Auto and Cars

Car and Driver’s BMW 4 Series Prototype Review — Sounds Promising Back when the BMW 4 Series was first beginning to show itself in pre-production form, there were rumors that it would be more of a small GT car, a miniature 8 Series if you will. Rather than act as the sportier alternative to the 3 Series, it was said that the 4er would be more of a competent but comfortable cruiser. After hearing the responses from pre-production drives, however, it sounds as if those rumors were without merit. According to this recent Car and Driver review, the new 4 Series feels much sportier than its three-door sibling. BMW already released some of the 4 Series’ mechanical info, such as its increased negative camber, slightly sharper steering and lower center of gravity. According to C&D, al...

SPIED: 2021 BMW M5 CS spotted with minimal cladding Spy photographers have recently caught what looks to be a FEP prototype of the new 2021 BMW M5 CS. The CS will be a new addition to the M5 lineup right in time for the refreshed LCI generation. A minimally camouflaged test vehicle of the forthcoming M5 CS was recently scooped in Germany (We don’t own the spy photos but you can see them here). Compared to the standard M5 variant, the CS will likely be equipped with modified front air intakes, also featuring a distinctive spoiler for better engine cooling. Apart from the this, a set of high-performance ceramic/composite brakes with perforated discs will also be available as an option. We also expect a new CFRP roof for the new M5 CS to keep the curb weight as low as possible. To f...

BMW drivers and pro sim racers tips for the perfect sim racing rig As you might’ve noticed, the sim racing phenomenon is really taking off, now that all the tracks are closed. BMW drivers have been a part of this movement for a while now and they are competing with notable success. That’s why they agreed to offer some insight into what you should be looking for, in case you want to get yourself a setup to enter such competitions. Just like it would be the case in real-life racing, the technology at hand plays an important role. Even pro sim-racers agree that you do need a good rig to make sure your skills can be used to their full extent. Therefore, they decided to offer some tips on what you should be aware of, when setting off to search, buy and build yourself a proper sim...

VIDEO: Three BMW’s rank on the Top 15 Least Reliable Cars in UK German engineering has gained a reputation over the years for being durable and reliable. However, as cars become more and more electronic and complicated, that reputation has begun to fade. For instance, just mention a car like the first-gen Audi Q5 or Volkswagen Phaeton and most car enthusiasts shudder at the potential repair costs. However, to think that BMW is immune for poor reliability is misguided at best. In fact, in this new video from Carwow, we learn that three of the top fifteen least reliable cars over the past decade were BMWs. Coming in at number fourteen was the BMW M4, which suffered from common brake issues and infotainment glitches. Interestingly enough, Carwow’s Mat Watson noticed those very brake ...

What would the BMW M8 look like as a Mid-Engine Supercar? This new BMW M8 is far more uber-GT car than a full-on supercar. Not only is it a front-engine, two-door sports car developed from a GT car but it’s also not as thrilling as a supercar needs to be. It doesn’t give its driver the fizz in the same way a Ferrari or Lamborghini does, despite its 600 hp V8. However, what if the M8 actually was a supercar? What if BMW was bold enough to make the M8 a mid-engine supercar, something to spiritually succeed the legendary M1? This render tries to find out just how that might look. Okay, so maybe this render is just a BMW M8 nose grafted onto the body of an Audi R8 Spyder. However, it actually sort of works. Sure, the R8’s styling is a bit too sharp for the M8’s face ...

Is the BMW i3 really one of the Ugliest Cars from 2010s? There are a few reasons as to why the BMW i3 hasn’t really been a sales success here in the US. Its lack of range compared to its rivals, its lack of meaningful horsepower and its high price are all some of the reasons why the i3 has been a bit of a sales dud. However, the main reason has always been its styling. While some enthusiasts love it for its quirky, strangeness (I’m one of them), most customers just don’t seem to like it at all. In fact, Motor Trend recently named it one of the ugliest cars of the 2010s. Sure, that might sound a bit harsh but it isn’t untrue. The BMW i3 is, by no stretch, a pretty car. Our own Horatiu has owned three (three!) BMW i3s and even he won’t call it a good looking ...

