[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by elstoof

Even Audi didn't want to put the VAG Vr6 into the RS3/TTRS, preferring to build a one-off flat 5 for the job. 6 cylinders and transverse engines don't mix well.

Volvo put a transversely mounted straight six into the S80. They used an extra short three axle gearbox.

[elstoof]

And it's a 5 or 6cm wider car than the 8P A3 and new A Class.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by elstoof

And it's a 5 or 6cm wider car than the 8P A3 and new A Class.

But it was a straight six. A V6 should be possible in the smaller cars.

[elstoof]

Of course it's possible, they've put the Vr6 in there before. What I was trying to say was that to make a performance car that handles as well as a £45k hatchback should be expected to, the extra weight of the 6cyl engine hanging over the front of the axle can't have been working out too well for the RS department.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by elstoof

Of course it's possible, they've put the Vr6 in there before. What I was trying to say was that to make a performance car that handles as well as a £45k hatchback should be expected to, the extra weight of the 6cyl engine hanging over the front of the axle can't have been working out too well for the RS department.

Having heavy engines hanging in front of the front axle is a well known Audi tradition. I think Audi customers like to understeer.

[elstoof]

Obviously, that's what VAG are all about. When you want to attract real petrol heads to your RS brand though, you need to be able to have some decent lap times to show them otherwise they won't be buying your car.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by elstoof

Obviously, that's what VAG are all about. When you want to attract real petrol heads to your RS brand though, you need to be able to have some decent lap times to show them otherwise they won't be buying your car.

They can always acheive some decent lap times by having tons of power and really good tires, even if the car has a really lousy balance. They will however get a lot of negative feedback on the internet by people like Chris Harris and Tiff Needell.

[logiclee]

Originally Posted by elstoof

Obviously, that's what VAG are all about. When you want to attract real petrol heads to your RS brand though, you need to be able to have some decent lap times to show them otherwise they won't be buying your car.

Doesn't make them anymore engaging to drive though.

Cheers
Lee

[vladberca]

I don't think that A45 will perform better than this RS3

[westphone]

I am sure Merc does a pretty good job at preventing turbo lag, but isn't A45 stretching it a little?

As for handling I guess I will just have to wait for Tiff/Chris Harris/Jason Plato

[TheBingoBalls]

When I read all these positive reviews on the M135i, I don't see how BMW can mess up the 2-Series.

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by elstoof

Even Audi didn't want to put the VAG Vr6 into the RS3/TTRS, preferring to build a one-off flat 5 for the job. 6 cylinders and transverse engines don't mix well.

The VR6 is actually shorter than the I5 they put in the RS3/TTRS. The problem with the VR6 is that it's an aging platform with very specific design trade-offs introduced by the use of a staggered cylinder layout.

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by westphone

I am sure Merc does a pretty good job at preventing turbo lag, but isn't A45 stretching it a little?

That's kind of what I'm thinking. At some point, physics shows up and ruins your party. There's only so much exhaust energy present for a given displacement and cylinder layout.

I have a feeling that there's going to be some backlash against the next round of high-boost I4's hitting the market. Even amongst auto-enthusiasts, there's only so much tolerance for turbo lag. That's one of the factors that keeps the Evo/STI market small. I believe the rational goes something like, "If I'm spending $XX,000 on a car, I expect some level of refinement." A slingshot-like, super-boosted I4 is not the best representation of refinement.

[mdt]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

I have a feeling that there's going to be some backlash against the next round of high-boost I4's hitting the market. Even amongst auto-enthusiasts, there's only so much tolerance for turbo lag. That's one of the factors that keeps the Evo/STI market small. I believe the rational goes something like, "If I'm spending $XX,000 on a car, I expect some level of refinement." A slingshot-like, super-boosted I4 is not the best representation of refinement.

Nicely put.

[DarkstarZero]

All this does is make me upset.

BMW, for whatever reason, doesn't want to sell the car to me because I live in the US.

[westphone]

I wonder if they'd employ some sort of anti-lag device in A45 like in the rally cars, just guessing based on nothing

[kab_m2]

Originally Posted by barcius

The only downside is the design and the reason others choose the Golf or the Mitsubishi over it. The BWM hatchback is really ugly IMO.

ugly? really?
you have to see one in the flesh before you make that call
http://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=823588

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by kab999

ugly? really?
you have to see one in the flesh before you make that call
http://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=823588

As great as Cozza's shots are, she's still a good candidate for club ugly champion. If you can't agree then that's ok, I luv bimmers and wanted to like the look but can't, A45 will have to do

[ttimbo]

Well, John...I like driving...so I simply resort to the old adage that you don't look at the mantelpiece while you're stoking the fire

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by ttimbo

Well, John...I like driving...so I simply resort to the old adage that you don't look at the mantelpiece while you're stoking the fire

Excellent plan Tim, I like where you are going with this logic

I've seen many a hot looking arse, problem is when they turn around..... Hmmm then you think, "I'd still F it, cause that is one hot mutha farken butt"

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

Having heavy engines hanging in front of the front axle is a well known Audi tradition. I think Audi customers like to understeer.

LMAO!!!

[WAY]

Originally Posted by ttimbo

Well, John...I like driving...so I simply resort to the old adage that you don't look at the mantelpiece while you're stoking the fire

With you there. I can't see how any AWD hot hatch can be as much fun to drive. Which then really just leave us with the one choice - M135i!