BMW M4 Cabriolet (G83)

The monstrously-grilled BMW M4 is also available in the open-top Cabriolet version and it offers the same driving thrills and spills of the Coupe, now with the foldable hardtop if you're in the mood for open-top driving on sunshine.

2022 BMW M4 Cabriolet

Priced at 98,500 Euros plus additional costs, the Cabriolet version of the M4 is more expensive and bulkier than its coupe equivalent but it still behaves like it, not to mention the monstrously-huge vertical kidney grilles at the front to put salt to your wounds.

Of course, behind the monster grilles, the M4 Cabriolet still dons the same reworked dynamics, improved performance, cutting-edge tech, and more, just like its coupe equivalent. The same goes for the interior as well, but don't toy with the Alexa-ish BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant or you'll ruin somebody's day.

The M4 Cabriolet is offered exclusively in Competition trim, donning the same 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder engine from the coupe version, producing 510PS of power and 650Nm of torque while mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and the rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that lets you have fun without the drama involved. 

Despite being heavier than the coupe, which is the main reason why its 0-100kph time has increased to 3.7 seconds compared to the M4 Coupe Competition xDrive's 3.5-second mark, the M4 Cabriolet is still as fun to drive as the coupe because of its sport-tuned dynamics that work wondrously on the road and track, and thanks to its M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that works like the current M5, it's still as addictive as the coupe equivalent. You'll spend the rest of the day cranking the ohms until you are as high as a kite flying in a middle of a thunderstorm.

Just like its coupe equivalent, the M4 Cabriolet is bad plus good equals better for everyone who is man enough to drive this monster.

Photo: BMW

BMW M3 (G80) and M4 (G82)

Well, it had to happen. After so many complaints from speedo boys ranting about the terrifying vertical kidney grille slapped on the second-generation 4-Series' face and feared that the next M3 and M4 could get the same treatment as the one mentioned, the new generation BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe have arrived and yes, it dons the terrifying vertical kidney grille that had most speedo boys complaining. So, behind the terrifying grille, what's it feels like to be with the new model?

2022 BMW M4

2022 BMW M3

The new BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe have arrived with the terrifying vertical kidney grille slapped on the front, the kind of grille most speedo boys are complaining about, probably because our favorite German luxury car maker's gone progressive in every way, but behind the grille, the new models featured reworked dynamics, improved performance, cutting-edge tech, and more, keeping in tune with BMW's motorsport knowhow as well as...the times.

Of course, as speedo boys keep complaining about the massive vertical grille on the face, there's more to this design that polarizes them. On the interior, it still operates and feels just like their normal equivalents, apart from the annoying but clever BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that works like your Amazon Alexa device in every way or so but since they're potent versions of the 3-Series sedan and 4-Series coupe, you are greeted by the M-specific treatments that differentiate them such as its sports seats, buttons, and some extras. The carbon fiber trim's a bit tacky by the way but being tacky is what these new models do best.

Under the hood, the new models are armed with the 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that can be mated to either a no-nonsense 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox if you're into the more powerful Competition variant with 510PS of power, 650Nm of torque, and a 0-100kph time of 3.9 seconds. As speedo boys complained about the looks but went to buy one anyway, looks like the less powerful base variant with the manual gearbox is the best pick because speedo boys love sports cars with a manual gearbox. Hey, the one with the manual gearbox can be so much more fun to drive than the new Toyota GR Supra, which has less power and no manual. Cue the raspberry sound effects, boys.

While the performance is somewhat rewarding for speedo boys who didn't bother about its controversial looks, the new M3 and M4 are getting more fun to drive than their predecessors. That's because they have updated its suspension and chassis setup to make it wider, lower, more rigid, and more enjoyable to drive than the previous models. There are also clever bits as well such as the M Dynamic Mode on the stability control, updated TCS, M Drive Professional system with M Traction Control, and more, giving you more ways to get intoxicated by its addictive dynamics that made you want to drive for more.

In standard rear-wheel drive specs, the new M3 and M4 really show some vitality through the corners and when you try oversteering it, you should be just fine. Speedo boys really dig the ones with rear-wheel drive configuration but with the all-wheel-drive variants arriving later, there's so much to get hooked with the new models because, for those who have experience with the all-wheel-drive M5, you can expect near-similar results with these two.

The case of "bad plus good equals better for everyone" could be the ideal summary for the new M3 and M4 because with the design that attracts so much heat from complaining speedo boys, the improved performance and dynamics, as well as the manual gearbox, are what made them good. Think about it, if you still complaining about the looks, why are you driving one?

