William Maley

Because like the LS7, the LT4 is having 'similar' engine failures.

19 owners of the 2006 - 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and 427 models have filed a class-action lawsuit against General Motors against an engine issue. The lawsuit says the 7.0L V8 fitted in these models have excessive valve guide wear that leads to engine failures. The suit goes on to say that GM is aware of this problem, but hasn't come up with a solution. According to Law360, General Motors began testing vehicles equipped with the V8 and were able to replicate the problem. The issue is that GM didn't go any further with the tests as it “would lead to more repair and investigations than it wished to perform.” If this suit goes forward, it might lead to lawsuits dealing with the new Corvette Z06 and its engine issues. As The Truth About Cars points out, a number of outlets have had issues with the Z06's engine. Towards the end of last year and early this year, a number of Z06 owners were having their engines fail with under 1,000 miles on the odometer. Gary Gastelu of Fox News in July had his Z06 tester experience engine failure In response, GM asked owners to follow the break-in procedure and change the oil when the vehicle hits 500 miles. [*]Motor Trend in their 'Best Drivers Car' test had the Z06 in DNF due to engine issues. "It didn't work. The damn Z06 retarded spark by 8 degrees, and the 1.7-liter TVS supercharger refused to make boost. No one knows why," wrote Motor Trend’s Jonny Lieberman. General Motors said the problem was bad gas, but this seems somewhat dubious as all of the vehicles - including two other GM products (Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V) got the same gas. Source: Law360 (Subscription Required), The Truth About Cars View full article

You just explained my reason for why I wouldn't buy the Focus ST. That interior is terrible. In my mind, the Fiesta is so much better - ergonomic issues aside.

The Dodge Viper's future is uncertain after 2017. Allpar got their hands on the proposed UAW contract for FCA and looked at the production changes. According to the contact, the current Viper will end production in 2017 and leave the Conner Avenue assembly plant in Detroit without a vehicle to take its place. The current Viper has been languishing since its introduction in 2013 due to a combination of a high pricetag and competitors stepping up. Through September, Dodge only moved 503 Vipers, a decrease of 7.9 percent when compared to the year before. Source: Allpar View full article

I’ll admit that I am completely jealous of the European automotive landscape for the variety of vehicles on offer. Aside from the countless number of wagons that would make an automotive writer tremble, there is a wide range of hot hatches on offer. From compact hatchbacks that are lapping the Nürburgring under eight minutes to subcompact models that can provide a thrill for not that much money. The hot hatch is still a new thing to the U.S., with only a small number available in the compact segment. The subcompact hot hatch was mostly nonexistent unless you decided to drop a fair amount of change on a MINI Cooper. Last year, Ford decided to ship over the Fiesta ST, complete with a turbo-four, six-speed manual, and a number of key changes to the suspension and exterior. Have we been missing something in our hot hatch diet? The Fiesta has always been one of sharpest looking subcompacts since going on sale back in 2011, especially if you went for the hatchback. The European style with a rounded shape, low front end, and a number of wheel choices makes the Fiesta stand out. For the ST, Ford put in a new mesh grille insert finished in black, 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser. My Fiesta ST tester came in a bright red-orange paint color, which works very well for the intent of the vehicle. But I found it to be a bit too much in loudness. Despite the color choice, I still think the ST is the best-looking model in the Fiesta lineup. Moving inside, the Fiesta is a mixed bag. The Fiesta ST feels and looks step above many competitors thanks in part to aluminum trim pieces and solid plastics used throughout. But in terms of ergonomics, the Fiesta seems like a step back. The climate controls are so low in the dash, you have to stretch out your arm to get them. Also, you can forget about taking a quick glance at them because of how low the controls are. Then there is touchscreen featuring MyFordTouch that comes standard on the ST. The screen is quite small and makes using the system more of pain since the touch points are much harder to hit. Combined with the sluggish performance and questionable voice recognition system, and MyFordTouch becomes more of a hassle. As for seating, my Fiesta ST tester came equipped with the optional Recaro bucket seats. These seats feature increased bolstering on the bottom and top cushions to keep you from