had recently.
I genuinely don’t know which car will come out on top in this test, it’s a close call on so many counts.
We’re on the roads tomorrow and then will be at Silverstone on Thursday, when we’ll have another competition for you to try your hand at.
Steve
March 17, 2009P.s. I thought you might like to know that there has been no ‘sparing of the horses’ as the boys seek to find a winner in this test.
I’ve seen much better figures in an M6, but with its full potential unleashed it has an appetite for unleaded that I suspect the others in this test will find difficult to challenge.
Steve
March 17, 2009P.s. I thought you might like to know that there has been no ‘sparing of the horses’ as the boys seek to find a winner in this test.
I’ve seen much better figures in an M6, but with its full potential unleashed it has an appetite for unleaded that I suspect the others in this test will find difficult to challenge.
CyberBilly
March 17, 2009You’re not even trying Steve – The M5 we took to the Ring when it was launched was doing 4.4mpg………… you were luck to get five laps per tank!!
CyberBilly
March 17, 2009You’re not even trying Steve – The M5 we took to the Ring when it was launched was doing 4.4mpg………… you were luck to get five laps per tank!!
Steve
March 18, 2009@CyberBilly – well as they say in panto-land… “WE’LL HAVE TO TRY HARDER!!!”.
Don’t worry, we take them on track tomorrow so I’ll report back and let you know whether we succeed in topping 4.4mpg..
Steve
March 18, 2009@CyberBilly – well as they say in panto-land… “WE’LL HAVE TO TRY HARDER!!!”.
Don’t worry, we take them on track tomorrow so I’ll report back and let you know whether we succeed in topping 4.4mpg..
David
March 18, 2009Lets say you wanted to use the M6 as a GT. How far could you get averaging 75 – 80 mph on the motorway, driving reasonably, before the next fill? Easily under 400 miles?
David
March 18, 2009Lets say you wanted to use the M6 as a GT. How far could you get averaging 75 – 80 mph on the motorway, driving reasonably, before the next fill? Easily under 400 miles?
Steve
March 18, 2009@David – Unfortunatley you would most likely seek the sanctity of the nearest fuel station after just 200 miles, only the bravest owner would dig deep into the red zone which is a real shame for such a stonking engine.
It needs an 85 litre tank to really enjoy using it as a GT.
Steve
March 18, 2009@David – Unfortunatley you would most likely seek the sanctity of the nearest fuel station after just 200 miles, only the bravest owner would dig deep into the red zone which is a real shame for such a stonking engine.
It needs an 85 litre tank to really enjoy using it as a GT.
David
March 18, 2009@Steve -
200 miles? I knew it was bad, but that’s pathetic. If I could afford the car to begin with, that would be reason enough to not buy it. I guess I am struggling to see the point of it then. A friend had an E60 M5 and said on a road trip he took, he squeezed just under 250 miles from a tank. I assumed he was pushing quite a lot but now I realize he was babying it. A big, powerful car with the ability to carry people and luggage in comfort with a thimble for a fuel tank is almost laughable.
My E46 M3 obviously doesn’t have the power or prestige of one of these, but I am glad that day to day, it makes more sense. I have managed over 400 miles on a tankful more than a few times now averaging 75 mph on a few road trips. I love to drive distance, and every time I do it in the M3 I’m amazed by its ability to crush distance and leave my back intact while being interesting when the corners arrive. While I love the idea of a 500 bhp car, having to fill it every 200 miles or less seems counterproductive.
David
March 18, 2009@Steve -
200 miles? I knew it was bad, but that’s pathetic. If I could afford the car to begin with, that would be reason enough to not buy it. I guess I am struggling to see the point of it then. A friend had an E60 M5 and said on a road trip he took, he squeezed just under 250 miles from a tank. I assumed he was pushing quite a lot but now I realize he was babying it. A big, powerful car with the ability to carry people and luggage in comfort with a thimble for a fuel tank is almost laughable.
My E46 M3 obviously doesn’t have the power or prestige of one of these, but I am glad that day to day, it makes more sense. I have managed over 400 miles on a tankful more than a few times now averaging 75 mph on a few road trips. I love to drive distance, and every time I do it in the M3 I’m amazed by its ability to crush distance and leave my back intact while being interesting when the corners arrive. While I love the idea of a 500 bhp car, having to fill it every 200 miles or less seems counterproductive.