Photo: BMW

BMW X5 M F95/X6 M F96

The latest-generation BMW X5 and its coupe-crossover derivative, the X6, gained some extra muscles courtesy of the R&D folks from BMW M Power and with that, the all-new X5 M and the all-new X6 M are picking up where its predecessors left off by delivering some beef to the speedo boys who are or aren't interested in high-performance SUVs that doesn't really make any sense in tackling sports kingdoms, whatever that meant.

The new BMW X5 M, starts at under 130K, and the new X6 M, starts at under 145K, are the big boys of the M garage that combines the same exhilirating performance inherited from most M cars while staying true to its practicality and utility characters like almost any SUV in the world does, well almost.

At first glance, they look exactly similar compared to its normal brethrens, apart from the terrifying front face that got the whole world questioning them, but since they're the M variants, they've gained some extra protein on the outside, making them even more cool despite its dull and vain fronts that today's BMWs don. On the inside, they still seat up to five people and have decent boot space, well the X5's is, but with some sport seats and M steering wheel with customizble modes that suits your driving style, along with some manly stuff that smells like a man's perfume when you get inside, these interiors surely fit to its high performance character.

Under the bonnet, the X5 M and the X6 M are equipped with the same 4.4L V8 BiTurbo engine that powered the uber-cool M5 and its M8 cousins. In Competition guise, it produces up to 625ps of power and 750Nm of torque. Mated to an automatic gearbox, they do 0-100kph in less than four seconds and a top speed of up to 290kph courtesy of an optional package.

The turbocharged V8 engine really feels meaty just like its tiny equivalents but the way they handling is worth questionable because while these guys come with the same M xDrive feature as the M5, the X5 M and the X6 M doesn't have a special drift mode, which sucks but while they're known to be heavy hitters, the X5 M and the X6 M sure knows a thing or two about being capable on and off the road. On a normal road, the rear-biased mechanicals sure makes them behave like sportscars but on the dirt, they're almost working rather well, although this might spoil the M character into it so why would you want to take an M SUV to a dirt anyway? It's what they're made for or so I thought.

With tons of mechanical undersides implanted into them, ranging from the bespoke chassis tech, extremely stiff mountings, M-specific suspension and active roll stabilisation, M Servotronic steering, and M compound brakes, among many others, these SUVs are all about getting the speedo boys addicted to them all day, all night, until they are fully satisfied.

They maybe the elephants in the M room, but the new models surely know how to keep the speedo boys interested for more, whatever the reason.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW X5 M F85 and X6 M F86

2016 BMW X6 M and 2016 BMW X5 M

Both the BMW X5 and the X6 are in their latest generations and now, they've been given their more potent M versions that will give these heavyweight Bimmers a chance to let loose on the wild, however there's something wrong about these two heavyweight behemoths dressed in gym shorts.

For starters, both the X5 M and X6 M have shared the same fate as the latest M3 and M4 have witnessed. For the X5 M, the codename is not classified as "F15" as with the normal X5 and for the X6 M, it's no longer classified as "F16" as with the normal X6. Instead the latest X5 M is classified as F85 and the new X6 M is classified as F86. That sounds like a big conspiracy for the Bimmer geeks but maybe because these new models come with a combination of high-strength steel and carbon composites. It's the same thing happened on the latest M3 and M4, but best to leave this ludicrous conspiracy for now.

Both the new X5 M and the X6 M still come with the same 4.4L twin turbo V8 engine from the previous model but now, it's been uprooted with 20HP more so that now, it produces 575HP of power output and 750Nm of torque. It would reach to 100kph in 4.2 seconds and they're electronically limited to 250kph. With that kind of engine output, both the X5 M and the X6 M will have its Porsche Cayenne Turbo S rival hanging in the balance, or that's the theory because when it comes to taking on the corners, looks like the more powerful Cayenne will outwit both these big, beefy M SUVs because even with the weight loss thanks to the combination of high-strength steel and carbon composites, their handling capabilities won't make a cut against that Porsche.

I know that sounds crazy but this is physics and both the X5 M and the X6 M feels like they're failing the physics class where the Cayenne Turbo S will excel. When the Cayenne handles like a horse at the Grand National, both the X5 M and the X6 M handle like if you were carrying a fully-loaded Balikbayan Box from the back of its boot. That electric power steering and four-wheel drive really made them feel like someone's trying to stretch your face or get stuck with Mighty Bond all over. If this is the first time driving either of these, it takes time to getting used to it because just because it's complicated to drive doesn't mean you don't want to drive one. If you're very careful, it will feel more accessible for you and you can find its hidden potential underneath their heavyweight bodywork.

