My FH5 Log: Sludge Wave

Forza Horizon 5’s Horizon Retrowave update has just been hit with a sludge wave bringing with it three old cars from the 1980s. It’s the same story as last time, the cars came from the salvage yard and into the game. It’s just one more thing that makes it seem like the Forza franchise is on a path to self-destruction. We’ve seen enough old cars already.

First up, the BMW M635CSi that I've salvaged from the update's Storm Season Playlist.

The BMW M635CSi was revealed at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show and is based on the E24 6-Series. The M635CSI features an upgraded six-cylinder engine that was used to power the BMW M1. This engine generates 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) of power, and it is mated with a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual gearbox. 

In the United States, the M635CSi is known as the M6 and uses a catalyzed S38B35 motor engine. This engine produces 256bhp, which is less than the Euro-spec version due to stricter emissions regulations in North America. The M6 was built at BMW's Dingolfing plant from 1983 to 1989 with body shells sourced from Osnabruck-based Karmann works.

There are several versions of the M635CSi and M6. Two non-catalyst models were produced for the European market, one with left-hand drive and one with right-hand drive. There are also three distinct catalyst versions for Europe, North America, and Japan, all of which are left-hand drive.

Our second offender in this recent mess is the Lotus Esprit Series 2 that I've salvaged from the update's Dry Season Playlist.

The Lotus Esprit Series 2 is a cool sports car with a great history and a unique design. It has taillights from the Rover SD1 and an interior with Morris Marina switches. There’s even a special model that commemorates Lotus’ victory at the 1978 Formula One championship. It was originally limited to 300 units, but nearly half of it was made and sold.

In 1980, the Essex Turbo Esprit was launched. Finished in the livery of Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation, which was Team Lotus' sponsor from 1979 to 1981, the Essex Turbo Esprit is the first-ever turbocharged Esprit, powered by a 2.2L type 910 engine which produces 210hp of power and 271Nm of torque. It goes from 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds and flat-out in 150mph. It even comes with a revised chassis rear suspension setup and improved braking.

Last but not least, the Citroen BX4TC that I've salvaged from the Hot Season Playlist.

Developed for the 1985 World Rally Championship, the Citroën BX 4TC is a rally car derived from the Citroën BX production model. It was designed for Group B rallying in the World Rally Championship.

Sharing little resemblance to the normal BX, the 4TC features a longer nose due to the use of the slightly smaller 2.1L Simca Type 180 engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox sourced from the SM.

The 4TC is proven to be a difficult contender due to its weight, small power, and hydraulic suspensions causing understeer. The best result it has done is a sixth-place finish in Sweden with Jean-Claude Andruet. Citroen withdrew from the 1985 WRC to make revisions but the end of Group B racing threw a wrench to BX 4TC's debut.

Citroen produced 200 road-legal versions to comply with Group B regulations, each costing 248,500 francs. Due to its expensive price tag, only 86 were sold.

Although scarred by the corrosion of the past, I've given these three toxic wastes on wheels for a quick race across Horizon Mexico's finest just to see how much poison has left after being salvaged by the Forza producers from the scrapyard to the game. Roll the tapes.

Looks like Horizon Retrowave's very own Toxic Crusaders win the day.

The Horizon Retrowave update in Forza Horizon 5 is just another stark reminder that a racing game franchise like Forza often prefers featuring old cars rather than the latest and the hottest cars. This is a huge bummer because, while it may be a lot of fun to look at classic cars, racing games are supposed to be about having the latest and greatest vehicles, which is something that Forza is sorely lacking.

The next update is called “Modern Horizons” and I can’t help but hope that it will do the exact opposite of the current update. It would be so refreshing to see some modern-day cars coming to the game. I know I’m not the only one who thinks this, so here’s to hoping.

It’s not like there aren’t enough old cars in Forza already. How many more do we need? How long is this going to go on? I want to race in modern cars, and I want to race in them now. If Forza isn’t going to do it, I hope someone else will.

Please, please, Forza producers, bring us more modern present-day cars!

My FH5 Log: Check-M8

A long time ago, when BMW revived the 6-Series, they brought the ultra-powerful M6 which is basically a coupe equivalent of the M5 F10 that comes with the same turbocharged V8 and the double clutch gearbox and when I first played in the original Forza Horizon, I nearly fell in love with it.