R081N
March 18, 2009M6CS: 174mph limited (my manual E90 M3 reaches 177mph/285kmh on tacho limited)
997TT: 197mph
R8 V8: 190mph
cheers
Robin from Holland
R081N
March 18, 2009M6CS: 174mph limited (my manual E90 M3 reaches 177mph/285kmh on tacho limited)
997TT: 197mph
R8 V8: 190mph
cheers
Robin from Holland
R081N
March 18, 2009oh well its just a 2mile straight, I guess I’m wrong then LOL.
R081N
March 18, 2009oh well its just a 2mile straight, I guess I’m wrong then LOL.
JethroBovingdon
March 18, 2009Just back from a long drive home. Brilliant day (I won’t mention Dickie locking the 911 with the key still in the ignition), and the M6 did… 22.4mpg on the way home, at a good motorway cruising speed. Not much worse than my old M3, but it was rather more thirsty across the moors.
JethroBovingdon
March 18, 2009Just back from a long drive home. Brilliant day (I won’t mention Dickie locking the 911 with the key still in the ignition), and the M6 did… 22.4mpg on the way home, at a good motorway cruising speed. Not much worse than my old M3, but it was rather more thirsty across the moors.
Steve Hedderman
March 18, 2009I think you will find the correct answers are now sitting in your inbox chaps!
Looking forward to my free tickets
Steve Hedderman
March 18, 2009I think you will find the correct answers are now sitting in your inbox chaps!
Looking forward to my free tickets
Neville Contractor
March 20, 2009@David-
I agree the M3 does not have the prestige of the others in this test but in my eyes it’s still a highly desirable car, and I would be surprised if the engine in the 911 sounded better than your car!
Neville Contractor
March 20, 2009@David-
I agree the M3 does not have the prestige of the others in this test but in my eyes it’s still a highly desirable car, and I would be surprised if the engine in the 911 sounded better than your car!
David
March 20, 2009@Neville Contractor -
I won’t go that far Neville. Well…over a Turbo maybe.
The flat six in the 911 sounds pretty special to me. Especially in the 996 GT3 with a funny exhaust I’ve had the pleasure of driving. A 997 GT3 RS at my local dealer with what, basically, amounted to straight pipes. It was pornographic. However, I lust after a 997 GT3 in terrible ways. There is a used white one sitting at said dealer that I spent an unnatural amount of time looking at the other night when I stopped to have a look around. Not to mention the Supercup cars…*sigh*
ie…
or, fun starts at the 30 second mark in this one…
David
March 20, 2009@Neville Contractor -
I won’t go that far Neville. Well…over a Turbo maybe.
The flat six in the 911 sounds pretty special to me. Especially in the 996 GT3 with a funny exhaust I’ve had the pleasure of driving. A 997 GT3 RS at my local dealer with what, basically, amounted to straight pipes. It was pornographic. However, I lust after a 997 GT3 in terrible ways. There is a used white one sitting at said dealer that I spent an unnatural amount of time looking at the other night when I stopped to have a look around. Not to mention the Supercup cars…*sigh*
ie…
or, fun starts at the 30 second mark in this one…
Richard - DR
March 21, 2009It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for (probably since yesterday given we promised the answers to you then!): the Vmax and Silverstone lap time results!
We ran all three cars at Bruntingthorpe doing standing starts and flying starts along the runway. These are the respective best figures from each car, with Jethro at the wheel, me as the sack of spuds and Racelogic’s VBox doing the maths:
Audi R8 R-tronic: 165.7mph
BMW M6: 161.4mph (limited)
Porsche 997 Turbo: 176.5mph
Our testing at Silverstone was conducted on Wednesday evening, in cool, bright sunshine. The track was perfect, but both Jethro and I felt a bit rusty given we hadn’t lapped the GP circuit since late last year. Still, not like we were driving anything too fast…
Audi R8 R-tronic: 2:12.8
BMW M6 Comp: 2:12.6
Porsche 997 Turbo: 2:11.2
Thanks to those of you who entered. We’ll be in touch with those who have won Silverstone tickets next week.
We’re intending to upload a preview video early next week, with the feature and full video to follow. Feel free to continue discussing the cars’ relative performance in this thread, as I’m sure some of you will have something to say and brand loyalties to defend!