Another thing you will notice in both of the new M SUVs is the implementation of the 8-speed double clutch gearbox and the idea of the double-clutch gearbox is to deliver quicker shiftings than the previous models. That sounds very great but very complicated to take care of it.  There's also the M Drive manager where you can select either COMFORT, SPORT, or SPORT+ but no matter the setting, these doesn't affect both the M SUVs' behaviors.

If you even thinking about using either of these as a family car, you'd better off with a cheap van rather than both of these because using either of these while going to the shops can be as embarrassing as you letting your parents taking a picture of you and themselves at a 3D art museum and since your parents have occupied most of the time taking pics of you and them, you don't have time to do your grand plan. Tough love, buddy. Tough love.

The new X5 M starts at 114,300 Euros while the X6 M starts at 117,700 Euros. That sounds a lot for a family car but they're not made to be either a family car nor a track-day car because their bulky, beefy, and too much for its own right. Even though they're more affordable to own than the powerful Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, I would better have one but if I don't like how the Cayenne looks, guess there's no other choice than choosing either of these heavyweight behemoths.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW M3 (F80) and M4 (F82)

2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4

For many years, the BMW M3 has been the German muscle of our generation. From its humble beginnings since the E30, its numerous regenerations, new breakthroughs, involvement in the motorsport world, the 3-Series with the muscle is one of the most iconic high-performance German machines in the history of mankind and here we are, the new chapter of M3 is finally unfold and this is not like any other M3s we remembered because starting now, the M3 is now available exclusively as a sedan while its coupe version now gets a new name...M4.

This is all part of BMW's revised naming strategy of using odd numbers for saloons and even numbers for coupes with some minor exceptions to the rule. If the naming is least of our problems, the chassis codes now come with a plot twist that we never expect to happen. 3-Series models bear the F30 code while 4-Series models bear the F32 code but the new M3 now bear the F80 code while it's F82 for the M4. Why? Anyway, there has been some conspiracy theories going on about why the chassis code for the new M3 and M4 are way different than the regular 3-Series sedan and 4-Series coupe. Some say...it's different in uses of various materials as the regular F3x models are made of steel while F8x features a combination of high-strength steel and carbon composites. Other possible theories state that this ludicrously new codes reflect the change on how the corporate office manages the finance books on those models. This is still a conspiracy but we'll let that one on the running. Anyway, the car...

2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4

By the looks of it, they're look identical to each other but the only main difference are the doors themselves. The M3 opens four doors while the M4 opens only two doors. Simple as that. What's also change is the fun factor because the previous model's V8 engine sounds more baritone, a bit more muscle car in the noise stakes. For those new models, the magnificent V8 engine has been thrown away to the trash can and replaced by the 3.0L straight-six twin turbo engine. When you listen to that, it sounds like your average sportscar and I'm not quite down to the big upset because there's the same stuff you find on the current M5: something that fires a synthesized exhaust note from the speakers. Sinister but cheating.

Although the new straight-six engine maybe a bit of a problem for us but there's an upside to this one; this engine produces 431PS of power output and 550Nm of torque, that's plenty than the old model's V8 engine. With the 7-speed DCT equipped, both the M3 and the M4 can do 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph or 280kph with the available M driver pack. Plus it's now more economical than ever because both of these can accumulate 12.05km/L of combined fuel economy and CO2 emission of 194g/km. This engine is Euro 6-compliant.

Thanks to the use of high-strength steel and carbon components, they've managed to shave off 83kg of weight, resulting to a perfect weight distribution and a little reminiscent from the E46 days. As for handling, it's not quite bad even though these two now come with power steering for the first time. I'm not a fan of power steering though because they feel less communicative when cornered. Be warned though because while it maybe a good car to thrash about, commuting in one of these can be very drastic thanks to the fact that the suspension has been stiffened. Despite setting this one to the comfort setting, it doesn't feel as comfortable as your parents' van on a turnaround part where it leads you all the way to the top of the parking area.

2014 BMW M3 interior

2015 BMW M4 interior

Should you buy it? Well, let's calculate their starting price first because the M4 will cost you 72,200 Euros while the M3 costs 71,500 Euros, a 700 Euro difference. Even though the new M3 sedan is cheaper than its M4 coupe equivalent, they're still very expensive to own unless you have enough funds to invest in these Bimmers. If there's something I would love about these two; it's all in the styling, interior, the handling that you can really thrash around when the timing's just right, and being light on weight. Things I hate would be the lack of throttle response, redundant straight-six noise, power steering and wait for it...the pricing. But still I hate the M4 more than the Corvette C7 Stingray.

