BMW M2 revealed 2016

 the 2016 BMW M2 succeeds the now-departed BMW 1M Coupe, but boasts more power, enhanced technology and more attitude

Motivation for the new BMW M2 comes from a new M-spec 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 that borrows components and design tech from the current M3/M4 engines. Tuned to make 365 horses, it also develops 343 lb-ft of peak torque between 1,400 and 5,560 rpm -- that's 70+ more twist units than the previous-generation M3 -- while an overboost function allows that figure to hit 369 lb ft for short time periods. Backed by the standard 6-speed manual with automatic rev matching, the M2 can streak to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Pairing it with the latest paddle-shift 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with multi-mode Drivelogic and Launch Control slices the time to 4.2 ticks. Top speed with either gearbox is limited to 155 mph and all versions of the rear-drive M2 feature Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and intelligent management of accessories to bolster fuel economy

Lightweight aluminum suspension

To ensure superb handing, BMW engineers patterned the M2's chassis after the M3/M4, using lightweight, forged aluminum in its front and rear suspension while adding bespoke stiffening elements, revising the geometry and widening the track dimensions to deliver more precise control. This works in concert with an M-spec electric power steering unit and 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires -- 245/35s up front and 265/35s at the rear -- mounted on lightweight forged alloy wheels. A fully-adjustable, torque-vectoring Active M Differential and lightweight M compound high-performance brakes are also including in the M2 package. In addition to its custom-tuned stability control system, the new M2 also boasts an M Dynamic Mode with a track-focused Sport+ setting that allows a greater degree of slip before intervening

In keeping with its high performance character, the new BMW M2 makes a bold visual statement inspired by iconic models like the BMW 2002 and 3.0 CSL racer. Here too, form follows function as the more aggressive front and rear fascias incorporate wind-cheating/channeling elements that collectively reduce drag by five percent and lower lift by 35 percent in addition to improving the car's high-speed aero balance

The M2's cabin also has deeply bolstered sport buckets covered in black Dakota leather with blue stitching and M logos in the backrests. These are set off with Alcantara trim and open-pore carbon fiber dash accents along with M-spec gauge graphics, door sill plates and footrest. More familiar touches include a standard navigation and iDrive touch controller while optional ConncetedDrive Services can be augmented by a GoPro app and M Laptimer app allowing the driver to record, analyze and share information from any circuit session. The 2016 BMW M2 will make its public debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show in January. Pricing will be released closer to its actual on-sale date

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Mitsubishi eX Concept in Tokyo Debut

Offering an early look at design themes and zero-emission EV technology, Mitsubishi plans to launch in the coming years, the eX Concept will bow at the Tokyo Auto Show. Offering a per-charge range of up to 249 miles, this compact crossover SUV that may preview a new sub-Outlander production model also incorporates a variety of automated driving technologies and advanced and safety systems as well next-gen information systems that support car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure connectivity

The eX Concept is fitted with two electric motors, one at either axle. Producing 94 horsepower each, these small, lightweight motors are energized by an advanced 45kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned beneath the eX Concept's floor to lower the center of gravity. To add even more dynamic appeal, the eX Concept also features a dedicated version of Mitsu's S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system

Access to the eX Concept's understated but fully functional 5-passenger cabin is made easier by the absence of a conventional B-pillar. Once behind the wheel, the driver can access a range of on-board and cloud-based data via the Intelligent Display system in the dash. This futuristic Mitsubishi one-off also features Augmented Reality technology linked into its navigation system that displays real-time warnings, cautions and advisories on the windshield to minimize distraction.The Mitsubishi eX Concept also replaces all conventional mirrors with monitors that provide better visual info

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Ferrari F12tdf Speciale revealed 2016

Elevating an already potent V12-powered GT coupe to an different performance plateau, the 2016 Ferrari F12tdf Speciale is a limited-edition variant named after the fabled 1956 250GT Berlinetta, a car that dominated the Tour de France endurance race for four consecutive years. Paying homage to that legendary model, Ferrari says the F12tdf represents "the ultimate expression of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track." Boasting more power, less weight, sleeker aerodynamics and an innovative rear-wheel steering system, the F12tdf is all that and more

