Hi guys, I was fortunate enough to attend the
track event yesterday too. I am currently running an 18 F80 6MT ZCP and would describe myself as an intermediate track driver. I would share some of my thoughts:
Answering the question on understeer/oversteer, they're all designed to understeer unless you switch all driving aids off (not allowed on that event of course!)
My impression from 4 laps:
Handling - improvement from F80 in every single way. You can carry so much more speed through the corner, higher lateral grip, entry is a lot tidier, exit speed is quicker, zero lag, high speed stability is a lot better. It is a very composed car, will definitely demolish the track times of F80.
Steering - mild improvement. Better feedback. Less of the "numbness" associated with F80.
Brakes - much better again. We drove cars with the steel brakes.
Carbon seats - must have if you track the car. Comfortable, so much support. Could be hard to get in and out (either move the seat of steering wheel or move the steering wheel but could be annoying on a daily basis)
Subjective impression of weight - the car hides it weight well. It only felt marginally heavier. I was surprised with it. Not going to be an issue.
Cons:
Exhaust - I have yet to make up my mind if the note is better. It is certainly different but I am one of the rare people who actually like the way the S55 sounds. The cars we drove had approx 2300 km on so they've just been broken in and it is too early to judge the exhaust sound level. It was certainly quieter compared to my car (all stock)
Sound insulation - G80 is just so much better insulated. That's probably one of the biggest difference. Less NVH. Good for the 'luxury market' but not so good if driver involvement if what you're after. It also concealed speed. Car generally feels 'slower' but actual speeds aren't!
That's just a quick summary of my impression. I'm only a hobbyist car enthusiast and not a pro so please take my opinion with a grain of salt!
Some photos from the event