Why I hate the new BMW M4? Well, remember the whole thing happened to the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray? Well, I'm proven wrong many times by those idiots and just when I though that the C7 Corvette's going to be Gran Turismo-exclusive, looks like someone done a little extortion to feature it on another racing game because they're just too jealous to feature. Jealousy forces them to steal what is supposed to be Gran Turismo exclusive and here I am, traumatized by that situation when some of the Gran Turismo exclusives got trafficked to other video games like human trafficking.

2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4

If there's one thing you need to know for those in charge of racing video games, you'd better not to lay a finger on the BMW M4 because of its Gran Turismo exclusivity and it wishes that it should not end up on the same mistake as what happened to the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray. I would repeat this once and only once that the BMW M4 is Gran Turismo-exclusive and no other game should lay their hands to extort it for the sole purpose of featuring it on another racing video game. That means you Forza. Feature this and let Sony sue Microsoft for unfair competition on showing a Gran Turismo-exclusive car. Guess I'll just leave this one in the running while our new M3 friend is awaiting its own verdict from the driving gods.

The BMW M4 should stay with the other rest of the Gran Turismo exclusives like the Autobianchi, the Deltawing, the Dome Zero, Tommykaira ZZ-S, Group C Le Mans from Toyota and Nissan, and any other cars I've mentioned that are Gran Turismo exclusive. That's a direct order and that is the end of it.

Photo: BMW A.G.

Forza Motorsport 5: The one with the M157 engine

This is the M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine. It's the mainstream in most Mercedes-AMG models bearing the 63 moniker. With the combination of direct injection and turbocharging, it delivers more exceptional power than the M156 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 engine it replaces and it's 25% more fuel efficient as well. In 2011, most AMG models wearing the M156 engine had them replaced with this and three years from now, no racing video game is brave enough to feature any AMG model with such engine...until now...



Yes, this is the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. It's now on Forza Motorsport 5 via the Alpinestars Car Pack, available now, and for the first time in racing game history, a Mercedes-AMG model with the M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine made its appearance but just how good is it?



I am one of the many people who played the Forza franchise since the first one and I am very desperate to have a Mercedes-AMG model using the turbocharged V8 engine. Three years ago in FM4, I've enjoyed the pre-facelifted E63 AMG because it feels and sounds like an American muscle car...except this isn't a muscle car, it's a German premium sedan with washboard abs. Of course the C63 AMG Black Series and the SLS AMG has this engine but because of the abundance of the 5.5L V8 BiTurbo engine in any other AMG models, it seems that a game like this never seen it that way. They're much more stay outdated rather than update with the times.

With the addition of the facelifted E63 AMG, the dream of having a video game featuring a Mercedes-AMG model with the M157 V8 engine has became a reality and I'm glad I'm not the only one whose been trying out the new version for the first time.



However, this particular E63 AMG is not the AMG we've expect, it's the S-Model, and you know what that is, right? The S-Model adds more power on the M157 engine and this time, it's four-wheel drive. What a twist!



When you get your foot down, you really know that the torque in this saloon is just too unpredictable but by getting off from the start, it doesn't get that catastrophic wheelspin that most high-powered rear-wheel drive cars most do. As for the exhaust note...well, not every exhaust note is textbook but as far as I can say...it is as close as the real thing as I can get...or is it?

With the added power, it seems that the E63 AMG's four-wheel drive is not so bad but the main problem to this car is its catastrophic understeer. I know, right? Because of its electric power steering that most modern cars do get combined with the 4WD drivetrain, it feels like you're struggling to follow through the right lines and it feels like...um...getting a small hard ball dropped to your sensitive foot and you can feel the pain from within.



But despite the woes with the power steering and with the understeering issue, the four-wheel drive system is no mumbo-jumbo here and it really catches up against its rivals from a good corner and finding a way to its problem requires an unflinching commitment and this car's no exception because to see how good this car is, I've invited some neighbors from Germany...



This is the Audi RS7 Sportback. Like the E63 AMG S-Model, it has four-wheel drive and it has a turbocharged V8 engine except it's smaller.

\

And this is the latest BMW M5. Often criticized by its fakey exhaust note fired at the stereo on the inside, its hydraulic steering, rear-wheel drive, 4.4L V8 turbo, and its all-rounder personality makes it a clever contender.

I sent those three German saloons at the Top Gear Test Track and whichever's the fastest to lap is the winner. Here goes...