In the pursuit of more grandness out of BMW's only grand tourer, the now-classic M6 has turned...

You're looking at the first-ever BMW M8, which is part of Forza Horizon 5's DLC car catalog. The old M6 the world knew has turned into something greater than itself.

Ah, yes. The BMW M8. Ever since BMW revived the 8-Series, it's not what it seems because it's basically the coupe equivalent of the BMW 5-Series G30, not the 7-Series that its predecessor dons. So, the M8, what's it all about?

It's basically the coupe version of the BMW M5 F90, meaning it still packs the same 4.4L V8 turbo engine and the 8-speed automatic. In its Competition spec, it produces 625PS of power and 750Nm of torque, sprinting through 0 to 100kph in up to 3.2 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph or with an optional extra where it can be raised to 305kph. Like the M5 F90, the M8 comes with an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with M Dynamic mode that allows it to behave like a rear-wheel-drive car.

Having been satisfied with the way the M8 performs, which is somewhat reminiscent of the M5 F90 a long time ago, it's time to see how much progress the M8 has compared to its M6 predecessor and with the streets of Guanajuato became my laboratory, it's time to compare these two turbocharged grand tourers just to find out if the M8's turbocharged engine and its all-wheel-drive magic truly work. VTR start!

And now the results...

M6 - 0m59.493s

M8 - 0m57.624s

So, it's a nearly two-second gap between them, meaning the M8's turbocharged V8 and M xDrive truly worked. Touche.

I got to admit, the M8 truly is shaping up to be the only BMW grand tourer worth driving despite running on M5 mechanicals similar to its M6 predecessor. Like its M5 F90 equivalent, the M8 rewrote the reality of BMW's high-performance grand tourer because of its turbocharged V8 engine and M xDrive, but still, it's worth enjoyable to drive full-stop.

Having fallen in love with the M8, it's time to give it a final exam to prove my point but first...

Oh, yes. This is what the BMW M8 is made for. Miichiru-sama be praised! Wait, what...?

Anyway, enough worshipping, as the boys with toys gathered around at Guanajuato for some after-hours, it's time to turn them into worshippers with a leisurely street race through the Guanajuato tunnels. Let's get cracking.

Kneel before her, boys!

Mission accomplished for the BMW M8. Although it's no longer active in the world of motor racing because it was replaced by its smaller and hideous-looking BMW M4 G82, it's still proved its worth as the only grand tourer the Germans are proud of. Although its time is almost up because of the new normal, the M8 is still worth worshipping until the endgame.

Dingolfing sends its regards.

BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

BMW called the 6-Series dead, to be replaced by the revival of the 8-Series moniker, but by some fate, they brought back the 6-Series, only this time in the form of a five-door liftback with the odd name BMW should have known better. This is the new BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo and this is the start of confusing BMW customers into oblivion because...well, let's find out.

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

In the start, BMW wanted odd numbered cars to be labeled Gran Coupe for their saloon derivatives while even numbered cars spawning five-door liftbacks to be labeled Gran Turismo. Now though, things have changed and the odd-numbered Bimmer donned the Gran Turismo moniker for no reason, showing signs that the world has gone out of control just like current affairs in the nutshell. The past 6-Series, based on the F10 BMW 5-Series, has a coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe saloon, but now that BMW stopped making the old 6-Series lineup, BMW had ran out of options amid the preparation of the return of the 8-Series and because they want to preserve the 6-Series name for no reason, they want to fill the void in the form of what is known to be a liftback version of the G30 5-Series.

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo interior

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo interior

Although not as ugly as the bulgy 5-Series Gran Turismo, it wasn't as pretty as the old 6-Series Gran Coupe, which in other words, it's above average to look at and despite being above average, it wasn't as redundant as today's Audi A5 Sportback by the looks of it and we can all live with that.

Step inside and you will be greeted by the usual BMW interior that looks the same as any other Bimmer you know but because this is based on the G30 5-Series, you have familiar features to toy around such as the Gesture Control feature. On the passenger side, despite being a liftback, it is surprisingly posh and when you opt for the one with the rear entertainment system, a lot more hospitable, like a 7-Series.

As for boot space, it's surprisingly more spacious than the old 5-Series GT by about 110 litres, meaning there's more golf bags and suitcases to fill in for some leisure stuff at the country club and that's a good mark for BMW there.

