Why is the Z8 so portly? (archive)

I just read a spec that claimed the Z8 weighed in over 3700 lbs. Why would a 2 seat roadster with an aluminum tube frame, aluminum skin, and an all aluminum engine weigh so much. Did they sneak in some Corvette parts? They hollowed the camshafts (to save angular inertia, I'd guess) but didn't find a way to make this supercar light. Too bad. I would hope that they didn't use the M5 as a standard for reasonable weight.

All that said, I still think that it's an excellent car.

Anyone know why this car weighs 800 lbs more than my steel unibody Z3? Is it the motor, or more robust drivetrain members? I guess it's got 2 more pistons, 2 more camshafts, 8 more valves, the extra computer and robotics to support the fly-by-wire throttle.
-kARL

Follow Ups:

Look at the MB SL500 at 4,210 Lbs Z8 Bob 15:43 4/17/2000 (1)
- Re: Look at the MB SL500 at 4,210 Lbs Jim Surdick 10:58 4/18/2000 (0)
3495 lbs. 3554 lbs w/hardtop. Jim Surdick 12:51 4/17/2000 (2)
- Re: If I remember correctly, my SL600 was 4,250 lb Chris 19:09 4/19/2000 (0)
- Re: 3495 lbs. 3554 lbs w/hardtop. Thomas G. 02:48 4/18/2000 (0)

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