Like the E63 S-Model, the RS7 is all about the grip and a bad case of bad-understeer-itis when it faces a tight corner. It's like getting suffocated by two fat ladies squeezing you like a sandwich in a subway. The M5 has no risk at all because of its hydraulic steering and its rear-wheel drive layout, although it may have a risk getting spun out from a corner in a dynamic fashion. Since all of them are rigged with a double clutch gearbox, the shifting feel is gapless and it can't be matched with any other gearbox in the world but it can be a bit too messy if you're more on the fun factor. Let's not forget that the E63 has more power than the RS7 and the M5 but will it be enough to take down the opposition from its compatriots?



After a lap round the Top Gear track, here are the results;

RS7 - 1:24.032
M5 - 1:24.353
E63 - 1:23.382

So, there you have it, the new and improved E63 AMG is the victor of this comparison, proving that this German 4-door saloon is still doing the rounds on the track with the added power and its unquestionable grip but only just.



Well I'm glad I'm driving the one with the M157 engine that no other game featured it just yet...

The final BMW M3 E92 Coupe...

The final M3 E92

July 2013 marks the end of the production of the BMW M3 E92 Coupe and yes, this is the last ever M3 coupe they'll ever made and this is the last ever M model to be naturally aspirated. Yes, this is the last M3 Coupe they'll ever made ever since the announcement that BMW's new naming scheme will had sedans bearing odd numbers while 2-door coupes bearing even numbers.

Yes, there will be a new M3 next year except now, it's a 4-door model based on the F30 3-Series while the replacement for this will be based on the all new 4-Series Coupe and they'll come sometime in the not too distant future.

A quick history lesson about the M3 Coupes:

E30

The story of the BMW M3 begins in the E30 model. The first BMW M3 comes with the S14B23 2.3L engine, which was based on various BMW parts: basic block layout from the M10 4-cylinder (found in the 2002 and 320 series) overbored and reinforced to similar specifications of the BMW M88 inline-6.


Richard Hammond drove this as well as the E34 M5 while James May is in the BMW M1 in Season 3 Episode 2 of Top Gear when they were at the Isle of Man.

E36

Based on the E36 3-Series model, this M3 comes with a 3.0L straight-6 engine that generates 280HP of power. During its lifespan, this model spawned not just a coupe but a cabriolet and a 4-door saloon respectively and when production of this generation ended in 1999, 46,525 coupés, 12,114 Cabriolets and 12,603 saloons were produced.

Most of the E36 M3 models were made at BMW's Regensburg plant while detuned right hand drive models where assembled in Pretoria, South Africa.

There were six special-edition models of the E36 M3 produced: the M3 Euro-Spec (Canadian Edition), M3 LTW, M3 GT, M3 GT-R, M3-R, and the Imola Individual (often referred to as the GT2) (the last of the E36s). There's also an M3 Anniversary Edition for the Australian market in 1999.


Car & Driver said that the E36 M3 is one of the best handling cars of the 90's because of its benign handling and balance and popular among circuit racers and track enthusiasts.

E46

Launched in 2000, the E46 M3 comes with the 3.2L DOHC straight-6 engine and it was based on the E46 3-Series that underwent a full model change in 1998. This 3.2L I6 engine churns out 338HP of power and 269ft-lb of torque. Initially, this generation was mated with a Getrag 6-speed MT but later, BMW added an SMG II, the company's double clutch semi-automatic transmission.


"The suspension must always be faster than the engine", this is the motto BMW followed in developing the E46 M3 and the suspension was returned to compensate for the added power of the M3.

E92

The E92 M3 is measured about 4620mm long, 1805mm wide and 1425mm high, and rode on a 2760mm wheelbase. For the E92 M3, there was an unsuspecting twist because the engine that powers it was a 4.0L V8 engine that develops 414HP of power. Also, BMW managed to trim down the M3's weight a little by installing new components such as a high-strength carbon fiber roof, and aluminum for the suspension parts, resulting to a lean 1630kg of weight.

The E92 M3 comes with a 7-speed M DCT drive logic, Variable M differential lock, and M dynamic mode. The M Drive in the dynamic mode is a device that provides combined control of suspension, dampers, DSC, Traction Control, engine output, and power steering response.

In Series 10 finale of Top Gear, Richard Hammond drove the M3 E92 while Jeremy Clarkson's in the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and James May's in an Audi RS4 at the Ascari Race Resort in Spain. Judging to the point that the M3 is quicker than the C63 and the RS4 when handed to the Stig round the Ascari track, the E92 M3 exceeded the danger limit of Jeremy Clarkson's COCK-O-METER. At the end of Series 10, when presenters swapped cars, Jeremy Clarkson dressed himself as a typical BMW driver before driving Hammond's M3.