2018 BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo

The 6-Series GT offers three different engines at launch ranging from the 2.0L turbo to the 3.0L diesel, all mated with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. The most powerful version is the 640i with the 3.0L turbo petrol engine producing 340PS of power and 450Nm of torque. In xDrive spec, it does 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of an electronically limited 250kph. However, if you need more push on the go, there's the 640d with 680Nm of torque from its 3.0L diesel engine and with xDrive standard, you get a 0-100kph time of 5.3 seconds. Those demanding for efficiency should go for the 630d variant with 4.9 to 5.3L/100km of fuel efficiency based on some standards I don't know about.

What about dynamics? Well, it's pretty decent for a sports saloon and because it has some double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension reminiscent of some twenty-year old Honda Accord from a past, it feels somewhat agile and comfortable every time it handles like what a proper saloon should be. To get the most out of it, the 6-Series GT can be opted with the Adaptive suspension and Executive Drive, giving the ideal balance of comfort and sportiness on the road ahead, which is pretty much surprising for a 5-Series based liftback that stole the name from the coupe version of the 5-Series. Did I said it out loud, huh? And because it features a lightweight bodywork, the weight distribution is rather good indeed.

The dynamics aren't half bad but because it's tech-focused, the driving assists are going to upset your experience if you're a speedo boy because with stuff like Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Parking Assistant, Remote Control Parking, among many others, these tech can intoxicate your experience with the 6-Series GT, well save for the Remote Control Parking because this is very James Bond-ish.

The 6-Series GT starts at 62,300 Euros plus on-road costs and that's more expensive than the G30 5-Series it was based upon. So, what can I say? Although I can be upset about the confusing name, the design, and the pricing, I am impressed about the tech, the interior, and the dynamics that is very promising for a Bimmer and while this car has a love-or-hate attitude, its egoism is what sums this car up the most.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW M6 Gran Coupe

The current generation V8-powered M6, in coupe and cabriolet guise, is all about being bad wolves in sheep's clothing. It may look as subtle as a premium gran tourer but overall, its dynamic driving feel really gets the best of us, literally. It maybe mild but it's tangy when it comes to driving the M6. Now that the 4-door version ironically called the Gran Coupe came out last year, it seems that the M6 version is not absent to the Gran Coupe range. Let's find out...

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

Annoyingly, it seems the grand touring machine has added two extra doors and still call it a Gran Coupe. Excuse me but 4-door coupe? I thought coupes were made to be two-door cars and how come there's such thing as a 4-door coupe? What's next? 4-door supercar? Oh wait, there's an analogy for that. It was in the Aston Martin Rapide, Maserati Quattroporte, and the Porsche Panamera, I think. Anyway, for this terribly confusing version of the M6, does it still have the same grand touring dynamism of the normal M6 now with extra doors?

Well, yes. It is still fast. Zero to hundred in less than four and a half seconds and it's electronically locked in 255kph (305 km/h/189 mph if the optional M Driver's Package is specified). With 4.2 seconds of 100kph time, that's about the same as its equivalent rival from Mercedes-Benz, the CLS63 AMG 4-door coupe even though they both have the same power output from their V8 engines but unlike the CLS63 which has the nastiest vocal cords, the BMW M6's polar-bear friendly V8 seems to have its silence fallen. Get it? Silence has fallen. Anyway, forget about that, let's talk more about the new M6 Gran Coupe.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

Even with the added doors on the side, it still feels like an M6. It still has the thrill of a grand tourer while delivering the comfort of a premium sedan. If you're not in a mood for fun and games, the M6 Gran Coupe really is majestic and if you've been chauffeured in one of those, rest assured that you have a sparkle on your reputation by the time you got out for school studies. Imagine if a rich schoolgirl riding in one of those... Anyway, in the whole "fun and game" stuff, it's not that quite bad at all. You can hoon all day long in here until the tires get burst at the end of the day as long as there's no one bothering your whole fun and games for the day. For the braking, it's not to shabby too because unlike most other cars equipped with the high-performance compound braking system, the M6 Gran Coupe comes served with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes made from a new type of carbon-fiber compound which generates greater resistance to heat, lower weight and exceptional resistance to wear.

