Well, there are some geniuses out there who have figured out how to produce big power more efficiently. Light weight technology is one method but there are other advancements like variable valve control and other crap, but yeah, USUALLY we would expect big power to mean big gas.

 

it always makes me chuckle when people only look at hp numbers. the torque and powerband on the 4.2 are better then any direct and port injected "VQ style" V6

to put it simply 300hpV8>300hpV6

 

I like many have ignored the Audi brand for a LONG time, so I admit I did'nt look at torque. However after reading your reply I think I know why I missed torque. for some reason it's a big secret. Tons of sites have the car listed HP only. Even now that I'm actually trying to find that spec it's taking more time than I want to spend. This is what everybody says "4.2L V-8 330 HP engine".

Also, we already established that the V8 is better. The confusion is why is the difference so small? I mean could I not easily make 330HP out of a 2004 G35 for less than say $7000? Regardless I was previously under the impression that all V8s were at least 100HP+ more than any typical performance V6. Apparently I have much more to learn about V6 versus V8.

 

Audi doesn't lie about their HP numbers they are more honest about them.

Go get a real dyno sheet for that 4.2 and then get one for the 3.5.

 

And then watch the tail light of a 100 hp motorcycle as it leaves both in the dust . . .

 

audi does not go for the same crowd as infiniti. the a8 is a very smooth ride with plenty of power in all rpm's.

 

You guys seem to be preoccupied with BHP figures, instead of the more important torque figures, Torque, and how much is available, and where in the RPM range,
is a far better gauge of the overall performance of a vehicle that the peak BHP.

 

Or 126HP if you are riding the sexy Daytona 675!

 

The 2011 Nissan Maxima has more HP than the G35. LOL

 

it's just a different motor design. Different characteristics. I was baffled when i watched top gear and ariel atom had made a 3.0 liter v8 with 550 horse. To me that's impressive

 

well the E46 M3 produces 330hp out of a 3.2 I6

 

^exactly what I am trying to say.

orly?

2011 maxima hp-290 tq-261
2007 g35 hp-306 tq-268

besides the maxima is now branded as their "sport car sedan" so It should come with respectable pep.




this 400hp v8 craz only started a few fews ago in the 30k-60k range aside from a few standouts like the vette Z06. The thing is those v8s respond MUCH better to mods then our cars.

if you think the deference is so small, then you need to drive a car with some low down torque and feel your head get snapped back into the seat.

 

Holy moley, sweet mother of....!

Lotus knows how to crank up a 4 cylinder engine too! All sounds like black magic to me.

 

Ahah! Now we talking. The second you said that I remembered a day I will never forget. Even after driving cars with over 640HP the most torque I ever felt was like 13 years ago. Not sure how much HP but was in a supped up big block Mustang on the high way and the driver floored it! WOOHOO!!! Man was I squashed into the seat! I've been pushed back in a seat many times in a car, but not during the ENTIRE acceleration! Usually it's just like somebody bumped you by accident. In this car I was stuck in the seat for the entire time as he accelerated. Torque!! Not even the LP640 does that (sport mode off).

 

Wow, this thread is useless.