Welcome to yet another episode of SPD taking yet another fruitless weekly challenge too seriously.
Week 105 Edition
This is my BMW M6 GT3 race car.
Meant to bridge the BMW Z4 GT3 and the BMW M8 GT3, one quick glance and it tells you it's a race converted grand tourer sedan that churns out 584 horsepower through a turbocharged V8. Notably in Gran Turismo thanks to Walkenhorst Motorsports putting series producer Yamauchi-san behind its wheel in the 2016 24 hours of Nurburgring, the car in its entiresome is a fearsome foe to anyone who chose not to sign with BMW.
Despite being blessed with top of the line in class performance at almost all times its present in the competitive scene, it's also one of the most difficult cars to drive in its class. This is mainly attributed to the nasty power oversteer caused by the car's turbo, being quite nasty that you usually want to be 2 gears ahead when short shifting just to counter it. Or be an absolute chad. Yeah, that too.
It's also the unfortunate car where my not so artistic self composed one of my first ever liveries in GT Sport that I found on Google. Yes, that's me. I'm famous and I don't want to admit it until now. Anyways, you can tell what inspiration it was from, and not only did it survive going to Gran Turismo 7.. it also was one of the liveries that remained mainly untouched going from there to here: something that isn't true for almost all the cars that still have their livery made there.
But you're not here for some SPD history, right? I know. Sorry, I get carried away when I talk about my accolades after all. Let's go to the time..
For this challenge, I managed a
46.076.
This is indeed a difficult car to drive, despite the grand nerfing of Group 3. Lot of precise inputs are required, and there are just so many times I can count how close I am to going off track thanks to the widowmaker like powerband.
And that means you have a nice 12 second gap ahead. I am automatically the winner. I'd laugh evilly, but well: all is fair in love and war. Take care now, bye bye then.
What?
You meant to say it's not the M6 on this week's spotlight?
What car? Look a couple posts above?
Ohhhh..
Well, that's embarassing. Give me a second.
BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL..
I HAVE THE POWERR!!
Right. Now to the 205 GTI.
I shared sometime ago (I think it was on the week with the 208 GTi) that when it comes to classic compacts, the 205 is the one that tops my list, rivalling the Honda City Turbo II. I also didn't quite enjoy the car, giving vibes similar to a few non Civic FWD hatches we've nominated in the past. I can't think of one that really impressed me. Yes, this is the same kind of feeling I had with the Kangoo last week. Yes, this is me saying both this and the Kangoo are most likely Neutrals.
I gotta do that quick blurb things I usually do soon. But I'm sure you noticed that aside the wacky livery, one thing I found is that the main deciding point of the car to win is how you tune it. Based on my findings, the downforce really doesn't matter: this is much too slow for it to make a difference. It's all about 2 things: the driver, and what's been done to the fully customizable suspension.
What did I do, you ask? Well, I'm going big and I don't plan on going home. Have a look see.
Aggression is what I'm gunning for. Without being able to widebody or change the differential, the car just generally feels the same.. until I changed the negative camber. That's it. That 4 degrees camber? That's my Asterix secret potion. It's just what the doctor ordered.
So, how did I feel about that
57.895 best lap?
Ehhh, it's a 7/10.
How about a quick overlook for those who wait for the word of the grand overlord: the almighty SP-I mean want to take this challenge and try to get under 58 seconds?
Going through Paddock Hill is a nightmare. You got to get the braking and the throttle right just to come out proper. My brake point is just after the 2 board, and boy: with my tune, the rear just wants to go like the Coyote seeing the Roadrunner pass by at speed.
Druids is easy, shift down to 2nd, go deep and power after apex.
Graham Hill is another toughie. It might not work for you, but for me I brake upon reaching the curbing, staying on third and power through the apex, making liberal use of that side extension.
No brakes: just a bare lift by Surtees, then brake hard on McLaren to 2nd. Take the inside line and touch the curbing by Clark Curve, going to 3rd early so you won't slip the tires as it builds power. Notably, here should be the only spot you short shift.
The last thing I notice is that you all head inwards as you cross the line. Best lap SPD didn't even do that, staying out as I prepare for the braking through Paddock again.
Yes, I am feeling full of myself. More than usual with mention of that last bit. I need a moment rubbing with myself as
Can You Feel My Heart plays in the background. In the meantime, here's the final picture..
Yes, I did this all to pass the time before finishing up Ford Racing Puma's sad little writeup. No, I'm not sure when you'll get to see "The Red Rocket" and "The Outlaw's Horror"... stories for the Impreza 22B and Mustang Gr.3 respectively.
And I do have some need to get them all sorted! One of them has a prime Metal Gear Rising reference, and the other's on Bathurst.