In Series 11 opener of Top Gear, after the One Gallon Mile Race, which proven to be a stupid idea, Jeremy Clarkson drives the BMW M3 against the Toyota Prius, 10 laps at the Top Gear Test Track, but instead of racing, Jeremy figures out the M3's fuel consumption. After 10 laps, the Toyota Prius did 17.2MPG while the M3 did 19.4MPG.


In Jeremy Clarkson's 2009 DVD, Duel, the E92 M3 was known to be one of the best drifting cars but it failed at the Apple at the Apex, Apple at the Exit test. This is the car when Clarkson motivates Anthony Davidson to drift...

Story: http://www.carscoops.com/2013/07/last-bmw-m3-coupe-rolls-off-production.html

Forza Horizon: A few good BMW's

Bimmers love the open road of Colorado, especially in a game of Forza Horizon but sometimes not all Bimmers are good, well they are better or BEST! There are a good bimmers, some better ones, and the BEST BMW cars offered on Horizon. For me, the best Bimmers I have ever drive were...

...the normal BMW M3 E92...

This is like a promotional video!

...the BMW Z4 E89, which is the dinosaur ravaging through Horizon...

Beware of the dinosaur with big meaty testes!

...the BMW 1M Coupe, which maybe old but still a goodie for the enthusiasts...

The other Annoying Orange...

...and the BMW M5 F10, which is definitely the best BMW 4-door high performance sports saloon which loves to pull some moves for the sake of its popularity...

This driver's had a cousin in Yorkshire!

Those beamers were the best! It really showed me how "Freude am Fahren" they are, sticking true to its BMW slogan and you know it.

Forza 4 Head to Head: X5 M vs. X6 M

The BMW X5 M...



...and the BMW X6 M...



...both of these are crossovers that were beefed up by BMW's M division...what? M SUV's?! Really? They made some high performance crossovers? Whoa...That's kinda strange but yes, they're true. They really were the first ever high performance sport utility vehicles from the BMW M division and both of these do come with xDrive all wheel drive system and a twin turbocharged 4.4L V8 engine that churns out 555PS of power. However, what's the difference between these two? Let's find out. First up, the X5 M.

In an episode of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson reviewed this one and as we thought that this one will make mince meat out of sportscars, we were wrong. When we saw a drag race between the X5 M and the Jaguar XKR, this is a bit of a suicide. Even though it has launch control for the X5 M that propelled this mammoth for a quicker 0-60 time than the XKR, the XKR's top speed blasted the X5 M because the X5 M's heavy and enough said. Sure, the X5 was made for offroading but thanks to this M version, the offroad fun was gone and....how can I say it? Never mind, let's start the clock!



The X5 M did it in 1:27.110.

And now...the X6 M...

When Jeremy Clarkson tested the original X6, he kinda disliked it. Even though he traveled around the world, from Australia just for the glove compartment, Spain just for suspension, the Alps just for offroad, and Hong Kong for some metaphors, he really really disliked it and perhaps that money that was used to spend it on the X6 should be spent for a summer holiday at Barbados. Now, in the M version, this has the same issues from the normal except that it was spiced up a bit. Like the X5 M, it do comes with a 4.4L V8 turbo engine so, nothing new here. For a car that was known to be a Sport Activity Vehicle, this is rather pointless. Think about the design, this car was made from a world to a world that doesn't exists anymore, like the skyscraper from Hong Kong, the one Batman jumped on....Remind you of any?

Start the clock!




The X6 M crossed the line in 1:27.608. Almost a few milliseconds slower than the X5 M but more importantly, both of them are rather pointless. What you see that these cars used to be a good cars for offroading but it was beefed up so it can no longer go off the road. What's this? SUVs that claim to be supercar SUVs? O ho ho ho ho....No. I should better go to sleep rather than driving these two again...AM I BOVVERED?!

Mitsubishi version of the Nissan Fuga Y51 to revive the Proudia name?

2011 Nissan Fuga Hybrid

As we heard the news that a new Mitsubishi flagship sedan will be a rebadged version of the Nissan Fuga Y51, more news are speculating about the Mitsubishi version of the Nissan Fuga Y51. Some say, this Mitsubishi version of the Nissan Fuga Y51 will be named as the "Proudia", a name that you are familiar as the Japanese version of the Hyundai Equus when it was launched in 1999 up to 2001.