Richard - DR
March 21, 2009It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for (probably since yesterday given we promised the answers to you then!): the Vmax and Silverstone lap time results!
We ran all three cars at Bruntingthorpe doing standing starts and flying starts along the runway. These are the respective best figures from each car, with Jethro at the wheel, me as the sack of spuds and Racelogic’s VBox doing the maths:
Audi R8 R-tronic: 165.7mph
BMW M6: 161.4mph (limited)
Porsche 997 Turbo: 176.5mph
Our testing at Silverstone was conducted on Wednesday evening, in cool, bright sunshine. The track was perfect, but both Jethro and I felt a bit rusty given we hadn’t lapped the GP circuit since late last year. Still, not like we were driving anything too fast…
Audi R8 R-tronic: 2:12.8
BMW M6 Comp: 2:12.6
Porsche 997 Turbo: 2:11.2
Thanks to those of you who entered. We’ll be in touch with those who have won Silverstone tickets next week.
We’re intending to upload a preview video early next week, with the feature and full video to follow. Feel free to continue discussing the cars’ relative performance in this thread, as I’m sure some of you will have something to say and brand loyalties to defend!
Steve
March 21, 2009@David – I am looking after the Turbo this weekend before it goes back to Porsche on Monday, since I wanted to get a better view on what it was like to live with.
First inclination in the Turbo is to indulge yourself in its performance – it is monstrously quick on the road, too quick really. Especially on the bumpy b-roads in my part of the country it’s hard word to drive quickly as it sniffs out all the bumps and cambers. I’m a GT3 man (previously) and all my Porsche’s have been normally aspirated because I dislike the detatched sense I’d always found in previous generations of the 911 Turbo (993 and 996), but this 997 Turbo feels as involving as you need.
Its exhaust noise is vocal and easily heard from the car behind, it feels more agile to turn in than the more recent Gen2 model 911s and there’s a firmness to its controls and clarity to its feedback that make it genuinely rewarding to drive (even when trundling around at the pace of other traffic). It’s difficult to deny yourself the adrenalin-rush of its acceleration and it would be far too easy for an inexperienced driver to get themselves into trouble, but then that’s how a top of the range 911 ‘should’ feel.
It’s one of those cars (more so with this 997 version) that you should find a way at some point in your life to either drive or ride in, you will not be dissapointed. It’s not perfect, but it is deeply impressive and a unique experience.
We’ve enjoyed this group test – on paper these cars weren’t natural competitors but they each have their own unique strengths and no one car dominated in every discipline. As you can see from the lap times we recorded at Silverstone, the M6 was rather better than you might have expected so it will be interesting to hear your feedback once you read the completed feature later next week.
Steve
March 21, 2009@David – I am looking after the Turbo this weekend before it goes back to Porsche on Monday, since I wanted to get a better view on what it was like to live with.
First inclination in the Turbo is to indulge yourself in its performance – it is monstrously quick on the road, too quick really. Especially on the bumpy b-roads in my part of the country it’s hard word to drive quickly as it sniffs out all the bumps and cambers. I’m a GT3 man (previously) and all my Porsche’s have been normally aspirated because I dislike the detatched sense I’d always found in previous generations of the 911 Turbo (993 and 996), but this 997 Turbo feels as involving as you need.
Its exhaust noise is vocal and easily heard from the car behind, it feels more agile to turn in than the more recent Gen2 model 911s and there’s a firmness to its controls and clarity to its feedback that make it genuinely rewarding to drive (even when trundling around at the pace of other traffic). It’s difficult to deny yourself the adrenalin-rush of its acceleration and it would be far too easy for an inexperienced driver to get themselves into trouble, but then that’s how a top of the range 911 ‘should’ feel.
It’s one of those cars (more so with this 997 version) that you should find a way at some point in your life to either drive or ride in, you will not be dissapointed. It’s not perfect, but it is deeply impressive and a unique experience.
We’ve enjoyed this group test – on paper these cars weren’t natural competitors but they each have their own unique strengths and no one car dominated in every discipline. As you can see from the lap times we recorded at Silverstone, the M6 was rather better than you might have expected so it will be interesting to hear your feedback once you read the completed feature later next week.
