2022 BMW M240i TEST DRIVE
This here is a nearly $60,000 car; a small, all-wheel drive purple sports coupe just trying to make its way in an SUV-obsessed world. But, for those in the know – and you’re about to become one of them – this is the performance bargain of your sports car dreams. It’s the all-new BMW 2 Series and it’s beyond good…it’s addicting.
What was originally known as the 1 Series Coupe upon its arrival in 2008 became the 2 Series Coupe in 2014. And now for its second act, this 2022 redesign introduces sexy new styling, a dash of additional horsepower, stickier handling and a modern interior…oh, and this new color Thundernight Metallic…a $550 option that gets all the stares. This week, I’m skipping over the base 230i model and jumping right into the current top trim; the M240i xDrive. The former – a 4-cylinder rear-wheel setup – starts at under $40,000 making it the least expensive way to get into a BMW car while the latter- this all-wheel drive turbo-6 – starts at about $10 grand more. Now, my last spin in one of these came in 2017 in the small but mighty M2, a version expected to be reintroduced next year. As for this one, it’s quicker, significantly more fuel efficient and about the same price as that M2 so I can only imagine BMW has grand plans for its resurrection. Nevertheless this here is likely enough M for most. Though it’s 3.5” longer about 2.5” wider and a little over 200 pounds heavier than before, this is undoubtedly still a driver’s car with a low slung body, subcompact dimensions and a willingness to please as an Ultimate Driving Machine should. It’s arguably the purest form of BMW ethos in their lineup. Now, it is a shame you can’t currently get one like this without xDrive and with a stick shift but a rear-drive M240i will follow shortly. As for the manual it looks like you’ll have to wait for the M2 for that. As the 3 Series has matured beyond just a sports sedan the 2 Series has become the driver’s repository for attainable German driving enjoyment.
ALL NEW 603 HORSEPOWER MERCEDES AMG GLE 63 S COUPE IS COMING
Combining a striking design, high versatility and breathtaking performance, the new GLE 63 S Coupe is poised to set the standard for performance SUV Coupes.
The redesigned 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is set to redefine the segment with more power, more technology and more style than ever before. Boasting a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine featuring an electrified EQ Boost starter-generator, this powerhouse produces 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, and can rocket from zero to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds. The interior also boasts the most advanced user interface from Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with touchscreen, voice control and new AMG-specific displays. Arriving in U.S. dealerships late 2020, the awe-inspiring new AMG GLE 63 S Coupe will start from $116,000.
2020 Honda Civic Si Quick Takes
2020 Honda Civic Si Quick Takes.
The Civic Si Coupe and Sedan both benefit from exterior styling enhancements befitting the model’s aggressive driving dynamics. These include revised styling to the lower bumper fog light housings, which now feature gloss black surrounding trim and a body-color crossbar. The Honda-signature “wing” grille crossbar is also updated, and the headlights for Si Coupe and Sedan are now multi-element LED lamps with a wider and longer light beam. Civic Si also receives new LED fog lights. In the rear, Si Sedan gets a new lower bumper treatment to match the new front design, with gloss black surrounding trim and a body-color crossbars. All Civic Si models now ride on new matte black 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-season performance tires, with summer tires available as a factory option.
Inside, both Civic Si Coupe and Sedan feature updated sport seats with red accents on the seat bottom and seat back. Also, there’s new red trim highlighting the instrument panel. The changes compliment interior upgrades made last year that included an updated Display Audio system with physical buttons and a volume knob, bigger cupholders and more.
LEXUS LC 500 QUICK TAKES
The Lexus LC 500 blends emotional design and high performance like few other cars on the road. The Lexus LC 500 represents the most passionate expression of the Lexus brand. The eye-catching coupe displays a unique mesh grille that spreads across the front of the car. It has a large glass panel and blacked-out rear pillars that creates a floating roof appearance. The LC emphasizes a balance between function and comfort, sporting intent and luxury. The low instrument panel position, hood line and narrow pillars give the driver a commanding view of the road. Upon startup, thundering through the variable Active Exhaust, the five-liter, naturally aspirated V8 issues a full-throated engine note as a call to driving enthusiasts. The LC 500 has an output of 471 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The LC is also capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and up to an estimated 26 mpg on the highway. The 2019 LC 500 is the ultimate luxury sports coupe. With a combination of supreme comfort and dynamic performance, Lexus designers and engineers created a grand touring vehicle that is sharper, smarter and faster than ever before.
2020 NISSAN 370z 50th ANNIVERSARY
As it has for the past 50 years, the 2020 370Z is built on the foundation of sporty style and exciting performance. The sixth-generation 370Z features a balanced FM (Front Midship) platform, advanced 332-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ37VHR DOHC V6 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match® or a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control.
In addition to the new 50th Anniversary Edition package, the 2020 370Z Coupe is available in three trim levels – 370Z (manual and automatic transmissions), 370Z Sport (manual, plus automatic on 50th Anniversary only) and 370Z Sport Touring (automatic transmission only). Also available is the 2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO with 18 additional horsepower, NISMO-tuned suspension, unique exterior panel treatments, 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum wheels by RAYS and more.
Unique two-tone with graphics exterior treatment represents a tribute to famed Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) Datsun 240Z racers.