Tag Archives: BMW

2021 BMW 128ti Announced For Australia With Less Power From AU$56,900

BMW has released the official specs and pricing for the 128ti in Australia ahead of its official launch in the first quarter of 2021.

The front-wheel drive hot hatch packs the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine that puts out 180 kW (245 PS / 241 HP) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque.

That’s 15 kW (20 PS / 20 HP) and 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) less than the Euro-spec, which translates in it being 1.2 seconds slower in the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint (6.3 vs 5.1 seconds), while top speed has also dropped from 250 to 243 km/h (155-151 mph). The engine still drives the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the limited-slip differential from the M135i xDrive comes as standard.

Watch Also: This 750 HP BMW 1-Series Will Scare You To Death

Available in six exterior colors, the 128ti rides on 18-inch M light alloy wheels and features an M Sport suspension and brakes, adaptive LED headlights, M rear spoiler and a few upgrades inside. Inside, standard equipment includes cloth/sensatec upholstery with red stitching, sporty seatbelts, velour floor mats with red accents, two-zone climate control, 9.2-inch head-up display and an infotainment system.

Customers can further spec it with the two large displays that have a diagonal of up to 10.25 inches, gesture control, electric tailgate, two Enhancement packages and the Convenience and Comfort packages. The latter add features such as the metallic paint, panoramic glass roof, heated front seats with lumbar support and heated steering wheel.

Pricing for the the 128ti starts from AU$56,900 (equal to US$41,951).

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Euro-spec variant pictured

Is The V10-Powered BMW M5 E60 Worth The Maintenance Risk?

When the E60-gen BMW M5 came out in 2004, with its menacing naturally aspirated V10, many thought that sports sedans couldn’t get more exciting.

The 5.0-liter engine, which was shared with the M6, developed 500 HP and 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque, for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) of 4.7 seconds and a 155 mph (250 km/h) electronically limited top speed.

Unlike the AWD modern M5, the range-topping E60 was rear-wheel drive. It was offered with an optional six-speed manual gearbox in North America, and with a seven-speed SMG semi-automatic in the rest of the world, although the latter did not do justice to an otherwise great sedan.

Video: Here’s A Love Letter To The BMW E60 M5’s Epic V10 Engine

Made during the Chris Bangle era and criticized for the controversial looks, it has nevertheless aged quite nicely inside and out. Moreover, even after more than a decade of constant use, this 2008 example, bought three years ago for around $34,000, feels robust. The high quality interior is still in very good position despite sitting in the sun for 12 years, and that’s one of the things that matters.

Another one is that, in the right setting – and the M5 E60 has 279 powertrain and chassis combinations to choose from – it is surprisingly comfortable. It was built as a highway cruiser, but it doesn’t disappoint on a twisty road either. Sure, the steering ratio needs more finesse and the inflatable seat bolsters will kick you in the ribs every time you turn the steering wheel, but the M5 really comes to life at higher speeds.

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BMW M2 CS And Porsche Cayman GT4 Vie For Straight-Line Speed Honors

While supercar manufacturers continue to engage in a seemingly never-ending horsepower war, it’s good to know that there are still some sports cars that aren’t all about on-paper performance but are instead focused on driving thrills. Take the BMW M2 CS and Porsche Cayman GT4, for example.

While the M2 CS and the Cayman GT4 represent the flagship variants of their respective bloodlines, they are not solely focused on crazy output numbers and lap times. Instead, they offer just the right amount of power that can actually be used on the street. However, performance cannot be overlooked, which begs the question which of the two is the fastest.

To find out, Lovecars recently conducted a drag race between the M2 CS and the Cayman GT4. It’s worth pointing out the GT4 featured is the 981-generation model and not the latest iteration. Nevertheless, it is an absolute pleasure to drive.

Watch Also: The BMW M2 CS And Jaguar F-Type Are More Evenly Matched Than You May Think

As the M2 CS uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 444 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque, it has a significant power advantage over the Cayman GT4 that is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six with 380 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm). Both are rear-wheel drive and are fitted with six-speed manual transmissions.

In theory, then, the M2 CS is faster than the Cayman GT4, so did it manage to beat the Porsche in a straight line?

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BMW M4 And M4 GT3 Teased, Billed As Icons For The Road And Track

The teaser campaign for the 2021 BMW M4 continues as the company has shown the model alongside the upcoming M4 GT3 racer.