sliding around when you decide to explore the limits. But I found the seats to be more of a hindrance. Getting in and out was somewhat difficult due to increased bolstering, and the seats become very uncomfortable on long trips. Unless you are planning to do track days with your Fiesta ST, just skip the Recaros. As for the back seat, headroom is quite impressive. Legroom is very tight for the class. The Fiesta ST comes with a 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque. This engine only comes with a six-speed manual. With a curb weight of 2,742 lbs, the 1.6L is quite punchy. Power comes on quite early and it seems to never end the further you climb up in the rev range. It doesn’t hurt that the engine has an intoxicating note that will cause you to press the accelerator more often. The six-speed manual is one of the slickest transmissions I have used. The motion to change gears feels like a hot knife going through butter. I found that I was able to go through gears at a quick rate. In terms of fuel economy, the EPA rates the Fiesta ST at 26 City/35 Highway/29 Combined. I found my average to land around 27 MPG in mostly city driving. In terms of handling, the Fiesta ST feels like a dancer as it gracefully goes around corners with no sign of body lean and changes direction quite fast. A lot of this comes down to the changes Ford made to the suspension including a 15-millimeter drop for the suspension and a set of stiffer springs. The steering is very impressive with excellent feel and a nice weight which makes driving the ST that much more fun. For day to day driving, the Fiesta ST is slightly uncomfortable as the stiff suspension will let in some bumps into the interior. But Ford did a great job of isolating a fair amount of road and wind noise from coming inside the Fiesta. There is the thought in the automotive world that it's better to drive a slow car fast than driving a fast car slow. The Ford Fiesta ST shows that it is very much true. This is a vehicle that you play with and not draw the ire of the law. It also helps that a base price of $21,435 nets you a lot of equipment and performance. Not only is the Fiesta ST one of the crown jewels in the hot hatch hierarchy, it’s one the best performance car values on sale today. Now the question I find myself asking is, how do I get one into my hands? Disclaimer: Ford Provided the Fiesta ST, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Ford Model: Fiesta Trim: ST Engine: 1.6L GTDI Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Manual, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 197 @ 6,350 Torque @ RPM: 202 @ 4,200 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 26/35/29 Curb Weight: 2,742 lbs Location of Manufacture: Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico Base Price: $21,435 As Tested Price: $25,530 (Includes $825.00 Destination Charge and $490.00 SYNC & Sound Discount) Options: Recaro Package - $1,995 Navigation - $795.00 Molten Orange Metallic Tricoat - $595.00 17" Premium Painted Wheels - $375.00 View full article

There looks to be a smaller crossover on the horizon for Volvo. Sources tell Automotive News Europe that the Swedish automaker is planning on introducing a new compact crossover, possibly named the XC40, in 2018. The crossover will debut a new platform called compact modular architecture (CMA) and will go on to underpin the next-generation V40 and XC40 a year later. Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson has said that compact crossover is priority for the automaker, but declined to say the company would launch it. Samuelsson did say their future lineup of compacts would have in-house powertrains including plug-in hybrid models and self-driving technologies. “We will not be sourcing engines from other manufacturers. Instead, we will be offering three- and four-cylinder versions of our own new engine program. We will also offer a plug-in hybrid for the compact models. Autonomous driving will be an option we will offer in our cars as of 2020, also in the compact lineup,” said Samuelsson. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) View full article

In light of a scandal, the one item a company needs is stability. Unfortunately for Volkswagen, the diesel emission scandal has seemed to bring growing levels of instability. Case in point is the announcement of Dr. Winfried Vahland stepping down. Vahland was picked to become the head of Volkswagen's North American unit only a few weeks back. In a statement released by the automaker, the two had "differing views" on the company's new structure and his departure is "expressly not related" to the emissions scandal. Meanwhile, a report from German publication Spiegel says that at least 30 managers at Volkswagen were involved in cheating emission tests citing information from investigations done by Volkswagen and the law firm Jones Day. The report goes on to say that the number of people who