Motivation for the F12td comes from a stronger version of the 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12. Using subtle but effective internal modifications borrowed from its F1 engine program, Ferrari raised horsepower from 730 to 769 horsepower and bumped torque from 509 to 519 lb-ft, all of which is now on hand from just 2,500 revs. Backed by a 7-speed F1-style dual-clutch transmission powering the rear wheels, the F12tdf can rocket to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of over 211 mph

A world-class wind cheater

In addition to a series of mass-reducing tweaks that trim nearly 250 pounds from the standard F12's curb weight, performance of the new F12tdf benefits from new bodywork that optimizes high-speed airflow and increases stability while endowing it with a notably more aggressive physical presence. From its bolder front fascia and air-channeling Aerobridge vents on the front fenders to louvered rear wheel arches, an F1-inspired active rear diffuser and full underbody fairings, the F12tdf is a world-class wind cheater that also develops 236 more pounds of downforce at 124 mph than an F12

To ensure that even "gentlemen drivers" could take best advantage of the new F12tdf's potential, Ferrari fitted the car with rear-wheel-steering it dubbed Virtual Short Wheelbase. Created in house and fully integrated with the car's existing vehicle dynamics systems, Virtual Short Wheelbase automatically and instantaneously adjusts the rear wheel attitude in response to the steering-wheel angle, speed of steering inputs and actual vehicle speed. Beyond giving the car a more agile feel, this rear-steer tech permits the fitment of wider front tires that raise the F12tdf's lateral acceleration without creating the potential for at-the-limit oversteer. That's a win-win situation which can be appreciated and exploited by anyone lucky enough to slip behind the wheel

Limited run

While retaining all of the F12 basic design elements, the F12tdf's cabin has a more performance-oriented character. Lighter-weight Alcantara replaces leather and the seats are wrapped in technical fabric while carbon fiber is more prominent throughout. Even the conventional floor mats give way to textured aluminum plates as part of the overall mass-minimizing efforts

Total production of the 2016 Ferrari F12tdf will be limited to just 799 units. Pricing has not yet been released but it's safe to assume it will start well beyond the standard 2015 Ferrari F12 sticker of $327,000

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Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe revealed

Previewing the de facto replacement for the current CL-Class, the Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe provides "a clear vision" of what will become the automaker's range-topping model. In presenting the car, Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design at Daimler AG, noted that: "The Concept S-Class Coupe combines tradition and emotion, and is a symbol for the embodiment of our design style of sensual clarity." While incorporating much of the new technology introduced on the fully-redesigned 2014 S-Class Sedan, this quasi-production design exercise makes a far bolder visual statement

Shorter, lower and wider than the S-Class Sedan, the Concept S-Class Coupe also has its wheelbase dimension trimmed slightly to 116 inches. The car's flowing body contours also display a far more dynamic charter than those of its 4-door sibling and are reinforced by significantly bolder front/rear fascia treatments as well as the longstanding CL-signature pillarless roof treatment and panoramic glass panel. The Concept S-Class Coupe's full LED headlamps and taillamps also have an edgier character than those of the Sedan and its more prominent wheel arches are filled with staggered-width 21-inch alloy rims wrapped in 265/35 tires up front and 295/35 rear rubber

While several engines are expected to be offered in the upcoming production model -- including a force-fed V12 and an AMG-spec V8 -- the Concept S-Class Coupe is powered by M-B's new 4.7-liter direct-injected V8 Biturbo that will be used in the 2014 S550 Sedan. Developing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of peak torque, it sends power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. Sharing its chassis design with the S-Class Sedan, the Concept S-Class Coupe features the same Intelligent Drive Technology that uses a pair of forward-looking cameras as well as  radar and ultrasonic inputs to "read" the road and traffic conditions ahead and automatically optimize the suspension settings using M-B's Magic Body Control