It's tamed, it has a double-clutch gearbox, a V8 turbo engine, some sporting credentials as expected from the normal M6, this Gran Coupe version sure knows where's it heading. It tries to be more of a sensual 4-door coupe built for high-performance fun while retaining the comfort of an executive premium sedan that will keep your Sir Chief impressed for more. Think of it as your university professor in size zero hot pants but one thing you'll notice is its pricing and with the starting price of 128,800 Euros, it will take years for you to save some cash unless you win the lottery to get one for keeps. Go ahead, unless you said "Shut up and take my money", you won't get it but good luck for those looking for one of these then.

Available colors: Alpinweiss uni, Saphirschwarz metallic, Havanna metallic, Silverstone II metallic, Spacegrau metallic, Imperialblau Brillanteffekt metallic, Singapur Grau Metallic Sakhir Orange, and San Marino Blau.

Photo: BMW

Forza Horizon: This is the all new BMW M6. Period.

A grand tourer made for the well-sophisticated bachelor

So, here I am, playing a game of Forza Horizon, talking about the all new BMW M6 (F13) that was featured on this game. Yep, this is the first time they've featured this latest M6! No one bravely does. This is the only video game in the world for you to taste the all new BMW M6 F13 Coupe.

Anyway, about the all new BMW M6, this new model is getting a bit more tamed than wild because for starters, the glorious V10 engine was been thrown away and replaced by a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine from the BMW M5 F10. It seems that downsizing is now a trend of today because of strict emission regulations but despite that, all that downsizing leads to bigger power. The old V10 of the M6 E63 has almost 500HP of power, this 4.4L V8 engine with turbos on the new M6 F13 though, has 552HP of power. That's a lot of power and more torques. A lot more torques. And it's quick!

With all that new features, especially the carbon-fiber roof, is the all new BMW M6 compromised some of its thrills in favor of being a well-mannered grand tourer in running shoes? I think it's a big no because even though it's a grand tourer, the new BMW M6 sure knows how to dance. It maybe challenging at first but when you get the hang of it, my oh my, it's a deserving one.

Nice job on that treasure hunt!

I like this one better than the new Bentley Continental GT or the Jaguar XKR-S but I think it's better than almost anyone. It's a soon-to-be-a-classic BMW in the making, turning the heads of almost any driver who sets foot on this one and it's impossible to think what's next to this new model. I've been waited for this moment to come.

Forza Motorsport 4: 1986 BMW M635CSi

This car has a fraternal twin, the M5

Introduced at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show and based on the E24 6-Series, the M635CSI (called M6 in the USA) uses the improved version of the six-cylinder engine that powered the BMW M1. It generates 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) of power and it was mated with a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual gearbox.

In America, the M635CSi, or better known as the M6 back then, uses a catalyzed S38B35 motor engine which produces 256bhp of power, less than the Euro-spec ones to comply with North American emissions regulations.

This car was produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant from 1983 to 1989 with body shells sourced from Osnabruck-based Karmann works. Different versions of the M635CSi or M6 includes Two non-catalyst models for the European market (left-hand drive and right-hand drive), and three distinct catalyst versions for Europe, North America and Japan (all left-hand drive).

Forza Motorsport 4: 2010 BMW M6

Much like taking a break at the Isle of Man

Based on the E63 6-Series, the M6 uses the same V10 engine from the M5 E60, which in the highest setting generates about 500HP of power and 380lb-ft of torque although the top speed is limited to 155mph. It was mated either a 7-speed single-clutch SMG or a 6-speed manual.

Like the E60 M5, the E63 M6 comes with a power button where from ignition it generates 400HP of power but hitting the M button generates the whole 500HP of power.

With carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof as well as thermoplastic front wings, aluminum doors and bonnet and compound boot lid, it weighs 1710kg (3770lbs).

The E63 M6 was the last model to be fitted with the BMW 5.0L V10 engine as production of the E63 M6 as well as its V10 engine ended in 2010 and about 14,152 M6 cars have been built since 2005.

In Top Gear Season 7 opener, the BMW M6 E63 was featured as well as the Porsche 911 Carrera S (997) and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage when Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May compared these three at the Isle of Man.

BMW M6 Cabrio (F12) and Coupe (F13)

2013 BMW M6

So, the latest version of the BMW M6, in coupe and cabrio versions...It may have went for some downsizing issues such as replacing the V10 engine from the old model in favor of twin-turbo V8 that powered the M5 F10 but can this new model bested the old M6 even though in its newly regenerated look?