knew about the cheating could expand as the investigations go on. A Volkswagen spokesman told Reuters that the number in Spiegel's report "is completely unfounded." Later this week, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller will meet with senior management and update them on the investigation and plan the next move. Source: Skoda, USA Today, Spiegel.de, Automotive News (Subscription Required) Press Release is on Page 2 Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland leaves Volkswagen Group Mladá Boleslav, 14 October 2015 – After 25 years of successful work in Volkswagen Group, most recently as Chairman of ŠKODA, Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland is leaving the company at his own request. Prof. Vahland will therefore not be taking up the position of overall responsibility for the North American Region (NAR). Differing views on the organisation of the new Group region have led to this decision; this decision is expressly not related to current events on the issue of diesel engines. Prof. Vahland began his work in Volkswagen Group in 1990. After holding several key positions at home and abroad, he took over Group responsibility as President and CEO of Volkswagen in China in 2005 and contributed significantly to the successful new direction of Volkswagen in China. He was appointed Chairman of the Board of Management of ŠKODA in 2010. Under his leadership, ŠKODA implemented the largest growth and model campaign in the brand’s history and positioned ŠKODA sustainably as a successful international high-volume brand. The CEO of Volkswagen Group, Matthias Müller emphasised: “In the last 25 years, Prof. Vahland made a great contribution to the company. We respect his decision and thank him for his exceptional performance.” View full article

The BMW 2-Series has a new member of the family. The 2016 BMW M2 is what happens when BMW's M department is given free-reign on the smallest of BMW models. Outside, the M2 looks the part with larger front intakes, wider fenders, rear diffuser, and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Move inside and you'll find Alcantara on door panels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather seats with adjustable bolsters. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0L Inline-Six that has been tinkered with to produce 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. This can either be paired to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. BMW quotes 0-60 MPH times of 4.4 seconds for the manual and 4.2 seconds for the dual-clutch automatic. Under the skin, BMW replaced a number of parts for the suspension with ones made out of aluminum to help reduce weight. There's also an extra brace chassis to improve stiffness. BMW has also fitted a electronically controlled Active M Differential that can selectively lock each wheel from 0 to 100 percent in just 150 milliseconds. Pricing will be announced closer to spring when BMW plans on shipping M2s to dealers. Source: BMW Press Release is on Page 2 The All-New 2016 BMW M2: More torque than past generation M3’s. M TwinPower Turbo Technology yielding impressive performance. Wider track featuring lightweight aluminum suspension. Manual gearbox with innovative rev-matching technology. Fully variable Active M Differential. Nürburgring tested M compound high performance brakes. Woodcliff Lake, N.J- October 13, 2015 … Today, BMW M GmbH unveiled the newest member of its product family. The coveted M badge has been placed on the popular BMW 2 Series in the form of the all-new 2016 BMW M2. The 6-cylinder under the hood is in keeping with the finest M tradition, ensuring unbeatable driving dynamics on the trace track with exceptional power delivery and the signature, outstanding driving behavior thanks to rear-wheel drive agility and lightweight aluminum M Sport suspension. The innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology ensures outstanding torque available across a wide rev band with rapid responses and excellent efficiency, raising the pulse with its distinctive engine soundtrack. The BMW M2 will be available at authorized BMW centers with a limited range of options starting in spring of 2016. Prince will be disclosed closer to market launch. Just like its predecessor high revs and M TwinPower. With an output of 365 bhp at 6,500 rpm and maximum revs of 7,000 rpm this all-new BMW M2 is more powerful than its predecessor: the BMW 1 M Coupe. The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline engine in the new BMW M2 sends out a clear message to the high-performance sports car segment. The engine’s peak torque also leads the way in this segment; a full 343 lb-ft is on tap between 1,400 and 5,560 rpm, with the overboost function raising this figure by 26 lb-ft to 369 lb-ft between 1,450 and 4,750 rpm. A glance to the past will put things into perspective, this figure is more than 70 lb-ft of additional