2000 Mitsubishi Proudia

About the Proudia, it is Mitsubishi's flagship sedan that was launched in Japan since the end of 1999. The Proudia name was coined from two words; proud and diamond (referring to the Mitsubishi logo), making it a perfect fit for Mitsubishi Motor's flagship. Under the hood, it comes with either a 3.5L V6 or a 4.5L V8 engine and both of them comes with Gasoline Direct Injection or GDi, that kind of technology we won't be getting that from the Philippines due to dirty fuel. Production ended in 2001 due to poor sales and when it was launched, no one got it until over 1000 units were sold for three years of existence along with it's Dignity limousine.

If those statements are true, count me in because we'll be expecting a Mitsubishi flagship sedan that was based on the Nissan Fuga...

Scoop: http://clicccar.com/2012/02/21/115964

BMW M5 F10 tuning by G-Power

G-Power M5 F10

So, it begins. The BMW M5 F10 gets tuned by someone who specializes on tuning BMW cars to the max, G-Power. From here, the 4.4L V8 BiTurbo engine gets tuned into 640HP of power and 777Nm, thanks to the updated ECU and custom exhaust system. This will go 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. For enhanced handling, it provided some coil-over suspension system with nine selectable settings along with the new braking system and 21-inch rims wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/02/g-power-ed-2012-bmw-m5-dances-to-tune.html

Think of it as an E46 M3 with Bulimia

Time to warm up that new Stig!

There was a simple story. When Series 3 of Top Gear began in 2003, the original, black-colored, Stig was killed in action. When he performed his ultimate challenge at HMS Invicible using the old Top Gear Jaguar, he was supposed to do 100mph at the runway of the HMS Invincible and stop but The Stig went too fast and then The Stig got drowned himself to death. On the second episode of Top Gear Series 3, Jeremy Clarkson introduced the new Stig in white color and the first car to put this new Stig to the test is none other than the 2003 BMW M3 CSL. Before that, Jeremy Clarkson test drove the BMW M3 CSL at the Isle of Man. After the test drive, the white Stig lapped the BMW M3 CSL round the Top Gear Test Track in 1 minute and 28 seconds, that's quicker than the original BMW M3. So, what's it all about this lightweight M3 E46?

A duel between the two M3 CSL models

Launched in 2003 and limited to 1,400 units produced, the M3 CSL made to be even more quicker than the standard M3 thanks to its lightweight technologies inherited from the Formula One racing applications. As a matter of fact, the M3 CSL weights 100kg less than the standard E46 M3, that's a good mark for that. 

Like what Jeremy Clarkson said, think of it as an M3 with Bulimia because this sports coupe threw up a hundred kilograms to make it as firm and slim as a bulimic woman. 

The M3 CSL comes also with a tuned suspension, brakes, tightened steering ratio, roof that is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, SMG II manual transmission, and an improved 3.2L engine that has 17HP more than the standard M3. 

This variant is somewhat more of a track-day car rather than an everyday grand tourer...

The M3 CSL finds it's driving heaven

...and here on Gran Turismo 5, it does just the way we want. We may want to throw up more weight to keep the M3 CSL lighter and more agile on city streets and racetracks of our desire because this M3 CSL is all about being competitive. Also, you may want to recreate the Top Gear Power Lap Time using the M3 CSL and oh, make it as faster as you can if you want to show off with your online friends.

BMW 1er M Coupe auf Forza 4

Back for some Nurburgring sessions!

That BMW 1 Series M Coupe was just one of the most agile sports coupe ever made by BMW. It's just one of the cars I've been dreamt of because I kept on reading numerous reports from various automotive websites about the arrival of the "junior" member of the BMW M Power. This was just my dream ruined because when people pre-ordered Forza 4 at Best Buy, they get this. Sadly, I didn't get one because I've pre-ordered mine at Gamestop. Guess this would be just an illusion until now. With the Launch Bonus DLC Pack made available worldwide, I finally got the chance to take the first bite out of the BMW 1M Coupe, the junior member of the BMW M Power consisting of the M5, M3, X5 M, and the X6 M. Although this is the lightest of BMW M Power range, I find the cornering very difficult to master even though this turbocharged pocket rocket comes with an RWD layout and a 6-speed manual gearbox. When I tried to recreate the BMW 1M Coupe Top Gear Power Lap Time, the 1M Coupe is somewhat very struggling but I find no signs of problems at the Follow-Through section. However, the 1:25 Top Gear Power Lap Time that Stig set it on the show, I didn't make it.

But still, this is a great sports coupe. Despite the handling issues, and the difficulty faced even when I used the Wireless Speed Wheel, I'm glad I experienced the car I've dreamt of. What it feels to me now was a complete nightmare....