First of all, it does look like the latest incarnation on the BMW 6-Series that we saw last year but with this powerful version, it's getting a bit too shouty. Look closely at the kidney grilles, did you see the M6 badge on the right side of the kidney grille? Yes, we know it's an M6 but why would they put the M6 badge on one side of the kidney grille? Those BMW M models I know doesn't have that but for this new M6? Hello? We can distinguish it by its signature body kit and quad exhausts, as well as the M6 badge on the back. It's unnecessary to put the M6 badge on the kidney grille because...that's a lot of nonsense. Yep, that's a lot of nonsense.

2013 BMW M6 Coupe

Whatever, let's forget the shouty exterior look of the all new M6 but anyway, because the engine's downgraded from V10 to twin-turbo V8 engine, do we think that they downgraded the power? I'm afraid not because unlike the old V10 it replaces, the twin-turbo V8 engine that powered the BMW M5 F10 generates about 560PS of power - that's about 10 more than the Jaguar XKR-S! But seriously, how does the new M6 stack up against the XKR-S?!

Well in terms of crucial areas, not well. When the new BMW M6's 4.4L twin turbo V8 engine generates 10PS more than the Jaguar XKR-S' 5.0L Supercharged V8 engine, putting these two on the benchmark is a disaster. While the XKR-S' 0-100kph time is 4 seconds, the new M6's 0-100kph time is...let's say 4.2 seconds. Just .2 seconds slower than the XKR-S.

Then there was the top speed; while the M6 is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), the XKR-S is limited to 300 km/h (186 mph), meaning that while in the Autobahn, the XKR-S can easily overtake the new M6 to the max.

So what about the weight? While the XKR-S Coupe's curb weight is 1,800kg and the XKR-S Convertible's curb weight is 1,850kg, the new BMW M6 Coupe's curb weight is 1,924kg and 2,056 kg for the Convertible. There has to be some simple reason why this new M6 weighs more than the Jaguar XKR-S is because of several features added on the new M6, especially the new 7-speed double clutch transmission, which the XKR-S doesn't have because it's a 6-speed AT that finds it a bit difficult.

But wait! If you think the M6 is a bit slower than the XKR-S in terms of limited top speed, think again because for the new M6, you can have the optional M Driver's Package that pushes the M6's top speed up to 305 km/h (189 mph)! 305kph? That's about...5kph more than the XKR-S! That's staggering but I still don't know if I have to appreciate this new M6 more than my favorite Jag?

Unlike the Jaguar XKR-S, the new M6 comes with the idling stop system that shuts the engine off when stopped and then start again when the foot's on the pedal - to save petrol.

Handling wise, the new M6 is a bit too twitchy to drive than the Jaguar XKR-S because the M6's heavier than the XKR-S, as I said. Handling the XKR-S is as delicate as a piano but its as harsh as...drinking whiskey for some commercial shooting that drive the producer very angry. Did I said that line? Anyway, the new M6 though, it takes some skill to master the handling even though this new guy comes M-specific chassis technology, Dynamic Damper Control, M Servotronic, and DSC with M Dynamic Mode. You can think of it like sonic screw-driving a very complicated giant safe that contains two people freezing themselves to death. Hey! Ralph called! (vomitting)

Available colors for the all new BMW M6 are; Saphirschwarz, Havanna, Silverstone, Spacegrau, Imperialblau Brllanteffekt, Singapur Grau, Sakhir Orange, San Marino Blau, and Alpinweiß.

2013 BMW M6 Cabrio

My comment:

Choosing between those two cars is not easy. Surely the Jaguar XKR-S is a bit too delicate from its looks but wild on performance while the BMW M6 is all too shouty even though for the first time I saw a badge placed on its trademark kidney grille. Sure, the BMW M6 and the Jaguar XKR-S may have some flaws on it but when you compare these two, you'll never know which stacks up either on the track, on the streets, or Amy Pond's eyes but for me, on balance, I would choose the shouty German sports car instead...

Photo: BMW A.G.

BMW 6er Gran Coupe (F06)

Last year, the F12/F13 BMW 6-Series Coupe and Cabriolet are becoming one of my favorite long distance cruisers of all time not only because of their style but also of their performance figures thanks to their turbocharged engines. Now, this year, they've added an addition that is surely not a fitting addition to the 6-Series range.