2020 BMW 228i Gran Coupe is featured in the Seaside Blue Metallic color The first Seaside Blue Metallic BMW arrived in 2017, along with the introduction of the current BMW 2 Series Coupe. Now, the flashy and vibrant blue arrives on the first ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Courtesy of Hendrick BMW in Charlotte, North Carolina, we can now observe from upclose a 2020 BMW 228i Gran Coupe in Seaside Blue. There is a lot of controversy around the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Despite wearing the 2 Series badge, the four-door coupe is a front-wheel drive-based car, with an optional xDrive all-wheel drive system. Of course, when the new BMW 2 Series Coupe arrives in 2021, the power will be then sent to the rear wheels. Could this be confusing for future BMW customers? Likely, but we’re told that th...

Is Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Facelift a threat to the new BMW M3? In terms of pure driving dynamics, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio was a better car than the F80 BMW M3. Its steering was better, its chassis dynamics were better and its engine was more thrilling. It was the better car to drive, straight up. However, when it came to actual ownership, the Alfa fell apart. Its interior quality was lacking, its infotainment system was appalling for a car of its price and its reliability was questionable. So the M3 was the better car to own. Now, though, the Giulia Quadrifoglio has been given a mid-cycle update to remedy a lot of those issues. At the same time, BMW is working on an all-new M3, which should be debuting shortly. Can this facelifted Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio actual...

Video: BMW M8 Competition vs Porsche 911 and Bentley Continental GT BMW’s current M CEO made headlines around the world when the BMW M8 was announced, dubbing it a “Porsche 911 killer.” The reason why this statement took everyone by surprise is the known, incredible performance the 911 manages to deliver generation after generation. And the current Porsche 911 is no exception. Of course, many pundits don’t see the BMW M8 is a competitor to the 911, but rather more along the lines of a Continental GT. But since every theory needs to be tested, the folks at Autocar have put together a comprehensive review featuring the BMW M8 Competition, alongside the Porsche 911 and Bentley Continental GT. Now, what should be mentioned here is that, unlike the M8, which is basic...

BMW’s European Delivery Program is Cancelled and I’m Sad BMW has just recently announced that it’s ending the European Delivery program for the United States market. Personally, this is a sad day. While I haven’t ever been able to afford a brand-new BMW, which meant I could never take part in the program, I’ve always dreamed of doing so. I’ve always had grand visions of what it would be like; what sort of car I’d get, who I’d bring with me to collect it and where we’d take it once it was officially mine. Now, though, those dreams have been squashed before I made them a reality. And that makes me sad. For those of you unaware, BMW’s European Delivery program wasn’t unlike other Euro-based automakers’. If you ordered your car in ...

Toyota Supra won’t get Latest Version of iDrive or Android Auto One of the big advantages of buying the Toyota Supra is that you get BMW’s electronics with it. Not that Toyota’s gear isn’t any good but BMW’s iDrive is among the best infotainment systems on the market and far better than anything offered in modern Toyotas. Having said that, it seems as if the Supra is getting the short end of the Bavarian stick. According to this new report, BMW won’t be lending its new sibling its iDrive 7.0, which means Supra fans will have to live without Android Auto. For now, the Toyota Supra is stuck using iDrive 6.0, which admittedly is still very good, but it’s not the latest and greatest that’s available in even the BMW Z4, the Supra’s mechanical t...

Rolls-Royce Supercar rendered, design somehow works Some would say that Rolls-Royce is already making supercars. I mean, the term implies two things that are made available to Rolls-Royce customers, no matter what they buy: a car that is super. However, Rolls-Royce models are known to abide to a certain set of rules, a set that was apparently thrown out the window once the Cullinan SUV was announced. Therefore, if the Brits could make an SUV, why not a supercar as well? The design at hand here was done by Rain Prisk, one of our favorite pixel manipulators. You’ve seen his work many times before and if you played the most recent Need For Speed title, you’ve also experienced a different side of his talent. This rendering was done just for fun as Rolls-Royce never even mentione...