torque than the past generation M3, ensuring plenty of torque is available in all driving situations. With the optional M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) in place and Launch Control activated, the new BMW M2 completes the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in a scant 4.2 seconds (4.4 s with the six-speed manual gearbox). The top speed of the all-new BMW M2 is electronically limited to 155 mph. The all-new BMW M2’s newly developed 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine represents a symbiosis of exceptional output and outstanding efficiency. The lightweight, thermodynamically optimized, all-aluminum unit is extremely rigid due to its closed-deck design – which means that the cylinder water jacket is closed at the top. This enables higher cylinder pressures for improved power output and torque. State-of-the-art M TwinPower Turbo technology. The all-new BMW M2 comes with the latest generation of the trailblazing M TwinPower Turbo technology. In the new 6-cylinder inline gasoline engine, this comprises a TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, variable camshaft timing (Double-VANOS) and VALVETRONIC variable valve lift control. Optimized to meet the highest standards and in order to satisfy the high expectations of sporty drivers who like to push the limits on the track, the BMW M GmbH development engineers have introduced upgrades to the engine powering the all-new BMW M2. This engine has gained selected components from the high-performance unit used in the BMW M3 and BMW M4 presented in 2014. Components including the pistons, with their top ring optimized for the use of grey-cast iron liners, are sourced from the BMW M3 and M4 engine, as are the crankshaft main bearing shells. The new engine in the BMW M2 is equipped with the requisite high-performance spark plugs designed to optimally work at higher temperatures. The integration of the turbocharger into the exhaust manifold plays a major role in the ability of the new 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine in the all-new BMW M2 to optimize its performance efficiently. The warm-up phase after a cold start is noticeably shorter reducing exhaust emissions. The electrically operated boost pressure control valve and close-loop arrangement of the catalytic converter further improve the engine’s emissions rating. The standard Auto Start Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration provide additional potential for fuel savings in the all-new BMW M2, while the intelligent energy management of ancillary components enables an additional reduction in fuel consumption. For example, the coolant pump operates only as required and the oil pump is map-controlled. The air conditioning compressor, which is disconnected whenever it is not being used, and the Electric Power Steering, which requires no electric energy when driving straight ahead, make a considerable contribution to the laudable fuel consumption and emissions figures of the all-new BMW M2. Oil supply secure even during track days. The many years of motor racing experience built up by the BMW M engineers are also reflected in the oil supply for the all-new BMW M2 engine. In order to ensure oil reaches all engine components at all times under limit-pushing driving with sustained heavy lateral acceleration, and extreme braking maneuvers the car has to withstand on the race track, the 6-cylinder inline engine benefits from a modified oil sump. For example, an additional oil sump cover helps to limit the movement of oil under powerful acceleration. At the same time, an extra oil suction pump sends the oil back to the rear part of the oil sump when the driver brakes heavily. A special suction system is employed for the oil supply to the turbocharger under higher vehicle acceleration. This measure ensures that the oil supply to the engine remains secure at all times, both in normal everyday driving and when lateral dynamics are put to the test at the track. The same also applies to the heat balance of all engine components. In order to deal with extreme cooling requirements under hard driving, the BMW M2 engine benefits from an additional oil cooler for the transmission oil (only applies to cars fitted with M DCT) and an extra water radiator for the engine. Perfectly composed high-revving M exhaust note. One of the main contributors to the extraordinary dynamic experience on board the all-new BMW M2 is the optimized exhaust with special flap system. With its four tailpipes, the exhaust system immediately marks the BMW M2 out as a BMW M model and its minimal exhaust back-pressure ensures the engine exhales optimally. The electrically controlled flap delivers the distinctive BMW M engine exhaust note across the entire rev range. In addition, drivers can use the Driving Dynamic Control switch to select a driving mode and an exhaust note to go with it. Manual gearbox with automatic