2013 BMW 6er Gran Coupe

2013 BMW 6er Gran Coupe

This is the new BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe (codename F06), the Bavarian competitor against the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and the Audi A7. Sadly then, this new Gran Coupe is a bit too misleading because to me, coupes have two doors but this one has four doors. There is no such thing as a four-door coupe but who cares? This car was heavily influenced from the 2010 BMW Gran Coupe Concept car as seen on the 2010 Paris Motor Show. This car shows the classic features of all BMW coupes: the long wheelbase, the vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, the set-back greenhouse, the flat silhouette, the coupe-style roof line and the short front overhang reflect the dynamic potential of the vehicle. I don't care what BMW said about this car but to me, this is a bit too confusing because what you're looking here is a F12/F13 6-Series with extra doors on it.

2013 BMW 6er Gran Coupe interior

A typical BMW trademark interior though but the 6-Series Gran Coupe has a distinctive driver orientation typical of all BMW vehicles and the interior features create a luxurious ambience for all passengers. The standard iDrive feature comes with a 10.2-inch on-board monitor with an exclusive flat-screen design, surrounded by a chrome frame that highlights the monitor.

Obviously, because this is a 4-door 6-Series, the rear legroom has been enhanced but I'm afraid that this car can fit only four despite the fact that BMW said that this car can fit three at the back without the armrest. Just look at the middle part of the rear. It was somewhat occupied by the rear air conditioning so it's best to lay down the armrest to rest your wearing arms.

Let me put it this way. If you have a 6-Series Coupe, accessing to the rear seats is a bit too stressful. If you have a 6-Series Cabriolet with the roof off, you can jump through the seats but that wouldn't work because of the rear legroom. With the Gran Coupe, those two idiots in business suits now have access at the back.

Oh, and I'll give you a little tip. If you have an IQ of Jeremy Clarkson's, you might even do the Back Seat Driver trick but that won't work because you could lead to serious trouble.

2013 BMW 6er Gran Coupe

At first glance, then, the BMW Gran Coupe is available in three different flavors;

BMW 640d Gran Coupe
Engine: N57D30
Power: 313 PS
Torque: 630 Nm
0-100kph time: 5.5 seconds
Combined Fuel Economy: 5,7-5,6 l/100 km
CO2-Emission kombiniert: 149-148 g/km

BMW 640i Gran Coupe
Engine: N55B30
Power: 320 PS
Torque: 450 Nm
0-100kph time: 5.4
Combined Fuel Economy: 7,9-7,8 l/100 km
CO2-Emissions: 183-181 g/km

BMW 650i Gran Coupe
Engine: N63B44
Power: 408 PS
Torque: 600 Nm
0-100kph time: 4.9 seconds
Combined Fuel Economy: 8,8-8,6 l/100 km
CO2-Emissions: 206-199 g/km

All of these models have an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission and proven BMW EfficientDynamics technology. They even come with a Driving Experience button with ECO PRO Mode and the Auto Start Stop function. Petrol variants of the Gran Coupe do come with the available XDrive all-wheel drive technology for better traction and all-round travelling even in the rain. It's quite perfect if you've encounter a road covered with pee. Without it, you could be in big trouble.

For personalization, you might have a choice of either a BMW Individual for added exclusivity upon your request or the M Sportpaket for added sportiness. Anyway, the available colors are Titansilber metallic, Saphirschwarz metallic, Havanna metallic, Spacegrau metallic, Tiefseeblau metallic, Vermilionrot metallic, Orionsilber metallic, Mineralweiß metallic, Carbonschwarz metallic*, Citrinschwarz metallic**, Rubischwarz metallic**, Tansanitblau metallic**, Mondstein metallic**, Fronze Bronze metallic**, Brilliantweiß metallic**, Frozen Gray metallic**, Frozen Silver metallic**, Schwarz uni, Alpinweiß uni, and Imola Rot uni*

*M Sportpaket-only color
**Individual-only color

My comment:
This BMW Gran Coupe is too misleading and it feels like it was made by people for the people who don't exist, like the skyscraper from Hong Kong that was made by people for the people who don't exist. Remind you of any? So I ask again, who would made a 4-door coupe anyway? Is it because they waste too much money for some research and development? Is it because they answer responses from many men? I don't really know why but anyway, the Gran Coupe costs 79,500 Euros, making it more expensive than the Mercedes CLS-Class. So, I would rather buy it instead of the Gran Coupe and use the extras for something else, like um...Facebook credits.

