I just took a drive in a new e46 M3...

[Mr.Z3]

man that was fun. it is my friends car. A Imola red M3 conv. i was driving it at 2am and i opened her up, i let off at about 130-140 because i got a little scared. but damn what a rush, now i know what all you M3 guys are experiencing. Now my dad wants one but in a SMG. i dont care it'l be fun shifting like formula one, plus my mom cant drive stick. the only car i drove that was faster than this was a Porsche 911 GT3 in the Philippines. but this was definately more stable than that car.

[smoothsix]

F1 cars don't use paddle shifters anymore, they're fully automatic.. so put your SMG in full auto mode and that's as close as you'll get

- reid

[Ryan]

Originally posted by smoothsix
F1 cars don't use paddle shifters anymore, they're fully automatic.. so put your SMG in full auto mode and that's as close as you'll get

- reid

i still can't believe that shit. WTF. Fully automatic zillion dollar race cars. Automatic Transmision and race car in the same sentence. Automatic and race car- That used to be an oxy moron. What is this world coming to?

[umm no]

Originally posted by Mr.Z3
the only car i drove that was faster than this was a Porsche 911 GT3 in the Philippines. but this was definately more stable than that car.

the e46 rag top is more stable than a track tuned and bred race car for the streets? ...i doubt it

[fourfa]

<i>Automatic and race car- That used to be an oxy moron</i>

change that to "torque converter" and you're still right

[dakarm3]

Originally posted by fourfa
<i>Automatic and race car- That used to be an oxy moron</i>

change that to "torque converter" and you're still right

I don't think auto's should even be allowed in F1 racing. Its all coming down to a driver steering the damn car. What next, auto steering, with no driver? Formula 1 will soon be large scale remote control car racing! Damnit all.

Peace.

[E39 Marcin]

But it will always be better than nascar.

[ESM3]

FYI they arent really Automatic transmissions in F1 cars. Yes, they operate on automatic mode but they are not fully automatic transmissions with a torque converter. Also, yes, its stupid that they are using this system. I would think even for the drivers it would be less fun and challenging. However, this is Formula One! Its about technology! We can still look up to those racing series who will use manual trasmissions based on pure driving skill, like kart, world challenge, etc. F1 is the pinnicle amoung motorsports. Any technology or system that will be to their advantage, they will almost be certain the use it.

[Mr.Z3]

Originally posted by umm no


the e46 rag top is more stable than a track tuned and bred race car for the streets? ...i doubt it

trust me, during the acceleration the GT3 is a bit squirly, yes it has very high cornering abilities, but it wasnt as stable as the M. put it this way, the 911 GT3 is a great track car, but it is not roadworthy. the M3 is the best of both worlds.

P.S. Have you ever driven a GT3?

[Tom330idriver]

I took one for a drive at the $tealer with my dad and it took my head back. When I was looking at bimmers to buy over a year ago, I asked the salesman about the new M3 coming out and he laughed at me because he said it's not a car for a 16 year old...he wasnt kidding!!! I'm glad I dont have that thing because I wouldnt have my life!!!!

[Selbach]

No, they aren't fully automatic yet, they still use paddle shifters.

Anyway I'll be off to Melbourne in a month for the first race of 2002

Let's see how Toyota or Renault(as a full fledged team) will do in their first race

[Mr.Z3]

i wqant to see Juan Montoya kick ass

[ESM3]

FYI they arent really Automatic transmissions in F1 cars. Yes, they operate on automatic mode but they are not fully automatic transmissions with a torque converter. Also, yes, its stupid that they are using this system. I would think even for the drivers it would be less fun and challenging. However, this is Formula One! Its about technology! We can still look up to those racing series who will use manual trasmissions based on pure driving skill, like kart, world challenge, etc. F1 is the pinnicle amoung motorsports. Any technology or system that will be to their advantage, they will almost be certain the use it.