Here is what’s behind the BMW Mild Hybrid technology Combustion engines are subject to continuous technological developments which optimize their efficiency at all speeds and in all conditions of use. At the same time, there is further reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Together with larger batteries for electric and plug-in hybrid models, an innovative technology that improves “standard” vehicles efficiency has been introduced as well. This technology is called “Mild Hybrid.” This innovation consists in the integration on board of a 48 volt starter generator (with its relative additional battery) which is able to improve both the efficiency and the dynamics of the vehicle. BMW’s Mild Hybrid technology was first introduced in the Fall 201...

Toyota and BMW still working together on Supra and Z4 Ever since the debut of the new “Zupra” twins, the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4, there’s been a bit of a debate as to how much of each brand’s DNA the two cars actually have. Both the new Supra and Z4 were deigned together, using a joint-developed chassis and they’re both built by Magna Steyr in Austria. However, there’s been word that the two brands have a bit of beef with each other over the development of the cars. Those rumors may be unfounded, though, as it seems that the two brands are still working together on further development. According to this new report from Autoblog, both Toyota and BMW are still in consistent talks with each other over both cars, even though talks have slowed down since t...

SPIED: The 2021 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer shows up again BMW continues the road development for its second generation 2 Series Active Tourer, slated for a 2021 premiere. The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer was the first MPV of the Bavarians when it was officially introduced back in 2014. Now, a new generation of the compact people carrier is underway and it is programmed to kick in by next year. The larger Gran Tourer version will be discontinued, with the future 2 Series Active Tourer expected to grow a bit in overall size to make for that demise. As seen from the newest spy shots (which you can see here), the MPV will basically retain its current shape. However, it is expected to look more attractive than the F45 generation, thanks to a more crossover-like silhouette and a more dynamic d...

ModFind is an Enthusiast-Based Aftermarket Parts Marketplace Car enthusiasts are always looking to upgrade and buy parts for their cars and the current aftermarket automotive marketplace can be a bit difficult to navigate. With so many different platforms with which to buy and sell parts, some of which aren’t designed well for car parts, it can be a confusing landscape. However, there’s a new platform that intends to make the process simpler and more engaging– ModFind. ModFind is an automotive marketplace for like-minded enthusiasts to buy and sell parts, as well as share listings for cash. But what separates ModFind from other marketplace platforms is the fact that it’s catered to car enthusiasts, so you’re buying from and selling to like-minded car nuts a...

The BMW European Delivery Program Canceled From September 2020 The end of an era comes today. According to BMW Group, the BMW European Delivery, a gem hidden within the Bavarians’ offerings, is coming to an end later this year. The car pickup program has been a favorite of ours over the years and has built a cult among BMW customers in North America. BMW of North America says that May 18th, 2020 will be the last day they will accept pre-reservation forms. The last month you can choose to do a BMW European Delivery will be September 2020. If you have placed a deposit for a 2021 model and would still like to take delivery within the timeframe stated, BMW will accept the pre reservation form without a production number. Once a production number is available BMW will assign accor...

BMW M340i Individual – The Top 3 Series Gets The San Marino Blue color If Portimao Blue is the launch color for the BMW M340i, it’s the San Marino Blue paint that steals the show for top 3 Series model. Courtesy of @Sanmarino_m340i on Instagram, we get to see the powerful G20 3 Series painted in this unique BMW Individual color. The photoshoot shows the BMW M340i in different settings, from the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife to little German towns and countryside. In all these photos, the car is equally stunning. For all fans of BMW Individual catalog, the photos are also worth seeing because we see the San Marino Blue in the context of the BMW M Performance-typical color accents in Cerium Gray: From the mesh kidney grille to the outer air intakes of the front apron, the ex...