rev-matching. The all-new BMW M2 comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, which stands out with its compact design and low weight. The use of a new type of carbon-fiber friction lining enhances shift precision. Dry-sump lubrication prevents any sloshing of the transmission oil and ensures all components benefit from an efficient supply of lubricant. An engagement speed control function, which blips the throttle on downshifts and lowers the engine’s revs on upshifts, makes gear changes even smoother and lends the car additional stability during hard driving on the track. Experienced drivers can still take pride in performing the task of perfectly orchestrated down-shifts on their own by deactivating the system in DSC OFF mode. Motorsport inspired - flawless shifts in a split-second. The all-new BMW M2 can be ordered as an option with the latest generation of the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmissions (M DCT with Drivelogic). This system, which effectively combines two gearboxes, each with its own clutch, is specially designed to work with the customary engine dynamics of M cars and the engine’s high torque and output. The system detects which gear the driver will choose next based on the engine’s revs, the accelerator position, the level of acceleration and the driving mode, and engages it before the driver has actually moved the shift paddle. As a result, the clutches now only need to open or close for the gear-change process to be completed. The change of gear is therefore executed in fractions of a second. Depending on the driving mode activated, it enables either extremely fast gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power or ultra-smooth shifts. The extra gear of the M DCT transmission over the six-speed manual gearbox allows for tightly spaced gearing and reduced fuel consumption thanks to its taller gear ratios. The driver can change gears either in automated mode or manually using the M gearshift lever on the center console or shift paddles on the M leather steering wheel. The Drivelogic function tuned to the M Double Clutch Transmission offers a choice of six driving programs (three in automatic mode and three in manual mode). Optimal acceleration in all conditions. The integrated Launch Control function ensures the best possible acceleration off the line in all conditions. This function determines the ideal getaway rpm and is automatically dialed in priming the clutches to deliver maximum forward momentum. Once under way, upshifts are timed and performed at the optimal revs. This allows the BMW M2 with innovative M DCT to outperform the already outstanding acceleration achievable with the six-speed manual gearbox. Dynamic Performance - Motorsport technology for the road. The roots of BMW M GmbH lie in motor racing, as is highlighted in no small measure by the dynamic talent of all BMW M models. The all-new BMW M2 also sets the pace in its segment when it comes to agility, driving feeling, directional stability, steering precision and controllability at the limit, without any compromise in everyday use. Lightweight design and precise wheel location. The basic requirement for a top-level driving dynamics vehicle is a high level of rigidity and a low axle system weight with reduced unsprung mass. That’s why the BMW M GmbH engineers have referred back to the lightweight aluminum front and rear axles of the BMW M3 and M4 models for the all-new BMW M2. The control arms, wheel carriers, axle subframes and stiffening plate of the double-joint spring-strut front axle weigh 11 pounds less than would be the case with a conventional steel construction. Further weight savings are provided by use of aluminum in the suspension struts and tubular anti-roll bar. In order to ensure extremely precise wheel location, play-free ball joints are used to transmit transverse forces. A stiffening plate in the underbody provides additional bolted connection between the axle subframe and the body sills, which increases the stiffness of the front-end structure. The longitudinal forces passing through the suspension are transmitted directly via special elastomer bearings delivering precise handling feedback. All the control arms and wheel carriers of the all-new BMW M2’s five-link rear axle are made from forged aluminum, which reduces the unsprung masses of the wheel-locating components by more than 6 pounds compared to a steel construction. In addition, a racing-derived rigid connection, without rubber bushings, is used to fix the lightweight steel grid-type rear axle subframe to the body. This further improves wheel location and tracking stability. The axle kinematics – which govern the movement of the wheels under compression according to the arrangement of the control arms – are similarly tuned to deliver the precise wheel location typical from M cars. Made-to-measure wheels and tires. In order to transfer the car’s dynamic potential to