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Hi,
I was fortunate to be able to bring my S40 T4 to its top speed a couple of hours ago on the highway and I wanted to share my impressions, specially because it was a pleasant surprise.
First of all the manual for the S40 T4 says min 98 octane fuel and top speed 240km/h.
I had filled it with 87 octane. Before I get flamed, this was the only option available and even if I had an option here in Brazil it would have been 91 octane.
On a long stretch of straight highway (~3km). I started of on 3rd gear and pushed the car to 6900rpm which at that point was 150km/h. Then I shifted to 4th gear and again went all the way to 6900rpm and 200km/h. I finally put in 5th gear and maxed out at 230km/h (ok, 229,99). I kept this speed for about 4 seconds and it simply would not go above this mark. I guess the 87 octane was responsible.
I was impressed with the acceleration of the car. From 0-200km/h the car is very similar to a BMW ///M car (M3 or M5). It goes with out hesitation.
FYI: an E34 1995 3.8l 340hp ///M5 will go to 160km/h in 3rd, 220km/h in 4th, 260km/h in 5th and then you can shift to 6th and the car continues to grow in speed without hesitation! 265 and so on. I've heard people speaking of 280-300km/h on the speedometer, but haven't confirmed this. Simply unbelievable. Sorry, I was getting a bit off topic.
The S40's stability was excellent. My girlfriend didn't even notice that we were at 230km/h. The car doesn't show any signs of "flotation" and the "feedback" to the driver is excellent.
I am sure Arno must know what it feels like, living in the Autobahns.
I didn't have a chance to "panic" test the brakes but when I needed them they seemed appropriate for the car. Even though my opinion is that additional braking power is always wellcome (safety first!).
Overall I would say that the car definetly set's it self a part from "regular" cars (local, korean, and so on...) and feels like a BMW upto 200km/h. Driving at 180-200km/h in 5th keeps the noise level low and seems like a perfectly good crusing speed for this car. There really is no need to "cruise" at 230km/h (240km/h). Specially because you are running the car at its max (rpm, fuel flow, etc). And I guess maitaining this for a long time isn't really that good for the car. It's not a Porsche. :-)
I didn't try any quick shifting lanes at high speeds (+160km/h) because this was actually the first time I had pushed the car so high. I supose it won't have an "///M" feeling to it. Arno?
I ordered a couple of upgrades from TME (exhaust, filter, springs, etc...) and guess the "sport springs" will improve the handling. Which is something you really need at such high speeds. BTW, TME guaranteed me that their springs can be directly replaced to the factory springs EVEN on suspensions with Nivomat. The only thing is that the rear of the car won't be lowered as much (it will still lower a bit) as with standard shocks, but the improvement in the handling will still be there. I was a bit surprised with this because I thought I would have to replace the Nivomats. Any comments, experiences on this issue? Every other company that sells springs for the S40 says they are incompatible with the Nivomats. What could be TME's "secret"?
That all folks!
///Martinez
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