Post
by zxy » Thu Sep 23, 2021 9:45 pm
The E89 shape was used extensively for racing here in IMSA and also in Europe, while it was still in production. It had a large wing and a big V8. Lots of YouTube videos of it. I enjoyed seeing it come up through the esses in front of Ferraris and Corvette race cars at Watkins Glen. I do not think it was capable of 180 MPH.. but it sure sounded thrilling. The current race car is based on the M6 body shape. Although big and heavy, it is actually more aerodynamic according to team members that I spoke with, because of the extended body shape length. {Bmw builds exellent strong, safe race cars, (which I got to sit in) in their opinion).
The street version does shift some weight rearward when the top is down, but it is fairly light aluminum as is the cast aluminum mechanism. The car has a fairly even weight distribution to start with. Also you will notice that the new cloth top version is not much lighter. Going over about 95 with the top down would get pretty weird, just from the wind noise and buffeting.
And finally, going very fast requires proper tires and proper suspension set-up and with the top up. Mine feels ok on track up to 120 or so and that is my personal limit of stupid fast. Also if your tires are over 5 years old don't do it... they are shot even if low mileage and very high speed rated.
2 Corvettes 2 Porsches,2 Alfas, 2 BMWs