Bench AutoX shootout, BSP split edition

With the proposed 2012 BSP split, I find myself in an unusual situation. I'm currently the owner of 2 cars that will be classed the same:

2007 350Z
2004 RX-8

In full xSP trim, which would have the overall advantage? I know a lot more about the Z's capability.

Z
- at least 350hp (crank) in full sp trim (HR engine)
- can fit huge tires (I think 305s can fit)
- 3100lbs or so? Maybe less.
- redline ~ 70-72mph in 2nd gear

RX-8
- ?? 275 hp (crank) in sp trim ??
- ?? tires
- 2500 lbs?

I recall seeing lower weight numbers discussed for the Z during the "move he 350 to ESP" debate. But since I don't actually own one, I'm not positive. But overall, I think the lighter weight of the RX8 gives it an edge.

Out of curiosity, what are the projected class leaders from the split? I haven't followed *sp much, as I don't have the coin to compete in that class.

The RX-8 weight you posted seems WAY low.

On a related note... did they accept the proposal to make all Z32s on the same line? That would allow for a 29xx lb Z with 500hp

I was purely speculating on the RX-8 weight... Don't they weigh like 2700 lbs or so stock?

The Z weight is something I KNOW I can get to... And it's about 100+ lbs lighter than a C4 and a couple inches narrower, with the same room for tires.

I don't know who's projected to be class leaders. I'd like to be competitive locally with a C4 and a monster C3 Vette.

The 3 RX-8s that were weighted at the Atlanta Tour were in the 2800ish lb range. So your guess is pretty close.

I think the current speculation is that if the Boxster and Cayman are on 1 line, that a 1st gen Boxster w/ a current Cayman S type engine would be the hot ticket.

Current cayman and Boxster S engines are identical. If you are allowed to use the Spyder or cayman R engines, however...

ProDarwin wrote: On a related note... did they accept the proposal to make all Z32s on the same line? That would allow for a 29xx lb Z with 500hp

500 hp in SP trim?

Will wrote:

ProDarwin wrote: On a related note... did they accept the proposal to make all Z32s on the same line? That would allow for a 29xx lb Z with 500hp

500 hp in SP trim?

Oops, I should clarify. 500 whp. Not sure what that is at the crank... 575-600?

But yes. They will make a ton of power on stock turbos and an un-opened motor.

My reaction is, "Do they handle that poorly?"

What I mean is, the reason the turbobooster crowd is supposed to be splitting off from the N/A crowd, because the STIs, Evos, Skystice turbos, 135i's, 1M, 335, etc. were creating a class divide from the C1/2/3/4, Zs, S2000s, etc. However, the 300ZX turbo isn't listed with the boost buggies, but is supposedly going with the other Z/Vette/etc. stuff.

What's its fundamental flaw that 500 whp doesn't compensate for? It seems like it's not particularly heavier, wider or fits less tire than the next guy in the turboboosted side...

Well, previously it was on a different line than the NA models.

The TT in SP trim would still be a [relative] pig at ~ 3300lbs vs the NA slicktop which could get below 3000. The TT also can't fit as much tire in the rear as the non-turbo (rear-steer clearance issues). Additionally, a 500hp RWD SP car probably isn't much different than a 400hp RWD SP car. You can't put down that kind of power on an autox course that easily.

The real answer though... I don't think anyone has built one to find out.

BTW, I just checked the "rules proposals for 2012", and they're on different lines still... I didn't see anything about them being put on a single line.

Back to the original topic... would the RX-8 get 30+ HP bump in SP trim?