And so it has begun!
All I'm going to add is this. R&T tested the EURO spec BMW M3 at a european facility as BMWs guests.
Let's wait until we see a few more reviews of the US spec M3 and proper comparison tests against other cars all conducted on the same day, and under better conditions.
It seems like the BMW folks all agree that the Z06 is the better performer (and it is by a wide margin), but then they fall back on build quality, trunk and seat capacity and cushy ride as reasons to justify why their beloved bimmer is better.
I'd just like to remind the BMW guys, that THIS IS A Z06 SITE! People here are interested primarily in performance. People who buy corvettes in general care more about performance than anything else. We don't care if you car has four seats, we only need ONE!
We WANT to be in connection with the road, its part of the whole experience.
When I went shopping for my Z06, the thing on the top of my list was PERFORMANCE. I looked at all the 0-60, 1/4times, braking distances and handling capabilities of every car available in the US. There is NO other car that can give you the performance of the Z06 at its price.
So I bought a Z06. I wondered at the time if I should have waited for the new M3 with it's highly touted new engine. I haven't driven an M3, but I have driven a 330ci, and sorry guys, but you can keep it. The gear box felt like a moving a wooden spoon in a pot of oatmeal, the engine was so quiet I couldn't hear it, and the suspension was so soft I felt totally out of touch with the road. This was with the sport handling package.
Now before you BMW fans get all upset with me, I realize that the M3 WILL be better than the 330ci, BUT it is essentially the same car, with go fast parts. BMWs are great if you like to be isolated from your driving experience.
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2001 Z06, Tag "EVIL Z06"
Torch red, solid black interior
!CAGS !BSM
NGK TR6 plugs & Taylor wires
Halltech Z06 TRIC + MAG
NX 150hp Wet Kit