Billed as “two icons designed for the road and the racetrack,” the cars were presented on the Red Bull Ring in the run-up to the BMW M Grand Prix of Styria.

Since the cars aren’t ready for their official debut, they have been covered in camouflaged wraps. This hides some styling details, but both models share the massive (and divisive) grille and similar lighting units.

Also Read: 2021 BMW M3 And M4 Confirmed For Mid-September Debut With Standard Manual Gearbox

However, the M4 GT3 is far more extreme as it features a prominent front splitter, a ventilated hood and lightweight windows, as well as a large rear wing and an enormous diffuser.

While the two Bimmers have different missions, both are powered by a straight six-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology. While the company wasn’t ready to go into specifics about the race car, they have previously confirmed that the road-going model will have a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with outputs of 473 hp (353 kW / 480 hp) and 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS) in standard and Competition guise respectively.

The base M4 will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, while the Competition will have an eight-speed automatic. Furthermore, there will be a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

The new M4 will be unveiled in September, while the M4 GT3 will compete in selected races in 2021. The racer will adopt a full schedule in 2022 and replace the M6 GT3 as the “top-of-the-range model in BMW’s customer sport offering.”

In a statement, BMW M CEO Markus Flasch said: “From the outset, both vehicles were developed parallel to each other, so they both have the same genes”, adding that both cars are “prime examples of the technology transfer from motorsport to series production – and back again.”

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Should You Really Want A BMW M3 E46 In Your Life?

When thinking about certain modern classics, nostalgia tends to hit like a train. And it’s even worse whenever you’re out driving, because it seems like there’s a BMW 3-Series E46 around every corner, and practically every petrolhead loves an M3 from that very same generation.

Depending on the model, miles and overall condition, the best E46 M3s can almost nudge the six-digit territory, and when we think about other cars that we could get for that kind of money, the nostalgia suddenly seems to vanish.

Watch Also: A BMW M3 CSL With A Manual Transmission Is The Greatest M Car In The World

But what if there is a perfect E46 M3 out there that’s on sale for a reasonable price by someone who does not care about the money and only wants to find a nice home for their prized jewel? Should you do everything possible to buy it? We would say ‘hell yeah’ again and again, because this is probably one of the best-looking M3s ever, not to mention that it goes like stink and handles wonderfully.

Let’s talk numbers. The E46 M3 does the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in around 5 seconds and will sprint up to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Its 333 HP and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque in the U.S.-spec model produced by the 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six engine, was sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or the less-favored SMG. The latter provides horrible shifting in automatic mode, but becomes more decent in manual, a thing highlighted by the owner of this blue example sampled by RegularCars on video below, along with a whole bunch of stuff pointed out by the reviewer.

Note: The following video contains language that some viewers might find offensive

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Should You Go For The “Regular” BMW M2 Instead Of The M2 Competition?

Both the BMW M2 and M2 Competition have been widely praised since they hit the market, and even though the regular M2 is no longer available new, it is a very compelling prospect on the used car market. Knowing just how good the M2 is, YouTuber Seen Through Glass decided to see if it is actually better value than the M2 Competition.

The black M2 featured in this clip has 15,000 miles (24,140 km) on the clock and is currently up for sale for £31,990 ($40,537). By comparison, the orange BMW M2 Competition present here is also a used model but has just 1,500 miles (2,414 km) under its belt and an asking price of £44,990 ($57,011). That’s quite a big difference, so it’s understandable why someone may find the regular M2 more appealing.

Read Also: World’s Only BMW M2 Convertible Is Faster Than A M2 CS Around Sachsenring

In terms of power, the M2 is driven by the N55 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder that produces 365 hp at 6,500 rpm and 343 lb-ft (465 Nm) of torque between 1,450 and 4,750 rpm. The car was offered from the factory with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch that directed power solely to the rear wheels.

By comparison, the M2 Competition hit the market with a detuned version of the S55 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six used by the F80 M3 and F82 M4. This engine is good for 405 hp between 5,370 rpm and 7,200 rpm and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque between 2,350 rpm and 5,230 rpm.

Which of the two is the best to drive and the better value? Watch the review in full to find out.

