M3 owner and CTS-Vs challenger, Michael Cooper, visits BMWNA

[mikeyb]

M3 owner and CTS-Vs challenger, Michael Cooper, visits BMWNA

Weeks ago, GMs former vice-chairman Bob Lutz threw a challenge at everyone interested to compete against the Cadillac CTS-V. Car owners, journalists or anyone interested on taking on the CTS-V, were invited on the New Yorks Monticello Motor Club track.
BMW M3 owner and 21 year old driver, Michael Cooper, defeated the CTS-V driven by Lutz, with an impressive 2:50:424 lap time. Impressed with his driving skills, BMW North America invited Michael to their Woodcliff Lake, NJ, headquarters for a meet-and-greet with Eric Riehle, BMW Performance brand manager, and Larry Koch, M Brand Manager.
Michael received a tour of the facilities and was presented with a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. While the BMW Performance Steering Wheel was installed by BMW NA Accessory Development Engineers Jameon Cropper and Christian Gomez, Michael and Eric took a test drive in the companys BMW Performance-enhanced 335i Sedan featuring Aero Kit, Power Kit, Exhaust System, Wheels, Short Shifter, Carbon Fiber / Alcantara Interior Trim, and of course a BMW Performance Steering Wheel.
<dl id="attachment_25597" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 665px;"><dt class="wp-caption-dt"></dt><dd class="wp-caption-dd">From left: Eric Riehle (BMW Performance brand manager) greets Michael Cooper at the BMW of North America Headquarters. </dd></dl>

Im excited to present the BMW Performance Steering Wheel to someone who can truly appreciate its high tech features, said Eric Riehle, BMW Performance brand manager. This product is a must-have item for any motorsport enthusiast seeking that extra edge. Michael is exactly the type of client for which BMW engineered this product.
In regards to his driving skills in the recent GMs challenge, Larry Koch, M Brand Manager, BMW of North America said: I was not surprised to see young upstart Michael Cooper putting away even an experienced jet-jockey like Bob Lutz at the track. Michaels M3 Sedan is a car that will make the most of any drivers skill, and Michael deserves recognition for his focus and consistency behind the wheel.
And we have to agree with Mr. Koch, the M3 Sedan truly is a drivers car. Once again congratulations Michael for the impressive performance and thanks BMWNA for acknowledging us, the BMW community.

 

[Flash5]

so whats so special about this steering wheel?

 

[mikeyb]

Drive harder, easier.


Both the design and function of the BMW Performance Steering Wheel captures the feel and spirit of the racetrack.

Based on Formula One instrumentation, the Performance Steering Wheel displays critical data from the powertrain and chassis and positions it where your eyes focus naturally. Intuitive controls and an icon-based interface provide seamless access to a G-meter, a stopwatch with lap timing functions, a quarter-mile timer, an engine temp readout, and adjustable shift lights. Leather and Alcantara designs add a stylish touch to the vehicle interior and harmonize with other BMW Performance accessories.

By giving you access to such a range of functions without having to take your hands from the wheel, this unique accessory lets you set the pace of every drive.

 

[mikeyb]

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[Flash5]

dear god thats freakin awesome

 

[mikeyb]

dear god thats freakin awesome

One of my co-workers has this wheel in his 335i. It really cool.

 

[ms6acton]

that is awesome!! and take that lutz. the m3 sedan and cts v cost about the same in the usa right?

 

[Hughes412]

that is awesome!! and take that lutz. the m3 sedan and cts v cost about the same in the usa right?

He beat Lutz, but the BMW DID NOT beat the CTS-V.

Bob Lutz- Cadillac CTS-V (VP of Marketing, GM): Top Lap: 2:56:321
John Heinricy (Cadillac test driver)- Cadillac CTS-V: Top Lap: 2:46:560
Michael Cooper (Who is this guy?)- BMW M3: Top Lap: 2:50:424

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cts-v-challenge-lap-times-constant-updates/

Bob opened his mouth and got it stuffed, that just shows he can't drive. The test driver was 10 secs faster then Lutz.

 

[mountjonas]

I wonder how quick Heinricy can do the course in the M3.

 

[Kymerik]

I'd still take an M3 over a CTS any day of the week...

 

[mikeyb]

He beat Lutz, but the BMW DID NOT beat the CTS-V.

Bob Lutz- Cadillac CTS-V (VP of Marketing, GM): Top Lap: 2:56:321
John Heinricy (Cadillac test driver)- Cadillac CTS-V: Top Lap: 2:46:560
Michael Cooper (Who is this guy?)- BMW M3: Top Lap: 2:50:424

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cts-v-challenge-lap-times-constant-updates/

Bob opened his mouth and got it stuffed, that just shows he can't drive. The test driver was 10 secs faster then Lutz.

I beat it would have with the right driver.

 

[ms6acton]

give the m3 to one of the bmw test drivers, guarantee it would beat it.

 

[Hughes412]

I beat it would have with the right driver.

Against the M3, probably. The M3 is 500 pounds lighter. That being said, I bet it would a bad ass race.

 

[Guest20182]

You don't have to be a good driver to run a company, hell you don't even have to be good at running a company to run a company and I highly doubt that Lutz drives himself around.

GM did in the Caddy what they do best, put a V8 in it, they made it a good drag car and not much else, driving in straight lines is for suckers, let's see the M3 vs. CTS-V in AutoX. I guarantee the M3 stomps the 4222lb CTS-V again.

 

[coolmazda5]

A Bimmer is a Bimmer no doubt and the CTS-V challenge was biased, especially with "talk too much" Lutz, but credit should go to the CTS-V regardless IMO. Cadillac has done a very good job for the last couple of years especially in light that they are a GM brand

BMW and other "similar" brands could have been laughing about comparos like these few years ago, but now they are considering them a little bit more seriously to say the least, this is a good example (dunno)

 

[tunersteve]

That steering wheel is awesome. How much does one of them der things run?

 

[Zack]

You don't have to be a good driver to run a company, hell you don't even have to be good at running a company to run a company and I highly doubt that Lutz drives himself around.

GM did in the Caddy what they do best, put a V8 in it, they made it a good drag car and not much else, driving in straight lines is for suckers, let's see the M3 vs. CTS-V in AutoX. I guarantee the M3 stomps the 4222lb CTS-V again.

I wouldnt say its only good for straight line considering it has faster time around the 'ring than an e92 m3

 

[mikeyb]

That steering wheel is awesome. How much does one of them der things run?

Well let me see...

All depends if the car has shift paddles or not or had multifunctional cover or not.

Around $1100.00...I've sold 6 of these steering wheels.

 

[tunersteve]

Love it, I want one of those steering wheels now. I did search last night, looks like $11-1200 is the going rate.

 

[Hughes412]

I wouldnt say its only good for straight line considering it has faster time around the 'ring than an e92 m3

Right on, the CTS-V does both. It's fast as hell and can turn. That aint your grandma's old Cadi anymore.