Tag Archives: MimboloveBMW

BMW M2 CS Laps The ‘Ring Faster Than The Porsche 996 GT3 RS And First-Gen Audi R8 V10

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One of the de rigeur venues practically every manufacturer chooses to test their new cars, irrespective of segment, is the most demanding track in the world: the Nurburgring Norschleife. Unlike, say, city cars or SUVs, though, sports cars really belong there – thus it’s only natural for some of them to try and post a fast lap.

One of them is, undeniably, the BMW M2 CS, which was put through its paces at the ‘Ring by SportAuto’s Christian Gebhardt.

The skilled driver posted a lap time of 7 minutes and 42.99, which is comparable to the 996 generation of the Porsche GT3 RS driven by the legendary Walter Rohrl who did a 7:43.00, according to FastestLaps. The second generation Aston Martin Vantage, original Audi R8 V10 and Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 Black Series crossed the finish line in 7:43.92, 7:44.00 and 7:45.00 respectively.

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

As impressive as it is, the 7:42.99 lap time posted by the Germans was not quick enough to beat the Audi RS Q8 (7:42.25), nor the Porsche Cayman GT4 (7:42.00) or Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (7:41.27). Perhaps more telling is the fact that the M2 CS could not go anywhere near the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R, which is the official front-wheel drive king at the Nurburgring, with a time of 7:40.10 posted by Laurent Hurgon.

With the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six from the M3 and M4, the M2 CS boasts 444 HP (450 PS / 331 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. The engine can be paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, enabling a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration of 4.0 seconds in the former and 3.8 seconds in the latter, while in both cases top speed stands at 174 mph (280 km/h).

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Audi’s RS4 Avant Can Easily Outperform The BMW M340i Touring, Right?

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Logic would dictate that the Audi RS4 Avant is significantly faster than the BMW M340i Touring in a straight line. However, official figures oftentimes only tell half of the story and there’s nothing like real-world testing in order to reach a verdict.

Until the latest-generation BMW M3 hits showroom floors, the German brand is without a direct rival to the Audi RS4 and, for now, the mid-tier M340i is the next best thing. And while it is not a fully-fledged M model, it is still capable of some proper performance.

Driving the M340i sedan and Touring models is a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine pumping out 369 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Coupled to this engine is an eight-speed Steptronic transmission powering all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system. BMW’s official claim is that the car can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 4.4 seconds and continue through to a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed.

Watch Also: Is The BMW M340i Touring The Best Current 3-Series You Can Get?

By comparison, the Audi RS4 Avant features a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 rated at 444 hp and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. In a recent test, CarWow recorded a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of just 3.6 seconds in it.

However, in the first of three drag races held between the BMW and the Audi, it was the M340i that got a better launch and retained its lead down the quarter-mile. Maybe that was a one-time thing, though, so did the more powerful RS4 Avant manage to beat the BMW in the subsequent races from a standstill, the rolling races and braking tests?

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New 2021 BMW 4-Series Coupe Keeps A Straight Face While Wearing M Performance Parts

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There are plenty of different specifications to consider for the all-new 2021 BMW 4-Series Coupe, all of which may or may not help distract you from the most polarizing aspect of the car, the large vertical double kidney grille.

Now, if the standard spec isn’t sporty enough for you and the M Sport package still feels too “stock”, rest assured BMW has you covered.

The German carmaker is making an extensive selection of M Performance parts available to new 4-Series Coupe buyers from launch, which means there’s probably a configuration out there that suits everyone.

Read Also: 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe Puts A Bold Face To A Dynamic Coupe Body

If you opt for the M Performance parts, you get some of that BMW motorsport expertise with the addition of a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, intake surrounds, branded decals, carbon fiber mirror covers, boot lid spoiler and side skirts. Other standout features include the black multi Y-spoke wheels, large red brake calipers and Pirelli P zero rubber.

Inside, there’s the M Performance steering wheel with the carbon fiber center hub, a red 12 o’clock stripe, carbon fiber shift paddles (with matching red + and – signs) as well as more M Performance badging throughout.

The model showcased here is the M440i xDrive, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six, sending down 369 HP (374 PS) with the help of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It also has an 11 HP mild-hybrid 48V starter-generator system. BMW claims that the M440i xDrive can rocket to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.7 seconds – less than half a second off the pace of the original M4 Coupe.

Which looks more sporty – the new or the old 4 Series with M Performance Parts?

Speaking of the first-gen 4-Series, here’s a quick reminder of what it looks like wearing its own genuine M Performance parts. While its styling may not be as modern or bold as that of the new 4er, the custom bits do fit its angular design quite well.

We’ll let you decide which of the two designs works better when it comes to adding on pricey and lightweight bits to your 4-Series Coupe.

more photos…