BMW 745e Gets 500 HP with simple ECU Tune from BR-Performance The new plug-in hybrid choice from BMW in the 7 Series range, the BMW 745e, is quite a different animal compared to the old model. We saw that during our test drive and it wasn’t all just about the added power, the character of the car simply felt different on a number of levels. The extra two cylinders under the hood make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things. However, some have wondered why BMW decided to offer the B58 engine and yet cut its power short. As we all know, the least powerful iteration of the B58 engine today can be found in the Z4 M40i and is rated at 340 PS. Even so, the unit used on the BMW 745e is claimed to be making only 286 PS which left some wanting for more. Well, the solution to that i...

BMW M4 CSL Render sticks new grille on M4 GTS body Render artists must be loving BMW, lately. Ever since the debut of the Concept 4, there have been countless renders of its new grille grafted onto other BMWs. In this latest render, in an attempt to predict the design of the upcoming BMW M4, we see that new grille design stuck onto the face of an M4 GTS. However, because the ‘GTS’ name is dead, the next-gen hardcore M4 will be called the M4 CSL. So this is what the BMW M4 CSL might look like. Sort of. Okay, so the render is more than just an M4 GTS with a new grille stuck on its face. Its hood has been redesigned to match the new 4 Series concept cars, as have the headlights and the car’s flanks. Its sides have been smoothed out, with less body lines and creases and th...

VIDEO: Watch the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Get Dirty in the Rebelle Rally When Rolls-Royce first debuted the Cullinan, it was said to be genuinely capable at off-roading, not just driving up the gravel driveway of a summer house in The Hamptons. Despite those claims, most enthusiasts are skeptical at best of the Cullinan’s off-road capabilities. It is a $400,000-plus luxury SUV, not exactly your ideal off-roader. However, Emme Hall from CNET’s Roadshow was able to put the Rolls-Royce Cullinan to the test better like no one ever has, in the Rebelle Rally. The Rebelle Rally is the first-ever women’s off-road endurance rally race in America and it’s done without any GPS navigation. Instead, it’s all done with good a old fashioned map and compass. Hall and her navig...

BMW questions Audi’s approach to pull out of DTM racing Audi announced late last month that it will leave the DTM racing championship at the end of the 2020 season. That move took everyone by surprise, including BMW Motorsport which is last mohican in the racing series. Of course, this move also cast a doubt on the future of DTM. Furthermore, the news didn’t sit well with BMW board members. According to Motorsport, outgoing BMW chief of R&D Klaus Frohlich was equally surprised and disappointed by the Audi’s exit. “That surprised and disappointed me,” BMW board member Klaus Frohlich said of Audi’s exit to Süddeutsche.de. “And I find it not only astonishing, but also unsportsmanlike to drop out and not talk to us as a second partner before. It ...

BMW M2 Competition by Lightweight: Faster than the BMW M2 CS It’s never a bad thing to be light. While this may not always be true for humans, it is if we’re talking about cars. BMW is perfectly aware of this, so much so that even the Bavarians have already released a lightened version of the extraordinary BMW M2 Competition, called BMW M2 CS. Furthermore, a potential BMW M2 CSL is not completely off the table. However, someone may have anticipated the Bavarian roadmap. The tuners team “Lightweight”, who recently created a BMW M2 cabriolet starting from a standard BMW 2 Series – making it faster than a standard BMW M2 – worked hard to reduce the weight off this little gem. First of all, the steel roof has been replaced by a carbon fiber roof in order ...

BMW Welt pickup could become more expensive for European customers If you live in the United States, then the BMW European Delivery is the best way to purchase a new BMW. Period. The mirage of picking up your car in Munich, at the BMW Welt, and getting a discount on it as well, it’s something no one should overlook. But if you live in Europe, there is a cost associated with having your delivery at the iconic BMW Welt. According to Bimmertoday, and yet to be confirmed by BMW, the BMW Welt website now only shows two delivery options, both more expensive than before. Prior to the Welt closure, a “Basic Starter Package” was offered at a price of 675 euros. The basic pick-up, which is limited to 60 minutes, included a compressed briefing and the handover of the vehicle at ...