The showcar inner sanctum of the Concept S-Class Coupe also pushes the limits of contemporary design, matching futuristic cues with elegant detailing. A study in white with etched aluminum door panels and trim elements all set off by aqua accent lighting, it features calfskin leather on the sculpted dash as well as the four individual seats while the headliner and carpet are made of hand-crafted silk. The car's dual 12.3-inch main display screens are culled from the S-Class but set in slimmer bezels to enhance the free-floating appearance and the lower center console features an additional touchcscreen that holds four driver-selectable world clock displays. Beyond its full complement of S-Class infotainment/telematics items, other key tech touches in the Concept S-Class Coupe include an advanced navigation system based on the Garmin NaviCore setup as well as sound system that employs Gracenote's MoodGrid software that can automatically compile a playlist of music to suit any given moment

While some of its more ambitious design elements will no doubt be dialed back a bit in any production successor, the Concept S-Class Coupe definitely lives up to M-B's contention that it emodies the state of the art in modern luxury

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Volkswagen Golf GTI First Review: All-Grown Up 2015

Since the model was first introduced in 1983 people who like to drive for the sheer enjoyment of it have been naturally drawn to the Volkswagen GTI, because virtually nothing in its price range offers the same level of performance and precision. But the newest, seventh-generation GTI, which also bears the Golf moniker, is not the frisky puppy that the original GTI was.  Oh, it is still frisky and still a blast to push through a series of tight turns, but its sophistication level has ramped up considerably versus that spunky little hatchback many of us fell in love with way back when. These days, it's not a lean, go-fast young hooligan nearly as much as it was, since in ensuing generations it has grown bigger.  At the same time it has become significantly more sophisticated and satisfying for all types of driving.  You might think of it as the middle-aged dude who still works out and still loves rock-n-roll

The new GTI checks a lot of the right boxes when compared with its immediate predecessor, which we liked a lot.  It is lighter, roomier, more fuel-efficient, more powerful and more versatile than ever before.  With impressive technology like an electronically controlled torque-sensing limited slip differential and DCC Adaptive Damping, it is obviously more technically sophisticated than the sixth-gen GTI, too. And while those two systems are optional, even the base GTI features a driving mode selection feature that enables you to dial up "Normal," "Sport" and "Individual" settings.  Shifting from "Normal" to "Sport" kicks up steering weight, sucking away numb from the on-center feel, and speeds throttle response. If you really care to, you can tweak both steering and throttle settings to your preferences in "Individual" mode, which in my GTI I would label Jax

Upgraded powertrain

The new GTI also features an all-new engine.  The 2.0-liter TSI, offering turbocharging and direct-injection, is a part of the vaunted EA888 engine family.  In standard GTI trim it whirs out 210 horsepower (10 more than the previous engine) and, more important, it cranks up the torque to 258 lb-ft beginning at just 1,500 on your rpm band.  The increase is noticeable in a number of instances ranging from off-the-line launch to acceleration out of corners.  A Performance Package that boosts peak horsepower to 220 is available, but the extra 10 horsepower are achieved by extending the rev range 200 rpm, so the real-world benefits might be negligible.  We didn't have enough time with that version to tell

So how does all this translate into performance where the rubber hits the road?  We think in every way the new GTI is both better and more cosmopolitan than the car it replaces.  The additional length and width result in a much roomier and accommodating cabin.  In fact Volkswagen execs made a lot of the fact that the hatchback GTI has more cargo room than a midsize sedan - 22.8 cubic feet of space if you fill it from floor to roof

Standard touchscreen

The comfy cabin is filled with niceties like the standard touchscreen information center, which offers 5.8 inches of capacitive touch-sensor display area. (Capacitive touch means it functions like the typical smartphone rather than requiring a firm button push, which in a moving vehicle is mostly a good thing.)  The display also has a proximity sensor function that senses when a hand is nearby and automatically switches its display to what VW describes as "a more finger-friendly layout."  How cool is that

Well, we think pretty much everything about the new Golf GTI is cool, from its suave, Euro-metro interior complete with plaid cloth seats to the roominess and comfort afforded by its available 4-door configuration.  It looks great, and it is a hoot to drive on canyon roads, yet it is perfectly at home in the maw of urban stop-and-go.  It is one of the few relatively inexpensive cars that we could live with - and love - for a long, long time

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