In line with our exclusive information from mid-April BMW has finally released official pricing and specs for the new M3 and M4. You can read the press release after the break. Before you do, a reminder on the manufacturer’s list pricing:
See, we told you BMW would make an M2 and here is the proof. The first bona fide M product on the 2 Series platform is expected to commence production in the second half of 2015 for a market launch in 2016 or possibly even late 2015.
BMW will raid the M parts bin to stuff the M2 chock full of goodies. As you can see from this spy pic there’s a genuine LSD in place, just as we saw on the 1M. The camouflage applied to the test mule shows the front and rear wheel arches will be flared, both for aesthetic reasons and to increase the car’s track. Wider wheels and tyres will fill the guards as well.
Insiders say the M2 will be fitted with the N55B30T0 3.0 litre inline six cylinder turbo. Power should top out at around 370–380PS (272–280kW).
[Source: Bimmerpost | Thanks to John for the tip]
Steve Glenney (Nissan GT-R) has extended his lead in the chase for outright success at Targa Tasmania. Last year’s winner, Jason White (Lancer Evo IX) has moved into second place, relegating Matt Close (Audi TT RS) back to third.
I’m pleased to report car #923 had another enjoyable day and is now safely tucked away in the Launceston Silverdome ready for the journey west on Day 3.
UPDATE: As is proving to be usual practice now a new highlights video is updated after the news footage and general pool video. A third highlights clip has now been added below.
We’re unashamed MINI fans here at AUSmotive, especially the warmer versions. However, during the development of the F56 we became concerned that BMW was beginning to strip too much of the character away from the brand which has captured the imagination of hot hatch fans around the world since its relaunch in 2001.
BMW’s first attempt at a Cooper S, the R53, was in some ways its best effort. Sure there were build quality issues and its unsophisticated engine wouldn’t have looked out of place in a piece of farm machinery, but such things were offset by the car’s unmistakable charisma. The R53’s best traits were its just right retro styling, pinpoint handling and razor sharp steering. That it was all capped off by an endearing chorus belted out by the supercharger was the icing on the cake.
The car which followed, the R56, was undoubtedly an improvement in virtually all aspects. Yet, while it still left you with a broad smile, some of the cheekiness from the R53 had been lost. So what of the third attempt, the F56? Has BMW been able to integrate MINI more closely with the BMW family and still keep its sense of fun and noted go kart feel?
It’s no use pretending, that I undertsand why Lamborghini Australia asked journos not to report on a flaming Aventador at a recent event held at Phillip Island.
According to Drive.com.au the LP700-4 had completed many laps of the picturesque circuit as part of a media demonstration, which was not attended by Drive. Late in the day smoke bellowed from the engine bay and flames soon emerged as people scrambled out on track with fire extinguishers to try and minimise the damage.
Fairfax Media alleges Lamborghini Australia “forced” at least one media organisation to delete footage of the flaming Aventador.
In a prepared statement, Sebastien Henry, Lamborghini’s head of south-east Asia and Pacific, explained: “We certainly did not ‘force’ any of our guests to delete any imagery obtained on the day.
“We did however, kindly request that our guests refrain from making any assumptions through the media—particularly when, at the time, the cause of the incident had not yet been adequately investigated.”
Henry’s statement went on to add: “Automobili Lamborghini has confirmed that the issue was accidental due to the vehicle’s extended track use in a high-temperature environment. The investigation has also confirmed that the issue was not due to any fault in the design or construction of the vehicle.”
Unofficial eyewitness reports suggest the fire was caused by a small oil leak which ignited after it made contact with the exhaust system. A theory which was later confirmed by Lamborghini.
This story is embarrassing for Lamborghini, yes, but we wonder if trying to suppress the facts is cause for more embarrassment?
Despite Lamborghini playing coy, this isn’t the first time an Aventador has said light me and I’ll burn for you.
[Source: Drive.com.au]
Here’s the TV highlights from Day 1 of Targa Tasmania. Steve Glenney has put himself and his R35 Nissan GT-R in the lead but as he achknowledges there’s a long way to go, with challenges currently coming from Matt Close (Audi TT RS) and Jason White (Lancer Evo IX).