Mark McTavish
March 22, 2009I had an inkling one of the cars would hit 177mph (or near enough) but I wasn’t sure which one. Was there much runway left when the M6 hit it’s speed limiter? I was looking at the M5board videos on youtube to try and get an idea of relative speed between the M6 and other cars. Sans limiter could it have been a closer result?
It’s such a buzz hurtling down there at huge speeds, I doubt I’ll ever get to travel at a whisker under 190mph again.
Mark McTavish
March 22, 2009I had an inkling one of the cars would hit 177mph (or near enough) but I wasn’t sure which one. Was there much runway left when the M6 hit it’s speed limiter? I was looking at the M5board videos on youtube to try and get an idea of relative speed between the M6 and other cars. Sans limiter could it have been a closer result?
It’s such a buzz hurtling down there at huge speeds, I doubt I’ll ever get to travel at a whisker under 190mph again.
Steve
March 22, 2009@Mark McTavish – Mark, I don’t want to spoil the feature but the M6′s last place in the top speed run had ‘everything’ to do with its limiter, it was far from being the slowest.
Steve
March 22, 2009@Mark McTavish – Mark, I don’t want to spoil the feature but the M6′s last place in the top speed run had ‘everything’ to do with its limiter, it was far from being the slowest.
Steve
March 22, 2009Day 2: Living with the 997 Turbo. I’ve owned quite a few 911s previously, but I was curious to see what it was like living with the 997 Turbo. (away from the test track).
I’ve done all the boring stuff; dropped my kids off at their friend’s house, taken Mrs D shopping at Tesco and it’s been the usual dependable 911. The performance is ever present, but doesn’t feel caged or unruly, there’s the reward of being in control of something that has very sharp teeth but also the choice of whether to use them or not.
After getting over the initial novelty of the way the Turbo can cover ground (liar!), I am now using it more as a very safe tool for overtaking dawdlers but there is sufficient driving involvement at slower speeds to enjoy it just for the way it feels and sounds. I have to say I wasn’t expecting that, I had found previous versions of the 911 Turbo a bit detatched but this one is pretty much spot-on for living with day-to-day.
I would personally still choose a 911 C2, since the basic 911 has become so good that it’s all you really ever need, but I suspect I might be feeling differently when the man from Porsche comes to collect it tomorrow – I’m going to miss that feeling of being strapped onto a rocket-sled…
Steve
March 22, 2009Day 2: Living with the 997 Turbo. I’ve owned quite a few 911s previously, but I was curious to see what it was like living with the 997 Turbo. (away from the test track).
I’ve done all the boring stuff; dropped my kids off at their friend’s house, taken Mrs D shopping at Tesco and it’s been the usual dependable 911. The performance is ever present, but doesn’t feel caged or unruly, there’s the reward of being in control of something that has very sharp teeth but also the choice of whether to use them or not.
After getting over the initial novelty of the way the Turbo can cover ground (liar!), I am now using it more as a very safe tool for overtaking dawdlers but there is sufficient driving involvement at slower speeds to enjoy it just for the way it feels and sounds. I have to say I wasn’t expecting that, I had found previous versions of the 911 Turbo a bit detatched but this one is pretty much spot-on for living with day-to-day.
I would personally still choose a 911 C2, since the basic 911 has become so good that it’s all you really ever need, but I suspect I might be feeling differently when the man from Porsche comes to collect it tomorrow – I’m going to miss that feeling of being strapped onto a rocket-sled…
David
March 23, 2009Damn…was I off.
I didn’t give the M6 enough credit.
David
March 23, 2009Damn…was I off.
I didn’t give the M6 enough credit.
Stig
March 24, 2009Originally Posted By Richard – DRWe ran all three cars at Bruntingthorpe doing standing starts and flying starts along the runway. These are the respective best figures from each car, with Jethro at the wheel, me as the sack of spuds and Racelogic’s VBox doing the maths:
Audi R8 R-tronic: 165.7mph
BMW M6: 161.4mph (limited)
Porsche 997 Turbo: 176.5mph
Our testing at Silverstone was conducted on Wednesday evening, in cool, bright sunshine. The track was perfect, but both Jethro and I felt a bit rusty given we hadn’t lapped the GP circuit since late last year. Still, not like we were driving anything too fast…
Audi R8 R-tronic: 2:12.8
BMW M6 Comp: 2:12.6
Porsche 997 Turbo: 2:11.2
Hi Richard – thanks for posting the quantitative feedback from the DR group test at Bruntingthorpe and Silverstone.