the road as effectively as possible, the development of specific tires for the all-new BMW M2 was incorporated into the axle construction from the beginning of its development. BMW M vehicle dynamic engineers know that a certain set of factors take priority whenever dealing with high-performance sports cars. For example, the front wheels have to cope with different types of forces in terms of lateral stability, directional stability while providing optimal steering feedback and steering precision. Likewise, the rear wheels deliver optimal traction, lateral stability and directional stability. After thorough testing development, the BMW M vehicle dynamic engineers decided to fit the all-new BMW M2 with aluminum wheels with mixed-size tires. The lightweight 19-inch forged wheels (front axle: 9J x 19, rear axle 10J x 19) substantially reduce rotating and unsprung masses. Together with the exclusive 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires measuring 245/35 ZR 19 in the front and 265/35 ZR 19 at the rear. This set-up makes a considerable contribution to the outstanding dynamic properties of the all-new BMW M2 and, at the same time, ensure impressive everyday ride comfort. Motor sport inspired, Nürburgring tested – high performance brakes. The high-performance brakes of the all-new BMW M2 are also a product of motor sport and can be quickly identified by their brake calipers – front axle: four-piston fixed calipers, rear axle: two-piston fixed calipers – which are painted in a blue metallic finish and display the M logo at the front axle. In these M compound brakes the perforated and inner-vented brake disc ring is made from grey-cast iron for a massive 15 inch diameter rotor at the front axle and equally impressive 14.5 inch diameter at the rear axle. M compound brakes guarantee powerful deceleration in all conditions and providing confidence inspiring fade resistance under hard track use. They are also significantly lighter than conventional braking systems, the brake disc hub is manufactured from aluminum as they reduce unsprung and rotating masses, which means they play a major role in further enhancing the dynamic ability of the all-new BMW M2. M developed Electric Power Steering. The Electric Power Steering of the all-new BMW M2 also instills the characteristic M driving feeling. The development of the system prioritized hallmark M attributes, such as direct steering feel, precise feedback at both the track and everyday driving, transmitting the driver with all the necessary information about the available grip at the tires. The integrated Servotronic function with M-specific characteristics, controls the level of steering assistance electronically according to the car’s speed. Via the Driving Dynamic Control switch the driver can adjust the steering’s power assistance at any time. Unlike conventional hydraulic steering systems, the all-new BMW M2’s Electric Power Steering does not require any energy when the car is being driven in a straight line or standing still with the engine running. This enables an improvement in fuel economy of roughly 0.6 mpg. Permanent, fully variable differential control. The Active M Differential in the all-new BMW M2 optimizes traction and maximizes directional stability. This electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential takes traction and directional stability to a new level. The multi-plate limited-slip differential is proactively controlled with extremely high precision and speed. The locking effect can be varied between 0 and 100 percent according to the driving situation. Sensors including those of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system determine the car’s steering angle, accelerator position, brake pressure, engine torque, wheel speed and yaw rate. The control unit analyzes these inputs to detect any threat of traction loss on one side of the car and calculates the required locking effect, which is engaged by an electric motor. Full locking power of 1,843 lb-ft is available within 150 ms, allowing the system to prevent a wheel from spinning in extreme conditions on slippery road surfaces or when the two rear wheels are experiencing significant differences in friction coefficient. In certain situations the Active M Differential even works proactively. When pulling away on slippery surfaces, the lock is closed by a defined percentage even before a wheel can start to spin, to ensure that both wheels develop equal slip at the same time. This optimizes traction and stability. The lock is also closed by the required percentage through enthusiastically driven corners, according to the levels of lateral and longitudinal acceleration. This prevents the low-traction inside wheel from starting to slip too quickly. The permanent and infinitely variable differential control also increases agility, avoids understeer at turn-in and improves directional stability under braking and load changes. Drifts