Like the previous RD Sport cars we tested, the R54 has a unique character. If the M6 is a linebacker, the R54 is the wide receiver, both agile and quick. Although there are easier and less expensive ways to coax more power from the 6 Series engine (like supercharging), it is against RD Sport's philosophy. "We believe larger displacement is the best way to go for more performance," said Pavoncelli."We always have and always will." Each RD Sport car is placed within the company's database so if any issues arise, the crew knows the specifics.
"I got a call the other day from the owner of an RD K2.1 318ti," Pavoncelli said. "He was restoring it and needed a few parts. We had the entire build sheet on the computer."The R54 is very much like the M6, so much so it begs the question, why not just buy one of those?
"It's really about uniqueness and exclusivity," said Pavoncelli. "Our customers want something rare and singular. When a fellow driver sees an R54 he at first thinks it's an M6, but on closer inspection realizes it is something else."The R54 gets more than its share of attention and rightly so. It's well engineered, sexy and extremely fast, especially from 75 to140 mph. Nothing's better than blowing the doors off the unsuspecting, like the poor guy in the Lexus. He knew it was something German, probably a BMW.That's close enough.
Longitudinal front engine,rear-wheel drive
5.4-liter V8, dohc, four valves per cylinder, ValvetronicBillet crank, billet connecting rods, low friction bearings, forged pistons, stainless steel tubular manifolds, metal matrix hi-flow cats,RD Sport mufflers, RD Sportsoftware
RD Sport progressive rate springs and dampers
Brembo/RD Sport six-piston calipers, 15-inch slotted rotors, performance brake pads
RD Sport RS2, 9x20 H2 (f)
10.5x20 H2 (r)
Michelin PilotSport2, 255/30-20 (f) 295/25-20 (r)
RD Sport race pedals with oversized gas pedal, integrated dead pedal
Peak Power: 496 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Peak Torque: 415 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.8 sec.
Top Speed: 193 mph