[bobl]

190MPH..... really?

2001 BMW M5

Base Price: MSRP) $69,400
Price as tested: est $72,070
Drivetrain layout: Front engine / rear wheel drive
Engine type: 5.0-liter V8
Horsepower: hp @ rpm, 394 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: lb-ft @ rpm,368 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm
Suspension: f/r MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar/multi link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Steering type: "M Servotronic" speed-sensitive power steering
Brakes: f/r disc/ disc/ABS
Weight: 4024 lbs
Length: in./ 188
Width: in./ 70.9
Height: in./ 55.6 in
Transmission: six-speed manual


Performance Data:

Acceleration: sec, 0-60 mph 4.8 seconds
Standing quarter mile: 13.3 seconds at 108 mph.
Top Speed: electronically limited to 155 mph
Braking: 60-0 mph, N/A
Lateral acceleration: g,0.N/A
EPA fuel economy: mpg, 13/21 mpg city/hwy

I took the liberty of posting some M5 specs. Let's consider a thing or two....shall we? Weight 4,024 lbs with 394 HP. Last I checked, that's 10.1:1 lbs/hp. "top speed electronically limited at 155". 10.1:1 with some GREAT aerodynamics should get you to 150-160. So where is the other 30+ MPH to reach 190 coming from?

Do you have ANY idea of the asymptotic relationship of power to speed when 29.98 millibar air begins to compress? Especially with a drag coefficent of ...someone mentioned .42? An ogive ballistic coefficeint of .5 might get you 190 with 394 HP.... but the only way youre going to get there with a 394HP M5 powertrain is to be at 25,000 feet. And there's no oxygen system in the car - so that's out. Speaking of that, have you ever been in an automobile at 190MPH? I'd venture to say no one else on CC has been. I certainly haven't and never plan on even accidentally find myself trying to get there. If 155 won't do it... get a multi engine instrument rating. You'll live longer.

It's tense enough coming over the roundown on final at 140.... much less some wacked out fool on the Autobahn trying to play Dan Gurney... trust me.

160 - reachable but very tense. 180 - very, very difficult as LBS/HP should be at or below 4.0 at the rear wheels with at least 6,000 RPM and a rear end down around 3.0. 190 - I dont think you can get there from here.

Just my .02 worth and, oh, is it 14.69 lbs/in2...or is it that pi thing?