ALVETTE00

I'm always amazed at the #'s these cars put up in the automag tests. For example in the recent Motor Trend, the 911 Carrera S trapped 120mph in the 1/4 mile with a stated HP of 420. Doesn't that seem high for a car that weighs 3400 lbs?

capevettes

I don't think they're under rated. Their 0-60 and 1/4 mile times/speeds are a function of how well they hook up. Not alot of wheel spin like alot of high horsepower cars that have difficulty putting the power to the ground.

White Out

New Boxster's are trapping 118mph.

ALVETTE00

Would like to see one strapped to a chassis dyno! I wouldn't be surprised if the RWHP indicated a FWHP 60-75 over the rated HP.

White Out

Then the power bump with a simple reflash. Going to hurt a lot of feelings with these new turbo powerplants.

FAUEE

The German auto makers are well known for providing auto mags and reviewers with ringers. Audi is especially guilty of this, they will hot up the tune a bit to post some unbelievable numbers, but the cars mere mortals buy don't have that tuning. But as said before... that untapped potential is a flash away... for those foolish enough to own German with no warranty.

White Out

Got one right here.

ALVETTE00

Interesting, I wasn't aware of that.

MVR 155

Interesting, any proof to back up your claim???? My S4 stock ran right in line with what the magazines were posting. Most guys on the Audi forums also get the same results. This is consistent across the model lineup. You also will not lose your warranty if you flash back to stock before a service or warranty visit.

thegame

Very efficient AWD system matched with probably the best DCT trans on the market

White Out

Even the 2WD cars are ridiculous out of the hole.

thegame

True - rear engine with all that weight over the wheels certainly helps it squat and go. They are brilliant cars. My car has 610rwhp and I have to be veryyyyyyyyy careful with the throttle off the line.

themonk

Consensus is that German manufacturers always down rate the bhp figures which wouldn't surprise me, 600 bhp but claiming 550 bhp would sell a lot more.

thegame

I can't say I agree with this. Most people that can afford one of these cars is an older guy that is usually more interested in bragging about horsepower numbers and what laptime motortend just did in his car then actually driving it himself.

I think horsepower figures sell cars to a certain extent. Anyone in marketing knows doing what you suggested doesn't do them any favors financially.

themonk

this is exaggerating but look at it this way, I advertise my car as having 100 bhp but it has 200 bhp, it has the performance of a 200 bhp car but with only an "advertised" 100 bhp now it all of a sudden stands out from the rest of the 200 bhp cars. Looking at Porsche's target market, do you think it's bhp that they're interested in or the whole package, bhp down low on the list. Corvette guys (North Americans) IMHO want bhp, Europeans are more for finesse and refinement than brute force.

thegame

I get your point and i see what you are saying I just think that would appeal more to the hardcore racing scene than the general waxers that make up a much higher percentage of buyers.

themonk

getting back to your first point, why market a car having more bhp than it's advertising if what you say (bhp sells cars) is true?

thegame

I don't understand what you mean.

rgregory

You mean to elevate the BHP? Ford had issues with that years ago on Cobras and had lawsuits and think had to rework the engines.

GM has been historic for underrating a little too. I think it is much safer to hold to a lower number that way all examples produced meet the stated horsepower. There are variations from engine to engine in output, drive train losses, there are many things that add to variations between the same cars.

FAUEE

This one is about Ferrari, but it's sort of an unspoken truth that they all do it.

http://jalopnik.com/5760248/how-ferrari-spins

This one is even more vague.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/200...ut-press-cars/

And the most generic of all.

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/h...520-1evqk.html

It's sort of one of those dirty little secrets of the car world.