Modern Horsepower War?

[Jim T]

Just saw a piece on CNBC, talking about new auto technology and the new horsepower war.

By the 2005 model year, they report there will be at least 20 vehicles available in the US with 500 or more horsepower.

Wow!

I wonder what Porsches are going to have by 2005.

(although I'm not sure where CNBC gets that estimate, it seems excessive to me).

[JeffW]

Alot of cars this year are on the edge of 400 hp. The new mustang cobra for 2003 has 390 and the masarati spider has 390 also I believe.

[adamnitti]

new bmw m5=400hp
new jag s-type r= 400hp
how about the vipers, vettes, etc...?

things are getting FAST, folks.

[Jim Sims]

I'm reminded of a cartoon from a few years back showing a sports car (generic 911) with a significant spoiler on the back. The car is shown creeping along in a traffic jam stretching to the horizon. The driver of the car says to his passenger: "Yes, you can really feel the downforce from that tail kick in around 110 mph." At some point additional horsepower is just an ego trip or is needed to haul around the bloated cars being produced. I fail to see how more than 300 horsepower is very useful for street driving in a car the size of a 911. Horsepower only makes up for increased mass if you're going in a straight line. Also, in terms of endurance, it would be interesting to know how long these 400 plus horsepower engines can run at WOT. Cheers, Jim

[Wayne 962]

We'll be back to 3-speed transmissions!

-Wayne

[cegerer]

"At some point additional horsepower is just an ego trip or is needed to haul around the bloated cars being produced. I fail to see how more than 300 horsepower is very useful for street driving in a car the size of a 911. Horsepower only makes up for increased mass if you're going in a straight line."

Very well stated, Jim. I was just thinking today while out on a drive how incredibly fun my sub-200HP lightweight 911 is to drive!! Much more fun than my old 400HP musclecar. -- Curt