Certainly impressed to see how BMW’s competition package upgrade appears to have transformed the track performance of the M6.
Indeed, the DR lap times at Silverstone had me wondering how the implied podium (1st: 997TT, 2nd: BMW M6 CP, 3rd: Audi R8) would compare to the relative order of fastest laps achieved around the old West Circuit at Bedford Autodrome…
Bedford Autodrome Lap Times:
1) Audi R8: 1:22.10 (peak 113.7mph)
2) 997 Turbo: 1:23.55 (peak 116.5mph)
3) BMW M6: 1:26.40 (peak 109.6mph)
…now maybe it’s unfair to draw a comparison – given different circuit, weather conditions, etc – but I still find it remarkable how quickly Audi’s R8 “press car” lapped Bedford back in the day!
Do you reckon the Audi R8 would have lapped Silverstone any faster with a manual gearbox?
Stig
March 24, 2009Originally Posted By Richard – DRWe ran all three cars at Bruntingthorpe doing standing starts and flying starts along the runway. These are the respective best figures from each car, with Jethro at the wheel, me as the sack of spuds and Racelogic’s VBox doing the maths:
Audi R8 R-tronic: 165.7mph
BMW M6: 161.4mph (limited)
Porsche 997 Turbo: 176.5mph
Our testing at Silverstone was conducted on Wednesday evening, in cool, bright sunshine. The track was perfect, but both Jethro and I felt a bit rusty given we hadn’t lapped the GP circuit since late last year. Still, not like we were driving anything too fast…
Audi R8 R-tronic: 2:12.8
BMW M6 Comp: 2:12.6
Porsche 997 Turbo: 2:11.2
Hi Richard – thanks for posting the quantitative feedback from the DR group test at Bruntingthorpe and Silverstone.
Certainly impressed to see how BMW’s competition package upgrade appears to have transformed the track performance of the M6.
Indeed, the DR lap times at Silverstone had me wondering how the implied podium (1st: 997TT, 2nd: BMW M6 CP, 3rd: Audi R8) would compare to the relative order of fastest laps achieved around the old West Circuit at Bedford Autodrome…
Bedford Autodrome Lap Times:
1) Audi R8: 1:22.10 (peak 113.7mph)
2) 997 Turbo: 1:23.55 (peak 116.5mph)
3) BMW M6: 1:26.40 (peak 109.6mph)
…now maybe it’s unfair to draw a comparison – given different circuit, weather conditions, etc – but I still find it remarkable how quickly Audi’s R8 “press car” lapped Bedford back in the day!
Do you reckon the Audi R8 would have lapped Silverstone any faster with a manual gearbox?
Steve
March 24, 2009Originally Posted By Stig
Do you reckon the Audi R8 would have lapped Silverstone any faster with a manual gearbox?
We lapped a manual R8 around Silverstone in 2:13.7 last year. This recent R8 felt better than our test car last year – quicker in a straight line and also more stable and balanced in the corners. I wouldn’t credit the increased pace to its R-tronic gearbox, it’s nowhere near as quick to change as the latest DSG boxes, so I suspect this was just a well sorted R8.
Whilst the R8′s time was impressive, the M6′s was probably even more so. Silverstone is a very different kind of circuit to Bedford and favours the M6′s power advantage, but it shows that the Competition Package makes a worthwhile difference.
Steve
March 24, 2009Originally Posted By Stig
Do you reckon the Audi R8 would have lapped Silverstone any faster with a manual gearbox?
We lapped a manual R8 around Silverstone in 2:13.7 last year. This recent R8 felt better than our test car last year – quicker in a straight line and also more stable and balanced in the corners. I wouldn’t credit the increased pace to its R-tronic gearbox, it’s nowhere near as quick to change as the latest DSG boxes, so I suspect this was just a well sorted R8.
Whilst the R8′s time was impressive, the M6′s was probably even more so. Silverstone is a very different kind of circuit to Bedford and favours the M6′s power advantage, but it shows that the Competition Package makes a worthwhile difference.