on the race track. The all-new BMW M2 is equipped with M Dynamic Mode (MDM), a sub-function of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). DSC effectively counteracts oversteer or understeer or a loss of traction by taking several measures (reducing engine power, braking individual wheels) to stabilize the car. However, in certain situations – e.g. sporty and dynamic driving on the race track – a greater degree of wheel slip can be an advantage. For this reason M Dynamic Mode can be activated in the recommended track mode (SPORT+) or can be engaged with a short dab of the DSC button. The stabilizing measures familiar from DSC mode now intervene at a later stage, increasing the freedom available to drivers while still keeping an electronic safety system in action. The extra wheel slip enhances traction and therefore propulsion. More significant oversteer and understeer are possible, as are moderate, controlled drifts, but the Dynamic Stability Control active safety aids can still be relied on in critical situations. Design. An impressive amount of power, an athletic stance with bold design elements on the one hand, an unadulterated focus on sporting achievement and credible everyday practicality on the other. The all-new BMW M2 makes all the running in this high-performance sports car segment with its outstanding driving dynamics and agility that combine to deliver an extraordinary driving experience, allied with precise driver feedback. The proud successor to the BMW 1 Series M Coupe showcases its impressive on-the-road presence from every angle. Its M-specific exterior features send out a whole-hearted statement of dynamics and agility, promising both a superior performance on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife and convincing abilities on urban roads. In the grand tradition of BMW sport coupes, the all-new BMW M2 contains stylistic references to highlights from its forebears in BMW’s motor sport back-catalogue – such as the BMW 2002 turbo and legendary BMW 3.0 CSL. Inspired by motor sport history. A glance at the front end of the all-new BMW M2 reveals characteristic M design features. The signature BMW kidney grille, with its black-painted double bars replicating the design of the M double-spoke wheels, carries the BMW M logo. And the three-dimensional design of the grille has a “shark nose” feel to it. The modern take on the BMW twin circular headlights underlines the car’s forward-surging look and establishes a close stylistic connection with the grille. This further sharpens the focus of the all-new BMW M2 on the road ahead. The large front apron with trapezoidal blades and the Air Curtains in the outer air intakes mimic the type of protruding spoilers that have been a familiar sight in motor sport down the years. For the BMW M2 they were inspired in particular by the BMW 3.0 CSL touring car racer. However, the large blades are not only a nod to the past. Form follows function is the message here, so as well as underlining the wide track of the all-new BMW M2 they divert part of the airflow through the wheel arches, while the Air Curtains guide the air effectively past the wheels. These two features work together to reduce air turbulence around the front wheel arches, cutting drag in the process. Moreover, the large air intakes cover the immense cooling air requirements of the high-performance engine. Thanks to the careful channeling of the airflow around and through elements of the car, drag has been reduced by five percent compared with the BMW 2 Series Coupe, despite the M2’s stronger cooling performance. The aerodynamic measures have also reduced lift by 35 percent and significantly improved aerodynamic balance at higher speeds. Hallmark BMW proportions. From the side the all-new BMW M2 is immediately identifiable as a fully-fledged member of the BMW M family. Compact dimensions and hallmark BMW proportions – i.e. a short front overhang, sweeping hood, long wheelbase and set-back greenhouse with classic BMW Hofmeister kink – are the starting point, with signature M design elements strengthening the dynamic expression. For instance, the newly interpreted BMW gills rearwards of the front wheel arches reference a feature first seen on the BMW 3.0 CSL. They send out a visual statement and set the swage line on its way towards the rear. The side swage line – which begins rearwards of the front axle on the all-new BMW M2, then rises dynamically towards the tail and links the flanks of the car with its rear end – is a classical BMW design feature; for instance, in the case of the BMW 2002, it extended around the whole car. Other typical elements of the all-new BMW M2’s powerful appearance are the sculptural wing extensions at the front and rear axle, which immediately bring to mind the image of a muscular athlete with broad shoulders in a figure-hugging race suit and visually enhance the car’s standout dynamic abilities. However, these