MrRed
09-24-2003, 02:33 PM
<p>Visiting Infiniti G35 forum I came across a thread discussing, as the author put it, "<a href="http://g35driver.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=16&Number=106982&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&part=">Close Encounter with an RX-8</a>". Among other things participants discussed the link between the car wheel base and straight-line stability. I thought people here might be interested in the subject too. Here is the most informative post:</p><p><i>On the subject of straight-line stability, which I think is as important as raw guts (power is nothing without control, if you remember the Pirelli ads), here's something interesting. Our Gs have what was once thought to be an inordinately long wheelbase. A seemingly insane 112.2" to be exact. The Enzo is 104 (mid-engine), the Vanquish is 106, the RX-8 is 106 (rotary-tiny engine), the Boxter is 95 (!), the 911 is 92 (!)- (mid and rear engine), the Z is 106, the upcoming Bugatti Veyron is 106(mid-engine). So why so long for the G? FM- Front Midship (and a back seat)- Not to suggest that they invented it, they didn't, but many companies are now looking to lengthen wheelbase. The GT replacement at Ferrari for the 456GT, perhaps to be called the 460M, reportedly will have the same length wheelbase at 112", and be of FM design (weight of the engine behind the front axle line). The new Carrera GT will be the longest Porsche ever. The new Merc SLR will have a 112 inch plus wheelbase (8 inches longer overall length than the G)... Benefit? Who here has had the car in excess of 120? Insane how stable and composed the G is at speed. Top speed is a "one handed, eat your donut and drink your coffee, have a conversation with your girl" kind of affair. And while autocrossing is not it's strong suit, any corner intended for more than 20 mph is of no concern. Combined with just right rigidity, refined suspension, and great aeros, the car really takes a set when pressed. Stuffing the engine behind the axle-line allows the car to handle well in the twisties while remaining stable at speed. Strange that Ghosn, current Nissan savior, was first to market with this trend.</i></p>