Car #923, the MINI JCW GP, got through the day unscathed and is looking good heading into Day 2.
UPDATE: An extra highlights clip has been added below.
Day 0 has been safely ticked off by most of the crews today. The day is little more than a qualifying or seeding process to set the running order for the following days when the competition begins in earnest.
Happily I can report that car #923 is running well and the guys were pleased with their efforts today, which included a 10 second PB on the George Town stage. When they are out on course you can track the lads, or any of the other competitors, in real time using the Rally Safe link on the official Targa website. Pretty cool, huh!
After the break you can check out the highlights from the local TV news outlet Southern Cross.
UPDATE: On-board footage from Jason White’s Evo IX has been added above.
One of the first F80 M3s delivered in the world has ended up with a frequent buyer in Dubai. He’s had his car for a couple of weeks now and he’s been updating the world via the Bimmerpost forum. This video showing off the car’s lightning quick launch control feature took our fancy.
After you’ve watched the video we’re sure you’ll agree the answer to our question is: bloody fast! And while a 35°C day might be on the chilly side for Dubai, it’s still less than ideal conditions for a high performance turbo. Although the new M3 seemed to cope just fine.
[Source: Bimmerpost | Thanks to Robbo for the tip]
Toyota has set itself up as the favourite for Le Mans after taking victory in the 6 Hours of Spa on the weekend. The #8 TS040 backed up its success at Silverstone with another win, while the #7 sister car came home third.
Splitting the two Toyotas was the #1 Audi R18, with all three cars completeing 171 laps of the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
The #14 Porsche 919, which started from pole position, started well and established a lead of over 10 seconds in the first stint before a few minor issues with the hybrid system required attention. In the end Porsche had to be satisfied with fourth place, one lap behind the leaders.
A pair of Audi R18s filled positions five and six, with the #3 car running in low downforce Le Mans trim—the only of the three LMP1 teams to do so. Audi will be heading to the Circuit de la Sarthe with a lot more work to do than it is used to. The challenge from Toyota appears very real this year.
The #20 Porsche 919 of Mark Webber, had problems throughout the race. First with the rear dampers and later with the front drive shaft. They were able to finish the race but were 23 laps behinf the winning Toyota.
Targa Tasmania starts this week and I’ll be heading down later today to act as service crew for car #923. The car itself, a MINI JCW GP, may look familiar to you.
And it is, almost!
This also means updates to AUSmotive may be a bit sparse for the next week.
Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he is on his last chance with BBC management and will be sacked if he makes another faux pas. The news comes after a story published by The Mirror which claims Clarkson used the offensive term “nigger”.
The online version of the article included footage from two years ago, which didn’t go to air. Clarkson responded via twitter saying: “I did not use the n word. Never use it. The Mirror has gone way too far this time.”
In his most recent piece for The Sun, Clarkson wrote: “I’ve been told by the BBC that if I make one more offensive remark, anywhere, at any time, I will be sacked.
“And even the angel Gabriel would struggle to survive with that hanging over his head.
“It’s funny.
“I’ve always thought I’d be sacked for something I said.
“Not for something that actually, I didn’t say.”
Porsche has given the WEC a bit of a shake by claiming pole position for tonight’s 6 Hours of Spa. The #14 919, qualified by Neel Jani and Marc Lieb, came up trumps as the track began to dry at a typically wet Spa circuit.
The #8 Toyota TS040 has backed up its win at Silverstone well and will share the front row with Porsche. The first of three Audi R18s will start from the second row, joined by the #7 Toyota. Mark Webber and his mates will start their #20 Porsche from from P5, followed by the remaining R18s.
Qualifying in the WEC is a combined effort with the results from two drivers averaged out. As the weather improved an otherwise relaxed Marc Lieb was almost caught out.
“This pole position means a lot to me,” Lieb said. “It has been hard work for a long time for many people. Taking pole position today came as a total surprise. On my first run the track wasn’t dry enough for slicks and then Neel got into the car.
“I was having a coffee in the back of the garage and watching him. Then I was suddenly told get your helmet back on and improve your earlier lap time. It was tough time management to get these two laps and I’m a very happy man. Now I hope for a good race.”