Consider this one DELETE or EXTERMINATE.

Photo: BMW

BMW 1-Series M Coupe (E82) and BMW 6-Series Convertible (F12)

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2012 BMW 6-Series Cabrio

The debut of the BMW 1-Series M Coupe and the BMW 6-Series Cabrio's full model change really sparked BMW fans from the Philippines everywhere. With distributor Asian Carmakers behind this, we were surprised to see these two new stars arrived in our shores.

For power, we would recommend the new BMW 1-Series M Coupe but act fast because it's a limited edition model. This latest M car is powered with the new 3.0L 6-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine that produces 340HP of power, 450Nm of torque and 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds. It costs 5,540,000 Philippine Pesos.

For the grand-touring experience, we recommend seeing the BMW 6-Series Convertible F12. The new BMW F12 is available in two engine types such as the N55B30 3.0L L6 TwinPower TurboValvetronic engine for the 640i and a N63B44 4.4L TwinPower Turbo direct injection engine for the 650i. The BMW 640i Cabrio equipped with the N55B30 3.0L L6 TwinPower Turbo Valvetronic engine is equipped with the idling stop function courtesy of BMW EfficientDynamics. Both of them are powered with the 8-speed sports automatic gearbox. The 640i Cabrio's price is 8,780,000 Philippine Pesos while the 650i Cabrio's price starts at 10,780,000 Philippine Pesos.

Scoop:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/asian-carmakers-brings-in-bmw-1-series-m-coupe-6-series-convertible

BMW 6-Series Coupe and Convertible (F12/F13) Full Model Change

2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible and
2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe

Since 2003, BMW returned the 6-Series as a grand touring sports car for the elite customers. The old Chris Bangle design from the previous BMW 6-Series truly captivated most men in their 30's to 50's because of its masculine looks, smart technology, and ravaging performance.

Now, in 2011, the BMW 6-Series was progressed even further on its latest full model change, designated by the chassis codes F12 on the Convertible and F13 on the Coupe form. In an unexpected twist, the Convertible variant of the new BMW 6-Series will be the first to be available to the European market this Spring while the new 6-Series Coupe will be follow shortly this Summer or Autumn, depending on market conditions.

Heavily influenced from the 2010 BMW 6-Series Coupe Concept at the 2010 Mondial D' Automobile at Paris, France, the new 6-Series boasted an impressive elegance in the front and back. What puzzles me is the new rear view that is somewhat similar to the Nissan Silvia S15. What an unexpected twist for this new generation 6-Series.

Available as of press time is the choice of two engines; the N55B30 3.0L L6 TwinPower TurboValvetronic engine and a N63B44 4.4L TwinPower Turbo direct injection engine. The N55B30 engine is loaded with 320 PS of power, 450 Nm or torque, and can reach 5,7 seconds on the 0-100km run. The N63B44 engine, on the other hand, is loaded with about 408 PS of power, 600 Nm or torque, and can go for about 5 seconds on the 0-100km run. Both of these engines are loaded with an 8-speed Sports automatic gearbox and comes with an idling stop system courtesy of BMW EfficientDynamics that allows these majestic engines to shut off when stopped on the traffic, giving it an optimized fuel efficiency and less emissions. Another eco-warrior made for the elite drivers.

My thoughts about the 6-Series:
As of press time, the new 6-Series got themselves turbocharged, which is a good news for those turbo-hungry car addicts, but the bad news was there's no manual transmission yet for the new 6-Series. On the other hand, the new 6-Series is destined to be an eco-warrior thanks to the idling stop feature courtesy of BMW EfficientDynamics, which shuts down the engine automatically when stopped.

Because of the unexpected twist, only the Convertible variant will be first to be on sale, starting at the ridiculous pricing of just 83,300 Euros (or if it hits in the Philippines, an unbelievable pricing of a possible 9.6 million Philippine Pesos may occur) for the 640i Convertible. Should Asian Carmakers Corporation bring this new model to the Philippines soon? I don't know and I'm not a future gazer you know but still, this turbocharged model really hits the spot! Looks like the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio are going to be upset with this one!

Photo: BMW AG