Quote:
Originally Posted by Finnegan
You can probably cut out 100-200 lbs with mods or decontenting. Things that could cut weight: replace stock seats, TI exhaust (is there one avaiable?), lightweight battery, A/C delete, plastic front fenders (like the E9x M3--but I doubt such a thing exists), JC04's extreme surgery option, lighter wheels, remove stereo and speakers. But the time you're done you'll have pretty much a track-only car that's not going to be much fun for anything else, so that leaves only a few small (and somewhat costly options) unless you want to go all hard-core on the car (which is going to be more costly).
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Very good points. Weight is the enemy but to gain substantial improvements in car balance would possibly mean significant compromises to creature comforts and build quality. I also drive a feather weight Lotus Elise, fantastic handling, almost no body roll/squat/dive when compared to the Z4M.
That being said, I think the Z4M strikes a perfect balance between outright performance and day-to-day drivability. The Lotus is light but that fibre composite body leaves much to be desired, not to mention non-existent NVH and poor build quality (for its price range).
Yes, a 200lbs reduction would be very nice and bring the Z4M closer to Boxster/Cayman levels but the Z4M is not a fat car by any means (compared to current offerings). Think the main culprit here is the iron block engine which is a gem and well worth the compromise. I could be wrong but I think the 3.0si weighs approx 100lbs less?