The inauguration of BMW's M Performance Automobiles

2013 BMW M550d xDrive

2013 BMW M550d xDrive Touring

2013 BMW X5 M50d

2013 BMW X6 M50d

A diesel M? For real? Equipped with the world's first tri-turbo diesel engine? You have got to be kidding me. BMW launched the new "M Performance Automobiles" range by any means of the 5-Series F10 sedan and touring, X5, and the facelifted X6. That was staggering but these are a Europe-only gathering. Too bad we can't get it. Guess diesel has bee ch-ch-ch-changed!

Scoop: http://blog.caranddriver.com/bmw-m-performance-line-tri-turbo-diesel-5-series-x5-x6-for-europe-and-power-packs-for-u-s-x6/

   

Panamera-M35h Drag Race proved me wrong....

2012 Infiniti M35h

2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Last year, I compare the Panamera S Hybrid to the Infiniti M Hybrid. I thought the Panamera S Hybrid would be faster than the Infiniti M Hybrid because of the 380PS supercharged V6 engine would outrun the Infiniti M Hybrid's VQ35HR engine that produces 306PS engine but I am wrong. By my calculations, with the Infiniti M Hybrid's VQ35HR engine and HM34 electric motor combined, the Infiniti Direct Response System kicks in, producing an overall 374PS power, it will do 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds while the Panamera S Hybrid will do 6 seconds. With that, the Infiniti M Hybrid is hailed as the world's fastest hybrid car ever made.

Here's the clip featuring a drag race between the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid and the Infiniti M Hybrid. Guess which hybrid saloon won?

BMW 1M Coupe production extended until mid-2012

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

As we all know that the BMW 1M Coupe is truly a hardcore version of the 1-Series Coupe. We were kinda worried that production of the 1M Coupe will end at the end of 2011 but there is some good news that production of the BMW 1M Coupe has been extended until the second half of 2012, according to one report from Top Gear Philippines because of the increasing demand. Talk about an encore performance!

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/bmw-reveals-plan-to-launch-3-vehicles-in-2012

Manhart Racing MH3 V8 RS Clubsport

Manhart Racing MH3 V8 RS Clubsport

The guys at Manhart Racing stop at nothing to modify the BMW M3 E92 coupe into somewhat extraordinary. So extraordinary, that its performance figures are way above the Lamborghini Aventador levels. Why? The Manhart Racing MH3 V8 RS Clubsport uses the base M3 E92 as its foundation, swapped the normal engine into the V8 engine derived from the X6 M, and inject it with twin turbos, giving this modified M3 to reach, and they're not joking, 750HP of power!!!

750HP of power, 0-60mph time of 3.2 seconds, and top speed of 217mph, that's what makes it so special in every single way. If power wasn't enough, the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport comes with a carbon fiber body parts to make it lighter, a freakishly huge rear wing, 20-inch rims, carbon full-shell seats, and roll cage for added stability.

Scoop: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/bmw/2011-bmw-mh3-v8-rs-clubsport-by-manhart-racing-ar121925.html

Forza 4 meets the new BMW M5 F10

Rite of Passage

The arrival of the new BMW M5 F10 exclusively on Forza Motorsport 4 sparked the hype from Forza fans, saying that how in the world can they find this new model and indeed, Turn 10 was so generous that the all new BMW M5 F10 is available at the in-game marketplace with no additional charge, or in short, FREE! It's yours to keep, race, and explore in Autovista mode.

The BMW M5 F10's interior

When I tried the all new BMW F10 M5, it has the same experience I tried on the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and the Jaguar XFR. It acts like those, feels like those, and the results are very decent for this new model. Those who already downloaded it at the marketplace for free are would wish to get the all new BMW M5 F10 for 90,000 CR. It's powered with the new 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine that produces 552HP of power and 501 lb-ft of torque. It weights 4,123LBS and it has a front weight ratio of 52%.

Shooting for the next Top Gear season...

At the hands of the owner, he or she can mix and match the all new BMW M5 F10 just the way they like it with its tuning setups and wide array of decorations to make several versions of the BMW M5 F10. Let's just say, they will create a modernized Ring Taxi version of the M5 or slap some hand-made license plates at the back to make it more classy.

Our friends from Studie AG previews
their BMW M5 F10 tuning project!

With driving aids off, the BMW M5 F10 is one heck of a scary ride because of its FR layout and if you're not careful, you blew your opportunity to drive it. What I like about this car is its aerodynamics, design, interior view, and the new engine which performs better than the V10 engine from the previous M5. What I don't like about this car is its weight. Driving the new M5 is a challenge but if you invest more in practice, you'll get used to this new and improved model. You no longer feel like a dull businessman anymore.