BMW Lifestyle releases its new 2020 Collections of Gear Part of the fun of buying a car like a BMW is being part of the club. As much as car enthusiasts like to mock customers for being brand snobs, being part of the group of fans that buy a certain car is part of the fun. But how can you spot each other when you’re out and about, on foot and not in your car? Well, BMW has an answer for you — BMW Lifestyle gear. BMW Lifestyle has just released its new 2020 collection of gear and it’s filled with your typical premium automotive brand gear. There are a few jackets, some t-shirts, a couple of travel mugs, a couple of backpacks, a watch and some other various different BMW-branded items. Some of the items are made by other brands, such as Montblanc and Puma. While most of...

VIDEO: Learn about unique E34 BMW M5 with 400 PS from the Factory In the early 2000’s, BMW impressed the world with a naturally-aspirated engine that packed 100 horsepower per liter and it powered the E46 BMW M3. At the time, such a specific power output was unheard of in a car as relatively inexpensive as the M3. If you wanted 100 hp/liter in a naturally-aspirated, you needed to buy something like a McLaren F1. However, not only did BMW do it in an M3 but it might have actually done it almost a decade earlier, in the E34 BMW M5. Now before you jump down my throat and mock my supposed lack of BMW knowledge, let me mention that we know the E34 M5 did not have 100 hp/liter. Even its bigger 3.8 liter inline-six make 335 hp, or less than 100 hp/liter. However, according to this video,...

SPIED: 2021 BMW 5 Series Touring PHEV appears on camera Spy photographers have recently captured a camouflaged plug-in hybrid BMW 5 Series Touring LCI, set to go on sale this year as a 2021 model. We already know what the LCI 5 Series Sedan will look like, thanks the last week’s “leaks” detailed by us here and here. Until the scheduled online reveal takes place towards end of May, the G30/G31 LCI test prototypes continue the on-road FEP undeterred. The LCI 5 Series Touring will incorporate the same restyled headlights and tail lamps as the Sedan counterpart, together with the more tridimensional kidney grille. The G31 was already a fashionable wagon, so the LCI model will look even crisper. Lately, a minimally cladded plug-in hybrid Touring test vehicle was spotted in...

BMW M Boss: We don’t have a power ceiling restraining M products Looking over the specs M cars have these days and how they changed from generation to generation you might notice a downwards curve in the last 10 years. Whereas cars made by the BMW M division had power increases of around 18% between generations, on the newer models that power increase went down to an average of four percent. Some might be worried that car makers are afraid of offering more power but that’s not the case in Munich. Speaking to the current BMW M boss at an event in South Africa, the people from Which Car magazine in Australia managed to squeeze out a couple of answers regarding this topic. According to Flasch, there isn’t a power ceiling but the discussion should be about controlling that power...

Cool photos of the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible (G14) from Australia Check out a new photo gallery of the marvelous BMW M850i xDrive Convertible (G14) in the scenic lands of Australia. Let’s get this out of the way: I am an all-time fan of cabriolets. Even though they are not very popular and sell in limited numbers, such cars are unique in giving a true, open air driving pleasure. Yes, they might be heavier than their rigid-roof counterparts due to added structural and torsional reinforcement measures for their body, and yes, the extra weight might affect 0-100 km/h acceleration by 0.1 – 0.2 seconds (imperceptible, if you ask me). Convertibles are a dying automotive species nowadays, in a world where constructors put a strong accent on reducing costs and improving profit m...

TEST DRIVE: Hyundai Kona – A Budget Electric Crossover It seems like nothing is impossible if enough energy and effort is put into a project. It’s hard to believe how far certain car makers have come in the last 20 or 30 years, but if there’s one car brand out there which could be used as an example of how far you can come, it’s Hyundai. The South Korea-based automaker has come a long way in the last 20 years and has become a best-seller not just in the US but all around the world. Hyundai now has great-selling cars in every segment that matters and is aiming even higher, at brands that seemed simply untouchable not more than 10 years ago, with its luxury sub-brand, Genesis. Genesis is not available worldwide for now, yet the South Koreans have big plans for the luxury...