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BMW, Honda, Ford, VW To Remain Neutral On Trump’s New Emissions Rule

BMW, Ford, Volkswagen and Honda will not take a position on legal challenges to the Trump administration’s decision to weaken fuel economy standards introduced while Barack Obama was president.

The Trump administration recently finalized the rollback of U.S. vehicle emissions standards. Under the Obama administration, car manufacturers were required to make 5 per cent increases in efficiency across their models through 2026, but now, these required efficiency improvements have been reduced to 1.5 per cent annually.

Read More: 23 States Sue Trump Administration Over Lower Fuel Economy Standards

Auto News reports that on Monday, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen and Honda will ask a U.S. Appeals Court in Washington for permission to be heard in a court challenge over the new regulations “to ensure that any remedy imposed by this court is both appropriate and achievable.” The four automakers finalized a voluntary agreement with California in July 2019 on vehicle emissions rules.

In a statement issued on Friday, Volkswagen said its “preference continues to be one set of national standards that’s achieved through an agreement between the federal government and California.”

A group of 23 U.S. states, including California has challenged the Trump vehicle rule and while some automakers are taking a neutral stance on the regulation changes, others are supporting the move. For example, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Toyota have sided with the Trump administration on the rollback.

These automakers have also sided with the government in a separate lawsuit to determine if the federal government can strip California of the ability to set its own zero-emission vehicle requirements.

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, BMW M2 CS And Mercedes-AMG A45 S Go To War

In spite of having different layouts, the BMW M2 CS, Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and Mercedes-AMG A45 S offer similar straight-line performance, but which one is faster at the track?

That’s what we are about to find out, as AutoBildSportsCars put them at the Lausitzring with an experienced driver at the helm to see how they fared against the clock.

Watch Also: Did The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Just Beat The 992 Carrera S On The Track?

Before placing your bets, let’s run down each car’s specs, starting with the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, which boasts a mid-engine and rear-wheel drive layout. Power comes from a 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six, with 394 HP (399 PS / 294 kW) and 308 lb-ft (418 Nm) of torque that’s hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission. From nought to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) it needs 4.3 seconds, and it maxes out at 182 mph (293 km/h).

The M2 CS has its engine at the front, and it’s a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six that pushes out 444 HP (450 PS / 331 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. It’s matched to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT, for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint in 4.0 and 3.8 seconds respectively, and a top speed of up to 174 mph (280 km/h).

Based on a front-biased all-wheel drive platform, the AMG A45 S is the king of mega hatchbacks, with a 2.0-liter turbo-four that makes 415 HP (421 PS / 310 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The power is channeled to all four wheels via an eight-speed DCT, a setup that translates into a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) of 3.8 seconds and a 168 mph (270 km/h) top speed.

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2021 BMW 5-Series: These GIFS Perfectly Illustrate The Changes Between Old And New

After countless spy images, multiple leaks and now 185 official photos, it’s time to really get down to brass tacks and see just how different the facelifted 2021 BMW 5-Series is visually compared to its predecessor.

The G30 5er was launched back in 2016 (as a MY2017 car) and it was immediately clear that BMW wanted a sharper, less anonymous and more modern-looking 5-Series, as opposed to the somewhat conservative-looking F10 model.

Since then, Audi came out with a brand new A6, looking techy inside and out, while Mercedes recently updated the E-Class, giving it some of that Sensual Purity styling that you’d find on the latest CLS, CLA, A-Class and so on.

Read Also: BMW M550i In Verde Ermes Begs The Question – Who Needs An M5?

Anyway, lo and behold there’s an updated 5-Series in town and most of its visuals (mainly front fascia and taillight related) are either sharper, tighter or slimmer. These gifs demonstrate perfectly what BMW wanted for the G30 5-Series as it moves into the second part of its life cycle.

The new adaptive LED headlights are a little less bulky and feature two L-shaped daytime running lights, instead of the smaller question mark-shaped ones from before. It was a pretty obvious choice seen as how the entire front fascia is a little more angular now.

The bumpers are also new, both front and rear, and the taillight graphic is a little more pronounced and differently shaped.


As for the interior, the changes are a lot less noticeable. All models feature the carmaker’s iDrive 7 infotainment system with its larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, while a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also available. There are also some differences in terms of trim and materials, but that’s something you look at only when you’re actually interested in buying the car.

In the end, how well do you feel BMW’s latest design language applies to the G30 5-Series?