significant bodywork extensions (front: 2.1 in, rear: 3.1 in) are not only a stylistic statement, but necessary to accommodate the wider track and wheels – in this case 19-inch aluminum forged rims in familiar BMW M double-spoke design. The broad rear end of the all-new BMW M2 highlights its firm grip on the asphalt, a quality further reinforced by the horizontal lines in the trunk lid and rear apron. The M rear spoiler on the trunk lid also accentuates the elevated dynamic aspirations of the all-new BMW M2. The vertical reflectors at the outer extremes of the rear apron form a stylistic connection with the trapezoidal blades at the front end and once again emphasize the powerful appearance of the all-new BMW M2. This feeling is additionally strengthened by the L-shaped rear lights which have become a fixture of BMW models. Their horizontally arranged LEDs also underscore the athletic and imposing impression created by the all-new BMW M2. The looks of the rear end are rounded off by another classical BMW M feature. The diffuser integrated into the rear apron is a clear reference to the racing abilities of the all-new BMW M2 and offers a nod to its optimized aerodynamics. Likewise integrated into the rear apron are the familiar quartet of hallmark BMW M exhaust tailpipes in high-gloss chrome, which draw renewed attention to the low visual center of gravity and point clearly to the dynamic performance of the all-new BMW M2. Attention to sporty detail wherever you look. The all-new BMW M2, is available in four exterior paint finishes: Long Beach Blue metallic, Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic and Mineral Grey metallic. As with all BMW M models, the interior architecture of the all-new BMW M2 also stands out with its pervasive driver focus and flawless ergonomics. The car is fitted with a host of BMW M-specific equipment details to reflect its prominent dynamic capabilities. The sports seats, in black Dakota leather with blue contrast stitching and an M logo in the backrests, have adjustable side bolsters to give the driver and front passenger optimum support through fast corners. An M footrest and knee pad on the center console for the driver continue the theme. Instruments with BMW M2-specific dials and needles, a speedometer scale reaching round to 200 mph and a tachometer reading up to 8,000 rpm provide an indication of the car’s extraordinary performance potential as soon as you climb aboard. Familiar M equipment items in the all-new BMW M2 also include M logos on the tachometer, gearshift lever, door sill plates and M leather steering wheel with shift paddles. Other highlights of the interior are the all-new BMW M2 trim strip with surfacing in open pore carbon fiber and Alcantara for the door panel inserts, parking brake boot and shift lever boot (manual transmission only). BMW ConnectedDrive enhances safety, comfort and entertainment. New BMW M2 customers can also make use of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. The range of optional driver assistance systems available for the BMW M2 includes the Driving Assistant, which comprises features such as Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, and Lane Departure Warning. The system warns the driver of potential collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles in urban areas and brakes the car automatically. Furthermore, it uses steering wheel vibrations to alert drivers if they stray from their lane unintentionally. Speed Limit Info flashes in the instrument cluster with the permitted top speed. The rear-view camera teams up with rear Park Distance Control to assist drivers with reverse parking and maneuvering. Plus, the standard Navigation System offers an ultra-sharp map display and the iDrive Touch Controller ensures the various functions are even easier to use. Analyze your own driving style, film racing laps. The optional ConnectedDrive Services open up the world of vehicle connectivity to customers, revealing intelligent services and features as well as an extensive range of apps. The GoPro app and the M Laptimer app from BMW M GmbH are geared towards enthusiastic drivers. The later enables them to improve on their driving on the track. This application records the car’s speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine’s speed, the gear engaged at any one time, the steering angle, the accelerator position and fuel consumption. All this allows drivers to subsequently analyze their inputs precisely corner by corner, gives them the option of comparing their laps with those of other drivers and enables them to easily share the data by e-mail or Facebook. The GoPro app allows drivers to use a GoPro camera to film fast laps of the race track. BMW ConnectedDrive paves the way for all applications to be integrated seamlessly into the car. They can be operated using the iDrive Touch Controller and viewed in the Control Display. View full article